Jack-o-'lantern hike carves them all

No pumpkin was spared last Saturday on the Venture Outdoors Jack-O-’Lantern Hike at Highland Park! Trip leader specialist, Chris Corbran, took everyone for a short hike on the wooded trails surrounding the reservoir and along the way identified three of the major invasive species in the Pittsburgh area.

Can you name them? They are Japanese Knotweed, Garlic Mustard, and the Norway Maple.

The group also discussed some of the positive aspects of these plants and why they initially came to the region. A few other plants spotted were the Devil’s Walking Stick, Purple Deadlock, Wild Garlic, Yarrow, and Plantain. That’s quite an interesting mix all within the boundaries of Highland Park.

After learning some of the natural aspects of the park, they got down to business scalping and gutting some pumpkins. No pumpkin was spared as they ripped out their seeds and orange sinewy innards, cutting eyes and smirking grins in their tough outer skins. Needless to say, everyone had a great time! Thanks to all the adventurous hikers turned carvers that came along for the evening!

Our next Family Program is the Renzie Walk ‘N Cookout at Renziehausen Park in McKeesport, PA on Saturday, November 7. We hope to see you all there!