Organizers of Sunday's grand opening celebration of the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Unity hope the variety of events planned for the daylong program will show visitors what's to come.

Trails will be open, and experts will discuss the natural resources in the reserve, but the late summer event will be just a sampling of ongoing educational and research programs expected to use the center as a base.

Angela Belli, director of the reserve and of the Saint Vincent College Environmental Education Program, said the nature trails on the grounds and the library and exhibits in the rebuilt barn will be available year-round for everyone to enjoy.

"There's still nature in winter," she said.

People have been donating books, most with the natural environment as a theme, and one retired Derry Area Middle School teacher, Fred Goodman, donated his bird and wildlife specimens to the cause.

The totally refurbished 17th century barn, moved from another site to the reserve land, also houses two offices, spacious meeting areas and a children's area. Outdoors, the 50-acre site borders the college and is home to many native plants, trees, birds and mammals.

In the rear courtyard a sculpture representing Mrs. Palmer's favorite poet, Robert Frost, has been installed.

The site provides a view of Saint Vincent College that Mrs. Palmer, who died in 1999, wanted to preserve and protect from development. She was the wife of golf legend Arnold Palmer and their daughters helped plan the reserve.

Ms. Belli said trails eventually will link other popular college sites such as the gristmill area and the Fred Rogers Center, now under construction.

Among the activities and programs planned between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. for Sunday will be:

Mammals of Pennsylvania, 11 a.m.

Nature walk for children, Tall Grass Trek, noon

Pennsylvania reptiles and amphibians, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Late bloomers wildflower walk with the Westmoreland Botanical Society, 2 p.m.

Birds of the reserve, 4 p.m.

Also, at 1:30 p.m. and again at 5 p.m., the Latrobe Historical Society will feature a program on the Lochry Blockhouse, a colonial-era building on the premises.

Live music, local vendors and more also be on hand.

Ms. Belli said Saturday programs and special events will begin in the fall.

The reserve entrance is on old Route 981, between Route 30 and the Route 981 entrance to Saint Vincent College.