Greetings!
On Saturday August 27th, I will be leading a great event — “Old Growth Forest Hike & Spring Water Gathering” — and, I’d love for you to join us!
If you’ve never experienced the magnificence of Cook Forest, it truly is one of the most remarkable natural areas in Pennsylvania. It is one of the last remaining old growth forests in the entire Eastern United States, currently hosting 11 old growth areas that total over 2,300 acres. One of these areas within the park, the Forest Cathedral, is arguably the finest concentration of old growth trees in the Northeastern United States. This particular area is home to dozens of old growth eastern white pine and hemlock trees, many over 300 years old and towering above 140 feet in height!
In this event, we will hike and explore the Forest Cathedral within Cook Forest in search of Pennsylvania’s tallest and oldest trees. We will discuss old growth forest characteristics while studying defining features of this unique landscape. We will cover wild plant and tree identification, and we will examine several edible and medicinal plants as we walk the trails.
Additionally, during the second part of the event we will visit a pristine spring to gather wild Pennsylvania water straight from the source. We will discuss how to locate clean springs, the benefits of drinking wild spring water, the importance of developing your own personalized water strategy, locations of other springs in Pennsylvania, and more. You are encouraged to bring your own vessels so that you can harvest fresh, clean spring water following the event.
The program will entail light to moderate hiking (the terrain includes some rocks and hills), and the event will take place rain or shine. Please note that in order to maximize your learning experience, space is limited and registration with payment in advance is required to secure your spot. The exact event location will be provided upon registration.
Interested? Here are more details:
What: Old Growth Forest Hike & Spring Water Gathering
When: Saturday, August 27th 2016
Where: Cook Forest State Park, Western Pennsylvania
Time: 1-4:30 PM
Investment: $30
To register, please contact me (Adam) at
adamharitan@gmail.com
Immerse yourself in the beauty, mystery, and perfection of an old growth forest on Saturday, August 27th. We look forward to seeing you there!
Be wild,
Adam Haritan
Foraging Pittsburgh 