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Walter Reserve
This 28-acre reserve, shaped like a lady's shoe, parallels Weistertown
Road for about a quarter mile about halfway between Evans and Hilty
Road. The land slopes gently north to south with two shallow ravines
and is 90% wooded. When first acquired, the reserve was surrounded
by wooded property on all sides. These surrounding buffer zones, for
the time being, make the Walter Reserve one of the wildest places
in Murrysville.
Although small, there are some unique features. Two small white pine
plantations provide nesting and roosting habitat for hawks and owls.
A small intermittent stream is flanked by a community of pawpaw trees,
one of only two places they are known to grow in Murrysville. A small
meadow at the pinnacle of the property is rich in summer and fall
wildflowers and home to two uncommonly seen species in this region
- rose pink (Sabatia augularis) and clammy cuphea (Cuphea petiolata).
Not far from the meadow is a vernal pond. A nice stand of rue anemone
borders the stream and among them are the only trout lilies found
anywhere on the conservancy properties. King Reserve The King Reserve is the largest of the conservancy holdings. The 96 acres is shaped like a crooked dagger between Crowfoot and Mamont Road. The tip of the dagger extends across Crowfoot Road and adjoins the Sloan Elementary School property. Because of its size, this is the most diversified of the nature reserves with the greatest variety of plants. It features a small intermittent stream named Sylvan Run and a short section of a tributary of Haymaker Run. Meadows, shrub thickets, and both secondary succession and mature forest make up the remainder of the habitats. Access is currently gained from a small parking lot on the south side of Crowfoot Road, which is close to the entrance trail on the opposing berm marked by a sign. Some caution is recommended because of a rifle firing range on the rod & gun club property. Stay on the upper or most northern trails. Posted signs will keep you informed of the danger. Be sure to heed these warnings, particularly when you are hearing rifle fire, which may occur any time or day of the week. The 3 acre parcel known as Potter's Corner is adjacent to the King Reserve. . Potter's Corner
This 3.23 acre parcel has a large diversity
of trees and a pristine stream and will be used by local school
students in environmental studies. Tomer Reserve
This is our smallest property rounding out at about 17 acres with
parking lot access along Twin Oaks Lane. A power line that cuts across
the reserve was clear-cut by Allegheny Power in September 2000. Flinn Reserve This saddle-shaped 20-acre property is located along Boxcartown Road with two arms stretching to School Road South. Currently there is no parking lot or any trails. The land is mostly on slope with a level shrub meadow of gray and flowering dogwood on top. Being abandoned pastureland it is colonized by pioneer trees and invasive plants. The area bordering Boxcartown Road is still meadow which gradually gives way to shrubs and trees as you ascend the hill. The trees slowly increase in maturity as you approach the summit. Although highly disturbed in the past we are surprised at some of the plant diversity and need to spend more time there. Since the majority of the trees are red maple, tulip poplar and sassafras, it is probably the most colorful reserve in the fall season and worth just a drive by. As yet there are no trails or parking lots planned for Flinn and it is not marked yet with an identifying sign. McGinnis Reserve This latest acquisition of 52 acres sits on a high hillside along Hunter/Wallace Lane and Route 286. Most of the property is wooded with a meadow on the north edge and the Power Company has clear-cut a strip beneath the utility poles along Hunter Lane. A parking lot has been placed beneath this power line on Hunter Lane south of the intersection with Wallace Lane. The woods are relatively young with a maturing stand of pioneer trees in the higher elevations. Some late successional trees, however, are already well established. What appears to be an old logging road climbs the hill from the meadow. To the left of this trail as you climb the hill is an unusually large stand of black cohosh, a tall flowering plant that blooms in July, and a very impressive old hollow snag that won't be standing too much longer. Several American chestnut trees have recently made discovered in this nature reserve, the largest of which has burs on the ground beneath. A boundary line for this reserve crosses the 1400-foot elevation contour line making it one of the highest places in Murrysville. Being our newest acquisition, we are still learning about it. contact@westmorelandconservancy.org |
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