RALLY 2008
The National Land Conservation Conference
Rally provides the opportunity for members of land trust organizations to come together and share ideas through seminars and workshops. It offers an in-depth program of conservation education and training. Robert Burger, Kate Blackmore and I led a field trip for The Westmoreland Conservancy on Thursday, September 18th, taking in Rockland Furnace, Freedom Falls, Volant Mills and McConnell’s Mill. The trip introduced participants to 18th Century Industry in Western PA. The Iron Furnaces and Mills pre-date the steel industry that Pittsburgh was so famous for in the 19th Century. Our group members came from Florida, Minnesota, Maryland, Colorado, Connecticut, California and Eastern PA.
Robert and I were able to attend Rally on behalf of the Westmoreland Conservancy. We attended workshops on Saturday and Sunday, and I was able to participate in the first Board Member Summit on Friday. The Summit allowed the attendees, all board members from land trusts all over the country, to discuss and find solutions to various issues. The information gathered and brought back to the Westmoreland Conservancy should keep us busy for quite some time!
Shelly Tichy
A memorable day began at zero-dark-thirty as 23 of us, caffeine in hand, boarded a tour bus and headed North to the historic Rockland Iron Furnace (circa 1859). We found it nestled among mature hemlocks next to a peaceful waterfall. The day was cool and sunny, creating an atmosphere that filled the senses. Roberts' extensive knowledge of the era and area completed the experience.
From there we hiked down to the old Railroad Tunnel ( 1915). Two flashlights guided the group the half mile of darkness and back again to find the bus and healthy appetites awaiting us.
Due to the recent visit from Hurricane Ike the region was still experiencing some power outages which unfortunately included the restaurant we had reserved for lunch. However, an affiliate slightly farther away accommodated us nicely, and the food was superb.
Volant was on the schedule for the Amish experience, and the shopping, of course. The Grist Mill is presently under renovation and the water wheel adorns the front lawn of the building while the race is rebuilt. The shops are plentiful and full of wonderful crafts, antiques and reproductions.
We were all reluctant to leave Volant, but McConnell's Mill beckoned. Parked at the top, we walked down the lane thru the massive rock outcroppings. Robert, a geologist, is a font of information, and I think we all came away with a greater understanding of how the area came to be. We lingered as long as we could by the millstream, thru the covered bridge, and in the woods.
I believe that our guests had a taste of some of the best that Western Pennsylvania has to offer, and will hopefully take home with them that sense of home that we all feel when we explore this great state.
Kate Blackmore
was held at the Public Works Complex on Sardis Rd. Tammy Frech from The Wildlife Center in Verona presented the Awesome Owls program at 3pm. She showed attendees an Eastern Screech, a Barred and a Great Horned Owl. For more program information, write to Tammy at: education@animalrescue.org
Rally Field Trip
A memorable day began at zero-dark-thirty as 23 of us, caffeine in hand, boarded a tour bus and headed North to the historic Rockland Iron Furnace (circa 1859). We found it nestled among mature hemlocks next to a peaceful waterfall. The day was cool and sunny, creating an atmosphere that filled the senses. Roberts' extensive knowledge of the era and area completed the experience.
From there we hiked down to the old Railroad Tunnel ( 1915). Two flashlights guided the group the half mile of darkness and back again to find the bus and healthy appetites awaiting us.Due to the recent visit from Hurricane Ike the region was still experiencing some power outages which unfortunately included the restaurant we had reserved for lunch. However, an affiliate slightly farther away accommodated us nicely, and the food was superb.
Volant was on the schedule for the Amish experience, and the shopping, of course. The Grist Mill is presently under renovation and the water wheel adorns the front lawn of the building while the race is rebuilt. The shops are plentiful and full of wonderful crafts, antiques and reproductions.
We were all reluctant to leave Volant, but McConnell's Mill beckoned. Parked at the top, we walked down the lane thru the massive rock outcroppings. Robert, a geologist, is a font of information, and I think we all came away with a greater understanding of how the area came to be. We lingered as long as we could by the millstream, thru the covered bridge, and in the woods.
I believe that our guests had a taste of some of the best that Western Pennsylvania has to offer, and will hopefully take home with them that sense of home that we all feel when we explore this great state.
Kate Blackmore
Saturday, August 23rd: Murrysville
Community Day
Community Daywas held at the Public Works Complex on Sardis Rd. Tammy Frech from The Wildlife Center in Verona presented the Awesome Owls program at 3pm. She showed attendees an Eastern Screech, a Barred and a Great Horned Owl. For more program information, write to Tammy at: education@animalrescue.org
