Hi Everyone:

STORY BEHIND PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Saturday, July 8, I was at PEEC (Pocono Environmental Education Center) located in the DWGNRA.  The Friends of DWGNRA had asked me to do a presentation showcasing the Wildlife in the Park and giving tips and hints of places of interest within that beautiful Park. 

The following was cut and pasted from their Facebook page.

“Reminder that this Saturday, we are hosting an event at PEEC about getting the most out of your visit to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, or any natural area you may visit. Charlie Fineran will be sharing his knowledge and wisdom of finding great wildlife finds as well as simple enjoyment of the great outdoors. Please join us at 11:00 am Saturday, July 8th at PEEC (Pocono Environmental Education Center).”

The program began with an introduction of myself, showing, how throughout my life I have been involved and familiar with this area. Early years 1950’s-60’s attended Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec as a Boy Scout, during 1961 worked at that Camp on the water front staff, that same year my parents vacationed at Lake Success, better known as Crater Lake. 1970 I was stationed at Newton Station with the NJ State Police, part of our patrol area was Blue Mountain Lakes, Crater Lake, REMEMBER, back in the day, (BEFORE TOCKS ISLAND DAM PROJECT) these areas all had houses and much of the surrounding areas were going to be developed.  The dam project and formation of this huge parkland was also mentioned.  This area has always been a place for my recreation, hiking and kayaking and later beginning in 2002 my employment as Director of Open Space for Allamuchy Township, began my interest in photography of Open Space & Wildlife.  I then mentioned, “I believe it is extremely important to get the word out about the value of Open Space, along with introducing, informing and reminding the public about their beautiful and interesting surroundings!  It is also an on-going endeavor to keep reminding the public, most of these places are there for their use and enjoyment!!  Thus, beginning to instill and build a consensus of value for all these sites!”   

The presentation centered around about 125 photos and videos showing wildlife amid the beautiful and various habitats located throughout that huge Park. Throughout the program, examples of ‘camouflage’ were mentioned and shown by photos, pointing out just how close you may be to wildlife, without you even being aware of same.  Other topics included utilizing our senses, sight, smell, hearing etc. while traveling thru the Park to help locate wildlife.  The concept of leave nothing behind, “Carry in and carry out” was also mentioned as an important way to protect and preserve these sensitive habitats that our wildlife live in and depend on. 

The photos and videos from my presentation have been placed into an album on Flickr, titled Wildlife of DWGNRA.

Please go to my Flicker site for photos from the presentation – https://www.flickr.com/photos/charliefineran/albums/72177720309648330

The program ended with the following statement, “In closing, thank you again for giving me the opportunity to inform you about our beautiful Natural settings and Historical sites, remember, within every panorama, there are many smaller pictures, you just need to be aware of that and look. Always remember, when you visit quality sites, for the most part, you can’t have a bad visit!!  Always begin with the attitude that you are going to see something and remember to be observant.”

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran   

Director Open Space
Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman
Allamuchy Historical Society – President