< Previous20 • Allegheny West Magazine • Summer 2020 FIND CORNELL SCHOOL DISTRICT ON #WeAre Cornell Students get a safety lesson during KDKA safe driving assembly Students visit MuseumLab Earlier this school year, Cornell High School hosted KDKA news anchor Rick Dayton, who spoke to students in grades 10 through 12 about the importance of safe driving. KDKA and Ford Motor Company teamed up in 2007 to create “Taking the Lead: Ford Driving Skills For Life” in an effort to improve the driving skills and decision-making of teenage drivers. According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S. For this reason alone, Cornell felt the need to create this partnership to better prepare students for life behind the wheel of a car. During this program, aspects of safe driving such as hazard recognition, vehicle handling, speed management, space management and distracted and impaired driving were reviewed and discussed with students. The program provided them with additional knowledge and experience to help keep them safe. In addition, a Pennsylvania state trooper was present to provide a different perspective, and spoke to her experiences surrounding teenage accidents caused by distracted driving. For the last and probably most impactful part of the program, a mother shared her tragic story about losing her son to a distracted driving accident. At the conclusion of the program, students were afforded the opportunity to ask a number of questions of any member of the panel. Cornell students made the district proud during the question and answer session by asking a number of thought-provoking and insightful questions. Because of their participation in the program, students received a gift bag courtesy of Ford Motor Company that included items such as a tire gauge and flashlight, among other items, to help keep them safe on the road. A special thank you to Ford Motor Company and KDKA for bringing this program to Cornell in an effort to keep students safe. Early this past spring, members of the Cornell Tech Squad learned that they’d be spending a day learning at MuseumLab on Pittsburgh’s North Side. This enthusiastic group of students in grades eight through 12 were told that MuseumLab is a place that fosters curiosity, exploration, innovation and creativity in terms of technology, art and making. They were challenged by club sponsor Rachel McVeagh to generate questions that they could ask about design, operations, careers, student opportunities, and more during a presentation that they would attend there. Kris Hupp also attended the field trip. On March 11, when the group arrived at MuseumLab, situated in the “ruins” of the former Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, they learned from a staff member about the background, goals and programs of MuseumLab. Then, staff members answered each one of the questions that students had submitted in advance. Students were told that the degree of thoughtfulness that went into their questions far exceeded expectations. During the presentation, just four Cornell students were allowed to ask extemporaneous questions, which were also of the highest caliber. When the presentation ended, one student remarked that he felt inspired and full of hope. He said that it seemed like MuseumLab was designed just for him and that he really felt impacted by the presentation. That afternoon, students went completely hands-on as they spent the entire time tinkering and learning through play. They realized that even though they were no longer little kids, playtime could still lead to discovery and innovation. Some students chose to spend time in the sound recording booth interviewing each other and singing. Others opted to put on several available Mister Rogers cardigans and spin and move on chairs that resembled giant spinning tops. Others created their own prints or learned to embroider. Some students made digital or chalk art while others took advantage of the opportunity to program something and see their work on the big screen. Students could also build enormous structures out of dowel rods. One student even chose to play the piano, making the experience even more pleasant for everyone. Each student found that there was something for everyone and they returned to school with their spirits lifted, believing that they could create and achieve anything. As one student put it, this was her “all-time favorite field trip.” The day was a reminder to everyone that pausing during their day and taking the time to play, regardless of their age, can lift spirits and lead them to do things they never thought they could. Students visit MuseumLab on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Go to: www.cornellsd.org for the latest district newsSummer 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 21 In September, Cornell High School science teacher Amanda Sappie was introduced to Duquesne Light Company’s Student Energy Auditor Program. Duquesne Light offers this program to any school within its territory and provides students with the opportunity to learn about electric power delivery, usage and conservation by conducting an energy audit of their school. After receiving the tools from Duquesne Light and participating in teacher training, Sappie selected a group of eighth-graders to participate in the program. From October through