You won’t need a flashlight for this hiking trip on the Whiskey Point Trail in Scott Township.

The Scott Conservancy is organizing a free moonlight walk this Saturday night along its trails that will teach visitors about various wildlife, plants, trees, stars and stages of the moon.

Don McGuirk, who teaches astronomy at the Community College of Allegheny County, has done similar walks on his own and decided this year to organize a walk. The Scott Conservancy also did a moonlight hike in May.

“We’ll be talking about the animals and their habitats,” McGuirk said. “We’ll be pointing out some of the wild flowers and trees while it’s still daylight. We’ll also do a discussion about the orientation of the moon and the planets.”

After the hike, which will begin at 8:30 p.m. at the Whiskey Point Trail entrance near the Scott Veterans’ Bridge, the guests will be treated to a campfire. McGuirk suggested visitors bring their own chairs and any campfire snacks.

Other members also plan to go for a short canoe ride along the Chartiers Creek before the hike. They will start near the PNC Bank in Carnegie at 4 p.m. and canoe all the way to the Sharp Edge restaurant in Crafton.

The hike is free to anyone who wants to attend. However, those who plan to come are asked to call McGuirk at 412-276-3222 or email him at donedrum@yahoo.com so organizers have an idea of the number of participants.

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