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Articles by topic Learn More About This Topic Mammals Mammals fill many roles in our ecosystems and have adapted to fill a variety of niches where they can truly thrive. While some of these wide-ranging furry friends can be found throughout the state, some of them are more reclusive and can only be found in specific habitats. Learn about all the cool ways mammals contribute to our ecology. Learn More About This Topic Pennsylvania Trees There are around 200 common species of trees in Pennsylvania, and about two-thirds are natives. Learn More About This Topic Spring Birds From the first signs of spring, with the return of robins, to their eggs produced around Easter, spring is synonymous with birds. Learn More About This Topic Woodcocks The American woodcock is a fascinatingly strange bird. Commonly referred to as the timberdoodle, the American woodcock inhabits wet, scrubby woodlands and produces one the greatest mating ritual feats of the avian world. Learn More About This Topic Amphibians Learn more about amphibians and their migration to vernal pools, a type of seasonal pond, in and around the Scotia Barrens. Each spring these guys and gals saunter back to the exact same spot to find a mate often crossing hundreds of yards, a massive journey for a 2-inch creature! Learn More About This Topic Weather Weather is wild! Learn about all the cool, and hot, ways weather systems form, what different clouds mean for forecasting, and fascinating weather phenomenon that are a part of living in the truly dynamic mid-atlantic. Learn More About This Topic Summer Bugs The soundtrack of summer is not complete without the cacophony that our warm-season bugs produce. The same is also true of the moths, butterflies, and fireflies that define the summer sights. Learn about all the critters that perform day and night to the tune of summer. Learn More About This Topic Old Growth Trees There are around 8,000,000,000 trees in Pennsylvania covering over 16,000,000 acres, but only .06% of that contain trees predating the 20th century. Either through early colonization or the later boom-and-bust cycles much of the old-growth forests no longer remain, but we have pockets of theses ancient trees right here in our backyard. Explore some of these sylvan sanctuaries and discover what Pennsylvania was like before people. Learn More About This Topic Lake Ecosystems Large lakes in Pennsylvania are almost exclusively man-made. That doesn’t keep them form forming natural cycles and forming the own ecosystems, however. Jump into the ecology of our lakes and find out what lurks beneath the surface of several lakes in our area. Learn More About This Topic Scotia and Iron History Scotia is an area rich in cultural and geologic history. A humble pick-and-shovel operation that eventually turned into one of main focuses for Andrew Carnegie; join us as we explore some of the more fascinating anecdotes with the leading historian on the subject. Learn More About This Topic Threatened Trees Chestnuts, once so plentiful that entire regions are named after them, are now a critically endangered species. Examine some of the threats facing our modern forests and what efforts are being taken to insure the historic diversity of our forests remains for future generations. Learn More About This Topic Summer Birds The spring and fall bring the greatest diversity of birds to our region, but what about all the ones that call this place home? Dive into a new understanding of our summer avian residents and learn about some of our friendly flying friends. We will explore species that have adapted to cohabitate with humans and secretive forest dwelling birds. Learn More About This Topic Public Art Public art unites our community in ways few other physical objects can. Learn about the history of public art throughout central Pennsylvania, where to find pieces that are hidden in plain sight, and how many of these installations came to be. Learn More About This Topic Modern Sustainability Practices What are some of the leading innovations in the sustainability movement? Learn about the work going into making central Pennsylvania a better place to call home and reducing our impact on the world. Learn More About This Topic Historic Land Uses Take a trip back to the early days of human exploration of central Pennsylvania. From the earliest inhabitants to the rapid progression of colonial expansion land use in our community has changed drastically. Follow along as we dive into our unique cultural history and what these important events mean for us today. Learn More About This Topic Geologic Formations We have an unusual geologic history in Pennsylvania, our rocks are upside-down! All of our young rocks make up the valley floors while the older formations are what make up the higher ridges. The same ridges that define our region also helped shape the socio-economic development of our communities. Take some time to explore why rocks rock! Learn More About This Topic Waterways Pennsylvania has over 80,000 miles of streams and waterways, and we have the highest stream density of any state! We are indeed a well drained land, and you can scarce find a place to throw a rock that won’t hit a stream. Find out more about a water heritage and the important factors that have come together to make our home so replete with waterways. Learn More About This Topic Reptiles There are a wide assortment of reptiles in Pennsylvania; turtles, snakes, and