Bethlehem's Steelstacks is hosting "Step Outdoors" for a variety of family enjoyment

Steelstacks in Bethlehem is again hosting their fourth Step Outdoors Lehigh Valley program that is two-days of presentations, hands-on activities, educational programs for the entire family. It’s an effort to promote what the great outdoors has to offer. The program is set for June 2-3 at Steelstacks. 

The Step Outdoors program that includes a host of activities for children as well, will have over 25 local and state environmental and outdoor groups presenting their activities. The list includes archery, biking, gardening, art, hiking, nature photography, bluebird box building, fishing techniques and more. 

On hand as well will be Falconers Sean and Margaret Young flying a red-tailed hawk and American Kestrel during falconry demonstrations plus hikes to see peregrine falcons that nest on site, L.L. Bean offering a Camping 101 to show tent setup, campsite selection, water filtration and other camping tips. 

The Appalachian Mountain Club and Hike It Baby will offer urban hikes on the South Bethlehem Greenway. 

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be on hand with a display on bald eagles in Pennsylvania. 

Representatives from Hawk Mountain and Wildlands Conservancy will also offer presentations featuring live wildlife. 

On June 2 and June 4 Dock Dogs competition returns and will feature hunting dogs doing what they love to do. They’ll compete to see which dog can leap the farthest when thrown a duck decoy into a 40-foot pool. They’ll be judged on the highest leap, longest jump and quickest retrieve. 

For the athletically inclined, Your First Mud Run invites  participants to navigate a two-mile course over 10 obstacles that include a 6-foot climbing wall, heavy jump ropes, mud pit, cargo net and secret obstacle. It’s offered to families with children as young as five years of age. Entry fee is $50 in advance and $60 day of the event. Registration can be made at www.yourfirstmudrun.com; both individuals and teams may enter. 

If you like wild game and fish treats, “Taste of the Wild” returns featuring dishes and hors d’oeuvers with items like Pulled Duck Tacos, Wild Boar Bacon, Alligator Fritters and Ostrich Sliders. After sampling these and other items, dessert is next. How about Burnt Lemon Curd Tarts, Oatmeal Cookie Pie Pop, Honey Cast Iron Corn Bread and Smoked Crème Fraiche. 

Tickets for the event are $38 for ArtsQuest Members and $40 for the public. Proceeds from the Taste of the Wild go to support Step Outdoors Lehigh Valley. 

For more information for this June 2 and 3 event, go to www.steelstacks.org/stepoutdoors.

FISH-for-FREE DAY

Families, friends,  residents and non, and anglers who no longer fish, are invited to enjoy a day of free fishing when a fishing license is not needed to fish Pennsylvania waters on Sunday, Memorial Day weekend – May 27. The program is intended to introduce or reintroduce folks and kids to the sport of fishing. 

Along with the program are free tackle loaner items are being offered at selected state parks, county parks and some libraries. Locally, it’s Jacobsburg State Park, 400 Belfast Road, Nazareth but others can be located by going to the PA Fish & Boat Commissions website. The second free day is set for Wednesday, July 4 holiday. 
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