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ClearWater Conservancy released the 2023 schedule for the seventh season of the organization’s Centred Outdoors program. The program, made possible with support from partnering organizations including Mount Nittany Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA-DCNR ), invites people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in free guided adventures at outdoor destinations throughout Centre County. Pronounced ‘centered’, the program is spelled “Centred” for Centre County. “Centred Outdoors guided group outings are hosted at nearby natural places throughout the summer so everyone can explore and enjoy the outdoors without a lot of planning, spending or driving,” said Deb Nardone, executive director of ClearWater Conservancy. “This year we are especially pleased to offer new program features such as shuttle services for select locations and a free gear library so even more individuals can access and enjoy upcoming outings and activities.” Beginning on June 11, Centred Outdoors' guided outings will be held every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and every Thursdays and 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. through August. Six additional "Wellness Wednesday" events will be held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at select locations. Some of the nineteen destinations include places near State College such as Tom Tudek Memorial Park, while others encourage exploration along trails in forested areas such as Colyer Lake, Poe Paddy State Park, and various locations in Rothrock State Forest. Events will feature guided hikes and walks, and additional wellness activities such as nature journaling and yoga. “Mount Nittany Health is proud to partner with ClearWater Conservancy to offer guided group outings and wellness activities to the community at no cost,” said Karen Cherinka, CRNP, Mount Nittany Physician Group, Weight Management. “The health of our bodies and minds benefits when we spend time outside, and individuals can discover the places and activities that are the most enjoyable for them through Centred Outdoors.” All Centred Outdoors events are free and open to the public. The 2023 schedule and an opportunity to sign up for event information via email is available on the program’s website: http://www.centredoutdoors.org . Printed ‘passports’ with all destinations and event information are available at no cost at ClearWater Conservancy’s office and can be mailed upon request via the website or by phone (814-237-0400). In addition to Mount Nittany Health and PA-DCNR, Centred Outdoors is also made possible with support from the Hamer Foundation and Richard King Mellon Foundation , and by partnering organizations including 3 Dots Downtown, Central PA Festival of the Arts, Centre Region Parks and Recreation, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Jana Marie Foundation, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, Penns Valley Conservation Association, Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, and Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

By Nina Campbell, MSN, BSN, RN, Stroke and Sepsis Coordinator, Mount Nittany Health Everyone knows that hiking is good for your physical health, but did you know that getting outdoors has been proven to be good for your mental health too? Several studies have shown that our environment can increase or reduce stress levels. Time spent outdoors alleviates stress and anxiety, increases positivity, and improves mental health in several important ways. Spending time in nature can improve your sleep, your memory, and even help you fight off illness. Getting outside often means time in the sunshine. Vitamin D is produced by your skin by using the ultraviolet b energy from sunlight to convert cholesterol into the natural occurring version of vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels are linked to health conditions such as depression, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis. It’s important to ensure you are getting 10-30 minutes of sunlight everyday to maintain healthy levels. Being exposed to sunlight is also linked to lower blood pressure. People who spend more time in nature have lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and a lower pulse than individuals who spend more time indoors. Spending time in nature alleviates feelings of time pressure and stress. Time spent in green spaces is time away from the everyday stressors and a chance to unplug and relax in a truly therapeutic way. Walking among trees has several health benefits that can produce positive health benefits that make it easier to keep a healthy and positive outlook on life. Several studies have linked nature walks to a reduced risk of depression. Interactions with nature have shown to improve memory, cognitive performance, and attention control. Several studies have shown that a walk in the woods has memory promoting effects that are not replicated by comparable walks in an urban setting. Studies have also linked attention restoration to stress reduction. Being in nature allows the brain to take a break from the business of life. Simply listening to the sounds of the natural world has proven to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. The sounds of nature, from a babbling brook to the leaves rustling in the wind, have a calming effect on both your body and mind. These effects can be replicated just by listening to a recording. Finally, time spent in nature can help keep you from getting sick. Trees emit phytoncides, which are powerful immune boosters. Immune boosting white blood cells are produced from breathing in phytoncides. These white blood cells play a major role in fighting tumors and viruses. Spending time outside can also improve the quality of your sleep and can help realign your body’s clock to align to natural light and dark cycles and to a more natural circadian rhythm. One study found that melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, increased at sunset when people spent more time outdoors. Melatonin regulates your sleep, and is normally produced by your brain in darkness. It normally stops being produced when your eyes absorb sunlight. This means spending time in the darkness may help you fall asleep and soaking up sunlight can make you feel more awake. An insufficient amount of quality sleep can even result in mental and physical health problems, including obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular problems, depression, and diabetes. If you are suffering from poor sleep, Mount Nittany Health’s sleep lab is open seven nights a week for diagnostic testing to find the cause of and determine appropriate treatment for sleep disorders that impact daily life. Getting outside is good for your health in a variety of ways - from improving your heart health, to reducing stress, and even alleviating the precursors to depression. Hiking can also help reduce your risk for stroke and other serious medical complications when combined with good nutrition and preventative health measures.

