Outdoor Heritage, a unique celebration of the outdoor, wildlife, cultural and social heritage of the state, is a joint project of the Westsylvania Heritage Corporation, Pennsylvania Game Commission and numerous other partners including Sen. Robert C. Jubelirer, Rep. Larry O. Sather, several state agencies and the Weatherby Foundation.

"From the Lewis and Clark expedition to a Civil War military encampment; and from `Theodore Roosevelt,' one of our nation's most popular hunters/conservationists/statesmen, to `Frank Kehoe,' an Irish coal miner, re- enactors will help Outdoor Heritage visitors catch a glimpse of the past," said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director. "Hunting and trapping played a major role in the development of our great Commonwealth, and I am pleased that the Game Commission is able to join Westsylvania Heritage Corporation and other partners to tell the story of our past to another generation."

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Raystown Lake U.S. Army Corps Engineers will present "Corps of Discovery." The history-based scenarios for youngsters and their parents will include "Lewis' Wildlife Adventure," in which Meriweather Lewis endured buffalo charges, a grizzly bear attack and stepping on a painful prickly pear cactus. An attention to accuracy is so detailed that replicas of the glass beads that will be on display were made by the same company in Europe as were those that were used in the original expedition.

Also, the Maine Camp Hospital Association will present an historically- accurate military hospital, which was staffed by thousands of women who cared for the sick and wounded during the Civil War.

Theodore Roosevelt, also known as Keith McGough, will be walking the fairgrounds to speak and interact with students, teachers and other visitors to Outdoor Heritage, on issues such as conservation heritage, the nation's hunting legacy and the changes in the American Presidency.

Frank Kehoe, also known as Richard Pawling, will talk to Outdoor Heritage visitors about life as an Irish immigrant and coal miner in the early 1900s. Kehoe was an actual coal miner in the Broad Top coalfields of Huntingdon, Fulton and Bedford counties. Pawling, an adjunct professor at Penn State University, has received national and regional awards for his "History Alive!" program.

Outdoor Heritage also will feature encampments depicting the Revolutionary War, as well as Civil War era photographers, bands and battlefields.

Young students will be able to learn and enjoy many hands-on activities and displays at the "Kidsylvania Tent," which is sponsored by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

For more information, visit the Outdoor Heritage website (www.westsylvania.org/oh), which also can be accessed through the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

The Outdoor Heritage event is a follow up to the Governor's Symposium on North America's Hunting Heritage, which was hosted by Gov. Tom Ridge in Hershey in 1998.

Other partners helping to sponsor Outdoor Heritage activities include: Huntingdon County Commissioners; Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; Pennsylvania Department of Education; Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association; Huntingdon

County Fair Board/Agricultural Association; Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; National Rifle Association Foundation; National Shooting Sports Foundation; Winchester Ammunition; Ithaca Firearms; National Wild Turkey Federation; Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Alliance; Safari Club International; Ruffed Grouse Society; Pennsylvania Trappers Association; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; Newton Wayne Sportsmen; Glendale Sportsmen; Bald Eagle Sportsmen; Pennsylvania Audubon Society; Pennsylvania Bluebird Society; Mead Consumer and Office Products Corporation; Hoss' Steak and Seafood House; RR Donnelly; Domino's Pizza; Pizza Hut; Burger King; McDonald's; Galliker Dairy Company; and the Pennsylvania Performing Arts Tour.

SPRINGTIME ALERT: DO NOT DISTURB YOUNG WILDLIFE

Whether hiking in the woods, driving through the countryside or simply enjoying nature, outdoor enthusiasts encountering wildlife, especially young wildlife, are encouraged to leave the animals alone and not remove them from the wild.

"Being outdoors in the spring is an enjoyable way to spend time learning about nature," said Calvin DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. "At this time of year, it is common to find young rabbits, birds, raccoons, fawn deer or other wildlife that may appear to be abandoned. Rest assured, the young animal's mother is probably nearby, and the best thing to do is not disturb them."

DuBrock noted that many adult animals tend to forage for food and bring it to their young. Also, adults will attempt to draw away the attention of predators or other intruders as a way of defending their young.

"While it may appear as if the adults are abandoning their young, in reality, this is just the animals' natural instincts to protect its young," DuBrock said. "Nature also protects young animals with camouflaging color and by giving them little scent that can be detected by predators.

"Wildlife are not meant to be pets, and we must all resist our urge to want to care for wildlife. Taking wildlife from their natural surroundings and into your home may transmit diseases, such as roundworm or rabies, to people or domestic animals. Wildlife also may carry parasites -- such as fleas, ticks or lice -- that you wouldn't want infesting you, your home or your pets."

In addition, David Overcash, Game Commission Bureau of Law Enforcement director, noted that it is illegal to take or possess wildlife from the wild. Under state law, the penalty for such a violation is a fine of up to $800 per animal.