Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10:00 AM (Day 2 of 2)
Idleman’s Run Trail & Canaan Loop Rd, Tucker County, West Virginia
We will meet at 10:00 AM in the lobby of the Canaan Valley Resort.
GPS coordinates: 39.0240, -79.46577 Google Maps Link to Canaan Valley Resort
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 11:30 AM gather for lunch – 12 NOON walk
Aunt Clara’s Fork, Washington County
Leader: Meg Scanlon; Cell: 724-612-6192
We will meet and lunch at a bridge; no indoor restrooms available.
Directions: From Pittsburgh, take US-22 west to the PA-18/Florence/Burgettstown exit. Turn left onto PA-18 North, continue 0.9 mile and turn left onto Purdy Rd. Continue 2.4 miles and turn left onto Meadow Rd. Continue 1.8 miles and turn right onto Ralston Rd, a dirt road. After 1000 or so feet you will come to a small parking area. Park here and walk downhill to the bridge. We have special permission to visit this private property, so please respect the owners wishes.
GPS coordinates: 40.44711, -80.50594 Google Maps Link to Aunt Clara Fork
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 10:00 AM
Erie Bluffs State Park , Erie County
Leader: Andrew Sipple; Environmental Education Specialist at Presque Isle/Erie Bluffs State Parks
Member Andrew Sipple invites BSWP members to an upcoming Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Parks program called “Fantastic Flora! – Relict Sand Dune and Old Field Habitats” on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Discover late spring wildflowers while hiking approximately 2 miles through one of the rarest plant communities in the state. Explore an ancient sand dune! Field guides will be provided for groups to share. Bring bug spray and water. Register by May 20, 2026 at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/fantastic-flora-relict-sand-dunes-and-old-field-habitats
Saturday, June 6 , 2026, 1:00 PM
Powdermill Nature Reserve , Westmoreland County
Leader: Mason Heberling; cell: 724-882-8603
We will hike through the forest to see a population of bog jacob’s-ladder (Polemonium vanbruntiae) that were planted in 2023 at Powdermill. These endangered plants were propagated by Longwood Gardens and planted in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Plant Conservation Alliance . Meet at the Powdermill Nature Center.
Directions: From Pittsburgh, take the PA Turnpike east to Exit 91/Donegal. At the end of the tollbooth ramp, turn left (east) onto PA 31. Follow PA 31 east for 2.7 miles. Turn left onto PA 381 North. Follow PA 381 North for 6.4 miles to the Nimick Nature Center on your left.
GPS coordinates: 40.16045, -79.27163 Google Maps Link to Powdermill Reserve