lizards across every biome. Explore the different habitats that harbor these scaly friends, the work that goes into protecting them, and how likely you are to run across one on an adventure. Learn More About This Topic Pollinators Pollinators are essential for our way of life. They help out everything from apples to zucchini reproduce and are essential to a healthy garden. Discover all the varieties of pollinators that contribute to plant reproduction and how to create pollinator friendly habitats. Learn More About This Topic Invasive Species Invasive species are often introduced into an environment and can cause severe harm to those already present. Invasive often have an advantage over their competitors that make them more successful while providing less to the ecosystem than the ones they would be replacing. Learn about the various types of invasive plants, how to identify them, and management strategies to keep them from spreading out of control. Learn More About This Topic Native Wildflowers Spring time is synonymous with flowers. From rue anemone to trillium and columbine to jack-in-the-pulpit, a wide variety starts to bloom in the first weeks of May. Many of these early-blooming species can be found on many trails throughout our region. It is often worth visiting a new trail every week to see what new blooms have opened and what others have started to go to seed. Learn More About This Topic Watershed Cleanup Join the community and help keep our public open spaces, roadways, and trails clear of waste that can end up in our waterways. Learn More About This Topic Spring Bugs Not all bugs are bad! Many of the springtime hatches form an essential part of the lifecycle of everything from fish to birds. Learn about the aquatic lifestyle of some of the most prevalent spring bugs. We will dive in and take a closer look at mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, and craneflies. Learn More About This Topic

Take a scenic walk along the Pennsylvania Mid State Trail and through the Poe Paddy Tunnel at Poe Paddy State Park. The trail is welcoming, with wide, flat, even terrain - making this adventure well-suited for people of all ages and fitness levels. Poe Paddy Tunnel Tunnel Spur Rd, Woodward, Haines Township, PA, USA Take a scenic walk along the Pennsylvania Mid State Trail and through the Poe Paddy Tunnel at Poe Paddy State Park. The trail is welcoming, with wide, flat, even terrain - making this adventure well-suited for people of all ages and fitness levels. For information about guided outings at this or other locations, visit our Events . About This Destination Take a short trek along the Pennsylvania Mid State Trail. The adventure begins with a memorable walk through Poe Paddy Tunnel. After brief darkness in the tunnel you will be greeted by gorgeous views of Penn’s Creek, birdsongs, and an abundance of plants and trees surrounding the Mid State Trail. The trail is welcoming, with wide, flat, even terrain - making this adventure well-suited for people of all ages and fitness levels. GPS Link to this location: Tunnel Spur Road, Haines Twp, PA Plan Your Visit This Destination is managed by: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources For more information about visiting this Destination, visit: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources maps Google Maps Location (for Self-guided Outings) Centred Outdoors Outing Map (if available) ADA Accessibility See Destination website for more information or contact Managing organization. Visit On Your Own Tunnel Spur Rd, Woodward, Haines Township, PA, USA Googlemap

Waterways Pennsylvania has over 80,000 miles of streams and waterways, and we have the highest stream density of any state! We are indeed a well drained land, and you can scarce find a place to throw a rock that won’t hit a stream. Find out more about a water heritage and the important factors that have come together to make our home so replete with waterways. LEARN MORE Inside Adventure Create a DIY Watershed! Visit these sites to experience this topic: Canoe Creek State Park Unplug and unwind at Canoe Creek State Park, where you can immerse yourself in 961-acres of nature, including Canoe Lake where you can swim and fish, wetlands, and mature forests. Canoe Creek State Park 205 Canoe Creek Rd, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 Poe Paddy Tunnel Take a scenic walk along the Pennsylvania Mid State Trail and through the Poe Paddy Tunnel at Poe Paddy State Park. The trail is welcoming, with wide, flat, even terrain - making this adventure well-suited for people of all ages and fitness levels. Poe Paddy State Park Tunnel Spur Rd., Haines Township, PA Lower Rail Trail Originally a tow path for the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, the trail has been transformed into a community treasure by the dedication of Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania Inc. Lower Rail Trail Lower Trail Williamsburg Station, 11 Juniata St., Williamsburg, PA 16693 Prince Gallitzin State Park With 26 miles of scenic shoreline, the park offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Prince Gallitzin State Park Prince Gallitzin, Muskrat Beach Area #3, Muskrat Beach, Muskrat Beach Rd, Patton, PA 16668 Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Discover the unique features of the marsh and fen ecosystems along the trails at Millbrook Marsh. Enjoy wildlife viewing underwater, in the air, and all around you on land! From skunk cabbage to red-winged blackbirds Millbrook offers opportunites to expereince what nature has to offer. Millbrook Marsh Nature Center 548 Puddintown Rd, State College, PA 16801 Talleyrand Park Explore the historic features of Talleyrand Park including the Edible Landscape Garden, the Freight House, the Sculpture Garden, the many bridges crossing Spring Creek and more. Talleyrand Park 320 W High St, Bellefonte, PA 16823, USA

