Sunday, April 14, 2024, 1:00 PM

Barking Slopes, Plum Borough, Allegheny County

Leader: Mason Heberling, heberlingm@carnegiemnh.org

Join Mason Heberling,  Assistant Curator of Botany at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, to learn about this unique natural area. The Barking Slopes Conservation Area, protected by the Allegheny Land Trust, was once a coal mine, but is now an incredibly diverse forest.  Mason will introduce us to the site and discuss current research on how this forest is adapting to a changing climate and plant invasions. 

Directions:  From Pittsburgh, take PA Route 28 North to Exit 9(Blawnox). Merge onto Freeport Road. After 3 miles, turn right onto Hulton Bridge to enter Oakmont, and continue straight onto Hulton Road. Travel 1.5 miles to the Sheetz. At this stoplight (where Hulton Rd turns to the right), continue straight onto Coxcomb Hill Rd. Travel 3.3 miles and make a sharp left onto Barking Rd (after the Lock 3 Allegheny River sign).  Travel Barking Rd 1.2 miles to parking for the preserve.  

GPS coordinates: 40.53285, -79.78191  Google Map Link

Saturday, April 20, 2024, 1:00 PM

Duff Park, Murrysville, Westmoreland County 

Leader:  Loree Speedy; loreespeedy@gmail.com; (724) 518-6022 cell

We will meet at the new Visitor Center along US 22.

Directions: From Pittsburgh, take I-376 east (Parkway East) to its end at US 22 East – Murrysville.  Travel US 22 for about 4 miles to the intersection of Trafford Rd (McDonald’s on the left). Continue along US 22 in the right lane about 7/10 of a mile. At The Fireplace and Airgas businesses, turn right into the new Robert Trail Access, where we will meet.

GPS Coordinates: 40.42699, -79.68400. Google Map Link

Monday, April 22, 2024, 1:00 PM  EARTH DAY!

Great Gorge Trail , Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County

Leader: Mark Bowers; monarda55@gmail.com; cell: (724) 454-4012

Directions: From Pittsburgh, take the PA Turnpike to Exit 91 – Donegal. Turn left onto PA 31 East and travel 2.1 miles. Turn right at a traffic light onto PA 711/ PA 381 South and continue 10 miles to a T in Normalville. Turn left onto PA 381 and continue 11 miles to Ohiopyle. Drive through the town and make a right onto SR 2019/Kentuck Road. Travel less than a half mile and turn right into the parking lot for Cucumber Falls.

GPS coordinates: 39.8629, -79.5027  Google Map Link

Saturday,April 27, 2024, 10:00 AM

Boyce Mayview Regional Park, Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County

Leader: Mary Ann Pike

Contact Information: cell: (412) 855-8239; mapike@earthlink.net

We will initially travel downhill to get to the riparian forest and wetlands at the bottom. 

Directions: From Pittsburgh, proceed south on US 19 (Washington Road) to Boyce Road which is 3.0 miles south of South Hills Village (at Fort Couch Road). Turn right onto Boyce Road and proceed 0.5 mile to the intersection with Morton Road on the right. Turn right onto Morton Road and continue about 1.5 miles to parking for the Morton Complex on the left side of the road. Park here.

Alternatively, take I-79 south.Take Exit 54/ Bridgeville. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Millers Run Road (PA 50) and proceed to the traffic light at the T-intersection with Washington Pike. Turn right onto Washington Pike and drive for 2.1 miles to the intersection with Boyce Road. Turn left onto Boyce and proceed 1.4 miles to the traffic light at the intersection with Mayview Road. Continue on Boyce Road for another 1.1 mile to Morton Road. Turn left onto Morton Road and continue about 1.5 miles to parking for the Morton Complex on the left side of the road. Park here. 

GPS Coordinates: 40.32842, -80.09581  Google Map Link

Sunday, May 5, 2024, 1:00 PM

Sandy Creek Trail at Belmar Trailhead, Venango County 

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

We will walk along the Sandy Creek Trail, winding through undeveloped and remote forest along East Sandy Creek.  

Directions: The Belmar trailhead is at Belmar Village on the west side of the Allegheny River. From Exit 29 of I 80, travel PA8 North for 14.4 miles and make a right onto Pone Ln (at the first traffic light; Red Express Service Station). Travel Pone Ln for 2.4 miles and make a right at the T onto Belmar Rd, and follow it to the parking area at the foot of the hill. 

GPS coordinates: 41.3333, -79.77459 Google Map Link

Saturday , May 11, 2024, 1:00 PM 

Sheepskin Hollow Nature Preserve, Columbiana County, Ohio 

Many people have called this the “most wild” place in all of Ohio (and it is less than a mile from the PA border!). The trail is flat but can be muddy.

