Adam Chorba, Forest Specialist, Bradford County Conservation District
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​Hopefully you’ve already heard of the spotted lanternfly at this point, but in case you haven’t, Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper native to Asia that feeds on a wide range of plants, including grapevines, apple trees, stone fruit trees, and other hardwood trees. When the spotted lanternfly feeds, it excretes a sticky, sugary fluid that promotes sooty mold growth, which can further damage plants. Its preferred host is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). The pest was first detected in 2014 in Pennsylvania. It likely arrived in the United States on goods shipped from overseas. Today, 19 States and the District of Columbia have some degree of infestation. The spotted lanternfly is a notorious hitchhiking pest that lays its eggs on any hard surface including grills, vehicles, trailers, firewood, outdoor furniture, bikes and toys aiding in its hitchhiking abilities and its ability for populations to seemingly appear out of nowhere.

Miranda Neville, Agricultural Resource Specialist
Farm safety. This is always a trending topic at the first sign of green grass and then again when the leaves start changing. In Bradford County, there are tractors and farming equipment on the roads daily, but there is a significant uptick in the spring and fall. After a long, dark, cold winter, farmers have been anxiously awaiting sunshine and clear fields so they can tackle spring planting, followed by cutting hay all summer, then landing in the fields for one last time when they harvest their crops before the snowflakes begin to fall. 

Jolie Coates, Mosquito and Tick Program Coordnator, BCCD
Mosquito season here in northern Pennsylvania is now halfway over! That is the good news. The bad news? Those annoying little bugs will get worse before they get better. The beginning of mosquito season, which typically begins here in Bradford County in May, was quiet. The weather was dry, which left mosquitoes few places to lay their eggs and breed. As the weather changes, however, standing water can become more prevalent.  Heavy rains as well as high temperatures will not only bring standing water for mosquitoes to lay eggs but will also speed up the egg and larval stages which then lead to even more adult mosquitoes.

Open AI. 2025. “PA State Insect.” ChatGPT (February 1 version). February 1, 2025. https://openai.com
As twilight descends upon the landscapes of Pennsylvania, tiny flickers of light dance across meadows, forests, and suburban backyards. These enchanting sparks come from the Firefly (Photuris pennsylvanica), also known as the lightning bug, which was designated as the state insect in 1974. This magical creature symbolizes the wonder and beauty of Pennsylvania's natural world, captivating the hearts of children and adults alike.

Kevin Brown, Ag Resource Specialist, BCCD
Of all the seasons, I love fall the best.  A nice cool day after it has been 90 degrees or more for maybe weeks on end.  The colors.  It is just a really nice, enjoyable time to be out.  However, who could argue with spring?  It has been a “not-so-ideal spring” so far, for sure.  Cold, rainy, just plain miserable at times.  With that said, as I continue to write this article, the clouds are parting, the sun is shining, and it is leading to what could be the best weekend in 8 months.  Yes, I said it.  Eight months!!!  They said on the news this morning that it had been September since we have seen both days on the weekend be at, or above, 80 degrees.  WOW!

Open AI. 2025. “PA State Reptile.” ChatGPT (February 1 version). February 1, 2025. https://openai.com
In the diverse and rich ecosystems of Pennsylvania, the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) stands out as a symbol of perseverance, adaptability, and natural beauty. Designated as the state reptile in 1974, the Eastern Box Turtle holds a special place in Pennsylvania's natural heritage, reflecting the state's commitment to preserving its unique wildlife.

Jolie Coates, West Nile Virus Program Coordinator, BCCD
It’s that time of year again! Mosquito season here in Bradford County runs from April through October. Of course, weather plays a large role in when exactly you may start to see those annoying pests flying around; warmer temperatures and heavy rains are key factors. Mosquitoes begin their life cycle in water, specifically standing water. Mosquito larvae will live in the water for approximately four to seven days depending on weather and species. As far as standing water is concerned, mosquitoes are not picky. Classic areas in backyards that will breed mosquitoes are birdbaths, tires, rain barrels, and wheelbarrows. Sometimes, their preferred habitat is a little less conventional; we have found mosquitoes breeding in the buckets of excavators, kayaks, abandoned swimming pools, and the most surprising, a jet ski. Anything that CAN hold water, WILL hold water, and that WILL breed mosquitoes.

Brad Cummings, Program Manager Chapter 102/105, BCCD
A pond can be an excellent addition to your property, offering many hours of fun and enjoyment for your family, friends and future generations, but it would be wise to do a little homework before committing the often significant financial investment for construction.  An essential part of this “homework assignment” should be to contact one of our friendly District staff and request a site inspection to assess what level of permitting your project may or may not require.  We hope the following brief guide to new and existing pond permitting will be helpful.

Brad Cummings, Program Manager Chapter 102/105, BCCD
With a U.S. record 83,000 miles of free flowing channels in our state, nearly every Pennsylvania resident lives close to and is affected, sometimes negatively, by moving water.  Fortunately, within this state and county we do have the ability to alter and improve, when necessary, our in-stream property and right of way areas within specific permit parameters.  There are 4 categories of activities that may occur in streams, including…