February, eighth-graders Sasha Cucu, Vanessa Geist, Jayden Haine, Fisher Kimble, Hanna Navarro, Hailey Ochman, Jared Schmetzer and Lauren Shuagis met two days per week during lunch to work on the program materials. After beginning the course with mini lessons designed to teach students about energy transfers and conservation, they were ready to begin the auditing process. Students worked with maintenance director Dennis Ferguson to complete a lengthy building questionnaire that provided insight into the types of lighting panels, light bulbs and power switches used throughout the high school. They also obtained square footage from building schematics and reviewed past electric usage and pricing from previous electricity bills. With all of the preliminary information, they set out to conduct an energy audit of the high school. The high school was then sectioned off into major categories such as: large versus small classrooms, the gym, the cafeteria, hallways, the library, the auditorium, bathrooms, and parking lots. Students chose a sample set of rooms and areas from each category based on the population and collected sample data. They counted the number of light switches and lighting panels, measured the brightness of each room or area, tested outlet plugs, and interviewed teachers about their classroom energy usage. With all of the collected data, they calculated the amount of electricity used and any unnecessary energy spent throughout the day to create a conservation plan. It was determined that the classrooms in the new high school wing are significantly brighter than the rest of the high school and that most of the high school lighting consists of fluorescent light bulbs within the paneling. The energy conservation solutions include a daylight harvesting system for the classrooms in the new wing. With extremely bright lights and access to windows that allow natural sunlight, daylight harvesting systems would automatically adjust the brightness of the lights in their classrooms to account for the amount of natural sunlight being received. In addition, by repaneling the entire high school with LED lighting systems, the transition from fluorescent lights would reduce energy consumption by approximately 33 percent, thus reducing the school’s overall associated energy costs. While most of the teachers in the sample group were already taking some energy-saving measures, the group began a school- wide campaign to continue conservation efforts. Participating students designed energy conservation posters that were hung in heavily trafficked areas of the high school. They also designed mini-posters for every classroom that were hung by the light switches in order to promote energy saving by reminding teachers to turn them off when not in use. The group presented their findings to superintendent Dr. Aaron Thomas and the technology committee. After submitting their energy audit report, proposed solutions and campaign materials, the group of overachieving students were selected as first place winners of Duquesne Light’s Student Energy Auditor Program. The students aren’t sure yet how they want to spend their $1,000 prize, but they look forward to celebrating their victory whenever things return to normal. Cornell juniors and seniors partnered with Covestro on the United Nations Youthquake 2030 sustainability goals service project. Cornell’s team decided to focus on the United Nation’s sustainability goals of no poverty, good health and well-being, and quality education. Cornell’s plan to meet these goals for the community is to gather toiletries and provide them to students who have little to no access to these essential items. Students contacted local businesses and asked them to donate personal hygiene products such as toilet paper, feminine products, oral hygiene products, antiperspirants, bathing products and monetary donations toward “The Pantry.” Hopes are that these donations help any student in need while sustaining a private and safe space for students to access these items. On March 4, the Cornell team presented their plan to a variety of professionals and other students at Covestro in Moon Township. Cornell sponsors Tavis Bogue and Megan Fuga, as well as Cornell administration, have been very proud of the work students have accomplished so far. They can’t wait to grow the project over the coming years! Students who brought the initiative to fruition were Brenda Garcia, Nick Czepiel, Riley Farrah, Nick Piccolo, Brendon Spencer and Zach Kaczmarek. Students explain initiatives they undertook as part of Youthquake 2030. Amanda Sappie’s students took part in Duquesne Light Company’s Student Energy Auditor Program and came away with a first place prize. Students receive first place in Duquesne Light energy conservation program Students partner with Covestro on Youthquake initiative22 • Allegheny West Magazine • Summer 2020 Sappie named Keystone Technology Innovator Each school year, the Pennsylvania Association for Education Communications and Technology requests that school districts nominate a teacher for the Keystone Technology Innovator award. This award is meant to recognize teachers who demonstrate new and innovative strategies through the use of technology. This past school year, middle school science teacher Amanda Sappie demonstrated just that. Sappie continually looks to improve