< PreviousLAUREL HIGHLANDS’ STATE PARKSOFFER YEAR-ROUND RECREATIONYou likely already visited, explored and recreated at some of the most popular state parks in the Laurel Highlands, including Ohiopyle, Laurel Hill and Laurel Ridge. But, did you know there are eight state parks totaling more than 40,700 acres located in the four-county Laurel Highlands region? These state parks in Westmoreland, Fayette, Cambria and Somerset counties connect a seemingly endless landscape of rivers, streams, ridges and forestland.There also are more than 83,000 acres of forestland in the Laurel Highlands that provide a myriad of ecological and recreational benefits. Gallitzin State Forest comprises lands in Somerset, Bedford, Cambria and Indiana counties, and Forbes State Forest, which protects 59,000 acres in Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland counties, make up the public state forestland in the area. Hunting, hiking and many other year-round recreational opportunities exist within these forests.Lured by serenity and seclusion, Rick Etling of Mt. Pleasant Township in Westmoreland County says the 70.5-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is one of his favorite places to go in the Laurel Highlands. The trail is located within Laurel Ridge State Park, which was established by the Conservancy during the 1960s with the primary purpose of creating the trail. Today, the SIZE: 250 acres TRAIL MILES: 1.5LOCATION: Somerset County ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping, skiing and wildlife watchingWHAT TO SEE AND EXPLORE: The Mighty Oak Picnic Pavilion is a small stone structure available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.SIZE: 1,200 acres TRAIL MILES: 8LOCATION: Westmoreland County ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Hiking, wildlife watching, camping, fishing, hunting and skiingWHAT TO SEE AND EXPLORE: The trails offer excellent views of waterfowl, wetlands and upland forest of mixed conifers and mature hardwoods.SIZE: 493 acresLOCATION: Somerset County ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Downhill skiing and snowboarding WHAT TO SEE AND EXPLORE: A newly renovated ski lodge provides a cozy place to eat, drink and enjoy the mountain views.SIZE: 4,062 acres TRAIL MILES: 15LOCATION: Somerset County ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, tobogganing and wildlife watchingWHAT TO SEE AND EXPLORE: The Jones Mill Run Dam and the Hemlock Trail Natural Area are two must-see destinations at this park.Located adjacent to Forbes State Forest at the eastern foothills of Laurel Mountain Summit is Kooser State Park. At an altitude of 2,600 feet, this park’s elevation and heavy snowfall create prime conditions for cross-country skiing on 1.5 miles of trail. This forested park also hosts a trout stream that flows through the entire length of the park and offers areas well suited for family outings and small groups. The park was established in the 1930s. This park, ideal for day trips and year-round family vacations, has camping facilities available within walking distance to 8 miles of trails and a 78-acre lake. Fishing, boating and swimming are popular activities, and during winter months, ice fishing, ice skating, sledding and cross-country skiing trend when conditions permit.High atop Laurel Ridge at close to 3,000 feet in elevation, this park features downhill skiing for all experience levels and beautiful views of the rolling countryside of the Ligonier Valley. Opened to the public after World War II, Laurel Mountain is a true skier’s mountain, boasting the highest vertical drop on the Laurel Ridge at 761 feet, and one of the steepest slopes in Pennsylvania, known as Lower Wildcat.This park is a gateway to thousands of acres of pristine state park and forest lands and features the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake. The mountainous terrain offers great hiking on the network of trails. The rich flora and fauna of the park make it a great place to observe wildlife year-round. Laurel Hill Creek and Jones Mill Run are excellent trout streams ideal for anglers.KOOSERKEYSTONELAUREL MOUNTAINLAUREL HILLThe Casselman River Watershed Association and partners celebrate the opening of a new canoe and kayak launch at Laurel Hill State Park funded through WPC’s Canoe Access Development Fund. 1011trail connects more than 100,000 acres of public lands.