Things to do / Travel Guide
For the birder, novice botanist, or all-around naturalist southwestern Pennsylvania has a wide variety of native trees and wildflowers, as well as flight-bound and furry creatures guaranteed to spark your interest.
Trees and Plants in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Ohiopyle State Park's coniferous and deciduous forests provide the best foray into the beauty of southwestern Pennsylvania's indigenous flora. Spruce, hemlock, mountain maple, and striped maple (moosewood) are the most prevalent tree varieties, and rhododendron and mountain laurel flowers cluster along the edges of Ohiopyle's waterfalls. Pawpaw, a relatively rare, small custard-apple tree, can be found amidst the deep valleys of the Youghiogheny River. Near the Youghiogheny Watershed you'll likely see an abundance of the famous, energy-elixir herb, ginseng.
Another great place to view southwestern Pennsylvania's flora is in Pittsburgh's urban parks. In the spring and summer southwestern Pennsylvania harbors a wide assortment of flowering plants and trees. Dogwoods, daffodils, touch-me-nots, snapdragons, as well as milkweed and morning glory are among the more common plants. In the fall, drive through Pittsburgh's neighborhoods to see a colorful display of changing foliage.
Birds in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Southwestern Pennsylvania is also home to a variety of bird species. Along the Youghiogheny River watch bald eagles, peregrines, blue herons, falcons, and ospreys nest along the river's banks. Blackbirds, cardinals, orioles, finches, sparrows, kinglets, swallows, thrushes, warblers, and wrens reside throughout southwestern Pennsylvania during the spring and summer months - many migrate south during the late fall and early winter. While in downtown Pittsburgh you may be more likely to see a pigeon than anything else, if you go for a stroll in Pittsburgh's wonderfully wooded Frick and Schenley parks, you may just spot one of southwestern Pennsylvania's indigenous birds.
Pittsburgh's National Aviary is the only independent indoor aviary in the U.S. The National Aviary has more than 600 birds comprised of 200 different species, many of which are endangered or threatened in their natural habitats. Visitors can have an up-close experience with varicolored parrots and parrotlets, owls, Andean condors, vultures, snowy egrets, as well as literally hundreds of other unique flight-bound creatures. The National Aviary also hosts a wide range of educational events geared toward all ages.
Mammals in Southwestern Pennsylvania
One of the best places for wildlife watching in southwestern Pennsylvania is right in the thick of the Ohiopyle State Park. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, grouse, rabbit, and squirrel scramble through the woods under the quiet hiker's watchful eye. Along the Youghiogheny River you'll see other small mammals such as river otter and fisher.
Nature Spots in Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania
Nature-Wildlife
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