Leader: Regina Gaison, rgaison1@gmail.com, 724-853-7715
Directions:
Youngwood Swamp: From Greensburg, take Route 119 to Youngwood and turn left on Depot Street as if heading to Westmoreland County Community College. Follow Depot Street just a short distance through a traffic light and across the railroad tracks and look for the trail head parking lot on the right.
Swickley Creek Wetlands: From the 5 Star trailhead parking lot in Youngwood to Sewickley Creek Wetlands, turn left out of the parking lot onto Depot Road. Proceed approximately 1.0 miles – you will proceed through 2 traffic lights and one stop sign along the way. Then turn left onto Race Track Road/Silvis Farm Road. In about 0.6 miles (you will pass through one Stop Sign), turn right into the parking lot for the wetlands.
Description: As a summer event, these 2 locations will provide a general nature exploration of local birds, animals, butterflies, dragonflies, trees and wildflowers. We will start at the Youngwood site with a leisurely stroll out and back along the stream and through the swamp area ending up at the WCCC campus. Returning to the trailhead, we will then drive to the Sewickley Creek Wetlands for views from the observation deck and another stroll on mowed grass paths down to the pond area. Afterward, I’m sure we can find an area for a brown-bag lunch and socializing. Both sets of hiking trails are in good condition. The trail head at Youngwood has a portable toilet. Bug spray might be in order.