Sunday, October 7
1 to 4 p.m.
Lowville Fen Natural Area at the West Branch French Creek Conservation Area

Venango Township
Erie County, PA
A 2.5-hour drive north of Pittsburgh

Join us for an autumn afternoon at the West Branch French Creek Conservation Area. We’ll take a leisurely walk through the property, which contains beaver ponds, wooded swamps, a hemlock forested wetland, an alkaline fen and frontage along the West Branch of French Creek.

The Conservation Area is located within the upper French Creek watershed. French Creek has the highest level of aquatic biodiversity of any river of its size in Pennsylvania. Fourteen mussel species have been found within the watershed, including some that are listed as endangered.

The outing includes a visit to the Lowville Fen Natural Area. Fens are permanent wetlands, often with thick layers of peat moss, fed by calcium-rich groundwater. Fen ecosystems are rare in Pennsylvania, and limited to the glaciated northwestern region. WPC naturalists will point out a few of the many rare plant species that are endemic to fens.

Cost for this hike is $5 per person. Light snacks will be provided. Advance registration is required via phone at 412-586-2340, by completing and mailing the form below to WPC, 800 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or by registering online at WaterLandLife.org/261. Please reply by October 3.

Driving directions will be emailed upon registration.