student engagement and achievement by utilizing unique and innovative teaching strategies through the use of technology. As a recipient of this award, Sappie becomes part of a large group of educators sharing her same commitment to teaching called the Keystone Community. As a perk of belonging to this community, Sappie is able to engage with other educators across the state to share resources and innovative ideas in teaching. Sappie also has the opportunity to apply to attend the Keystone STARS summit, a week-long professional development training program focused on collaboration and engaging students in the classroom through the use of technology. The Cornell School District would like to congratulate Sappie for her hard work and continuous efforts to improve her instructional strategies, as well as her commitment to Cornell students. In early February, Cornell superintendent Dr. Aaron Thomas was approached by representatives from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation about their Sports Matter program. The program selects a school to collaborate and partner with to complete its mission of inspiring and enabling youth participation in sports. Cornell School District was ultimately selected and a special assembly planned that surprised Cornell students, faculty and staff. On Feb. 10, all Cornell students in grades K-12 were called to the auditorium for what they thought would be an assembly recognizing winter student-athletes, band members and upcoming Drama Club play participants. After the recognition, some special guests from the Pittsburgh Penguins were introduced to make a big announcement. The first special guest was Iceberg, the Pittsburgh Penguins mascot. Iceberg did a great job pumping up students by handing out foam ice pucks and leading them in the famous “Let’s go Pens” chant. Soon after, Thomas came back onstage to introduce Pittsburgh Penguins players Zach Aston-Reese, Dom Simon and Jake Guentzel. The three Penguins players then presented the school with a $20,000 check from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation. The $20,000 was in addition to $2,500 already given to Cornell to purchase gym equipment for students. The additional money will go toward athletic programming purchases and upgrades, as well as equipment for health and PE classes. The surprise guests, as well as the grant announcement, was a huge hit with students. Four lucky Cornell students were even invited on stage for a fun competition with the Penguins. Students received some signed memorabilia for their participation and, after the assembly, the three Pittsburgh Penguins spent some time with the Cornell Elementary third grade classes in the gymnasium playing with some of the recently purchased equipment. It was a great day for Cornell, and hopefully a memorable day for all Cornell students. Thanks goes out to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for their generosity and support of Cornell School District. Amanda Sappie Elementary students get a visit from Penguins players, and a donation from Dick’s Sporting Goods #WeAre Cornell Students got to meet Pittsburgh Penguins players Zach Aston-Reese, Dom Simon and Jake Guentzel during a special assembly arranged by the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation. The school also received a grant of $20,000 from the foundation to support its athletic programs. Summer 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 23 Athletic cooperative agreement reached with Moon Area Jackson drafted by Buffalo Cornell School District has reached an agreement with neighboring Moon Area School District on an athletic cooperative agreement. This agreement will allow Cornell High School student athletes to try out for and participate in sports at Moon Area that Cornell doesn’t currently offer. Cornell has a proud history of athletic programming and currently offers football, volleyball, cheerleading, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls swimming, baseball, softball, track and field, and golf. However, there are a number of sports that Cornell can’t offer due to its small enrollment size. This new cooperative agreement will give high school students the opportunity to participate in additional sports that larger schools can offer because of their larger enrollment. These sports include boys and girls cross country, girls soccer, boys and girls tennis, boys volleyball, boys and girls rugby, boys and girls lacrosse, gymnastics, and boys and girls golf. In the past, Cornell High School hosted a golf team but, due to low participation numbers, the decision was made to make this part of the cooperative agreement as well. Cornell has experienced great success with cooperative agreements in the past. Cornell entered into a similar agreement with Our Lady of Sacred Heart High School for football. That agreement ended when OLSH started their own football program. Cornell also formed a similar agreement with Quaker Valley High School for students to play on its football team. Currently, Cornell still has a cooperative agreement with OLSH that allows student athletes from OLSH to participate on Cornell’s swimming team. Through another agreement, students from Nazareth Prep can play on Cornell’s football team. An area of concern when exploring this collaboration was making sure that, when