Seek Santuary in Butler County This Weekend

Santuary: a place of refuge or protection; free from harm; a safe place

Todd Sanctuary is a 176-acre nature reserve in southeastern Butler County owned by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. The core 75-acres were donated in 1942 by Carnegie Museum ornithologist W. E. Clyde Todd in the hopes that it would serve as a “perpetual wildlife sanctuary.” Nearly five miles of walking trails wind through the hemlock ravines and oak/hickory forests, provide visitors with a peaceful place to observe nature. The sanctuary is open to visitors from dawn to dusk, with maps located in a box near the parking lot.

Saturday, July 24, is Todd Family Day, a day full of free events geared toward the entire family. Starting at 9 a.m. with a morning bird walk and finishing at 9 p.m. with an owl prowl, there are a variety of events every hour of the day provided by local naturalists, including WPC Director of Natural Heritage, Charles Bier. If you've never been to the sanctuary, Todd Family Day is the day to go to be introduced not only to the land, but also to the birds, salamanders, ferns, moths, spiders and trees through the hikes and presentations offered. There will also be a “sneak preview” of the new tract of land that has recently been added to Todd.

Come for a program, for the afternoon or, even better, for the whole day. Bring your own picnic lunch and dinner if you plan to stay the day. If you can't make it to Todd Family Day, there are other events posted on the events page at www.aswp.org. Or come and walk the trails on your own.

Directions to Todd Sanctuary can also be found at the web site.

E-mail Today's WPC Daily to a Friend!

Sign Up for WPC Daily