Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Miller Esker Natural Area


This is one for the geology buffs out there. Miller (Jacksville) Esker was formed during the last glacial period, by a process best explained HERE.

The portion pictured here is owned and protected by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and is open to the public. To get there, turn left onto West Liberty Road from Rt. 528, about a mile north of the big bridge that crosses Lake Arthur. Stay on West Liberty Rd. no matter what it does (there are some turns), and you'll eventually see the esker on your right (after Swope Road). Park on the side of the road. The natural area runs behind a privately-owned farm, so the WPC recommends hugging the wooded area to the right of it to reach it. You are free to roam on top of the esker between the woods and the tree pictured above.

Like Slippery Rock Creek Natural Area, this is admittedly not an all-day adventure. You go up, you look around, and that's about it. Miller Esker is right around the corner from the Glacier Wetlands Natural Area, a 100 acre plot on Swope Road owned by the Wild Waterways Conservancy. The Relict Prairie at Jennings Environmental Education Center is also not far away. Its amazing wildflowers usually are on full display in late July and early August.

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