by John Stehle
The Butler Chapter of the North Country Trail, along with the History Department of Slippery Rock University and North Country Brewery, will be hosting the annual Cherry Pie Hike on Saturday, February 22, 2013 at the Jennings Environmental Education Center. This is a change from the normal venue of the Old Stone House, right across Route 8.
Jennings Environmental Education Center is located near the Blazing Star Prairie, a geological relic from the last Ice Age. It is situated on Route 528 near the intersection with Route 8.
There will be three sessions, starting at 9:00, 11:00, and 1:00. Cherry Pie and coffee will be served, compliments of the North Country Brewing Company (www.northcountrybrewing.com).
The curators of the Old Stone House, from the history department of Slippery Rock University, will present a program on the frontier history of the area.
After each talk, there will be an opportunity to take a short hike or a long hike. The long hike will be along a section of the North Country Trail that George Washington and Christopher Gist would have travelled in 1753.
The long hike (approximately two hours) along the North Country Trail will be led by members of the North Country Trail Association and the Butler Outdoor Club. A ranger from Jennings will lead a short hike of about an hour on one of the many trails at the Jennings Environmental Education Center.
After the hike, consider heading up to the North Country Brewing Co. at 141 S. Main Street, Slippery Rock, to refuel. Mention that you are coming from the Cherry Pie Hike so you can be seated closer to your fellow hikers!
Space is limited, so please contact John Stehle via email (stehles@gmail.com) or phone (724-256-0674) to reserve a spot. Please indicate which program (9 AM, 11 AM, or 1 PM) that you would like to attend.