Directions: From Exit 36-Brighton of I-376-Beaver Valley Expwy, turn left on Brighton Rd (if coming from south, right if coming from north) and travel a short distance to the first stop sign at Tuscarawas Rd. Turn right and travel 2.8 mile to Lisbon Rd (GCU Credit Union on corner). Turn right onto Lisbon Rd and travel 6.7 miles. (When you reach the intersection with PA 168, continue straight on Lisbon Rd). Keep a lookout for a large stand of pines on the left. At the end of the pines, turn left onto Pancake-Carlson Road. Continue 1.2 miles to the bottom of a hill. After the underpass at the bottom of the hill, look for the parking area on the right before the bridge. There is additional room to park on the side of the road near the underpass. 

GPS coordinates: 40.75219, -80.53779 Google Map Link

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 1:00 PM

Oil Creek State Park, Venango County

Leader: Robert Coxe; 814-775-0005; robcoxe@gmail.com

Directions: Take I-79 north to Exit 116 to head east on I‑80. Travel I-80 east to Exit 29 Barkeyville/PA 8. Travel PA 8 north about 16 miles to Franklin. In Franklin, turn left onto 13th Street to pick up US322 West and PA 417. Travel PA 417 north 12 miles. Turn left onto PA 8 North in Cherrytree and continue about 6 1/2 miles to Titusville. 

At the traffic light just before the Oil Creek bridge, turn right onto Bloss St toward Drake Well Museum.  Go a mile or so to the Jersey Bridge Parking Area on the right, before the other bridge over Oil Creek.  Meet at the parking lot.

We will join members of the local chapter of the Wild Ones to explore the exceptionally diverse Oil Creek Bike Trail.

GPS coordinates: 41.6159, -79.6582 Google Map Link

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 1:00 PM

Pine Ridge Park, near Blairsville, Indiana County

Leader:  Loree Speedy; loreespeedy@gmail.com; (724) 518-6022 cell

Directions: From Pittsburgh, take I-376 east and US-22 east about 45 miles to Blairsville.  Continue past the Walmart and the ramps for US-119, and as you proceed up the mountain, take the second right for Pine Ridge Rd.  Continue a short distance to the park entrance on the left.  Follow the signs for Toms Run pavilion (about 3/4 of a mile).

We will join the Botanical Society of Westmoreland County for an easy stroll and moderate climb.

GPS Coordinates: 40.44467, -79.19351  Google Map Link

Saturday, June 1, 2024, 1:00 PM

Jakes Rocks Overlook, Allegheny National Forest, Warren County 

Leader:  Loree Speedy; loreespeedy@gmail.com; (724) 518-6022 cell

We will join Ava Turnquist, retired Natural Resources Specialist for ANF, to botanize a hardened path through the woods holding botanical surprises in the dense vegetation. A scenic view overlooks the Jackson Bay on the Allegheny Reservoir, Kinzua Dam and the surrounding forest.

Directions: From Pittsburgh, one can reach US 6 outside of Warren, PA, by taking PA Routes 28, 36 and 666 to pick up US 6 west of Sheffield, or by taking I-80, PA Route 8 and  PA Route 27 in Titusville to pick up US 6 east just west of Youngsville.   

At the intersection of US Route 6 and PA 59 west of Warren, travel east on Route 59 for 10 miles. Turn right onto Longhouse National Scenic Byway and continue 1 mile . Turn right onto Forest Road 492. Travel on Forest Road 492 for 1 mile and continue on Forest Road 492 to the right when it splits and follow it to the parking area, approximately 1 mile. We will meet in the Jakes Rock Overlook parking lot, which has a vault toilet.

GPS Coordinates: 41.84867, -78.98219 Google Map Link

Search for Winter Fruits and Seeds at Hays Woods, Agnew Road Trailhead,

Allegheny County

Leader:  Loree Speedy; (724) 518-6022/cell or loreespeedy@gmail.com

Directions: Agnew Road in Carrick is off of Becks Run Road, which can be reached from PA 837 in the South Side, or from PA51/Maytide St in the Overbrook neighborhood. Agnew Rd is 1.8 miles from PA 837 in the South Side, by way of Becks Run Rd, or 1.5 miles from PA 51 by way of Maytide St, Biscayne Dr and Becks Run Rd. 

At the intersection of Becks Run Rd and Agnew Rd, continue on Agnew Rd – it will zig zag through the neighborhood – for a little less than a mile to a parking area near a gate. 

GPS coordinates: 40.39829, -79.96317  Google Map Link

Hays Woods is a currently undeveloped city park. We will walk some mild rolling hills and gravel roads for winter plant id.

When:  September 9, 2021     7:00 PM

What:  Wissahickon Annual Wine and Cheese Meeting

Where:  Fern Hollow Nature Center

               1901 Glen Hollow Road, Sewickley, PA 15143

The club will provide the wine and paper products.

