9/19/09 Caywood Reserve Walk
The 
Caywood Reserve boasts three distinct paths combining for a hike of more than 2 miles. We were fortunate to have had a wide assortment of volunteers working on the trails. Over several weekends they flagged, trimmed out and blazed the paths in preparation for this first walk, scheduled for Saturday, September 19th.
Caywood Reserve boasts three distinct paths combining for a hike of more than 2 miles. We were fortunate to have had a wide assortment of volunteers working on the trails. Over several weekends they flagged, trimmed out and blazed the paths in preparation for this first walk, scheduled for Saturday, September 19th.It started as a crisp morning that warmed comfortably and was a perfect day to explore the new reserve. Twenty people came together at the trailhead ready to tackle the trails. The Garden Orb Weaver spiders along the brush line provided the first photo frenzy.
Sue Miller is a wonderful guide for our reserves, telling quirky nature stories and pointing out interesting facts. She is a member of the Westmoreland Conservancy as well as the Westmoreland Bird and Nature Club. Sue and Shelly Tichy lead this tour together, highlighting points of interest and local history along the way.
Sue talked about the resident flora, such as spicebush and white snakeroot, and together they pointed out an enormous old oak tree, described by Dick Byers as one of the oldest living things on the Westmoreland Conservancy reserves.
Sue talked about the resident flora, such as spicebush and white snakeroot, and together they pointed out an enormous old oak tree, described by Dick Byers as one of the oldest living things on the Westmoreland Conservancy reserves.The yellow trail is the trailhead, visible from Hills Church Road. There is no permanent driveway, sign or parking area in place yet. There are still negotiations and considerations to be resolved. The trail crosses Buelah Lane, a private drive that is not open for public access. Our ramp into the upper field is still under construction. The yellow trail meanders across a lovely field and through the woods, skirting neighbors' properties and following Jane Caywood's old driveway for a short distance before turning back into the woods around the homestead area. It ends at an old bench at the rear of the clearing overlooking a peaceful meadow.
The red trail loop enters the woods near the bench and leads around to where the property meets the Murrysville Community Park. It is at
this connection that the Green Corridor Trail will come through and follow the yellow trail back to Hills Church Road. This trail is possibly the most scenic of the three, with a wide assortment of photogenic fungi and massive trees.
this connection that the Green Corridor Trail will come through and follow the yellow trail back to Hills Church Road. This trail is possibly the most scenic of the three, with a wide assortment of photogenic fungi and massive trees.The blue trail goes back into the woods right next to where the red trail ends. It provides an easy, comfortable walk back to the yellow trail through cherry, oak, sassafras and red maple trees.
Cary Bohl had refreshments for everyone to enjoy upon returning to the parking area. The leisurely hike took about 2.5 hours, so it was quite welcome.
Our plan is to have a proper dedication of the Caywood Reserve in 2010. It is a beautiful property and a key link in the Green Corridor. We are very fortunate to have received this land. Please enjoy it!
