TIME FOR A CHANGE
This boardwalk is the third iteration at Asbury Woods, giving
visitors access to forest, field, and wetland areas. The first was
completed in 1972, and when that structure began to show signs
of age, volunteers rebuilt it in 1992.
After almost 30 years, Asbury Woods concluded it was time
to replace the boardwalk again. In addition to the need for a
more accessible structure, it needed to be replaced for structural
reasons. The swamp deck was sinking, and because of natural
succession, the swamp has been drying out over time, and the
deck was not a good
location for wetlands
observation and lessons.
In July, the
boardwalk was razed, and
construction on the new
structure began. The new
boardwalk follows the
same 1,700-foot path as
the previous walkway,
but also includes a 300-foot
extension that leads to the
Wasiesky Teaching Pavilion.
Asbury Woods
named the new feature in honor
of Steve Wasiesky’s 50-year commitment to the nature preserve
and to environmental education. This large wetlands teaching
pavilion is located over a year-round wetland area, near the south
side of the parking lot. It includes a gate that gives students access
to the wetlands to collect water samples and has electrical service
to accommodate equipment for educational presentations.
“It will be a big part of our school visits,” Farrar notes, “but it’s
also going to become a popular place for community members. It
has benches and covered seating—a comfortable place for quiet
contemplation or to take your lunch break.”
One of the goals
“ was
to make it
more accessible
accessible.
Walking on the
boardwalk is now
a much easier
experience for
all ages. ”
The boardwalk renovation project also included the
construction of the Shaw Gazebo, named in honor of Mark Shaw
for his dedication to Asbury Woods, and, in the location of the
former swamp deck, there is an observation deck, dedicated in
memory of Damien Francis Coughlin.
Asbury Woods contracted Paterniti Malena Construction, LLC,
of Erie for the seven-month project. From July through December,
the crew built the 2,000-foot structure using more than 3,300
deck boards, 1,742 joists, 806 top and bottom rails, 772 posts, 452
beams, and over 103,000 screws.
Asbury Woods celebrated the project’s completion with a
ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 11, just in time for its annual
Winter Wonderland. Guests at that event were among the first to
enjoy the new boardwalk, as well as holiday lights and music.
PRESERVING A LEGACY
Funds for the boardwalk renovation project came from the
Preserving a Legacy Capital Campaign. The campaign, launched
in 2015, set a goal of raising $4.5 million, of which more than
$1.5 million was slated for the purchase of Asbury Woods from
the Millcreek Township School District. The remainder of funds
from the campaign allowed the nature preserve to complete many
updates to facilities, invest in new educational equipment, and
establish an endowment fund.
The campaign has been successful, with the help of Millcreek
Township, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources and Department of Community and Economic
Development, Erie County, the Erie Community Foundation,
the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and private foundations,
businesses, and individuals. Thanks to the Preserving a Legacy
Campaign, Asbury Woods is poised for a strong future.
“We are fortunate,” says Farrar, “to have many donors who
believe in environmental education, preserving Asbury Woods,
and moving our organization forward.” n
YOU’RE INVITED TO THE WOODS
The Asbury Woods property and nature center are free and open to the public during daylight hours every day. “Find
some time to get out here and enjoy it,” says Executive Director Jennifer Farrar. Upcoming events at Asbury Woods, and
prime opportunities to take a walk on the new boardwalk, include:
The Annual Maple Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 4-5
The Maple Festival features tours and demonstrations at the Sugar Shack where Asbury Woods uses sap collected from
maple trees on the property to produce maple syrup. Guests are also invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast.
Into the Woods 5 Miler, June 6
Participants can choose to compete in a five-mile race or a two-mile walk on Asbury Woods trails.
Monday Music in the Woods, 6 to 8 p.m., Each Monday, June 15 through July 27
Bring a lawn chair to the Celebration Garden at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center to hear local musicians. You can
pack a picnic or purchase dinner from a food truck, and this year, Lavery Brewing will host a beer garden on-site.
Wine + Dine in the Woods, 7 to 10 p.m., July 17
Guests are invited to an evening of unique food pairings, wines, craft beers and music at the Andrew J. Conner Nature
Center. Proceeds from the popular event help provide free access and low-cost programming to the community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ASBURY WOODS, SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS,
VISIT ASBURYWOODS.ORG.
MILLCREEK
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SPRING 2020
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