SARETT
NATURE CENTER
SARETTNATURE CENTER
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Environmental Education Classes
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PENNSYLVANIA’S WILD WEST
October 13 – 17, 2010 This trip will feature the rugged western portion of the State of Pennsylvania. We will visit three main areas including the Laurel Highlands, Susquehanna State Forest, and the Allegheny National Forest. Scenic drives and walks will give us opportunity to experience nationally recognized state parks, and to see old growth forest, fast flowing rivers, covered bridges, picturesque farmland, elk herds and, of course, dramatic views of high hills and deep valleys in all their fall glory. Wednesday ……….. Please arrive at Sarett Nature Center by 6:45 am. Our destination for the day is the Summit Inn Resort located atop the very scenic Laurel Highlands south of Pittsburgh. Our vehicle caravan should arrive by mid afternoon. The resort is one of the few “great porch” hotels left in the country. We will enjoy its old style elegance while beholding the panoramic view of 5 counties from its mountain perch. The inn features turn of the century mission furniture, a grand staircase, and historic artifacts throughout. This resort is on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1907 well known folks such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and President Truman have found overnight comfort here. We will experience fine dining at the onsite restaurant. Thursday ………. We will travel a few miles down the road to see the famous Frank Lloyd Wright designed house known as Fallingwater. This unusual dwelling, located in a wooded area, was built over a waterfall in the 1930’s. It is a National Historic Landmark. A one hour guided tour will give us insight into one of the world’s most unusual homes. Lunch will be at the Fallingwater Café. There will also be a visit to nearby Ohiopyle State Park, considered by many as Pennsylvania’s most scenic. This park features many walking trails and scenic views of the Youghiogheny River Gorge. We will complete our day with a scenic drive up to Altoona and our overnight accommodation at the Holiday Inn Express hotel. Friday …….. Today we enter the region known as the Pennsylvania Wilds, located just north of Interstate 80. A drive along the Susquehanna River from Lock Haven to Emporium takes the visitor through heavily forested, mountainous country, home to bear and elk. The deep valley created by the river makes this one of the most scenic road tours in all of Pennsylvania. Along the way we will make short stops at Hyner View, Kettle Creek, and Sinnemahoning State Parks to stretch our legs, take some photos and explore forest trails. Our overnight stay will be at the Best Western of Saint Marys. Saturday …………Saint Marys is located in a region where elk are numerous and commonly seen. Since it is the rut season an attempt will be made this morning to find some bugling bull elk. If you have never experienced this you are in for a treat. We will then explore nearby Allegheny National Forest, a gigantic natural area in northern Pennsylvania. The highlight of today will be the 55 mile Longhouse National Scenic Drive along the Allegheny Reservoir near the town of Warren. The blue waters, high hills and leaf color here will make for a fabulous outing. An abundance of walking trails will allow opportunity to explore this wonderful area on foot. We will stroll through the Heart’s Content Scenic Area, home to 400 year old pines and hemlocks. This site is registered as a National Natural Landmark. Our stay tonight will be in Warren at the Holiday Inn. The inn has nice views of the hills of the Allegheny National Forest. Sunday …………After a leisurely breakfast we’ll drive the scenic route down through the National Forest to Interstate 80. There should be time for at least one short walk in the woods. Arrival back at the nature center will be no later than 6 pm. Lodging: The Summit Inn Resort is upscale accommodation providing all modern amenities along with its period décor. Excellent food is offered in the dining room serving dinner and breakfast. You might want to peruse their website at www.summitinnresort.com The Holiday Inn Express in Altoona features a hot breakfast bar and well appointed rooms. The Best Western of Saint Marys offers a deluxe continental breakfast. The Holiday Inn at Warren has a restaurant and an indoor pool and sauna. Trails: All trails that we will walk are gentle to moderate in nature, and hikes are of short duration. Group size: We are organizing for twenty people riding in three vans. Lunch Food: Restaurant lunch stops will be made at your expense. Trip Cost:$525.00/person based on double occupancy. This includes all transportation, four nights accommodation, the Frank Lloyd Wright house tour fee, National Forest fees, State Park fees, and the services of three nature center leaders. Trip Deposit: You must send $50.00 to reserve your spot. If paying by check please send to Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Final Payment: The remainder of your payment must be made by September 1, 2010.
SARETT HOURS: Nature Center Building Our trails are open dawn to dusk every day.
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