combining enrollment numbers, Moon Area wasn’t being pushed into a larger classification size for the sports mentioned. All of the sports listed above, however, will remain in the same classification size. Cornell is excited to offer these additional opportunities to students and to collaborate and partner with its neighbors in Moon Area School District. Cornell Class of 2015 graduate Dane Jackson was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills in April. Jackson, who played cornerback for the University of Pittsburgh, was an unbelievable athlete at Cornell, where he started at quarterback on the Quaker Valley football team. At the time, Cornell was still in a cooperative agreement with Quaker Valley for football and cheerleading. He was also a standout starter on the basketball team, a great student and an exemplary individual. “Dane was a shining example of doing things the way they should be done,” says Dr. Aaron Thomas, Cornell superintendent. “He was, and still is, nothing but polite, hardworking and respectful off the field, but on the field and on the basketball court, he is an fierce competitor who battled each game with the kind of an intensity and focus that all serious athletes should have.” After graduating from Cornell, Jackson played for four years as a defensive back at Pitt after redshirting his freshman year. He was selected as a team captain his senior year by his teammates. Jackson graduated from the University of Pittsburgh on time and took additional courses as well. This past fall, Cornell welcomed Jackson back in order to recognize him at a pep assembly and to let Jackson know just how much the Cornell community appreciates him being the role model that he is. While Cornell is proud of Jackson’s athletic accomplishments, the school community is just as proud of the individual he has become. Dane Jackson Starting next school year, Cornell High School students will be able to play the following sports at Moon Area High School: Boys and Girls Cross Country Boys and Girls Golf Girls Soccer Boys and Girls Tennis Boys Volleyball Boys and Girls Rugby Boys and Girls Lacrosse Gymnastics Bill Sacco may have had one of the most successful basketball teams he’s ever coached in his nearly 40-year career this past season. Under Sacco, the boys team came away as WPIAL runner-ups and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals before the season was curtailed due to COVID-19. In the state playoffs, the team defeated Saltsburg and Elk County Catholic. They were then slated to face Bishop Carroll and were just two tough wins away from a historic appearance in the state finals. The team was led by five seniors, including Kaden DiVito, who was voted player of the year in Class A in the state and named to the All- State team. He also set Cornell’s scoring record. Fellow senior Isaiah Langston earned third team All-State honors. Sacco retired from coaching at the end of the season but has remained on as Cornell’s athletic director. In addition to coaching at Cornell for the past 18 years, he also coached at West Allegheny and Moon Area, where he took on his first head coaching position in 1972. He retires with 485 wins. This season also marked the final one for assistant coaches Fran Pataglia and Jeff Stuart, both whom coached under Sacco during his entire 18-year tenure at Cornell. Boys basketball team reaches state quarterfinals The boys basketball team plays in the WPIAL championship at the Petersen Events Center. Eastern options Frank Lloyd Wright homes Less than 10 minutes from Ohiopyle, visitors who enjoy both nature and architecture will find an incredible collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed or inspired houses, including Fallingwater, which was recently named a World Heritage Site. At the time of this writing, the status of tours is still unknown but prior to the shutdown tours of both the indoors and exterior areas were being offered. Nearby, the newer and lesser-known Polymath Park showcases four homes, two built there in the 1960s using Wright fundamentals and two designed by Wright in midwestern states and moved to Pennsylvania within the last decade. One of these preserved Wright structures was to be open to the public for the first time this year. True fans of Wright were also able to spend a night in any of these unique homes, though the status of that policy isn’t known at this time. An additional Wright home, Kentuck Knob, is also located in the area. Cure the cabin fever and take a drive In the last two months, we’ve built more puzzles, watched more television and walked more miles in our own neighborhoods than seemed humanly possible. Though large gatherings and certain indoor activities are still limited, the quarantine is slowly being lifted, the weather is turning warmer, gasoline prices are low and the open road is calling. It’s time for some day trips. Even though it may not yet be time to journey across the country, there are still plenty of entertaining options within a 75-mile radius of Pittsburgh. Described here are destinations north, south, east and west of the city. Most of these allow for continued social distancing. Download our app, AWMag Events, at awmagazine.com for directions, maps, websites and more to each of these destinations. Be sure to visit the websites of the attractions listed for