Explore the ancient and modern environments of the Otto and Magdalene Ackermann Nature Preserve on this (almost) Earth Day walk with the Westmoreland Land Trust and Turtle Creek Watershed Association.  We will explore a hilltop sandstone quarry as well as a modern floodplain.  The walk will be on steep unimproved trails, so wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather.  Sun screen and insect repellent are strongly recommended.

Join us for a spring bird walk at the Otto and Magdalene Ackermann Nature Preserve in North Huntingdon Township.  The forested slopes and open floodplain of this secluded property are a good place to see many of our native birds as well as the occasional spring migrant.  This guided walk will be slow-paced, but will involve clambering down some steep sections of trail. Please bring binoculars and wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Join AAron Capouellez of PA Woods and Forests for a twilight frog walk at the Otto and Magdalene Ackermann Nature Preserve in North Huntingdon Township.  The vegetated floodplain of this preserve is home to many native amphibians, and spring is when you can hear them best.  This guided walk will be slow-paced, but will involve clambering down some steep sections of trail. Please wear sturdy waterproof shoes and bring a flashlight or headlamp.

Join AAron Capouellez of PA Woods and Forests for a twilight frog walk at the St. Xavier Nature Preserve in Latrobe.  The wetlands and riparian slopes of Monastery Run in this preserve host many native amphibians, and spring is when you can hear them best.  This guided walk will be slow-paced, but will involve walking through some wet areas. Please wear sturdy waterproof shoes and bring a flashlight or headlamp.

Come to Hempfield Township Park for the first in a series of family-friendly nature workshops designed for children from 5 to 12 years old along with an accompanying adult. Each session will explore the Westmoreland Land Trust’s Nature Backpacks, which are available for you to checkout at the HTAC desk.

In this session, we’ll explore the Birds backpack and examine real feathers and nests, learn to use binoculars and field guides to identify our local backyard birds, sing a few bird songs, build a birdfeeder, and make a unique piece of feather art.

Note: preregistration with Hempfield Township is required, with a fee of $15.00 per student. Registration opens on May 1^st for Hempfield Township Residents and May 8^th for non-residents.  Deadline is 7 days prior to each date.

Come to Hempfield Township Park for the second in a series of family-friendly nature workshops designed for children from 5 to 12 years old along with an accompanying adult.

In this session, we’ll explore the wonderful world of bugs! Think like an entomologist and learn to identify insects, arachnids, and bugs. We’ll go on an Insect Safari and check out our discoveries using digital microscopes and field guides. We’ll finish up by making some amazing insect art to take home.

Note: preregistration with Hempfield Township is required, with a fee of $15.00 per student. Registration opens on May 1^st for Hempfield Township Residents and May 8^th for non-residents.  Deadline is 7 days prior to each date.

Join WLT’s AmeriCorps Service Member Sarah Poklembo for a morning walk through St. Xavier Nature Preserve in Latrobe.  The grove still contains many historic trees that were planted for the former St. Xavier Academy, while other historic trees can be viewed along the path to St. Xavier Cemetery. This guided walk will be slow-paced, but will involve some gentle slopes and uneven walkways. Please wear good walking shoes and sunscreen.

Come to Hempfield Township Park for the third in a series of family-friendly nature workshops designed for children from 5 to 12 years old along with an accompanying adult.

Look up at the sky? Can you identify the different kinds of clouds, and do you know what they can tell us about forecasting the weather? Make a mini cloud in a jar, experiment with giant bubbles, make bubble art, and compete in a Water Cycle Relay Race – but watch out, this might get wet!

Note: preregistration with Hempfield Township is required, with a fee of $15.00 per student. Registration opens on May 1^st for Hempfield Township Residents and May 8^th for non-residents.  Deadline is 7 days prior to each date.

Come to Hempfield Township Park for the fourth in a series of family-friendly nature workshops designed for children from 5 to 12 years old along with an accompanying adult. Each session will explore the Westmoreland Land Trust’s Nature Backpacks, which are available for you to checkout at the HTAC desk.

Botany is the scientific study of plants. Visit the discovery table and go on a plant scavenger hunt. Use digital microscopes to explore inside a seed and examine the parts of a flower up-close. Experiment with a seed dispersion helicopter and make-and-take home your own handmade seeded bookmark.

Note: preregistration with Hempfield Township is required, with a fee of $15.00 per student. Registration opens on May 1^st for Hempfield Township Residents and May 8^th for non-residents.  Deadline is 7 days prior to each date.

Join us for the finale of the Westmoreland Nature Explorers program, designed for children from 5 to 12 years old along with an accompanying adult.

We’ll celebrate the end of summer with a nighttime adventure at the Westmoreland Land Trust’s new Carl Schwarz Nature and Art Park! Take a nighttime hike, learn about bats, and examine owl pellets. We’ll sing songs around the campfire and present Westmoreland Nature Explorers certificates and awards.

Note: preregistration with Hempfield Township is required, with a fee of $15.00 per student. Registration opens on May 1^st for Hempfield Township Residents and May 8^th for non-residents.  Deadline is 7 days prior to each date.