The Experience
Arrive at the pilgrimage and you are instantly part of a community; there is a sense of family. Each nature enthusiast is eager to explore the forests, fields, lakes, and streams, to share knowledge, to embrace learning, to celebrate this incredible planet, and to soak up the salve that nature is to the soul. Old friends re-unite; new friends are made. Evenings you might attend a presentation under the big tent in the company of hundreds of pilgrims. Other times of the day - from early morning to late at night - you choose from dozens of small-group programs. You might sit and talk, or take a hike. Some programs are designed to last an hour and a half. There are also field trips that last four hours. Nature topics include trees, flowers, ferns, insects, birds, salamanders, reptiles, tracks and signs, mammals, geology, astronomy, ecology, and more. You might also find a class in yoga, paper-making, photography, and more.
Lodging & FoodLodging: Participants are responsible for securing their own lodging.
Where is my Program?
(See map at the bottom of this page.)
Tent Programs: The evening "Tent Programs" are in the big tent behind the Registration Building at "Camp Allegany" in the Allegany State Park Red House area. The park provides a good number of park benches to sit on, but sometimes, it isn't enough! Bring a lawn chair if you have one. Early Morning and Evening Bird Walks: Check in the Registration Building. The location is at the discretion of the leader. We'll post it. Bird Banding: Across the parking lot from the Registration Building. Walks/Workshops / Programs: Most other programs start in the field between the Registration Building and the big tent. Some may start at other locations in the park. It can be confusing, especially if this is your first time at the Pilgrimage. So don't be afraid to ask! You will find signs with the names of the walks and programs that are being offered at that time slot. If your program starts in the big field by the tent, your program leader will be standing near the sign. Participants will be standing there, too, often hiding the sign - so don't be shy! Wiggle right in there so you can read the signs, or ask others, "Is this the Wild Edibles Walk?" Once everyone is gathered, there may be an announcement from the program coordinator. Then you'll be off on your adventure. Some programs will take place in the close vicinity of the Camp Allegany area. For others, you may be carpooling to another site or walking over to a building or tent. Files to DownloadFlora and Fauna Checklists
History of the Pilgrimage |
Helpful Hints Bring a coffee mug.
Registration Indian Cucumber Root
You can pre-register up to one week before the Pilgrimage. After that date, plan on checking in and paying at the Registration table when you arrive at Camp Allegany. For people who can't commit to the whole weekend, we offer a day rate.
Click here for the registration page where you can register and pay with your PayPal account or credit card. There are early bird and member discounts through April 24th. If you prefer paper, you can download and print a registration form and mail it with a check to our registrar. 
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