It's tee time fore nature preservation!

 April 5, 2022

I can hear the moans through the time and space of the internet for the comment on this tableau (get it - "tee time" - "fore" in golf), but in all honesty, this particular trip was all about the treasure and very little about the trash. One very cool thing about my hobby is I GET to meet all kinds of interesting and fun people. On this particular trip, I got to team up with the Conservancy of Bradford Woods Reserve and a Girl Scout troop working on their Eco Friendly Badge. 

I have a tangential relationship with the Conservancy, so I stumbled into this little adventure purely by accident. I am so glad I did! It was so much fun, and I would have never found this gem on my own. This Protected Conservation Area is sponsored by the Allegheny Land Trust and maintained by the Bradfood Woods  Conservancy. It is a spectacular place of many habits which makes for a great place to practice mindfulness with all types of nature or to hangout for some recreational time.

Although the spot is open to the public (not just residents of Bradford Woods), if you visit, please make sure to take out all your carry in and be respectful of the conservation area. Also, if you want to use this very cool and well constructed fire pit, you must get a permit from the borough (it has been there since at least 1989). If you want to do more than a short hike or check out the very awesome pond, which is catch and release, it is best to contact the Conservancy (I linked to it again in case you missed it the first time 😀).


I will definitely want to come back in the Summer when everything has come to life because all the habitats were just waking up from their long winter nap, but it still made for some very great nature photos. Here are a few of my favorite:










The small hiking trail makes for an easy hike for all ages and skill level, so if you want to plan an activity with younger ones, this place is perfect! It also has all the major habitats: Wetlands, Greenlands/Meadows, and Woodlands. A one stop experience to take it all in without having to get on a bus or plane to visit different habitats. 

The event I documented (yes, I am a photo documentarian now) was of a Nature Quest . We hiked through the different habitats around the conservation area, did a Sound Map, and ended with a 5 Senses Nature Scavenger Hunt. The girls left with s'mores in their bellies, treasures in their Nature Treasure Chest, and fond memories in their hearts (ah, I know, kids are great, right?). 

Even with best intentions, it is difficult to leave no trace at all. The little trash I did find was from preservation duties and an errant golf ball. What do you expect from a conservation area that is smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood?

I did learn a couple things about photography from this trip. One: cloudy days make for great photos. Two: rainy days make for lots of photos with umbrellas.






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