At our last meeting of the year, Meg Scanlon, North Park naturalist, gave a presentation about the park’s nature center, highlighting some of the recent projects such as the remedial wetland area near the ice rink, where beavers have taken up residence.  28 members enjoyed the array of cookies and hot apple cider and Meg’s hands-on display of items from the nature center.

Thanks to members Monica Miller and Dianne Machesney for crafting the ornament favors.  “WHO” wouldn’t love one of these for their tree?

Have a safe Winter and see you at our next meeting on March 5th.

Steve Leitkam ended his powerpoint presentation with some “hands on” time.

Nineteen members had the opportunity to hold Steve’s pet Whip Scorpion.  Thanks, Steve, for a great meeting.

Are you brave enough to hold a tarantula?  Our members are fearless! Thanks to Sarah Lyle, who shared her knowledge of arachnids and brought some of her pets for us to meet at the October meeting.

Hartwood Acres Mansion

Fall Outing to Hartwood Acres, Allegheny County

Outings are not exclusive to members.  Everybody’s invited to walk with us.
Dress for the weather.  Wear boots or good hiking shoes and a hat.  Bring
binoculars and field guides.

October 24, Friday, 10:00 a.m. – Noon.  Hartwood Acres Park, by Marlow Madeoy
412-364-0195  madeoyma@aol.com and Judy Stark  412-327-9537   starkj2@aol.com
Come out for a lovely fall walk to enjoy the colors of late wildflowers and
learn how to identify trees.

Directions:  From Route 28, take Route 8 N for 1.8 miles, turn Right on
Saxonburg Boulevard, go 4.6 miles (crossing Harts Run Rd), turn left into
Hartwood Acres Park and drive up the hill to the parking lot for the Mansion.

Or set your GPS for:  Hartwood Acres Park, 200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA
15238

Bring a picnic lunch if the weather is warm, otherwise there are several
restaurants on Harts Run Road.

Join us on our annual outing to Jennings Prairie in Butler County, PA on Saturday, July 26th.

This is the perfect time to see Blazing Star, Whorled Rosinweed and sunflowers. American Goldfinches, Indigo Buntings, flycatchers, Common Yellowthroats and Cedar Waxwings make the prairie their summer home. Expect to see an amazing array of glorious butterflies. We may come across a Red Eft or catch a glimpse of the elusive Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake.

Meet leaders Dianne and Bob Machesney at 10:00am at the Jennings Environmental Education Center (across from Prairie parking lot) on the right (east) side of the road.
Google Maps: 2951 Prospect Rd. Slippery Rock, PA 16057, (724) 794-6011

Directions from Pittsburgh: Take I-79 North to Exit 99/Butler. Drive east on US 422 roughly 5.8 miles to the Prospect Exit, and turn left (north) onto PA 528. Continue on PA 528 for about 7 miles.

The Prairie is hot and shadeless. Wear a hat, sunscreen and appropriate hiking shoes. Bring binoculars and field guides. Bring a lunch and beverage, water and a snack for the trail. We will picnic together after the hike.

Outings are free and open to the public.

For more information, call Judy Stark, Outings Coordinator (412)363-0462