Upcoming Forays/Workshops of the
Ohio Moss and Lichen Association

OHIO MOSS AND LICHEN ASSOCIATION FALL FORAY
September 27, 28 and 29, 2019

This year’s fall foray will be held near the Pymatuning Reservoir on both the Ohio and Pennsylvania sides of the reservoir. We will focus collections in Ohio’s Pymatuning State Park near Andover, Ohio and in Pennsylvania’s Pymatuning State Park near Jamestown, Pennsylvania. The Ohio side collections will update the species lists for Ashtabula County. The Pennsylvania side collections will update lists for Crawford County.

 Schedule of Events

Friday, September 27: Meet at 3:00 PM in the parking area at the Birches boat launch at 7001 Pymatuning Lake Road, Ohio. There is an unmarked trail at the south end of the parking area that we can explore along with trees in the surrounding vicinity. If this area isn’t productive we can go a short distance north to the beach area and Beaver Dam Trail. This is just south of the main Park with the cabins. The Ohio State Park Office is at 6100 Pymatuning Lake Road. Cabins are available for check in after 4 PM. To reserve a cabin or a camp site use the web site www.ohiostateparks.reserveamerica.com OR phone 866-644-6727. PLEASE NOTE—Poison ivy is abundant on both the Ohio and Pennsylvania portions of Pymatuning.

For dinner we can meet at the Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor, 380 E Main Street, Andover at about 6 PM. Just take route 85 west from Pymatuning State Park towards Andover. The Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor is on the left before you get to the main square in Andover. If you miss it, go around the square and head back towards the Park. There are a few other options in or near Andover including the Hot Spot Family restaurant, Scooters Bar and Grill, the Andover Diner, McDonalds, Subway, and maybe a few more. These are either on the square in Andover or along route 85 on the way into Andover from Pymatuning State Park.

Saturday, September 28:  Meet at 9:30 AM at the Padanarum Area boat launch area, 7250 Padanarum Road, Andover. Bring a bag lunch. This is the north end of the Park and the area has several foray opportunities. There are wetlands near the northeast corner of the launch area with a small trail into the wetlands. Be sure to wear hiking boots as it could be wet depending on the weather. There is a second trail about ¼ mile back on the left (south) side of Padanarum Road. There is a small parking area and woodland trail here that goes to an inlet and the lake. There is also an open area near the beach and parking areas that we can survey for mosses and lichens.

We can foray here until about 11:30 and then head to the Environmental Classroom in Pennsylvania’s Pymatuning State Park (it is about 10-12 miles to 2541 Marina Drive, Jamestown, PA). We can set up scopes here and eat lunch either inside or outside, depending on the weather.

Directions to Environmental Classroom: To get to the Environmental Classroom from Padanarum Road take the Pymatuning Lake Road south (about 7-8 miles) until it intersects with route 322 east. You have to make several jogs to stay on Lake Road. Near the end it becomes South Lake Road or Simons Road. Turn left to take 322 east to the PA State Park office area of the Pennsylvania Pymatuning State Park (2660 Williamsfield Road; this is about 4-5 miles). Turn left off 322 to go towards the office, but drive past the office and bear left to West Lake Road. Follow this about 1 mile and turn right onto Marina Drive. Proceed to the end and you will see the Environmental Classroom on the right and the Jamestown Marina and boat rental (2541 Marina Drive, Jamestown, PA). There is a parking area adjacent to the building (see attached maps). Those who wish to set up their scopes can do so at this time.

Saturday Afternoon, September 28: Meet about 1:30 PM at the classroom. There are several options for collecting near here. First there is an unmarked trial just north of the classroom that traverses along some wooded areas, partially intersects the disk golf course, and then goes along the lake front. We are free to roam through these areas. A second opportunity is to hike the Tamarack Trail. The trail head is about 1.3 miles after turning right from Marina Drive on to West Lake Road. There is a small parking area on the right just after the Century Club and the trail head is across the road. This is primarily wooded, so not sure how good the collecting will be.

Meet back at the Environmental Classroom about 4:00 PM. Depending on your preference, we can either get pizzas and eat here or go out.  Jamestown restaurants include Dutch Oven Family Restaurant (Italian food) at 110 Liberty Street and The 215 Restaurant at 215 Liberty Street which also has vegetarian and vegan menu items. The Environmental classroom should be available in the evening for examining specimens (not sure how late they will let us stay).

Sunday, September 29: Meet at 9:00 AM at the Environmental Classroom. Then we will drive to Linesville to the spillway. This is a popular spot to see the “ducks walk on fish.” There is a spillway trail we can hike or you can enjoy watching the ducks and fish at the spillway. We will head back to the classroom about 11:00 or you can depart any time that is convenient for you to get scopes, etc. If you don’t want to drive to the spillway there is the Sugar Run trail that begins at Shelter 1 just after you cross the dam at the south end of the Park. This trail crosses the Shenango River and is a pleasant hike. If you are planning a longer day, be sure to bring a bag lunch.

Bob and Kathy

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What is a Foray? We have many new OMLA members, so here is an explanation of a foray.  The purpose of the foray is to collect as many species as possible. Typically the Fall Foray is a 2-day one, while the Summer Foray is Saturday only. The group meets either Saturday morning and goes to a selected natural area and spreads out to collect (permits are arranged in advance).  For 2-day forays a “scope room” is reserved and on Saturday late afternoon and evening, the group  works on the identification of the material collected.  Many members have their own scopes, but there are always a few extras around for those who don’t have scopes.   A new member might want to pair up with a more advanced person to learn some techniques. Sunday, after breakfast, the group again goes to a selected natural areas to further collect.  

Perhaps the most important mission of OMLA is to further knowledge about the distributions of mosses and lichens, and each foray concentrates on a particular county. Forays are a great way to make friends with folks interested in cryptogams.

 Please contact the trip leaders to let them know you’re planning to attend. Alternatively, or if you have any questions about this trip or OMLA in general, please email the webmaster.

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