the most up-to-date information about their status. Some remain closed at the time of this writing due to the COVID-19 shutdown but will hopefully be opening in the coming weeks and months as the shutdown is lifted. BY JILL BORDO Ohiopyle State Park The Laurel Highlands area holds many interesting sites for Pittsburgh travelers heading east on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. From the Donegal Exit, visitors can reach the town of Ohiopyle, an increasingly popular destination over the past decade and one known as “the gateway to the Highlands.” Situated along the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny River Gorge, the quaint village houses bicycle and water sport rental options, food and ice cream venues, and scenic strolling. The “Yough” is known for some of the best white-water boating in the eastern U.S., with three entirely different levels of rafting difficulty. Another highlight of Ohiopyle State Park is an area with natural rock water slides. • Great Allegheny Passage - Those who like to pedal can pick up the Great Allegheny Passage at Ohiopyle and take a 10-mile bike ride to the charming town of Confluence. The town’s restaurants and riverside dining venues were serving bicyclists before the shutdown and hopefully will begin doing so again soon. • Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail - Day-trippers who enjoy hiking can also start their adventure in Ohiopyle by accessing the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This scenic, 70-mile trail is one of the few remote- backpacking footpaths in the mid-Atlantic area. Morgantown area An hour’s drive straight south on I-79 will bring day-trippers to Morgantown, home of West Virginia University and nearby scenic, mountainous parks. Here are some attractions to check out in the area: South Day Trips! • Cheat Lake Ten miles past Morgantown is Cheat Lake, a 1,730-acre reservoir with four access points for boaters and many locations that are ideal for family outings. The Cheat Lake Park access point features a 4.5-mile, shoreline-hugging trail, part of which is a wide, paved and handicapped-accessible path. Highlights of the trail are a swimming and beach area, a children’s playground, picnic amenities and a fishing pier. • West Virginia University Core Arboretum On the university grounds, visitors will find the WVU Core Arboretum, which has 3.5 miles of walking paths and hundreds of trees and plants. The Caperton Trail is an 11-mile paved biking/walking path that offers great river and Morgantown views and access to businesses. • Coopers Rock State Park Nearby also is Coopers Rock State Park, which has both beautiful scenery and 21 hiking trails. 24 • Allegheny West Magazine • Summer 2020North Moraine State Park Moraine State Park is a short and easy hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh on I-79. It’s a gem of an outdoor destination, and while many from this area are already aware of its existence they may not realize some of what’s available there. The 16,725-acre park, incidentally, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Though no park facilities were open as of this writing, assistant park manager Brian Flores reported that all of the trails, boat docks, and parking lots are available for use. “Moraine is a big park,” commented Flores, adding, “we’re advising people to spread out” and not congregate in the same areas. McConnells Mill State Park • Learn how to sail with the Moraine Sailing Club You don’t have to travel to the Chesapeake Bay or Florida to learn how to sail. You can do it right here in western Pennsylvania with the Moraine Sailing Club. The club is based at Moraine State Park in Butler County, and its members sail on 3,300-acre Lake Arthur at the park. The purpose of the club is to promote the enjoyment of sailing to residents in the Pittsburgh region. “Sailing is such a fun activity for a family or an individual,” says Bill Paviol, club commodore. “It is a way to get outside, enjoy the weather and spend time on the water. It is a sport that anyone of any age can be involved with.” The club offers several programs taught by certified US Sailing instructors. Students range from age 8 to those in their 70s. Programs include: Learn to sail classes: This series of day-long programs instruct adults on the basics of sailing. Participants spend part of their time on the shore learning the techniques of sailing and plenty of time on the water at the tiller actually sailing a boat. Safety instruction is an important part of these classes. Community sailing program: This allows members to sail without having to own their own boat. Once members demonstrate their sailing skills, they can take out club boats to sail on their own. Youth sail camp: One week each summer, club instructors teach youths between the ages of 8 and 14 the basics of sailing in smaller sailboats. Each day, they learn sailing skills and spend three to four hours or more skippering one-person boats. Racing: For those who want some friendly competition, the club sponsors races throughout the summer and into the fall. Experienced and novice sailors all participate in these events, with trophies awarded at the end of the season. Social activities: While the focus of the club is on sailing, it also schedules a spring social, four picnics during the summer, a