Tryon-Weber Woods Natural Area

Tryon-Weber Woods Natural Area is an 81-acre forested property owned by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in Crawford County. Although there are no official trails within the Tryon-Weber Woods, the small, rolling woodland can be traversed easily in an afternoon. The property is named for the late Dr. C. A. Tryon (University of Pittsburgh Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology) who conducted several studies on the ecological interrelationships of the forest, and Dr. Robert G. Weber who previously owned the property.

A 40-acre stand of old growth beech-maple forest is the highlight of this site, the only remaining stand of this description in the region, and the reason that the site was protected. A perennial unnamed stream flows southwest through the area and is a useful landmark. To get to the beech-maple forest, begin by walking the dirt lane (mentioned in the directions below) west for about 150 feet to a "Y" and take the left fork. This lane continues past an old pine plantation on the right, then takes a sharp left downhill to the stream. Cross the stream and head uphill until you see the TRYON-WEBER WOODS sign on the right.

Behind you are woods cluttered with second-growth oaks, red maples, and black cherries. In front is a high, cathedral-like forest. This elegant stand of trees is the easternmost remnant of one of America's original forest types characterized by American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) dominating the canopy, once common across the glaciated terrain west of the Alleghenies. There is no path or trail system through the woods; simply wander through the property. A trek to and from the stream on the northwest border can take from one to four hours depending on your interest.

During your walk, you will notice occasional areas with fences and enclosures that are part of ecological research being conducted by the University of Pittsburgh to better understand this forest and its inhabitants. Please do not disturb these areas.

Directions
From the Pittsburgh area head north on Interstate 79. Leave I-79 at exit 35 and proceed northwest on Rt. 285 to Conneaut Lake. Turn left at the stoplight in Conneaut Lake and head west through town. Stay on 285 toward Espyville (a left hand fork as Rt. 6 curves to the right). Proceed 1.9 miles to Greiser Road (a dirt road with a white house and red barn on the left). Turn left and drive south 0.7 mile and park just beyond the gas pipeline and dirt lane on the right.

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