JAMESTOWN – The Audubon Community Nature Center is getting ready for its Flora of the Allegany Wildlands program that kicks off next weekend.
In place of the annual Allegany Nature Pilgrimage, the virtual event starts Saturday, May 22 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Four additional virtual programs are scheduled for Saturday, June 5.
At the May 22 event, you can explore this unique landscape and learn to identify a dazzling array of native plants and trees on a walk with the Western New York Land Conservancy’s naturalist, Erik Danielsen.
The Allegany Wildlands is located within a portion of the Allegheny Plateau that was never covered by the glaciers during the last ice age, making it a unique landscape in New York State. Like Allegany State Park across the valley, the terrain is steep and the soils are ancient.
This walk will focus on the rich understory of Appalachian herbs, sedges, and ferns. Hunched old oaks, a rare grapefern, orchids, and azaleas can be found here. Well-formed American Chestnut sprouts stretching more than 50 feet tall carry on the legacy of their vanished forebears.
All proceeds from this event will be contributed to the Land Conservancy toward the Allegany Wildlands purchase.
This walk is medium difficulty level, mostly sloping uphill on the way in. Wear long pants, hiking shoes or boots and take precautions against ticks. The program will run in all but the most inclement weather. Meeting location will be sent to you upon registration.
The fee is $8 for adults, $6 for Nature Center members and children 3 to 15, and free for those two and under.
Enrollment is limited to 10 participants, and paid reservations are required by Thursday, May 20. Register by calling (716) 569-2345 during business hours or going to AudubonCNC.org and clicking through “Upcoming Programs.”
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