|
|
|
|
Pennsylvania’s state tree, the
Eastern hemlock, and our state flower, the Mountain Laurel, welcome you
to the trail of the Faithkeepers located on the grounds of the Villa
Maria Community Living Center. The trail is so named to remind us of our early Sisters – and our present ones – who have kept the spirit and traditions of our Congregation alive. The Native Americans honor their Faithkeepers because they preserve the culture, traditions, and beliefs of their people. This land has been home for both groups. Together, these Faithkeepers beckon us to life itself.  The approximately one mile long trail leads through a woods in which the trees are exceptionally tall and probably more than 40 years old. They are predominately tulip poplars and maples, with some ash, basswood (linden), red oaks and aspens. To the west is an older growth woods, perhaps 80 -100 years old. There are some very old grapevines, a variety of ferns, barberry bushes, poison ivy and ground pine. There is abundant wildlife including deer, squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, rabbits, fox, an owl, pileated woodpeckers, hawks, geese, ducks, turkeys, wrens and many other birds. Even a family of ruffed grouse, the Pennsylvania state bird, has been sighted on the trail. The peacefulness of the pond is the highlight of the trail. It is a healthy, spring-fed forest pond with frogs and duckweed--water lilies are making a start. Each season holds unique beauty and surprises. |
|
|
|
|
