The 54th annual Allegany Nature Pilgrimage in Allegany State Park will be held 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 wildflowers, birds, butterflies and trees.
For years the event has attracted hundreds of seasoned naturalists and beginners who walk, hike and take part in classroom studies of the habitats surrounding them.
Article Photos
The Audubon societies from Buffalo, Erie, Jamestown and Rochester are planning their annual Allegany Nature Pilgrimage from Friday through Sunday. Judy Light, 2011 Salamander Walk leader, is shown above helping to identify a salamander.
Submitted photo
The 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 and plants.
Friday night's Main Tent program will be a special tribute to Bob McKinney, long-time bird-bander at the nature pilgrimage who recently passed away. Following the tribute, travelers Carol and Dave Southby will present "Appalachian Spring."
On Saturday in the Main Tent, Mark Carra, Beaver Meadows naturalist, 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.
The weekend cost is $40 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 18 and free for children under 5.
To register or for more information on the Pilgrimage, visit www.alleganynaturepilgrimage.com, call Judy Long at 664-7114, call the Jamestown Audubon Society at 569-2345, Marcia Nixon at 304-1257, Buffalo Audubon at 585-457-3228, Steve or Lisa Danko at 814-898-0284, and Harold or Jane Stock at 585-425-7293.
For park lodging information, call 1-800-456-CAMP.