Jennings center sponsoring February events

Staff report

SLIPPERY ROCK, PA.

Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, is planning several events this month.

Dr. Thomas Simmons, professor of biology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, will present a speech based on his research, “Ecology of the Blacklegged Tick and Lyme Disease in Pennsylvania,” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. next Sunday.

Questions and concerns about ticks and their role in spreading diseases will be addressed. Blacklegged (deer) ticks are found in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania, with a heavy concentration in western Pennsylvania, where there has been an increase in reported Lyme disease cases.

Dr. Anne Simmons and IUP research students will provide interactive displays and opportunities for close-up viewing of ticks using microscopes. Registration is not required for the free public program. Call the center at 724-794-6011 for information.

The center also will offer a maple-syrup program from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 27.

The event will share information about choosing appropriate trees for tapping, collecting and evaporating maple sap, observing and practicing steps in the sugaring process and replicating the process in a backyard scale.

Information and resources will be provided for getting started at home.

There also will be an optional tour of Jennings’ sugar bush after the maple event from 1 to 2 p.m.

The program is free. Equipment will be available to purchase. Registration is required by Saturday by calling the center or visiting http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/.