2025-26 Field Trips

August

Friday 8/8/25

MILKWEED MEADOWS TOUR

Join Thomas Keller, Justin Klingler, and Stefan Karkuff as we tour Justin’s property, “Milkweed Meadows.”

Justin Klingler is a phenomenal ecologist and expert in native plants and planting.  Justin has taken a good portion of his property and transitioned it into native plantings from large multi-acre meadows, to beds surrounding his home that are filled with a huge variety of native forbs and shrubs.  His property will be the real destination of the evening and Justin will be doing most of the talking when it comes to native plants and how he transformed his property.

Stefan Karkuff is a Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) Avian Recovery Biologist.  In his previous role with NRCS & Pheasants Forever, Stefan worked as an expert in transforming agriculture to native plantings throughout the southcentral region and not only was instrumental in planning and developing hundreds of acres for wildlife and pollinators, but also helped Justin and Thomas transform their own properties.  Stefan has also been doing this on his own property and has an incredible amount of knowledge about natives and native plantings.  Stefan will be talking about his work with native plantings and how developing these habitats can make huge positive changes for our native birds here in Pennsylvania.

Thomas Keller, Justin’s neighbor and PGC Furbearer Biologist, will be (his own words!) “a glorified parking attendant and tractor driver for the night.”  Thomas will provide a brief introduction and talk about the evening plans.  Then we’re going to load everyone up on the hay wagon and take a ride through some grass and pollinator plantings over to Justin’s property where we’ll disembark and talk about tools, planning, and execution on native plantings.  Then we’ll have a walking and talking tour of some meadows while Justin and Stefan share information on native plants and native birds.  At the end of the evening, around 8pm, we’ll make our way back to the hay wagon and get folks back to the parking area to head for home. 

Plan to meet by 6pm at:

65 North Old Stonehouse Road, Carlisle, PA 17015

Parking will be in the front field.  There will be signs for parking and Thomas will be there to help people get situated. 

Registration not necessary. Please contact zachrichard021@gmail.com with any questions!

PRIVATE OUTINGS FOR NEW BIRDERS

If you are new to birding and would like an individualized field trip with an experienced birder and longtime AAS member, contact Jon Dale at jwdale4@gmail.com to schedule.  Jon will provide instruction, tips and a field experience at central Pennsylvania locales to individuals, families, or very small groups.

NOTE: Additional field trips may be announced at meetings and the monthly newsletter as the year progresses.