TIME: 1pm to 4pm
WALK ADDRESS and/or GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START: Kimberly Run Natural Area Trail Head on East Menser Road (39.98038, -79.02259)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION (terrain level and estimated mileage):
Terrain: Moderate | Estimated mileage: 1 – 3.5 miles miles
Join us for a walk exploring Kimberly Run’s grasslands/meadows and forests! Kimberly Run is owned and managed by Somerset County Conservancy and has multiple trails going around grassland fields, through forests, and near wetlands and streams.
First we plan to do about a 1 mile loop (Overlook Loop) around a 30 acre grassland/meadow restoration project. This meadow was seeded with native grasses and wildflowers in December 2025. This summer we have seen several wildflowers blooming such as coreopsis, vervain, blackeyed susan, and partridge pea. This field is a reclaimed strip mine that was heavily encroached with autumn olive and black locust. We will discuss the work that has been done here to convert it into a native grass and wildflower plantng.
Next we will do about a 2 mile loop (White Loop) in a forested area. Along this loop we will cross two bridges that go over a stream and will go near a wetland area. Somerset County Conservancy is planning on doing forest management work with the USDA NRCS and we will discuss some of the planned work to improve the forest health.
There are many other shorter or longer loops that we can recommend if attendees want a shorter or longer walk.
We will meet at the Kimberly Run Natural Area Trail Head on East Menser Road. This is a gravel parking lot. A porta potty is at this parking lot and there are no other porta potties along the hiking path/trails.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: East Menser road is a paved road and the parking lot at the meeting location is gravel. All trails are mowed grass paths. Trails are not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Most of the hike is flat, but there will be short uphill sections, two bridge crossings, and maybe some wet grass patches depening on amount of recent rain.
We recommend that people wear tick preventive clothing (long pants tucked into long socks, good walking/hiking shoes, long sleeves, bug spray), sun protection (sunscreen and or hat), and bring plenty of water and maybe light snacks if desired.
PETS ALLOWED: All pets on public property must comply with PA Leash laws.
CONTACT FOR MORE QUESTIONS: Emma Keele – gsncc@iup.edu 402-469-1063