by Lizzie Higgins, PHLT Summer Intern Although the amount of rain this summer was not the best for outdoor fun, local fungi are now flourishing with the extra moisture. While some of these mushrooms might be safe to eat, it’s important to be absolutely certain of what you’re foraging. Many mushrooms look very similar to the untrained eye, and missing crucial differences could be a fatal mistake. An example of this is the safe meadow mushroom versus the “destroying angel” that causes organ...

by Lizzie Higgins, PHLT Summer Intern “Sploot” as a term has risen in popularity to describe the position animals are often seen lounging in with their hind legs spread out behind them to stretch and maximize contact with the ground. Etymology experts aren’t entirely sure where the word, popularized by the Internet, originates but some speculate it could be a combination of “splay” and “cute.” As the Poconos heat up for the summer, splooting becomes more common among wildlife trying to cool...

by Adam Haydt of Sanofi Sanofi Volunteers stand in front of the Robert Mader Nature Preserve in June, 2026. Over 40 people helped maintain trail cleanliness and remove invasive plants from this recently opened public nature preserve. Since 2022, over eighty Sanofi Swiftwater employees, contributing over 250 hours of volunteer time, have participated in supporting trail maintenance and invasive plant removal efforts at PHLT’s preserves. This partnership reflects Sanofi's commitment to...