CLEARFIELD – On Wednesday, Marty Hrin, of Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited (PWHU), gave away the state’s “best kept secret” at the regular meeting of the Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority.
At PWHU, Hrin said they not only aim to preserve and protect those in existence, but also to create new habitats for wildlife. He said they are “stewards” of habitat with plans to have a positive impact.
“It all started 25 years ago with three conservation-minded sportsmen (who shared) new ideas on how sportsmen and environmentalists can work together,” the PWHU Web site says.
“Serious concerns about ever-encroaching development, loss of habitat and degradation of existing habitat gave rise to one of Pennsylvania’s most respected conservation groups.”
Hrin said the PWHU was established with goals to improve and create wildlife habitat. But he said those goals quickly expanded into many projects that have been completed to enhance wildlife habitats.
During his presentation, Hrin noted several of their projects at the PWHU.
He said they have an Adopt-A Stream Parent on Medix Run in Elk County that’s conducted in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. He said they work toward improving water quality, aquatic life and fishery.
In addition, Hrin noted they also work alongside the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He said they plant trees, create brush piles, prune apple trees, etc. on sportsmen supported and publicly owned state game lands in the Volunteer for Wildlife program.
He said the PWHU has been a long-term participant in PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway initiative. He said they regularly clean-up areas along United States Route 322.
Hrin indicated that education is a major component of several of their annual projects.
He said they continue to sponsor a youth “field day” to promote outdoor safety, recreation and ethics. By doing so, he said they aim to stimulate and encourage interest in the outdoors and wildlife among the youth county-wide. This year, he said the field day event will be held from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. June 5 at Camp Mountain Run.
Hrin said they provide $3,000 annually in scholarships to Penn State University students. He said these are awarded to students who are enrolled in the wildlife technology program. He said they’re also given to others continuing in the natural resources field.
Hrin also said they build duck, bird, bat and butterfly boxes with Boy Scout troops and church groups. He said the PWHU is a “very hands-on” organization.
He said they are always in need of volunteers to give a hand. He said they have the manpower for some projects but still need more for others.
The PWHU headquarters is located on route 255 between DuBois and Penfield. For additional information, click here to view the PWHU Web site.