  Attendees please bring cheese or another snack to share.

Agenda:  Since this is our first in-person meeting in over a year, we will devote the time to socializing with a short business meeting to discuss the future of the club.

 Everyone is welcome, including non-members. Trips last 3 to 4 hours but one can leave at any time. For questions, call the field trip leader or Loree Speedy at (724) 518-6022 (cell) or loreespeedy@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 28, 2021, 1:00 PM

Little Sewickley Creek at Herminie, Westmoreland County

Coordinator: Loree Speedy; loreespeedy@gmail.com; (724) 518-6022 cell

This is a favorite trip for Snow Trillium. The walk is easy along an old railroad grade.

Directions: Take the PA Turnpike to Exit 67-Route 30/Irwin/Greensburg. Take the Route 30 East/Greensburg ramp. At the first stoplight on Route 30, turn right onto Arona Road, then another right after 0.5 mile onto unmarked Wendel Road. Travel this road 3.7 miles to a T. Turn right at the T and continue 1 mile to Herminie to a 4-way stop (VFD on corner). Continue straight to the next stop sign and turn left. Proceed through 2 more stop signs, end at a T, and turn right. Continue past the Dairy Queen on your right and continue down a hill; we will meet just before the highway bridge. Park on the left side.

These directions are difficult as roads are unmarked and state roads through Herminie sometimes look like alleys. If you can use them, the GPS coordinates will likely take you by a more direct route. GPS coordinates: 40.26050, -79.72700.

Saturday, April 3, 2021, 1:00 PM

Cedar Creek Park, Westmoreland County

Leader: Mark Bowers; Cell- 724-454-4012; E-mail:  monada55@gmail.com

Directions:  From Pittsburgh, travel PA 51 south to its junction with PA 201 (just after Bills and Willowbrook Plaza). Continuing on PA 51, travel 2 additional miles to the traffic light for Concord Ln and turn left.  (This traffic light at Concord Ln can also be reached by I-70 exit 46B and continuing north on PA 51 to the northern Concord Ln intersection across from C Harper car dealership.) Traveling on Concord Ln, turn left onto Municipal Dr. Continue about 0.6 mile, pass Timm’s Ln, and turn left into the main entrance to Cedar Creek Park. Follow this road downhill, cross the bike trail, and turn left to continue through a series of parking lots until you reach the farthest parking lot, near the Gorge Trail.

GPS coordinates: 40.17830, -79.77820. (The road configuration near Concord Ln has just been modified, and GPS units and Google Maps have not yet been updated).

Sunday, April 11, 2021, 1:00 PM

Crouse Run Nature Reserve, Allegheny County

Coordinator:  Loree Speedy; loreespeedy@gmail.com; (724) 518-6022 cell

Directions: We will meet at the restaurant parking lot along Wildwood Road between PA Route 8 and North Park. At intersection of Wildwood Road and PA 8, head west for ½ mile to a restaurant parking lot on the left.   If you are coming from North Park, the restaurant parking is on the right, 1.1 miles from the Wildwood Sports Complex.

GPS coordinates: 40.59020, -79.95710

All activities cancelled/postponed until further notice because of the coronavirus and Gov. Wolf’s “stay home” order.

Sunday March 29th Hutchison, PA – for snow trillium- 1:00 PM

Saturday, April 18th Rock Point, Ellwood City.- abandoned amusement park – 1:00 PM

Weds. April 22nd Camp Guyasuta – spring wildflowers -10:30 am

Friday 4/24 Riverview Park – Wissahickon Cabin area Great Horned Owl on nest – 1:00 PM

Emails will be sent with more information and directions. Thanks to our outings chair: Judy Stark 412-327-9537

We will kick off the new club year with a wine and cheese social and a presentation by member, Don Weiss. He will lead us on a scenic tour of the State of Washington. His photos will highlight birds, animals, flowers, scenic views and a few butterflies.

Come at 7:00 pm to socialize. Bring a snack/cheese or dessert to share. The meeting will start at 7:30 pm at Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, Sewickley, PA 15143. The club will provide the wine.

Friday, July 26, 2019 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.

Our first outing of the season will be Sunday March 31st at Little Sewickley Creek in Hemanie. Leader will be Loree Speedy. 724-518-6022

April 6 Cedar Creek Leader: Judy Stark

April 26 Butler/Freeport Trail – Monroe Rd. section 10:00 AM Leader: Dianne Machesney

April 27 Indian Creek Valley Trail near Camp Christian, 10:00 AM Leader: Judy Stark

June 28 Shollards Wetlands 10:00 AM Leader Dianne Machesney

July 26 Jennings Prairie 10:00 AM Leader Dianne Machesney

Details to follow. If you have a suggestion or are willing to lead a hike, please call Judy Stark, the club Outings Coordinator at 412-327-9537