harvest moon social in the fall and a banquet in November. Any club member can attend these events, whether or not they are sailing. “Our club sponsors these activities to show people that the social and skill aspects of sailing are great ways to enjoy the outdoors and to meet new friends at the same time,” Paviol says. To learn more about the club, go to Morainesailingclub.org. Traverse the gorge on a trail at McConnells Mill State Park via a hiking trail (above) or, if you’re a climber, check out the rappelling areas (left). • Slippery Rock Creek Gorge This national natural landmark cuts through the park and features Class II through IV white water boating. Adequately equipped adventurers can practice climbing and rappelling skills in two areas that make use of the massive park boulders. A few miles west of Moraine is McConnells Mill State Park. Though formed by the same glacial activity as Moraine, McConnells Mill consists of entirely different terrain with steep gorges and giant rock formations. Experienced hikers will appreciate the 11.5 miles of rugged hiking trails (proper shoes are advised). The historic gristmill centered on the property offers a unique backdrop for family photos. • Hiking and Biking In addition to water features, Moraine offers 71 miles of hiking trails and a six-mile mountain biking course named one of the most technical in the world. There’s also an exciting seven-mile paved bike path along the shoreline that boasts hills, curves and fantastic views of the lake. A fairly new attraction is its 18-hole disc golf course. Summer 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 25Oglebay Resort Day-trippers heading west from Pittsburgh on I-70 will find the city of Wheeling and its area attractions, including Oglebay Resort. While famous for its winter festival of lights, the resort offers numerous warm-weather amenities. Schenk Lake offers pedal-boating and fishing, while The Good Zoo - which is still closed at the time of this writing - houses 50 species of animals, 20 of which are rare or endangered. Scenic segway tours and an aerial challenge park are other highlights of the resort. Here are some additional attractions: Belmont County, Ohio is home to, among other sites, the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area (above) and Barkcamp State Park (right). Western options • Belmont County, Ohio A few miles past Wheeling on I-70, visitors will cross into Belmont County, Ohio. This beautiful rural area has some unique attractions, particularity for bird lovers. The Captina Creek Birding Trail offers prime bird-watching opportunities. Hop on this self-guided driving trail at St. Clairsville and watch for special bird species such as the Northern Parula and the Belted Kingfisher. Directions and trail coordinates can be found at www.belmontswcd.org. One of the stops on the trail is a hidden gem of an unusual rock formation called Raven Rocks, which was originally known as the First Ravine of the Raven Rocks by early pioneers. It was named after the many ravens that nested in the overhanging ledges of the unusual rock formation. The trail also takes you to Dysart Woods, which is the largest known remnant of the original forest of southeastern Ohio. It is the 11th old-growth forest in Ohio and was inducted into the Old Growth Forest Network. There are two trails through the forest, red and blue. Not far away in Flushing is Zion Retreat and RV Park, an 800-acre retreat and nature center with a lake, fishing ponds and cabins. There’s also a stand-up paddle board and kayak rental, a swimming area, playground, aqua zip, beach, sand volleyball and full hook-up RV camping. A scenic, 1.85-mile trail circles the lake. If you’d like to do some more wildlife watching, head to the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area, which is popular for hunting, fishing and other forms of wildlife recreation. Many of the small ponds have been stocked with bass, catfish and bluegills. Hiking, bird watching, photography and sightseeing are also popular. The area is home to many species not traditionally found in eastern Ohio. Want to do some biking? Head to Piedmont Lake in nearby Freeport and jump on the Buckeye Trail, a portion of which runs by the lake. You can also check out the National Road Bikeway back in St. Clairsville. This 2.5-mile paved trail features a gazebo and a tunnel. There’s also a viewing platform located atop the National Road tunnel at the northern entrance. Head further west down I-70 from St. Clairsville and you’ll come across Barkcamp State Park, which is well-marked by highway signs. The park sports a 1,000-acre playground that offers boating, fishing, camping, hiking trails and a preserved antique barn that’s used for summer naturalist activities and historic displays. • Bissonnette Gardens Flower and plant lovers will be delighted by Bissonnette Gardens, a public garden display that recreates the early 1900s grounds of Earl Oglebay’s summer home. More than 30 flower beds, dozens of large hanging baskets and multiple fountains make for an eye-pleasing stroll. • Grand Vue Park A lesser known Wheeling attraction, but one for the more adventurous, is Grand Vue Park, which is off of the Moundsville Exit of I-470. Grand Vue offers ziplining, a climbing tower, mountain biking and hiking trails, and geocaching featuring 13 geocaches and a 15-point orienteering course placed by the Moundsville National Guard. ABOVE: Captina Creek offers opportunities to bird watch. BELOW: Zion Retreat offers many activities including kayaking on their 800-acre property. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • Summer 2020BY DOUG HUGHEY Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village A lot of people know Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Avella as that place where they went to do old-timey activities like candle dipping and taffy pulls on school trips. What they may not have realized, however, is that Meadowcroft is also home to one of the oldest archeological digs in North America. The earliest man-made objects found at a rock shelter there have been radiocarbon dated back to about 19,000 years. The site’s unique geology and rock overhang made it an ideal stopping-off point for ancient people who disposed of spear points, bones and tools - things we now consider valuable artifacts - there over the course of thousands of years. The dig at Meadowcroft’s rock shelter is therefore among the oldest known consistently inhabited sites in the New World. Meadowcroft offers tours of the rock shelter in the summer and, before COVID-19 shut down the country, the museum was gearing up for another season. Though it remains closed at the time of this writing, the museum is planning to open again July 1. Be sure to wear a face mask and, if you’re interested in a rock shelter tour, be sure to call ahead to inquire about the status of the tours for when you plan to visit. While you’re at Meadowcroft, be sure to take a stroll through the museum’s 19th century village and learn from re-enactors about what it was like to teach school, run a household and work as a blacksmith in those days. Museum founders Albert and Devlin Miller had quite the obsession with collecting, of all things, historic buildings, which have been used to construct the village. After you check out a blacksmith demonstration, head over to the Monongahela Village and learn about area Native American construction and farming techniques. You can also visit a frontier trading post to learn about how frontiersmen lived in those days. Yet another attraction not advertised quite as much is a section dedicated to harness racing, as Devlin was quite accomplished at the sport. For the most part, Meadowcroft’s attractions are plein air and allow for plenty of social distancing, making it a good attraction during these uncertain times. Note there is no food offered for sale so be sure to bring along a lunch. There’s plenty of green space to throw out a blanket and enjoy a picnic. The museum is located about 45 minutes away in Avella, Washington County. Visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft for more. LEFT: Archaeologist J.M. Adovasio explains his work at the 19,000-year-old Meadowcroft Rockshelter, a National Historic Landmark. PHOTO BY ED MASSERY ABOVE: Meadowcroft’s 19th century rural village has a blacksmith shop, church, one- room school and covered bridge. PHOTO BY DAVID SCOFIELD Want to learn more about the various cultures of Native Americans who once lived here? Then make it a day and head to the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Ohio on a Saturday (they’re closed on Sundays). You may actually want to start your day there, as the Grave Creek Mound Complex opens earlier than Meadwcroft, at 9 a.m. The site houses the Delf Norona Museum, where you can learn about the Adena culture, who are known for building massive burial mounds (the namesake for Moundsville). From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to Meadowcroft, which opens at noon on Saturdays. While waiting for your tour time at Meadowcroft, visit the 16th century Monongahela Village and try your hand at the atlatl, a prehistoric hunting tool. Both museums close at 5 p.m. Verify hours and status at www. wvculture.org/museum/GraveCreekmod.html and www. heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft. Make it a day of archaeology Download the AWMag Events app at awmagazine.com for websites, maps, addresses and GPS directions to all of the attractions listed in this guide. Summer 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 27BY DOUG HUGHEY Go mountain biking, or just hiking, on this old Nike missile site Local Trails The Panhandle Trail is paved all the way from the Washington County line to the West Virginia border. Mountain bikers are drawn to all kinds of interesting terrain. But Cold War-era nuclear missile sites? That’s not necessarily one of them, unless you’re one of the cyclists who has been testing their skills at the old Nike missile site in Moon Township. The site, which is located at the end of Nike Road, features a mix of asphalt, dirt, level lots and steep grades, thanks to the way the base’s construction has shaped the landscape. Cyclists can now use the space thanks to an agreement that Hollow Oak Land Trust has worked out with the landowners. Bikers can go freestyle or follow a single-track, mile-long loop blazed by local cycle cross coach Jordan Vilella around the area. If you’d like a tour, Hollow Oak volunteer Rich Dahlgren leads a hike there every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Dahlgren, incidentally, has discovered all three species of milkweed growing