Centred Outdoors has just recently wrapped up its ninth season of exploration, connection, and appreciation for central Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. This year’s season featured more hikes, educational programs, wellness programs, and unique outdoor experiences designed to inspire and engage participants of all ages and abilities. Launched in 2017 by ClearWater Conservancy, Centred Outdoors is the organization’s signature outdoor engagement program. It was created to promote environmental stewardship and foster meaningful connections between people and the land. Season 9 brought 91 events  to  28 outdoor destinations,  welcoming 1,012 participants  throughout the year, including 22 Jr. Naturalists . Volunteers play a vital role in the success of the program, contributing in many ways that benefit the entire community. At ClearWater’s Annual Meeting , Jeff Molek  was awarded the Centering Connections with the Outdoors Awards for going above and beyond to foster a commitment to appreciating and stewarding the natural world around us. "I enjoy being able to help a good cause while also bringing people who may not normally get into the outdoors on their own out to enjoy the great natural areas in central PA,” said Molek. Program Coordinator Bridget Whyte shared that her favorite destination this season was Spring Creek Canyon . “This trail never fails to amaze me with its beauty, and it certainly helps that we reserve this specific location for early May each year. The wildflowers are in bloom, the creek flows strong alongside the path, and the trail itself is accessible for a wide range of skill and ability levels.” Event Coordinator Olivia Stas highlighted the end-of-season hike at Musser Gap as her favorite. “Jay Ziegler, from Rothrock Trail Alliance , joined us to talk about RTA's ongoing project to add  50 miles of trails to Rothrock State Forest . We got to hike one of the new trails together on a beautiful fall day! We even encountered a group of volunteers from  Nittany Mountain Biking Association  doing trail maintenance, and they took the time to explain what they were doing and the importance of maintaining these trails,” said Stas. “As a whole, I thought that this hike highlighted the great work that various groups are doing in the area to responsibly maintain and improve the trail systems for our communities to enjoy.” Communications Specialist Sandy Miller chose the Penn State Living Filter  as her top destination this year. “It's been a regular hiking spot for me for a long time, and I am always excited to share it with others. It is easy to access in all seasons and accessible for most ages and abilities,” said Miller. “The site also serves as an educational opportunity as visitors can observe the system of water treatment and groundwater recharge that serves as a model for innovation and environmental stewardship.” Season 9 offered educational opportunities that deepened participants’ understanding of the natural world. Expert guides and conservationists led engaging discussions on topics such as biodiversity, forest ecology, stream health, and the challenges facing local wildlife. Through these guided outings, participants learned how to contribute to its preservation – emphasizing the importance of understanding local ecosystems and their interconnectedness. This season also marked a bittersweet milestone: Bridget Whyte ’s final year as Program Coordinator. For the past three years, she has helped grow and redefine what it means to be an educational program within a land trust. She leaves the community with these parting words: “Centred Outdoors has taught me that community is everywhere if you take the time to notice it. From first-time participants to those who have joined us year after year, the conversations, laughter, and connections I heard along the trail always reminded me why this work mattered. When I accepted this role over three years ago, I was excited by the chance to make an impact and, hopefully, leave a small but mighty mark in ClearWater Conservancy’s long line of success. I truly hope I succeeded.” Looking ahead to 2026, Centred Outdoors will celebrate its 10th season with an exciting lineup of winter programs beginning in January. These include a Speaker Series on outdoor-related topics, wellness programs, nighttime moon and star walks, and outdoor play days for families. Getting outside in winter is just as important as in any other season – fresh air, natural light, and movement all help boost physical and mental well-being during the colder, darker months. Season 10 will be a celebration of the many destinations  visited over the past decade and the partners who have made Centred Outdoors a success. The upcoming schedule will revisit favorite locations while introducing new programs and experiences. With a slight shift in timing to better capture the awakening of the spring and the vibrant colors of fall, the season promises a great blend of familiar favorites and fresh adventures to get folks outdoors.

