Westmoreland Conservancy officials invite families to ‘Enchanted Forest’ in Murrysville
Share this post:
Despite the best efforts of Westmoreland Conservancy officials and volunteers, steady rain made Saturday’s “Autumn Enchanted Forest” event a bit less magical than previous years at the Morosini Nature Reserve in Murrysville.
But while families who might have attended will miss out on the delicious spice-bush cookies, made with berries harvested from right along the trail, the good news is that more than 50 fairy houses, hidden trolls, and the splendor of nature in autumn can be found anytime.
Conservancy President Shelly Tichy has found nooks and crannies for the tiny fairy houses to hide in. Some are colored brightly and stand out. Some blend in and nearly completely disappear into the mish-mash of grays, greens and browns along the trail’s edges.
Others are nowhere to be found.
“Last year I found just the perfect little nook in a tree for one of them,” Tichy said. “It wasn’t a half-hour later I came back, and it was gone.”
The culprit? Likely a squirrel or chipmunk who didn’t like its placement.
“There are about 10 houses I’ll never see again,” Tichy said with a laugh.
In addition to searching high and low for the fairy houses, families can also enjoy the handicap-accessible trail that has progressed more and more over the past few years.
The trail now extends to a pond on the conservancy’s property.
“We have an Eagle Scout who’s planning to cut a switchback trail that will lead to a small observation platform where you can look out at the pond,” Tichy said.
There are also plans in the works for a second observation deck across the trail from the pond that will offer a view in which 270 degrees is all part of the reserve.
“We’re also hoping to build a handicap-accessible deck facing west. which will look out over our easements,” Tichy said. “That’s where we see the bulk of animal activity. I’ve stood here and seen foxes, birds, and, of course, deer.”
And while she may not have officially spotted any fairies, Tichy tries to impart to children during guided tours that “magic all around you, if you know where to look.”
As an example, she points to one of several “magic trees,” an old locust tree that looks dead near the base, but is still plenty alive up top.
“It’s partially alive, and it supports Virginia creeper vines and others, along with so many other things like squirrels and woodpeckers,” Tichy said.
The Morosini Nature Reserve trail is open 24 hours, but Tichy said Conservancy officials recommend visiting between dawn and dusk. Parking is limited. The nature reserve is located off of Ringertown Road.