Being active outdoors offers obvious benefits such as helping you maintain a healthy weight. But did you know that it also provides these benefits to make people healthier? 1. Reduces stress, depression and anxiety 2. Helps you sleep better at night 3. Boosts your immune system, keeping you out of the doctor’s office 4. Reduces inflammation and promotes healing 5. Gives you a dose of Vitamin D

Spring is a wonderful time to explore the world around us. The season is marked by rapid changes, from migrations big and small to the budding and sprouting of flowers, trees and everything in-between. Over the next few weeks, we’ll help you rediscover some of our local areas while highlighting the interesting things you can expect to see as you explore. This first introduction should give you an idea of what to expect of the coming weeks as we dive deeper into each topic. Feel free to jump ahead or behind and self-explore these areas at your own pace or interest. Many of these locations feature interesting things aside from the featured topic and we will highlight some alternatives for potentially re-visiting as the season rolls on. We will also hold a photography session each week and feature one of the submissions in the next week’s blog post! Each week, ClearWater will deliver your personal guide to explore the outdoors, along with fun things you can do at home to bring the outdoors, inside! Use the form below to sign up and receive weekly exploration guide to the outdoors!! Our first week will follow amphibians on their perilous journeys from their homes to the spring mating pools and back out into the wilderness. A great place to witness this migration is in the northeast corner of the Scotia Barrens. Though great care should be taken with these little dudes and dudettes. Please don’t drive along Scotia Range Road after dark, as their migrations often take them over the road and it is very easy to squish these sensitive species. Handling is also not advised as their skin is very fragile. The best plan is to park at Graysdale park close to nightfall and take a quick stroll in the direction of Ten Acre Pond. Remember to bring a flashlight if you are planning on staying out after dark. Scotia The American woodcock is a strange bird with a equally strange mating ritual. These small shorebirds prefer shrubby open spaces that allow them to move their less-than-streamlined bodies under cover. The real show takes place either in the early morning or late evening when the males perform a truly impressive aerial acrobatics display. Any brush-filled open space is likely to contain a couple of these birds, but the eponymous woodcock trail is often very consistent. They are easy to identify by the male’s unique “peent” call followed by the whirling of their wingtips as they soar to over 200 feet in the air. Woodcock Trail Spring time is synonymous with flowers. From rue anemone to trillium and columbine to jack-in-the-pulpit, a wide variety is present along the Spring Creek Canyon Trail. Many of these early-blooming species can be found on many trails throughout our region, by few trails have the diversity and density of these pretty petals. It is often worth revisiting the trail every week to see what new blooms have opened and what others have started to go to seed. Spring Creek Canyon The return of the leaves on the trees often feels like it happens overnight. Centrally located in the Rothrock State Forest is the Alan Seeger Natural Area, home to some of the oldest trees in our area. Many of hemlocks are well into their second century and a number of the other tree species in the area are nearly as old. Faster-growing trees, like birches and aspen, tend to leaf out in the early spring. The oaks and maples, which dominate many of our forests, begin to green a little later. The last trees to produce leaves are often the warmer climate species that include catalpas and hickories. Alan Seeger Not all bugs are bad! With the spring awakening often comes the many varieties of insects that rapidly progress through their life stages in an effort to produce their progeny. Many aquatic insects begin to take steps to leave the water and, in most cases, take flight to mate and reproduce. A good number of these bugs can be found in and around the stream at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. The hatches are often heavily coordinated among the same species resulting in fantastic displays of the millions of insects all vying to find a mate in swarms often near the water. Millbrook Marsh

