Wildlife

Confluence gets a hiking trail!

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Joshua C Whetzel Jr Memorial Recreation Area, Part of the Casselman River Conservation Area

New starting in May 2019 Confluence gets is first official hiking trail! And it’s next to the Riverhouse. The trailhead starts in the bike trail parking lot between Riversport and the Riverhouse. The trail traverse the hillside behind the Riverhouse and across from the Treehouse.

We originally purchased the land the trail is on (50 acres) when we acquired the Riverhouse. We had no plans to develop the land–we actually wanted it to remain wild. Through a series of fortunate events and hope and dreams, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy purchased the land from to do just that–conserve it. It’s fantastic for us, of course, but also for the town of Confluence and the area. My family and I had been hiking there (locally known as Klondike Ridge) forever and it’s a really special place to us. It’s so amazing to be able to share it!

The trail is a bit steep but their are steps in the beginning and it does mellow out. It’s an out and back, well marked trail. Good hiking shoes recommended- especially when it’s wet.

It’s short but takes you to a nice overlook of the confluence of the 3 rivers, or the “turkeyfoot”.

Go check it out and let me know what you think! ~Kara

The Eagles have landed!

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Eagle pair with Treehouse in background

I don’t know a lot about the bird diversity in the area, but these photos of the eagles and Coopers Hawk were taken from our yard. OUR YARD! EAGLES!! There must be something about the flowing water and fish just below the damn that keeps these eagles around. We see them all year but consistently in the winter in the early morning. We also see great blue heron and osprey year round in our back yard. I’m sure a google search of birding in the area will give you a list of birds to look out for. Watch out fishermen, you’ve got competition!