“For me, there is something so deeply cathartic about this trail as it just simply invites you in and quickly provides a sense of solitude with nature,” said Rick. “After a few climbs and descents you are enveloped within the hardwood forests of the Laurel Ridge and you can’t help but to think about the magnitude and beauty of this area.”For winter outdoor enthusiasts, not only do the Laurel Highlands’ lodges and resorts provide great recreation opportunities, the state parks and forests provide a vast array of choices to consider, too.Rick says that he wishes more people took advantage of one of the best natural areas in the country that is located so close to Pittsburgh and other cities and towns in the region.“The Laurel Highlands really does offer some of the best hiking I’ve ever experienced,” said Rick, who thru-hiked the LHHT twice and frequently does daylong trips on the trail. “Everyone in this region should go to any park or forest in the Laurel Highlands. You can’t go wrong either way.”Pennsylvania state parks are open every day of the year and free to the public. More information on the locations listed below can be found on the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website at dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks.Do you have a favorite spot within the Laurel Highlands or plan to do one of the suggested hikes? If so, let us know at info@paconserve.org. SIZE: 6 acres TRAIL MILES: 1.5LOCATION: Westmoreland County ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Picnicking and wildlife watchingWHAT TO SEE AND EXPLORE: The park provides a trailhead for areas in Forbes State Forest, including the Spruce Flats Wildlife Area.SIZE: 13,625 acres TRAIL MILES: 70.5LOCATION: Cambria, Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland countiesACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Hiking, backpacking, wildlife watching, snowmobiling and cross-country skiingWHAT TO SEE AND EXPLORE: One of the most exciting reasons to visit this park is for its natural scenery throughout the seasons, from wildflowers to fall foliage.SIZE: 20,500 acres TRAIL MILES: 79LOCATION: Westmoreland County ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, skiing, sledding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling and wildlife watchingWHAT TO SEE AND EXPLORE: Explore rare plants and fossils on Ferncliff Peninsula, which is a National Natural Landmark and was first protected by the Conservancy in the 1950s to establish the park.SIZE: 612 acres TRAIL MILES: 6.2LOCATION: Westmoreland County ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting snowmobiling and wildlife watchingWHAT TO SEE AND EXPLORE: A lovely waterfall, Adam Falls, is a scenic spot nearby the picnic area.One of the smaller state parks in the Laurel Highlands is Laurel Summit State Park at only 6 acres. The area is 2,739 feet above sea level and provides trailhead parking for Spruce Flats Bog and Wolf Rocks Trail. The park also provides parking and is a trailhead for equestrian trails and hunting in Forbes State Forest.The 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from Ohiopyle to near Johnstown is the major attraction and popular feature of Laurel Ridge State Park. Trail hikers and runners enjoy this trail due to the diverse terrain and unmatched beauty it provides. Visitors run portions of the trail for a workout, or run the whole trail in one day.This park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty. The rushing waters of the Youghiogheny River are the centerpiece of this park. Visitors can experience cascading waterfalls and some of the best whitewater boating in the Eastern United States. The first segment of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail, which was initially protected by the Conservancy in the late 1970s, passes through the park along the river.This park hosts Grove and Rock runs that flow into Linn Run, an excellent trout stream. The varied topography and mixed hardwood and evergreen forest make the 612-acre Linn Run State Park a scenic place for picnicking, hiking and cabin rentals.LAUREL SUMMITLAUREL RIDGEOHIOPYLELINN RUNThe Pressley Ridge Trail is one of many trails, totaling 79 miles, at Ohiopyle State Park.11PARTNERS WORK TO IMPROVE WILD TROUT POPULATIONS INOur work to conserve the region’s most exceptional places doesn’t stop after protecting land or restoring a stream. As is often the case, we continue to work with landowners and various partners to assess and prioritize conservation needs and take actions to help restore land and waterways we protect. One example of this is on a 30-acre property in Somerset County that is now part of Laurel Ridge State Park.Through a partnership with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, American Rivers and PA Department of Environmental Protection, the Conservancy plans to provide technical assistance in an effort to remove a trout hatchery and restore the natural water flows within Shaffer Run.Shaffer