-HARWICK MINE
The Harwick mine was owned by Allegheny Coal in 1901, it's mining disaster ranks in the top 10 of the worst mining disasters in U.S. history. On January 25 1904 at about 8am a blow out shot ignited the explosion in a poorly ventilated area that left 175 men trapped under ground. Only one trapped worker survived, a 16 year old boy. In all 179 men died that day. As you walk back here take a look around you can still find some reminants from the mining days. I played here a lot as a kid and I have found tons of really cool artifacts here.
-RACHEL CARSON
Rachel Carson, writer, scientist, and ecologist, grew up right in Springdale. Carson was attacked by the chemical industry and some in government as an alarmist, but courageously spoke out to remind us that we are a vulnerable part of the natural world subject to the same damage as the rest of the ecosystem. Carson called for new policies to protect human health and the environment. Her witness for the beauty and integrity of life continues to inspire new generations to protect the living world and all its creatures. She has always been a great inspiration to me.
-THE TRAIL
The Rachel Carson Trail is a hiking trail north and east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spanning 35.7 miles (57.4 kilometers) between Harrison Hills County Park in the extreme northeast corner of Allegheny County, and North Park in the north-central area of the county. The trail is extremely varied, traversing several county parks, following power and gas lines, skirting suburban homes and farms, crossing creeks, meandering through woods and fields, and passing along the edge of steep bluffs. The terrain along the route ranges from paved roads to some areas that are quite primitive and rugged. Spurs lead into the mansion area at Hartwood Acres County Park in Indiana Township and the Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale. Continuing urban development along the route of the trail brings disruption and requires rerouting from time to time. There are no camps or shelters along the way, meaning the trail is intended for day-hiking. The trail is relatively primitive and steep in places. Few bridges have been built, so many streams have to be crossed as-is. Once a year hundreds of people gather to try and complete the trail in one shot.