Friday, July 23,2021 10:00 AM Jennings Prairie, Leaders:  Dianne and Bob  Machesney

  (C) 412-523-0368

Visit the unique ecosystem at Jennings Prairie.

This is the perfect time to explore the relict prairie. The hot weather brings the stunning Blazing Star and some of the other dazzling summer flowers to peak performance. The goldenrods of fall will begin to show. Don’t miss the spectacular butterflies that grace the prairie with their breathtaking beauty. Flycatchers, vireos, tanagers, Common Yellowthroats and Cedar Waxwings sometimes make an appearance. We may come across a Red Eft, the larval form of a Red-spotted Newt.

Outings are free and open to the public. Bring your friends. Trails are wheelchair accessible.Wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring binoculars, field guides, water and a lunch.

Directions From Pittsburgh: take I-79 North to Exit 99, New Castle/ Butler. Drive east on Route 422 roughly 5.8 miles to the Prospect Exit. Turn left (north) onto Route 528.

Continue on Route 528 for about 7 miles. Meet in the Jennings Environmental Center Parking Lot on the left (west) side of the road.

Saturday, June 5, 2021, 9:00 AM

Work Day at Fringed Gentian Fen and Plain Grove Fen Natural Areas, Lawrence County

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is having a Volunteer Land Steward Work Day at Fringed Gentian Fen Natural Area and Plain Grove Fen Natural Area.  Let’s show our appreciation for the conservation of these areas by joining them for invasive plant removal, woody vegetation control and tree-planting maintenance.

For additional information, go to:  https://waterlandlife.org/volunteer/ , Select “Current Volunteer Opportunities, and the Sat., June 5 event. For questions, contact Andrew Zadnick, Director of Land Stewardship at azadnik@paconserve.org or (412) 977-9681 (cell).

We will meet at 9:00 AM along Frew Mill Road in Shenango Township.

Directions: From Pittsburgh, take I-79 North to Exit 99‑US 422. Turn left onto US 422 west and travel 7 miles. Turn right at PA 388 North and continue 1.2 miles to Frew Mill Road. Turn left onto Frew Mill Road and continue 0.7 mile.

GPS Coordinates: 40.9904, -80.28111

Sunday, June 13, 10:00 AM

South Sandy Creek in State Game Land 39, Venango County

Leader:  Ron Zagrocki; Cell:( 717) 580-5736

Directions: From Pittsburgh, take I-79 north to Exit 121 for US 62 Mercer/Franklin. Turn right and continue 2 miles the point where US 62 turns to the left – but continue straight onto PA 965. Travel PA 965 for 8.5 miles to turn right onto Slatertown Road, a dirt road. Continue  2 1/4 miles to a gravel parking lot on the left. If you drive over an open-grate bridge, you’ve gone too far.

GPS coordinates: 41.29860, -79.94920

Saturday, June 19, 2021, 1:00 PM

Ferncliff Peninsula, Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County

Leader: Mark Bowers

Contact Information: 4beagles@verizon.net;

cell: (724) 454-4012

Directions:  From Pittsburgh, take the PA Turnpike  to Exit 91 – Donegal. Turn east (left) on PA 31. Travel about 2 miles and turn south (right) on PA 381. Travel ten miles to Normalville to a stop sign.  Turn left onto PA 381 south and continue 11 miles to Ohiopyle. As PA 381 enters Ohiopyle, it crosses railroad tracks. Turn right just before the bridge over the Yough to enter the Ferncliff parking lot, where we will meet. 

Although the state park will be crowded with enthusiastic outdoor recreationists and sightseers, the inland trails will be quiet and ideal for a wildflower hike. We may first head to another hiking trail, so if you arrive late, please call Mark at 724-454-4012 or look for a note directing you to the correct trail.

GPS coordinates: 39.87150, -79.49320