together throughout the meadow habitat. At one time, an Army base located at the site housed upwards of a dozen tactical nuclear-tipped missiles that would have been deployed in the event of a bomber attack from the Soviet Union. The long, horizontal bunkers that once housed the missiles have long since been filled in but if you bike to the rear of the property and up onto an embankment overlooking the site, you’ll get a good view of where one of the base’s bunkers was located. Fun fact: that bunker was likely the one that used to hold the base’s nuclear missiles. The old Nike missile site also hooks up with the rest of Hollow Oak’s 300-acre Montour Woods Conservation Area, which boasts 10 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout. The Powerline Trail offers a straight shot down to the Meeks Run Trail, which follows the valley floor. The Hemlocks Trail, meanwhile, offers a route of switchbacks down to Montour Run. Consider bringing your fishing pole because the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has stocked Montour Run with trout again this year. Parking is available at the end of Nike Road. Trailheads heading directly into the Montour Woods and Trout Run Conservation Areas are also open. The most parking, however, is available at the Downing Drive trailhead, which puts you out on the Meeks Run Trail. The best place to start, though, is by checking out the trail maps for the conservation areas at hollowoak.org. There’s also a map available through the AWMag Events app. Download it at awmagazine.com. Enjoy a paved bike ride all the way to West Virginia Pump up your bike tires and jump on the Panhandle Trail at the Washington County line and you’ll be able to cruise on a paved surface 17.3 miles all the way to West Virginia. Free parking is available at the McDonald Trail Station at 110 South McDonald Street and an additional lot is located about a mile away at the intersection of Noblestown Road and Johns Avenue. The Tandem Connection bike shop has a location just across the street for any bike supplies you may need, though it remains closed at the time of this writing. Visit www.mcdonaldtrailstation.com for more. If you want to make an even longer trip out of it, and don’t mind biking on crushed limestone, head right out of the parking lot toward Allegheny County or left for about a mile and jump on where the trail intersects with the Montour Trail. The Montour Trail, by the way, offers 36 continuous miles of hiking and biking, making the combination of day trips endless. The longest dedicated route starts at Mile 0 in Coraopolis and ends in either Bethel Park or Clairton. LEFT: Mountain bikers cruise around the Nike site (PHOTO BY CHRIS ROLINSON), which connects with the rest of Hollow Oak’s trail network (above). Get a digital version of this map with the AWMag Events app. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • Summer 2020 Want a family-friendly trail option? Then head out to the Iroquois Shelter at Settlers Cabin Park. There, you’ll be able to jump on the newly constructed Waterfall Trail, which takes hikers down a path to a small waterfall and a cool ravine. The trail has a rolling, natural surface that’s six feet wide until you reach the upper waterfall viewing area. As the trail winds through the woods, it offers views down into the valley bottom and passes a wide variety of wildflowers and trees. Once you reach the upper viewing area underneath a grove of hemlock trees, you can make your way down the trail (furthest to your left) where there are two rock creek crossings that will take you right to the base of the falls. Be sure to stay on the established trail to help prevent erosion and protect this fragile ecosystem while exploring. Following the trail back up to the parking lot makes for about a one-mile round trip. More improvements will be coming to the area in the future, including restoration plantings, trail improvements and new directional signage. Until then, the Allegheny County Parks Trails App is the best tool for navigating (see the link below). Looking for a longer adventure? You can continue along the Green Trail as it meanders along the creek in the valley. The trail then climbs back out and eventually loops to the parking lot for a hike that is just over 2.5 miles. For an even more adventurous loop, you can connect the Green Trail, Purple Trail, Yellow Trail, Red Trail and Blue Trail and head back to the Waterfall Trailhead parking lot for a six-mile loop around the outside of the park. This loop will take you past the waterfall and valley then over to the Pinkerton Run Valley, which has nice views of Pinkerton Run and is full of wildflowers in the spring. Remember to stay on the trails and take only pictures as you explore the parks so as to leave them as you found them for the next person. Plan your trip with the Allegheny County Parks Webtool and download the Allegheny County Parks Trails App to find your way once you are at the park. Visit www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/ resources/maps/index.aspx Hikers on the Waterfall Trail at Settlers Cabin Park are rewarded with this view of a waterfall in the valley. CONTENT SUBMITTED Take the family on this easy new trail at Settlers Cabin Park or extend it out for a day hike Summer 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >