Youngwood 5-Star Trail: An Evening in the Marsh

Date & Time: Friday, April 24, 5:00 pm

Leader: Alex Busato, busatoalex67@gmail.com, 724-963-6612

Directions: From Greensburg, take Route 119 to Youngwood and turn left on Depot Street as if heading to Westmoreland County Community College.  Follow Depot Street just a short distance through a traffic light and across the railroad tracks and look for the trail head parking lot on the right.

Description: This afternoon outing will focus on some of the unique birds and reptiles of the 5-Star Wetlands. We are likely to encounter orioles, yellow warblers, swamp sparrows, and more as we walk the trail toward evening. As dusk falls, we will likely be greeted with numerous species of frog calling as well as the possibility for calling marsh birds such as Sora or Virginia Rail. This time of year is often when American Bitterns migrate through the area, so a keen eye may result in spotting one of these elusive wetland specialists. Bats, swallows, chimney swifts, and potentially even Nighthawks may also be actively feeding as night falls. The trail is paved and flat for the duration, and biting insects should be at a relative minimum given the time of year. Bug spray may not be a bad idea however. There are porta-potties at the trailhead.