Centred Outdoors will host its last guided hikes for the 2018 summer season on Sunday and Wednesday at Black Moshannon State Park. Everyone is invited to participate in these free adventures, which are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. In addition to the guided hikes hosted by Centred Outdoors, the 3,394-acre state park also offers swimming, fishing, boating, mountain biking and scenic picnicking opportunities. There are never entrance fees or day use fees for this park or any of the 120 State Parks in Pennsylvania. There are two reasons for the name given to Black Moshannon State Park. “Moshannon” originated from the name given to the watershed by Native Americans which was “Moss-Honne,” meaning “moose stream.” “Black” describes the color of the water in Black Moshannon Lake. The water is tea-colored from the moss and wetland plants that dye the water as it flows into the lake from nearby springs and streams. The plant tannins that color the water are safe for swimming, which is a great activity for observing this unique and natural process up close. Rare carnivorous plants are another unique feature of the park that attracts many visitors. The bogs, marshes and swamps provide vital habitat for these plants are also home to fascinating wildlife such as dragonflies, salamanders and rare birds. Learn more about these delicate ecosystems while taking in their beauty on a guided hike led by knowledgeable state park guides on Sunday and Wednesday. Hikers will follow the Star Mill Trail near the lake and loop up through the woods to the southeast end of Moshannon Lake. Sights include a cranberry bog, a colony of carnivorous plants, many blueberries, historic foundations and more. We will be hiking along the water; waterproof boots or shoes are recommended and may be required depending on the weather. A fitness hike will also be offered, taking participants on a more vigorous hike up the Ski Slope Trail to reach the highest point in the state park and bask in views from the old ski slope before heading down toward the beach along the snowmobile trail. Like all Centred Outdoors destinations, please leave the wildlife undisturbed by leaving no more than footsteps behind you and taking home only pictures and fond memories of your trip. Everyone at ClearWater Conservancy and the many partnering organizations that have made Centred Outdoors possible would like to thank those who have joined us on one or more guided adventures this summer. Centred Outdoors is an invitation for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, to stress less and explore more by getting outside to discover the unique natural features that make Centre County such a scenic and vibrant place to visit or call home. Centred Outdoors’ primary supporters include the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Mount Nittany Health. Community partners include The Arboretum at Penn State, Spring Creek Chapter Trout Unlimited, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society, Centre Foundation, Talleyrand Park Committee, Centre Moves, Penn State Sustainable Communities, Penns Valley Conservation Association, YMCA of Centre County, Get Outdoors PA, Mount Nittany Conservancy, PA Fish and Boat Commission and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Thank you for a wonderful summer! Planning to attend this week’s adventure? Here’s what you need to know: What: Centred Outdoors: Black Moshannon State Park When: Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Guided nature hikes will depart at 2 and 4 p.m. For the fitness hike, please arrive promptly at 2 p.m. Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Guided nature hikes will depart at 5 and 7 p.m. For the fitness hike, please arrive promptly at 5 p.m. Where: Meet at the trailhead at this address: 4216 Beaver Road, Philipsburg, PA 16866. The main parking area and restroom facilities are 1 mile from the trailhead and can be located using this address: 249 Black Moshannon Road, Philipsburg, PA 16866 Parking: There is a parking lot at the trailhead. Check with a Centred Outdoors volunteer for information about overflow parking if needed the day of the event. What to bring: A refillable water bottle Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen Comfortable walking shoes Long pants and high socks may be preferred for additional protection from insects and ticks A light snack or picnic, especially if you plan to come early or stay after the hike Swimming attire and towels. Changing facilities and restrooms are available at the swimming area and the sand beach at Black Moshannon Lake is ADA accessible. Child carrier/backpack is recommended for very young children Binoculars for bird and wildlife watchers Difficulty of hike: The guided nature hike is easy, approximately 2 miles long, and will take about 2 hours to complete. The fitness hike will be more difficult and is recommended for those comfortable with trail jogging/running along steep and rocky terrain. Additional Information: Pets must be kept on a leash and owners must clean up after their pets. Pets are prohibited at the swimming area and in park buildings. Visit www.centredoutdoors.org for complete event details and safety tips Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.

