The Allegany Nature Pilgrimage began in 1959.  Organized by O. Gib Burgeson and the Jamestown Audubon Society, the first event was attended by 70 participants.  From those humble beginnings, the event has grown and has been going strong for over 50 years.   Now organized by volunteers from four nature-loving organizations, the annual event is held at Allegany State Park on the weekend after Memorial Day and it draws hundreds of participants.

What Happens There?

There are a lot of trips, walks and talks through the weekend. Each trip is led by a teacher, professor, PhD, expert or someone sharing their lifelong passion. All trips begin at Camp Allegany.  The details will vary from year to year, but generally, you can expect something like this:

Friday

• 10 a.m. Registration Opens
• 1 p.m. 2-hour Nature Walks
• 2:30 p.m. 2-hour Nature Walks
• 6 p.m. 1-hour bird or beaver walks
• 7 p.m. Family Campfire
• 8 p.m. Evening Program
• 9:30-ish: Night Walks

Saturday

• 6 a.m. Birdwalk
• 7 a.m. Bird Banding
• 9 a.m. 2-hour Nature Walks or 4-hour All-Day Hikes
• 10:30 a.m. 2-hour Nature Walks
• LUNCH: Hot dog Fund Raiser
• 1 p.m. 2-hour Nature Walks
• 2:30 p.m. 2-hour Nature Walks
• 5 p.m. Chicken Barbecue Picnic
• 5:30 p.m. Folk Concert
• 6 p.m. Bird or Beaver Walk
• 8 p.m. Evening Program
• 9:30-ish Night Walks

Sunday

• 6 a.m. Birdwalk
• 7 a.m. Bird Banding
• 9 a.m. 2-hour Nature Walk
• 10:30 a.m. 2-hour Nature Walk

Click here for a program schedule.