Elizabeth Crisfield Speaking State College. PA -- Oct. 23, 2025 -- ClearWater Conservancy welcomed over 100 community members to its Annual Meeting and Celebration on Sunday, October 19 at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center . The event highlighted the organization’s recent conservation milestones, honored outstanding volunteers and partners, and shared exciting updates on the Hamer Community Conservation Center , including its groundbreaking.      Members voted to approve the board slate, re-electing Randy Hudson, Terry Melton, and Andy Warner, and welcoming new candidate Mick Trombley. Attendees enjoyed a delicious charcuterie spread while connecting with fellow conservation supporters and exploring interactive ClearWater stations.     At the Annual Meeting in 2023, Kevin McGarry and Deb Nardone announced plans for a permanent home on a 10-acre site along Spring Creek in Houserville. This year, that vision became reality with a ceremonial groundbreaking in August, and construction officially began mid-October.   ABOUT THE ANNUAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS    During the celebration, ClearWater honored several dedicated individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to conservation in the region. Award recipients included Carolyn and Elwood Hatley, Dave Wolfgang, Kevin Brandt, ChicoryLane, Jeff Molek, Cole Transportation Inc., and Paul Takac, all recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.   Left to Right: Deb Nardone, Catherine Felker, Donnan Stoicovy, Leslie Peters, Elizabeth Crisfield Hamer Leadership Award:  The Donald Hamer Leadership Award named in 2005, at ClearWater's 25 th  anniversary to honor Don Hamer for his leadership legacy, this honor is awarded to a member of the ClearWater family that has shown significant leadership in advancing ClearWater’s vision of including everyone in conservation.  Carolyn and Elwood Hatley were honored posthumously to their daughters, Leslie Ann Peters and Catherine Ann Felker, for their enduring commitment to ClearWater’s mission. Carolyn’s active involvement in multiple committees and her welcoming presence at community events exemplified leadership and dedication. Their legacy will be commemorated at the new Hamer Community Conservation Center’s reception area.      The Barbara Fisher Volunteer Award : Named in 2005 to honor Barbara Fisher for her 25 years of dedicated and passionate service, this award is given to ClearWater Conservancy volunteers that exemplify our organizations mission and dedicate their time to help conserve our region’s natural resources. This year,  Dave Wolfgang  and  Kevin Brandt  received the award this year for giving back to the community through time spent stewarding riparian buffers, live stake planting, invasive plant control, easement monitoring, Master Naturalist, and more. Their dedication to supporting ClearWater’s mission and efforts to protect and restore the environment in Central Pennsylvania has been extremely helpful.      The Community Conservation Commendation Award:  This award is given for exemplary service to our community and the environment. This year, ChicoryLane , presented to Catherine and John Smith, was awarded for playing a vital role in helping connect, protect, restore, and steward this beautiful place we call home.  ChicoryLane  was recognized for transforming their 69-acre property into an ecological reserve through decades of restoration and conservation efforts. Their work continues through the ChicoryLane Foundation and public education initiatives.     Centering Connections with the Outdoors   Awards: This award   is given to one individual and one community partner who has played a significant role in connecting individuals with the benefits of spending time outside and building a sense of belonging within the Centred Outdoors and ClearWater community. This year we recognize Jeff Molek  and Cole Transportation Inc.  for going above and beyond to foster a commitment to appreciating and stewarding the natural world around us.      George Harvey Memorial Spring Creek Heritage Award:  Presented jointly by ClearWater Conservancy and the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited , this award recognizes Paul Takac  for his service on local councils and watershed commissions to protect and preserve the Spring Creek Watershed. Representative Takac served in local government as a member of the College Township Council and as chair of both the Spring Creek Watershed Commission and the Centre Region Council of Government's Public Safety Committee

