Shenango Trail hike set for Saturday

MERCER, Pa. -- The annual Shenango Trail Spring Hike is set for 1 p.m. Saturday.
The event is sponsored by the Shenango Conservancy, the Shenango Outing Club and the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning & amp; Development Commission.
This year's hike will feature a "Workshop in the Wild" where guides will discuss:
The history of the trail including the Beaver to Erie Canal, which moved freight and passengers through northwest Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s.
The wildlife of the wooded and scenic Shenango River, which is noted for spring wildflowers, which should be at their peak, during the hike.
Greenways and trails and the potential to help create a Pittsburgh to Erie Greenway and Trail and a Pittsburgh to Cleveland Greenway and Trail.
The hike is open to the public and is a four-mile trek from Big Bend to New Hamburg. It is estimated to take 21/2 to three hours. A shuttle service will be provided.
Participants should meet at 1 p.m. at the Big Bend trailhead, located at the corner of Valley Road and North Bend Road in Jefferson Township northwest of Mercer. Participants should wear appropriate footwear for the trail, which may be muddy or wet.
There are no restrooms or public water at the trailheads or along the trail. Participants should bring their own water.
Registration is required by Wednesday by contacting either Denny Puko at (724) 981-2880 or by e-mail at dpuko@roadrunner.com or Matt Gilara at (814)-677-4800 or by e-mail at mattg@nwcommission.org.