Join Lehigh Valley Zoo during June to experience "Smart Fun," 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with daily animal feedings at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.

Get an up close view of the zoo's education animal ambassadors by checking out the Wonders of Wildlife Show 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. on June 13.

Visit Lehigh Valley Zoo June 13 and celebrate "National Get Outdoors Day" a walk through Trexler Nature Preserve, seeking out species of plants and bugs, splashing in Jordan Creek, or learn about the zoo's 325 animal ambassadors.

According to Stephen R. Kellert, Tweedy Ordway professor emeritus of Social Ecology at Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, "Nature is important to children's development in every major wayintellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically."

Richard Louv, author of "The Last Child in the Woods," introduced the phenomenon of "nature-deficit disorder" caused by the reduced exposure to the natural environment.

According to Louv, children are spending more time watching television and playing video games, combined with a diet of processed, high-calorie foods has led to an epidemic of childhood obesity, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses.

To learn more about the benefits of nature play, visit lvzoo.org.

Happy Father's Day to Lehigh Valley Zoo's scimitar horned oryx, kangaroo, and bison.

Celebrate with your deserving dad June 21 with a free hot dog and small soda.

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Morgenland Union Church, 3120 Weidasville Road, Orefield, is having its first picnic of the season 4-9 p.m. June 27.

Festivities feature cake walks, children's activities, raffles, food and live music by Main Street Cruisers. Menu features turkey and ham barbecues, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, french fries, homemade desserts and ice cream.

Morgenland will continue its spring clean-up clothing drive until June 21. Clothing, shoes, toys, fabric household items and fashion accessories are needed.

Books, VCR tapes, CDs, kitchen appliances and furniture will not be accepted.

Committee members ask that donated items be bagged separately according to category. Items can be dropped off before and after Sunday church services or anytime outside the sanctuary.

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Christ's Church at Lowhill Food Pantry, 4695 Lowhill Church Road, is accepting donations to stock shelves from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., June 16 and 27.

Just as a reminder, volunteers are not on-site every day and donations, in any form, should not be dropped off at the door. Call first.

Donations may also be made by appointment by calling 610-298-2054 or by calling Nancy Holbrook at 610-674-2440.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Barbara Kistler at volunteering@lowhillfoodpantry.com.

The pantry is currently collecting the following items for donation: coffee and tea, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, paper napkins, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and pet food.

Local farmers and garden enthusiasts with a surplus of fresh fruit and vegetables are encouraged to donate as long as the items are in good condition.

As school age youngsters are soon to be home for the summer, "kid friendly" items such as juice, peanut butter, jelly, and fruit cups are also welcomed.

New socks in adult sizes may be dropped off at both New Tripoli Banks and ESSA Bank for the Blessing Shop's collection of new and nearly new clothing located in the basement of the food pantry.

Families who qualify for food items in the pantry are also welcomed to select from the new and gently used clothing, toys and household items donated in the shop.

Anyone interested in donating to the Blessings Shop should contact Bev Moyer at blessingsshop-@lowhillfoodpantry.com.

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Gress Mountain Ranch, 3264 Highland Road, Orefield, a 15-acre sanctuary and home to more than 50 animals rescued from abuse or neglect, is looking for campers in grades three to 10, sponsors, volunteers and donations for Ranch Camp June 22-26, July 13-17 and Aug. 3-7.

Activities include horsemanship, donkey cart rides, alpaca-felting, scavenger hunts and more.

Learn the care and feeding of pigs, donkeys, goats, alpacas and horses. Shadow a real veterinarian and see his mobile vet clinic. Registration is open.

Call Mia Bobenko at 484-735-1431 for information.