Forbes State Forest programs include snakes, hikes and more

These public programs will take place during July and August in Forbes State Forest:

• Spruce Flats Bog Tour, 10-11 a.m. Saturday. Learn about the history of this unusual mountain wetland and its interesting plants. Come prepared for an easy, ½-mile, round-trip walk.

Registration is limited to 5 participants.

• PW&S Railroad Ramble, 10 a.m.-noon July 25. Learn about the history of the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland and Somerset (PW&S) Railroad, which shaped a large part of the Laurel Ridge as seen today. Come prepared for a moderate, 1.5-2-mile, round-trip hike along the old railroad grade.

Registration is limited to 5 participants.

• Snakes Alive, 7-8 p.m. Aug. 7. Join two snake experts for an up-close encounter with some of Pennsylvania’s venomous snakes. Learn about their natural history while observing live specimens. Participants will stand during the outdoor program; anyone needing a chair should bring their own.

Registration is limited to 15 participants.

• A Ride Through History: A Guided Historic Driving Tour of Forbes (Fayette County), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 15. Tour will cover the Pondfield Division of Forbes State Forest. Learn about the industrialization of western Pennsylvania while visiting the historic Wharton Furnace, a historic fire tower and other sites. The forest naturalist will guide the group throughout the program. An itinerary and instructions will be provided upon registration.

Registration is limited to 15 participants.

• Trail Work Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 22. Volunteers will do brush work along several different trails in the forest’s Laurel Mountain Division. Tools will be provided. Organizers recommend working with a partner from the same household and/or social distancing with a friend.

Registration is limited to 10 volunteers. Details will be provided upon registration.

• Late Summer Wildflower Walk, 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 29. Join the forest naturalist for an easy 1-mile walk to explore some late summer/early fall blooms and to learn how to use a field guide for fast and effective plant identification. Participants should bring their own field guides.

Registration is limited to 5 participants.

Preregistration is required for all programs by emailing mahony@pa.gov. Participants will be required to answer covid-19 pre-screening questions while registering. Masks will be required at all times during all programs, and social distancing of 6 feet will be maintained.

Details: 724-238-1200, FD04@pa.gov or mahony@pa.gov