Run is a high quality stream with native brook trout and a major tributary to Laurel Hill Creek, a significant ecological and recreational asset for the Laurel Highlands region.Trout hatcheries, or trout raceways, are cement stream channels with several caged grids used for artificial trout breeding. Trout raceways are intended to grow fish populations for recreational purposes.On Shaffer Run, project partners agree that returning the waterway to a natural flowing stream – by removing the raceway infrastructure and the dam, and planting trees and shrubs – will create the cooler waters needed to support native brook trout and natural reproduction in the stream. In addition to the ecological benefits, the effort will also provide additional fishing opportunities at the popular Laurel Ridge State Park.“Shaffer Run is ideal for this stream restoration project that will reconnect mountain springs to the natural stream channel,” says Jenifer Christman, vice president of the Conservancy’s watershed conservation program. “This project is still in the early stages of planning and development, but all of the partners are hopeful that we’ll have long-term success on this effort.”Let us know if you want more information about the progress of this project by contacting our watershed conservation program at 724-471-7202 or water@paconserve.org. LAUREL RIDGESTATE PARKLaurel Ridge State ParkFunds are being raised to remove this man-made trout hatchery to improve the natural stream channel and wild trout movement in Shaffer Run. CONSERVE1213COUNTLESS ACRES OFPENNSYLVANIA’SLUSH FORESTLANDEXPLOREPennsylvania’s forests are special places. Just ask McKean County resident John Dzemyan.“I’m an avid hunter and angler, so I appreciate how close I live to Elk State Forest. Just to see the amount of wildlife from deer, bear and elk, and stands of eastern hemlocks, oaks and birch is really something special,” said John, who is a retired land manager with the PA Game Commission and a Conservancy member since 1985.“I was so excited when the Conservancy protected thousands of acres for this forest a few years ago. Many locals hoped one day these woods would be protected forever, so we’re all just very appreciative,” he added, referring to the Conservancy’s historic protection of 17,000 acres in 2015 in Norwich and Sergeant townships that became the largest land addition to the state forest system in 65 years.Pennsylvania is home to 2.2 million acres of state forests located within 49 of the state’s 67 counties. This makes up 13 percent of the state’s forested land and spans across high, sharp ridges to lowland valleys and features miles of pristine streams and numerous groves of old-growth hemlocks, pines and hardwoods.Not only are state forests year-round recreational hubs, they provide unique habitat for many species, including 47 known endangered and 25 threatened plant species.There are approximately 82 Pennsylvania state forest and park sites designated as DCNR Natural Areas comprising more than 90,700 acres, most of which are old-growth forests. Because Natural Areas have the highest levels of protections and prohibit trees from being cut, these entire areas will eventually mature to old-growth habitats. This will afford generations of visitors to experience and benefit from massive trees that are hundreds of years old.In other parts of the state forests, large working forests contribute economically to Pennsylvania, ranking number one in the nation in hardwood production. The timber and forest products industry is among the largest manufacturing sectors in the state.The state’s forest system is nationally recognized and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council due to the state’s active forest management and sustainable forestry practices. These practices benefit forests in a variety of ways, including improving habitat and species diversity, enhancing forests’ ability to regenerate, reducing invasive species, reintroducing native species and protecting against forest pests. Forests, due to the large concentration of trees and other vegetation, are environmental workhorses, emitting life-sustaining oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.The state forest system has grown significantly since its start 125 years ago. In 1886, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association was formed. By 1893, the state forest system was established with the purchase of 7,500 acres in Clinton County. Today, the county hosts thousands of acres of state forestland and is one of the northern counties that are part of the state’s recreation destination known as the Pennsylvania Wilds. Throughout the system, hunting, fishing and more than 4,000 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking and exploring are among the available recreation options.Over time, the Conservancy has protected and conveyed more than 98,000 acres to the state forest system, including contributing 10,000 acres to Sproul State Forest, the state’s largest forest, located in western Clinton and northern Centre counties. In addition to Sproul, Buchanan, Elk, Forbes, GallitzIn, Micheaux, Moshannon, Susquehannock, Tioga and Tuscarora state forests all have benefited from the Conservancy’s legacy of land-protection work. “I was so excited when the Conservancy protected thousands of acres for this forest a few years ago. Many locals hoped one day these woods would be protected forever, so we’re all just very appreciative.”- JOHN DZEMYAN, WPC MEMBERForbes State Forest spans Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties.John Dzemyan at Elk State Forest 13Only a few miles from Fallingwater is the town of Ohiopyle, east of Uniontown, Pa. The small Fayette County town, along the Youghiogheny River, was settled in the 1700s and soon became known for its lumbering industries and, later, as a recreational area. By the 1880s, railway stops in Ohiopyle, Mill Run and at a seasonal stop for the Kaufmann Summer Camp near Bear Run brought visitors from Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Ohio to enjoy the area’s natural resources and hiking trails.By 1951, these industries had faded and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s land protection work was becoming well-established. WPC identified approximately 100 acres of land to protect in Ohiopyle, which was the starting point of what is known today as Ohiopyle State Park.Fourteen years after Fallingwater’s construction was completed, Kaufmann continued to work toward keeping natural areas of the region protected. He agreed to provide $37,500 for the purchase of Ferncliff Peninsula through the Edgar J. Kaufmann Charitable Trust. According to 50 Years of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, “Kaufmann expressed the hope that an effort would be made to raise part of the sum needed in the general vicinity of Ohiopyle.”“Kaufmann was steadfast that local residents would be more enthusiastic about Ferncliff and the idea of a future park if they had more part in planning the improvements.”With that in mind, the Conservancy purchased the 100 acres of land, four buildings and the historic Ohiopyle House. Due to its unique geology of rocks and high velocity flow of the Youghiogheny River, Ferncliff Peninsula has long been known to host many rare plant species. The river twists and winds north through the landscape, carving out the mountain gorges that create the picturesque views found from this small peninsula. As the river flows, it carries seeds from Maryland and West Virginia, depositing them in the rare habitats found in Ferncliff Peninsula. Ferncliff Peninsula is made of the very same stone – Pottsville sandstone – that was quarried and used to create Fallingwater, located just a few miles from the natural area.KAUFMANN FAMILY HELPS TURNINTO NATIONAL NATURAL LANDMARKFERNCLIFF PENINSULA In the 1930s, Kauffman’s Department Store owner Edgar J. Kaufmann set the stage for the construction of one of the most iconic pieces of architecture to date: Fallingwater. Designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater was known worldwide by 1937 as the “house over the waterfall,” putting rural southwestern Pennsylvania on the map.CONSERVE1415Unfortunately, Edgar Kaufmann died before seeing the first signs installed at Ohiopyle for the new park. But the Conservancy’s hard work has continued, and an additional 11,800 acres has since been acquired for the state park.A 1964 article in the Catholic Accent, a local paper in Greensburg, Pa., announced the establishment of the park.“On May 2, 1963, the Conservancy transferred 2,800 acres – including Keister Park – to the State Department of Forests and Waters, to form the nucleus of the new state park. This includes the smaller Cucumber Falls, below Ohiopyle, and is made up of some of the most beautiful scenic areas in the entire mountain region. Fallingwater alone will provide a tremendous impetus for tourists and groups of interested professional people from all sections of the country.”It wasn’t until 20 years after WPC acquired its initial parcel at Ferncliff Peninsula, in 1971, that Ohiopyle was officially dedicated as a state park. The peninsula was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1973, and in 1992 it was declared a State Park Natural Area.Without Kaufmann’s deep appreciation of the landscape surrounding Fallingwater, as well as the Laurel Highlands, WPC may not have secured enough funding to protect the initial core of one of the most popular Pennsylvania state parks.Visitor TipsFerncliff Peninsula offers 2.8 miles of easy and accessible hiking. Four trails connect in a loop to offer shorter or longer adventures. Ferncliff Trail – 1.7 milesThe longest of the four trails, Ferncliff Trail connects to Buffalo Nut Trail, Fernwood Trail and Oakwoods Trail, and circles the entire peninsula. The trailhead is located near the Ferncliff Parking Lot and follows a scenic path of rhododendrons to a cliff’s edge where you can see the entire waterfall. The Youghiogheny River carves through the mountains to create a picturesque scene at Ferncliff Peninsula. Photo by Greg Funka.An aerial view of Ferncliff Peninsula. 15FOR YOUR NEXT STATE PARK OR FOREST ADVENTUREWhether you prefer hiking trails or water trails, Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests offer countless opportunities for both. With 1,470 miles of hiking trails in our state parks and more than 4,000 miles of non-motorized hiking trails in state forests, you could spend weeks exploring our state. Not to mention 180 boat ramps and 50 fishing piers for you to enjoy local creeks and streams.The PA Fish and Boat Commission also offers a variety of water trails for you to paddle. Water trails are boat routes suitable for canoes, kayaks and small motorized watercraft, many of which pass through or have access points in state parks and forests. Like hiking trails, water trails are recreational corridors between specific locations. Before you depart, be sure to check weather conditions, precipitation, U.S. Geological Survey water gauges and local outfitters to plan accordingly.People of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation. The following are recommended trails – hiking and water – for your next outdoor adventure. HIKING TRAILSCook Forest State ParkClarion, Forest and Jefferson countiesSweet Root Gap Natural Area - Buchanan State Forest Bedford, Franklin and Fulton countiesTRAIL LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: 6.7 miles | Trail sections range from easy to difficult.WHAT TO EXPECT: WPC protected more than 1,694 acres of Cook Forest State Park from 1980 to 1991. Today, the park features more than 47 miles of hiking trails. Forest Cathedral is a registered National Natural Landmark that’s known for its old-growth forest with towering white pines and hemlocks. Eight trails join and bisect to create 6.7 miles of trails that can be selected based on your hiking needs. Depending on the trail loops you select, expect a one to three-hour hike with mostly gentle grade and some sections of steep trail.TRAIL LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: 1.9 miles each way | EasyWHAT TO EXPECT: Explore a virtually untouched stand of forest at the 1,526-acre Sweet Root Gap Natural Area. In addition to its preserved, old-growth forest, the natural area is also home to an Amphibian and Reptile Protection Zone. Hikers can access the Tarkiln Trail from Sweet Root Picnic Area off Sweet Root Road. The trail climbs through Sweet Root Gap toward the top of Martin Hill. WPC has added more than 2,198 acres of land to the 71,683-acre state forest since 2007, with our most recent acquisition in 2017.FOREST CATHEDRAL TRAILSTARKILN TRAILOil Creek State Park Venango CountyQuebec Run Wild Area - Forbes State Forest Fayette CountyTRAIL LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: 36 miles | ModerateWHAT TO EXPECT: Oil Creek State Park has 52 miles of hiking trails, not to mention Adirondack-style camping shelters and 20 miles of cross-country ski trails, making it the perfect getaway for backpackers. The Gerard Trail is the park’s longest loop trail at 36 miles with connections to four other trails. If you prefer a day hike, this trail can easily be hiked in shorter portions. From 1969 to 1993, WPC protected more than 900 acres that eventually became the state park.TRAIL LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: 4.2 miles connecting to other trails to create loops | ModerateWHAT TO EXPECT: The Quebec Run Wild Area is nestled within the vast 59,000-acre Forbes State Forest. The wild area offers more than 21 miles of hiking trails that can be connected in variations to create trail loops. We recommend beginning at the Hess Trail, which can be accessed from a parking lot on Quebec Run Road. WPC has a long history of land conservation in Forbes State Forest, transferring more than 20,000 acres to the Bureau of Forestry since 1974. These conservation protections include the 7,441-acre wild area and nearly the entire Quebec Run watershed that runs through it.GERARD TRAILHESS TRAILTRAIL RECOMMENDATIONSQuebec Run Wild Area.Photo by Shahid Durrani.16UPPER SHENANGO RIVERCLARION RIVERCASSELMAN RIVER17WATER TRAILSAccess point begins in Pymatuning State ParkCrawford and Mercer countiesTRAIL LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: 23 miles from headwaters to mouth Class I river suitable for paddlers of all abilitiesWHAT TO EXPECT: For those seeking a gentle paddle, the Shenango River Water Trail offers the ideal experience. Begin your journey just below the dam in Pymatuning State Park. You’ll soon pass through Jamestown and can float 10 miles to Greenville. For those wanting to complete the entire journey, the water trail ends at a take-out in Big Bend. There also are several access points along Shenango River Lake for a nice flat-water experience.Suggested access point begins in Garrett, Pa.Somerset CountyTRAIL LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: 65 miles from headwaters to mouth | Class I-III riverWHAT TO EXPECT: The Casselman River lies in the heart of the Laurel Highlands near the Great Allegheny Passage. We recommend taking an 8-mile trip from Garrett to Rockwood, Pa., where you’ll experience improved access sites through WPC’s Canoe Access Development Fund. The first half of the trip has almost continuous rapids of Class I and easy Class II paddling. After approximately 3 miles, the gradient tapers and flowing water carries you into Rockwood, Pa.Access points in Bendigo, Clear Creek, Cook Forest and Elk state parksClarion, Forest and Jefferson countiesTRAIL LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY: 115 miles from headwaters to mouth Class I river suitable for paddlers of all abilitiesWHAT TO EXPECT: The Clarion River Water Trail is separated into three sections: the Upper Section (39 miles), Middle Section (39 miles) and Lower Section (37 miles), each offering a unique experience. Beginning at river mile 115E on the upper section, paddlers can explore East Branch Lake from Elk State Park. Or, hop into the East Branch Clarion River below the dam at river mile 110E and paddle to the take-out at mile 109 in Bendigo State Park, where you can experience great trout fishing. The middle section of the Clarion travels through much of Cook Forest State Park and the Allegheny National Forest beginning at mile 92.5. Nearly 52 miles of the Clarion River are designated as wild and scenic under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.The Casselman RiverCanoeing on the Clarion River.17The Kunzes raised their two children on this land where they built a home adjacent to McConnells Mill State Park and near Hells Run, a tributary to Slippery Rock Creek.“It was always important to Denny and me to live in an area surrounded by trees and nature,” said Kathy. “We felt really lucky that we found it. It meant we could take a walk from our house and go directly into the park.”Over the next three decades, Kathy and Denny found themselves immersed in the woods, hiking and cross country skiing in the winter. But, they didn’t limit their explorations to their property. Their outdoor excursions also included frequent trips to Presque Isle State Park, Moraine State Park, Allegheny National Forest and, of course, McConnells Mill, for hunting, camping, fishing and biking.Kathy reflects on the importance of having connections with nature: “When you’re in nature, you can walk the same path that you’ve walked dozens of times and still discover something new. I discovered a fragrant spicebush during a walk with my daughter recently and now I’m noticing it everywhere! Nature is never boring.”In 2012, Kathy and her family protected the property through a conservation easement they donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. A conservation easement is a legal agreement that permanently protects the conservation value of a property, all while enabling the land to remain privately owned by the Kunzes and any other future landowners.Conserving the Kunz property builds upon one of WPC’s most significant conservation projects that resulted in the creation of McConnells Mill, now a National Natural Landmark. Kathy’s foresight protects her land permanently and enables the Conservancy to ensure that what’s special about the property is there in perpetuity. Building a home nestled in acres of lush forests along a babbling creek sounds like the perfect sanctuary for many. That’s exactly what Kathy Kunz and her late husband Dennis created on a 40-acre property in Lawrence County in 1982.LIFELONG DEDICATION TO CONSERVATIONA FAMILY’S CLOSE CONNECTION TO NATURE BLOSSOMS INTOKathy and Denny Kunz.Kathy’s Kunz’s property in Lawrence County. Photos provided by Kathy