Allegany State Park is always the site of the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage, an outdoor learning experience that combines fun with a variety of nature oriented activities. Its 54th event will be June 1-3, headquartered at Camp Allegany in the Red House area.
Allegany State Park abounds in wildlife, and it is not uncommon to see deer, porcupines, raccoons, and the occasional black bear. There are also incredible numbers of wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and trees.
For years this event, always the weekend after Memorial Day, has attracted hundreds of both seasoned naturalists and inquisitive beginners who have delighted in this traditional weekend of natural history, enjoying walking, hiking, and classroom studies of the habitats surrounding them.
The informative and fun field trips, nature crafts and lectures will be led by teachers, professors, experts or someone sharing their lifelong passion. Participants will learn about and experience birds, insects, reptiles, animals, plants and much more.
Friday night’s Main Tent program will be a special tribute to Bob McKinney, long-time bird-bander at the Pilgrimage who recently passed away. Following the tribute, travelers Carol and Dave Southby will present “Appalachian Spring.”
On Saturday night in the Main Tent Beaver Meadows naturalist Mark Carra will step back in time as Charles Darwin, to tell stories of his travels and his life during the 19th century.
The Allegany Nature Pilgrimage is organized by volunteers from the Buffalo Audubon Society, Burroughs Audubon Nature Club, Jamestown Audubon Society, and Presque Isle Audubon Society.
Weekend cost is $40 for adults, $5 for children 5-18, and under 5 are free.
To register or for more information on the Pilgrimage, visit http://alleganynaturepilgrimage.com or call Judy Long at (716) 664-7114 or Jamestown Audubon at (716) 569-2345, Marcia Nixon at (716) 304-1257 or Buffalo Audubon at (585) 457-3228 in the Buffalo area, Steve or Lisa Danko at (814) 898-0284 in the Erie area, and Harold or Jane Stock at (585) 425-7293 in the Rochester area. For park lodging information, call 1-800-456-CAMP.
