Enjoying all that Nature Offers: Woodring Farm Nature Hike

It's been far too long since I have posted anything on this Blog and I felt this would be a worthy update. It's also my hope that within a few short months I will have more time to devote to this and my other Blog and still have time for my normal Facebook posts.

Okay, let's get started. By now I would suppose anyone that has ventured around up on Winslow Hill has noticed some changes at Woodring Farm. Basically, this whole project began back in 2014 and was a joint effort between the Pa Game Commission (PGC) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). These two organizations joined forces to purchase the 81 acre Woodring Farm and expand Game Lands 311. At this point a large parking lot has been added on the farmhouse side and a smaller one has been graded and graveled on the side overlooking the big field. It is my hope that they continue to add places where the older folks can view the elk from their vehicles, either at this site or others. I can't even begin to tell you how many people have asked me why they took away the beautiful parking spots that ran down along Dewey Rd. So many folks really enjoyed sitting in their cars or their lawn chairs and looking out over the beautiful view, and the elk were just an added bonus. I am hopeful they will continue to keep this in mind for future projects.

Okay, now let's talk about the interpretive trail on the farmhouse side of the road. This is a really nice trail that has so much to offer, It's a fairly easy 1/4 mile hike to the observation deck and less than a mile to complete the loop trail. I will expand on the offerings of this trail as I move along on this blog entry. Before I get going on that I will also mention that the PGC is currently using the farmhouse for a headquarters and lodging for out of the area Game Commission personnel. At this time I do not know for sure if this building will remain or if it will be razed and replaced by a newer building.

I would hope that this post encourages others to take a walk up to the viewing platform and check out the amazing view. Do yourself a favor and walk the whole loop. If you really take your time and soak up the beauty you will find that there is so much more to Winslow Hill and Woodring Farm than just the elk. The beauty changes with every seasonal change, so check it out many times throughout the year.

There are several reasons for writing about Woodring Farm, one of them being to point out what it has to offer. The other very important reason was to talk about the interpretive signs that are along the hiking path. I very much wanted to call attention to the art work on the signs which is the handiwork of local students. I very much wanted to showcase these signs and give these students credit for their fine work.

Artwork by Mykenna Zettle SMAHS 2016

Artwork by Melanie Shutters SMAHS 2016

Artwork by Paige Nicklas 2016 SMAHS

Artwork by Dawson Lion SMAHS 2016

Artwork by Paige Nicklas 2016 SMAHS

Artwork by Dawson Lion SMAHS 2016

Artwork by Breanna Marconi SMAHS 2016

Artwork by Rebecca Kleppinger SMAHS 2016

Artwork by Dawson Lion SMAHS 2016

How's that for some really cool stuff from our area students! It's great too see our youth taking an interest in all that nature has to offer. I hope more people take a walk and check this trail out, you just never know what you might see. The trail will continually change due to the diversity of plant life up there. There is a small orchard, and a small wetland, with bluebird boxes as well as an American Kestrel nesting box. There are cold season and warm season grasses, wildflowers and clover. I am hoping the birds and butterflies will discover the treasures up there and make this an annual stopping place.

Here's a couple more images that should help to demonstrate all the cool things that you can see up on the trail if you just keep your eyes open.