This year, ClearWater Conservancy is reminding our community about the importance of a sustainable fall gardening transition. For many gardeners and landowners, the sight of falling leaves and fading blooms signals it’s time for a garden cleanup. However, one of the most valuable things you can do to support pollinators and other invertebrates is to leave your leaves and provide the shelter they need to survive the winter.    Natural materials such as leaves, fallen logs, plant stems, brush piles, and flower heads create excellent homes for wildlife. A layer of leaves provides insulation from the cold for many species that hide within them or in the soil beneath. Fireflies, moths, butterflies, bumblebees, and countless other insects depend on this winter cover. Removing all of your leaves and plant material not only takes away critical habitat but may also harm species that have already settled in for the winter.    As we embrace the fall season, ClearWater Conservancy is ensuring our native gardens continue to support local wildlife through the colder months.     How to Garden with Nature in Mind   Leave Fallen Leaves: Leaving leaves and other plant debris does not mean letting your yard go unattended. A thin layer of leaves improves soil quality, supports plant health, and creates habitat for pollinators. For a more managed look, move leaves into garden beds, around tree bases, or into designated habitat zones    Avoid Shredding Leaves:  Whole leaves provide better shelter than shredded ones. Shredding may also destroy overwintering eggs, caterpillars, and cocoons. Instead of using a mower, opt for gentler tools such as a rake or a blower on a low setting to keep leaves intact.    Compost Yard Waste:  Excess yard material can be turned into a valuable soil amendment. Establish a compost pile or use a bin, collecting organic matter such as grass clippings, leaves, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds. For effective composting, balance green (nitrogen-rich) materials like food scraps with brown (carbon-rich) materials such as dried leaves and straw. Healthy compost improves soil structure, conserves moisture, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Learn more here .  Leave Seed Heads Intact:  Dry or “dead” flowers and grasses still play a vital role in the ecosystem. Their seed heads provide an important food source for birds such as sparrows, chickadees, and goldfinches throughout the winter months. Every seed head left standing functions as a natural food supply for wildlife.    Leave Hollow Plant Stems: Some pollinator species, such as mason bees and leafcutter bees, can overwinter in hollow plant stems. If you leave these stems in the fall rather than removing them from your garden beds, you will provide a home for these bees to overwinter. In the spring, dried stems can be cut to 8 –24 inches in height to encourage cavity nesting bees to build nests. Plants with hollow or pithy stems provide excellent habitat for these bees.   When to Clean Up   Exceptions always apply—diseased plants or anything that presents a safety hazard should be removed. Otherwise, leaves and stems can be left in place until spring. By delaying cleanup until after temperatures consistently rise above 50°F for a week in late May, you ensure pollinators and insects have emerged safely before stems and grasses are trimmed back.  By adopting these practices, we are not just growing gardens, we are creating habitats. Each leaf pile, seed head, and brush cluster contributes to a healthier ecosystem. These small steps help sustain the birds, bees, and insects that play a critical role in keeping our environment thriving year after year.  Come visit our native garden and see how simple fall practices can make a big difference for local wildlife. It’s a great example of how we can provide winter food and habitat for the birds and bees! To sign up, email: jennifer@clearwaterconservancy.org Read about our native garden here: https://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/garden Learn more about why to leave the leaves at: https://www.xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves