From the Mt. Etna trailhead parking lot, the group will walk South along the Lower Trail for 1-2 miles out and back.
Sunday, May 18, 2025 (8:00am -10:00am)
Plummer's Hollow
Trip Leader: To be announced
Join us on for a 2-hour excursion at Plummer's Hollow Private Nature Preserve slightly east of Tyrone. The location is a nearly 700 acre forested hollow owned by naturalist and author Marcia Bonta and her family. It is home to a biodiverse forest and open field habitat that has an eBird species count of 229 species. In the spring the hollow is alive with many spring ephemerals such as foam flower, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, wild geranium, lady slipper orchids, and many others. Birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians all are frequently found by visitors of the hollow. The walk will be along Plummers Hollow Rd which parallels Plummers Hollow Run. The road is gravel and well maintained for easy walking. There is a gentle climb as you proceed up the hollow. From the parking area to the forks (upper extent of the public trail) is about 1 mile. There are a few places to stop and rest along the way. The time of the walk is subject to each walker as there are many sites to take in along the way. What to bring: your naturalist eye, binoculars, camera, water bottle, nature journals, and walking sticks if needed. There is cell service for most providers throughout the walk area. I recommend a restroom stop just prior to arriving as the only facilities are at the top of the hollow.
Park at the I-99 Park n Ride or the lot on Rt. 453. Both are located approximately .5 miles from the entrance to Plummers Hollow. Rd off of Rt. 453. Carpool to the entrance where there is a small parking area for only 6-7 cars.
Sunday, June 15, 2025 (8 am - 9:30 am)
Penns Prairie at Tri-County Municipal Park, Centre Hall, PA
Trip Leaders: Jon Kaufman and Andrew Bechdel
Details and directions are coming!
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 (8:15 pm – 9:15pm or until the last swift disappears)
Sweets and Swifts at Ferguson Township Elementary School, Pine Grove Mills
Rain Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Come enjoy an amazing evening flight of Chimney Swifts as they circle above Ferguson Township Elementary before they dive one by one into the chimney to roost for the night. The town of Pine Grove Mills and the nearby elementary school can observe dozens of circling swifts during the day. During dusk, one may gain a better understanding how many swifts are actually utilizing the school's chimney during this unique time where swifts finally come to rest. Historical counts range from 97 to 197 individuals!
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a favorite baked or non-baked sweet dish to share with others while enjoying the evening sunset. Who will bring the best-looking and tasting Chimney Swift themed cookie?
