ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Program to study bluebirds

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- What else can turn our thoughts to spring during the last remnants of cold winter days but the sight of a bluebird? Join the staff at Jennings Environmental Education Center at 2 p.m. next Sunday for an in-depth look at the eastern bluebird.
Not long ago the once-common sight of bluebirds along wooden fenceposts in open farm fields had become a rare experience. Urban sprawl, loss of nesting sites and toxic pesticides were among the variety of factors leading to this beautiful bird's decline.
Fortunately, as the sight and sound of bluebirds had all but disappeared from the countryside, people responded by providing the nesting sites the birds needed.
Bluebirds will be returning to this area shortly to seek suitable nesting sites, and it is important that people continue to provide and maintain these sites. The program will explore the bluebird's natural history, reasons for decline, nest boxes and what you can do to help.
For more information about this, or other programs, call the center at (724) 794-6011. Jennings is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and on weekends as scheduled. The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset for hiking and other environmental-related activities.
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks: (888) 727-2757 (voice). With at least three days' notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.