Kunz.CONSERVE1819Close and Personal: State Park TreasuresOn the whole, botanists are a fairly creditable group. And in particular, information from one of the best in Pennsylvania, John R. Kunsman, is particularly detailed and dependable – even when it is not about plants. These are my thoughts as I methodically stroll across the open dry rocky slope interspersed with clusters of Virginia pines, stopping occasionally to lift a rock or roll a log.Today is not my first traversing through this shale woodland; in fact, it is my fourth. My quest is not a rare botanical find, but a scaly one, for John has shared with me that nearly every time he botanizes this ground he encounters a hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos). The hognose is an uncommon localized species. I have not had the chance to admire one of these beauties for years, so I am on the hunt.I have a natural attraction to the bottomland shale country of Southcentral Pennsylvania, where I find the lower slopes and rolling low hills between the unyielding stoic ridges particularly alluring. There is something about the soil here. For the naturalist and conservationist, the occasional parched hot valley sides known as Appalachian shale barrens are of particular interest, for there are endemic species adapted to this challenging habitat, which are found nowhere else. Much of the flora and fauna of the shaly lowlands cannot survive on the high, more acidic, sandstone ridges above, even though many of those high-elevation habitats are on protected state lands. The hognose is one of those lowlanders.Not much of this landscape remains in its natural state, but nature is working to recover some of the historic farmlands where the original essence of this landscape has been retained and the land is now under protection. Among these protected public lands is this place: Shawnee State Park in western Bedford County. Specialized habitats, derived from rocks from the Devonian geologic period and ranging from limestones to crumbling shales, make this a very special location. Like the many special habitats in other state parks, these are irreplaceable homes for a wide variety of plants and animals.After an hour or so of slowly walking head-down to carefully scan the ground for any signs of my quarry, I figure that I have put in a good effort for this trip and I head back towards my starting point. I pause and look straight up while massaging my sore neck. When I look down again a dark arrow-like visage jerks within the grasses right in front of me! I catch the outline of a black racer among the low vegetation. While it’s not the snake I’m searching for, it’s a handsome one nonetheless. Just about the time that I puzzle about its odd striking behavior, I glance to the right and a short distance away is one of the most gorgeous hognose snakes I have ever seen. Its body is adorned with subdued hues of pink and cinnamon, and blotches of orange-tan and rich brown. Coming upon this spot, I apparently interrupted the racer from making a meal of it.As the racer streaks off, I reach down to carefully secure the hognose, one of the most timid reptiles in the region. I figure that my reward for apparently saving its life should be some time for admiration and to take some photographs. Taking a deep breath and scanning the landscape, I once more admire this unique setting and I am grateful that it is in safe-keeping as part of the public lands that reserves so much of our natural heritage. Charles Bier is the senior director of conservation science for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.Hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos)BOARD OF DIRECTORS Susan Fitzsimmons CHAIR Stephen G. Robinson VICE CHAIRDaniel S. Nydick TREASURERDebra H. Dermody SECRETARY David E. BarensfeldFranklin Blackstone, Jr.*Barbara BottE. Michael BoyleWilliam ConradGeoffrey P. Dunn, M.D.Beverlynn ElliottJames C. Finley, Ph. D.Dan B. FrankelDennis FredericksFelix G. FukuiCaryle R. Glosser, Ph.D.Stephen Guinn, Ph.D.Carolyn Hendricks, M.D.H. Lewis LobdellRobert T. McDowellPaul J. MooneyCarolyn Rizza, Ph. D.Jean Robinson*Jennifer ShueySamuel H. SmithAlexander C. Speyer IIIK. William StoutTimothy R. ThyreenMegan TurnbullJoshua C. Whetzel III *Emeritus Directors Thomas D. Saunders PRESIDENT AND CEOThe Western Pennsylvania Conservancy protects and restores exceptional places to provide our region with clean waters and healthy forests, wildlife and natural areas for the benefit of present and future generations. The Conservancy creates green spaces and gardens, contributing to the vitality of our cities and towns, and preserves Fallingwater, a symbol of people living in harmony with nature.19Next >