Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 11:30 AM (lunch) Noon (walk)
Wahdo:Gwas Wetlands, North Park, Allegheny County
Leader: Meg Scanlon; 724-612-6192
Wado:Gwas Wetlands are a series of detention ponds created through a Turnpike mitigation project of wetlands impacted a few miles upstream. Designed to catch and slow street runoff from this portion of the watershed of the North Fork Tributary of Pine Creek, this interesting area contains a great blend of naturally occuring and planted natives. “Plant it and they will come”, allows new opportunities for wildlife that we may discover.
We will look for fur, feathers, scat, tracks and other animal clues as we identify trees, shrubs and herbaceous treasures wandering along the Dragonfly Interpretive Boardwalk Trail, while occasionally stepping off into the wet overgrowth. Extra interest can be found in our planted wildflower meadows created through many Eagle Scout projects. If you are a true adventurer and want to get up close to beaver and muskrat, wear your waterproof muck boots. Bring binoculars to search for the winter wren. This out and back single trail is very level. Rain or shine.
Directions: North Park is an Allegheny County Park and can be reached by McKnight Road/Babcock Boulevard or PA Route 8/Wildwood Road. We will meet at the Eagle’s Nest Education Pavilion (near the ice skating rink), along Pearce Mill Road. Handicapped parking and portajohn at this shelter.
Arrive at 11:30 AM to eat lunch at the pavilion, weather permitting. We will start walking at 12 noon. Handicapped parking and portajohn at this shelter.
GPS coordinates: 40.61987, -80.02529 Google Maps Link
Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 1:00 PM
NEW YEARS DAYS Field Trip, Mingo Creek County Park, Washington County, PA
Leaders: Mary Ann Pike – (412) 855-8239; and Loree Speedy – 724-518-6022; loreespeedy@gmail.com
Directions: Mingo is nestled in northeastern Washington County 3 miles from the Allegheny County border. There will be a lot of options to explore trees, shrubs and winter vegetation no matter the wintry weather.
We will meet at the Henry Bridge parking area. Travel PA-43 south (toll road) to Exit 44 for PA-136/Eighty Four/Monongahela. Turn right at end of ramp for PA-136 west. Travel PA-136 for 1.25 miles to make a right onto Mansion Hill Rd. At the end of Henry Bridge,, the parking lot is to your left. For those who enter park from PA-88 south and Little Mingo Road, turn left at the park sign onto Mingo Creek Road and continue about one mile to the parking lot on your right after Henry Bridge.
GPS Coordinates: 40.20174, -80.01760 Google Map Link