On Sunday and Wednesday, members of the Mount Nittany Conservancy will guide hikers up the mountain to one of Centre County’s most famous landmarks, the Mike Lynch Overlook. The climb is a healthy challenge, starting at 1,350 feet at the base of the mountain and reaching a maximum elevation at 2,000 feet in approximately .6 miles. After taking in the gorgeous view State College and Beaver Stadium, participants have the option of returning to the base of the mountain or exploring more vistas via the White or Blue Trails for longer treks of 3.7 or 4.8 miles. Those planning to take a longer hike are encouraged to bring extra water and snacks, while all participants will want to remember appropriate footwear for the steep incline and a camera for the many photo opportunities at the overlooks. Whether this will be your first hike up Mount Nittany or your 10th, the experience promises to be unique, as no two trips could ever be the same. The time of day you arrive, the trails you choose to take, the season you visit and who you hike with will determine the memories you take home with you that day. This time of year you can expect to see raspberry and blackberry bushes, teaberry and perhaps an assortment of different mushrooms between the trees which include a variety of oaks, pines and maples. Folklore enthusiasts might appreciate visiting the Mount Nittany Conservancy’s website, mtnittany.org, before their trip to brush up on the legendary tale of Princess Nittany whose burial site turned into a mountain in the center of a valley. Mount Nittany is conserved by the Mount Nittany Conservancy. The primary mission of the Conservancy is to preserve Mount Nittany for future generations of Centre Countians, Penn Staters and other lovers of the outdoors. Its all-volunteer membership conserves 800 acres of land, maintains 8 miles of trails and overlooks, conducts cleanup projects, and takes action against invasive species in the area. They also work to prevent further development encroachment on the view of the mountain, and look for parcels of land to obtain/conserve in the future. Centred Outdoors is hosted by ClearWater Conservancy and made possible by many partnering organizations that host this summer-long series of free, guided adventures for Centre County residents and visitors. Adventures take place every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. from now until Aug. 15. The finalized schedule is available at www.centredoutdoors.org, where users can log in to create their own profile, RSVP and receive weekly emails about each event. While online registration is not required, it is the best way to receive event updates. Look to the Good Life every week and centredaily.com for complete details about the upcoming Centred Outdoors destination. Planning to attend this week’s adventure? Here’s what you need to know: What: Centred Outdoors: Mount Nittany When: Sunday: Guided hikes will leave from the trailhead at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Fitness hike is offered at 2 p.m. Wednesday: Guided hikes will leave from the trailhead at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Fitness hike is offered at 5 p.m. Where: Mount Nittany Road, Lemont, PA 16827 Parking: Once you turn onto Mount Nittany Road, continue 7/10 of a mile until you reach the trailhead and parking area. Overflow parking will be available if the main area is full. What to bring: A refillable water bottle Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen A light snack (remember to carry out wrappers, fruit peels, etc. with you) Good hiking boots or sneakers that can handle rocky trails and steep incline Bug repellant Backpack/child carrier for very young children Difficulty of hike: Due to the steep incline and rocky terrain, this adventure is of intermediate to strenuous difficulty. Everyone who joins the hike is encouraged to go at the pace that is most comfortable for them. Additional Information: This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet. Next week’s adventure: Centred Outdoors will be visiting Millbrook Marsh Nature Center on July 29 and Aug. 1. Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.

Centred Outdoors is halfway through its 2018 season and this year more than 500 adventures have been logged by participants of all ages and fitness levels. During week six, hikers will continue to explore the natural wonders of Centre County at Bald Eagle State Park on Sunday and Wednesday. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature during a guided hike through the county’s largest state park, which spans 5,900 acres. Discover how the park’s diverse habitats make a great home for wildlife and serve as an important stop in the migration route of many species of birds. Visitors will also have an opportunity to see an active bald eagle nest in its natural setting. This week’s adventure offers two hike options. The first hike offers two miles of easy hiking along Skyline Drive Trail. A park naturalist will guide you through a mostly forested ridge while providing information about an area which is home to among eastern chipmunks, great horned owls and black-throated green warblers. You may also enjoy spotting a 200-year-old swamp tree, the park’s largest and possibly oldest tree. The trail is suitable all ages and fitness levels, although a child carrier/back pack is recommended for very young children. A fitness hike will be offered to those seeking a more challenging trek this week. The Hunter Run trails wind back and forth on the hills above Sayers Lake. Your heart rate and altitude will climb as you work your way from view to view before coming back down to the park. Please arrive promptly at 2 p.m. if you plan to join the fitness hike to allow ample time to complete your adventure. Whichever hike you choose, consider arriving early or staying afterward on Sunday to enjoy the beach and a swim at Bald Eagle Lake. Restroom and changing facilities are available at the swimming area and a concession stand is also nearby. Please note that pets are not permitted at the swimming area but are allowed on the trails. Centred Outdoors is hosted by ClearWater Conservancy and made possible by many partnering organizations that host this summer-long series of free, guided adventures for Centre County residents and visitors. Adventures take place every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. from now until Aug. 15. The finalized schedule is available at www.centredoutdoors.org, where users can login to create their own profile, RSVP, and receive weekly emails about each event. While online registration is not required, it is the best way to receive event updates. Look to the Good Life every week and www.centredaily.com for complete details about the upcoming Centred Outdoors destination. Planning to attend this week’s adventure? Here’s what you need to know: What: Centred Outdoors: Bald Eagle State Park When: On Sunday, guided hikes along Skyline Drive begin at 2 and 4 p.m. The fitness hikers will meet at 2 pm. Wednesday, guided hikes along Skyline Drive begin at 5 and 7 p.m. The fitness hike on Wednesday is self-guided. Where: 149 Main Park Road, Howard, PA 16841 Parking: Turn into the main park entrance at Main Park Road off of Route 150. Drive approximately ½ mile then turn left onto Skyline Drive. Parking will be on the left. What to bring: A refillable water bottle Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen Comfortable walking shoes Bug spray, long pants and socks may be helpful for bug protection Difficulty of hike: The 2-mile Skyline Drive hike is easy hiking suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The fitness hike along Hunter Run Trail is difficult and suitable for those comfortable with jogging/running up and down hills. Additional Information: This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet. Next week’s adventure: Centred Outdoors will be visiting Mount Nittany on July 22 and 25. Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.

