It might seem a little strange for officials from the Westmoreland Conservancy – which focuses on science-based programming – to host a hunt for fairy houses and troll dens.

“Just like with any myth, there’s a little grain of truth,” said conservancy President Shelly Tichy. “The ‘fairies’ are the insects and the ‘trolls’ could be frogs or toads.”

The conservancy will host a day in “The Enchanted Forest” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 30 at its Morosini Reserve in Murrysville. It will introduce the world of local nature and explore ways for children to bring animals into their own backyards.

“The magic of all those childhood fairy tales and the wonder that comes from nature is something we want to explore,” Tichy said. “It’s the enchantment of being out in nature.”

The 183-acre Morosini Reserve was gifted to the Westmoreland Conservancy by Aldean Morosini in November 2015 to honor her husband William’s wishes that the land be preserved for future generations.

Tichy said there is a very strong connection between nature and fantasy, especially for children.

“Nature creates wonderful patterns in the trees,” she said. “Praying mantises look absolutely fictional, and they’re real.”

Tichy purchased a few sets of butterfly wings for conservancy volunteers, and those who attend are welcome to dress as their favorite fairy or creature.

The free afternoon will also include a craft for children to make and take home.

“It’s all about understanding why nature exists,” Tichy said. “There’s nature to see here, and the program will explore how we can make our own backyards a place for nature to live. So showing these ‘fairy houses’ is a way to talk about that.”

While there is no limit to the number of participants, there is a limited number of parking spaces at the reserve, which is at Morosini Farm Court in Murrysville.

To reserve a parking space, call 724-325-5523. Click here to visit the conservancy’s Facebook event page.

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