Walk With a Naturalist: Wingfield Pines

Experience the incredible transformation of Wingfield Pines, an 87-acre conservation area in Chartiers Valley. Once devastated by strip-mining, this scenic locale now leads in restoration efforts. In 2001, Allegheny Land Trust acquired Wingfield Pines with support from various funders, including the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This collaborative effort preserves and revitalizes this precious landscape. Previously plagued by Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD), a passive treatment system was implemented in 2009. Witness the water’s awe-inspiring metamorphosis from murky orange to crystal-clear streams flowing into Chartiers Creek, curbing 43 tons of iron oxide.

Join Dan Martt, a knowledgeable PA Master Naturalist and Bethel Park resident, on an educational 1-mile walk through the conservation area. Explore avian species, diverse plant life, soil composition, and the vital role of water in this remarkable ecosystem. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to deepen your appreciation for nature’s delicate balance and the impact of restoration efforts at Wingfield Pines Conservation Area.

Binoculars provided for participants to use.

Starting Location: Upper St. Clair Rec Center, parking area outside of the outdoor pool