Saturday, May 31st: Rockland Furnace/Freedom Falls/McConnell’s Mills.
Westmoreland Conservancy will be participating in the Land Trust Alliance’s
(LTA) Rally 2008 in September. In preparation for this event we put together a trial run of our field excursion, titled: Western PA Falls and Furnaces: Powerhouse of Historic Industry. Western Pennsylvania has long been a center of American Industry even before the modern Steel Mills. Our trip focuses on this historic past, beginning at Rockland Furnace (1860s) & Freedom Falls along the Allegheny River Trail in Rockland, PA. While there we also get to explore the ½ mile long Rockland Tunnel, a 1915 railroad tunnel now part of the Rails-to-Trails system.After stopping for lunch we have a stop at Springfield Falls and the recently excavated Springfield Furnace before we head for Volant Mills. The 1812 Grain Mill in Amish Country has been converted to shops and has preserved machinery of the period on display for viewing.
Our final stop is McConnell’s Mills and a beautiful walk to Alpha Falls. The Grist Mill is situated above a lovely covered bridge and allows for great photo opportunities. This particular trip had a Great Blue Heron fishing (successfully!) for lunch. A nice conclusion to a great day!
Saturday, June 14th: Roaring Run/Apollo.
Sometimes Mother Nature changes our plans. Our group gathered on an overcast morning and headed out to Apollo and Roaring Run. After making the 1 ½ mile walk out to the foot bridge the skies opened up. This brought about a rather brisk hike back to the pavilion near the parking area.
As you walk along the trail there is evidence of beaver activity to be seen if you look for it. We even found some serious chewing on the picnic tables in the pavilion!
The steady rain brought our day to an early end, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
