Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will host its annual "Spring Equinox Celebration" Saturday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in and around the Hawk Mountain Visitor Center.

Throughout the day, the sanctuary will offer free trail admission for children ages 12 and younger, complimentary hot chocolate and shade-grown coffee, a wildlife art exhibit by Dave Hughes and a book signing by area children's book author Kathy Miller. Trail fees will apply for adults ($5) and seniors ($4).Beginning the day will be an 11 a.m. session of "Raptors Up Close," a live owl program held in the downstairs gallery. During the program an educator will use a live owl to show visitors the various adaptations that put birds of prey at the top of the food chain and visitors will have the opportunity to have close looks at a live raptor.At noon, naturalist Dave Hughes will lead a "Signs of Spring Scramble" guided hike that will take participants through the Hawk Mountain forest and those interested are urged to sign up in advance at the bookstore counter. Participation is limited and a trail fee will apply for adults and seniors.At 1 p.m., Miller will present "Chippy Chipmunk takes the Big Screen," a program that uses close-up images, sounds and hands-on activities to teach participants unique facts about this common mammal of the Hawk Mountain forest. Miller will be available throughout the day to sign copies of her book.Concluding the day will be a final live raptor program at 2 p.m., and throughout the day, all visitors are encouraged to take part in the Spring Chipmunk Count. During this wildlife monitoring project, visitors are asked to record on the trail map where chipmunk activity is spotted, then report findings upon returning to the visitor center.Those who wish to visit Hawk Mountain's scenic overlooks with younger children need not travel far, as the closest lookout is just 300 yards from the visitor center and a golf cart is available for those with limited mobility. Hikers should stay on the trails at all times, dress for weather and trail conditions and wear sturdy shoes or boots.Information and tips on safe hiking is available on the Hawk Mountain Web site at

www.hawkmountain.org

http://www.hawkmountain.org/ , under "Visiting Us." For information, call 610-756-6961.*********Naturalist and outdoors writer Marcus Schneck is today's guests of Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association member Doyle Dietz on "Experience the Outdoors," from 7:30-8 a.m. on Oldies 1410-AM, Lansford. A rebroadcast will be heard Sunday from 9:30-10 a.m. on WMGH, 105.5-FM, Tamaqua, and is available on the Web at

www.wmgh.com by clicking on the "Experience the Outdoors" link.********First Frontier Militia, the muzzleloader arm of Bowmanstown Rod and Gun Club, will begin its yearly schedule of muzzleloader shoots Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year, shoots are schedule for April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 6, Sept. 12, Oct. 9 and 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, all being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..Bowmanstown Rod and Gun Club is located on Gun Club Road, off Route 248, Bowmanstown. For information, call Roger Fisher at 610-377-2812.**********"Coyote Hunting 101," a free seminar, will be held Sunday, March 21, beginning at 2 p.m., at the Port Clinton Fire Company, Port Clinton. For information, contact Ted Knoblauch at 610-562-4310 or

portclintonfg@wmconnect.com.*********This year's "Wildlife Art Expo" will be held, Saturday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Environmental Education Center of the Montour Preserve, Washingtonville. For information, call Jon Beam at 570-437-3131.**********There will be a Second Amendment Rally in Washington, D.C., Monday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will gather on the northeast corner of the Washington Monument grounds at 10 a.m., and the entire event will take place there.The event is sponsored and coordinated by the organization "Second Amendment March," whose stated mission is, "to galvanize the courage and resolve of Americans; to petition our elected officials against establishing anti-gun legislation; and to remind America that the Second Amendment is necessary to maintain our right to self defense."*********This year's Empire State Lake Ontario Tournament dates have been announced. Here is the schedule: Spring, Friday, April 30-Sunday, May 9; Summer, Saturday, June 19-Sunday, July 18; Fall, Friday, Aug. 20-Monday, Sept. 6. For information and registration, access on the Web at

www.loc.org or call (888) 733-5246.