Living Filter: Guided Outings

Discover the innovative sustainability practices at Penn State's Living Filter, a 600-acre expanse of agricultural and forested land where treated wastewater from the University Park campus is spray-irrigated. This system has been in operation for 50 years, serving as a model for wastewater reuse and environmental stewardship. Visitors can observe how the land application system enhances groundwater recharge, supports diverse plant life, and contributes to sustainable water management practices. The site is co-managed by Penn State and the PA Game Commission and is also used as a public hunting area (State Game Lands No. 176).

Our guides will be joined by Living Filter staff who will discuss the history and environmental significance of the Living Filter system at Penn State.

Sunday Outings: Heather Preisendanz - Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Director, Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science.

Thursday Outing: Dave Swisher - Wastewater Utility Engineer

PARKING is at the small gravel lot at 851 Cricklewood Drive, State College, PA. Street parking also available. Please do not park in the American Ale House parking lot.

Outing Difficulty: Easy

Outing Distance (miles): 1.5

Outing Map

How to Prepare:

• Sturdy shoes and a filled water bottle (32 oz. or more per adult) are necessary for all outings.

  Water filling stations are not available at most locations.

• Sun and insect protection recommended

   such as sunscreen, insect repellent, long sleeves/pants, or hat.

  
  

  Need Gear? Reserve items from our Gear Library.

  
  

For self-guided explorations, the trails are open to the public throughout the year.

All Guided Outings are held rain or shine. Cancellations for severe weather or unhealthy conditions will be announced on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.