The public is invited to explore the past, present and future of Talleyrand Park with Centred Outdoors from 2-5 p.m. Sunday in downtown historic Bellefonte. First, stop at the Centred Outdoors welcome table for a map of the information stations you’ll visit during your self-guided stroll. Start your adventure at the park’s first addition — the gazebo — designed by late sculptor Rob Fisher and completed in 1976 just in time for US Bicentennial celebrations. Next, visit the Freight House and find out how it was moved to its current location and about future plans for a kayak museum. Nearby, the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society will be available to answer questions about the town’s railroad history. Continue on through the park, crossing over two bridges to the site of a former gas station which was donated by Gulf Oil Co. to the Talleyrand Park Committee and converted into what is now the George Gray Barnard sculpture garden. Cross a third bridge to enter the newly created Talleyrand Park Annex and walk around the paved loop to the Edible Landscape and Pollinator Garden. Stop at the gardens to learn about the importance of pollinator plants and what you can plant in your garden to add beauty and color. Talleyrand Park has grown to what it is today with support and guidance from the all-volunteer Talleyrand Park Committee, which was formed in 1974 and continues on today with leadership from founding member, True Fisher. The committee works alongside the Borough of Bellefonte and other organizations to maintain and improve the park through projects such as vital streambank restoration work led by the Centre County Conservation District. The self-guided adventure through Talleyrand Park is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Please bring a reusable water bottle, dress for warm weather and be aware that feeding the ducks is prohibited. While in town, walk along High and Allegheny streets to watch or join “Chalk the Walk,” a special fundraiser being held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. where the public is invited to create colorful artwork with chalk to benefit Downtown Bellefonte Inc. Wrap up your evening with a free concert by the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners at 7 pm at the Talleyrand Park Gazebo. The concert is a part of the Summer Sounds series hosted by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association every Sunday until Aug. 12. Centred Outdoors is hosted by ClearWater Conservancy and made possible by many partnering organizations that host this summer-long series of free, guided adventures for Centre County residents and visitors. Adventures take place every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. from now until Aug. 15. The finalized schedule is available at www.centredoutdoors.org, where users can login to create their own profile, RSVP and receive weekly emails about each event. While online registration is not required, it is the best way to receive event updates. Look to Good Life in the CDT every week and www.centredaily.com for complete details about the upcoming Centred Outdoors destination. Planning to attend this week’s adventure? Here’s what you need to know: What: Centred Outdoors: Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday (self-guided walk with information stations) Where: 300 W. High St., Bellefonte, PA 16823. Parking: The main parking area is located on West High Street and a smaller, accessible parking lot is located south of the park on South Water Street, just after the Subway if coming in from State College. What to bring: A refillable water bottle Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen Comfortable walking shoes A light snack or picnic Difficulty of hike: This .7 stroll is easy, and suitable for all ages. There are stairs leading up to two of the bridges at the park. Hike times: Sunday’s walk is self-guided with information stations open between 2-5 pm. Additional Information: This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet. Restroom facilities are available at this destination. Next week’s adventure: Centred Outdoors will be in downtown State College Sunday, July 8 and 11 with art-inspired hikes to celebrate Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.

ClearWater Conservancy invites you to attend the next Centred Outdoors adventure taking place Sunday at the Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor in Port Matilda from 2-5 p.m. and Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Bring your binoculars and a friend to experience all the Wildlife Corridor has to offer during a stroll through its meadows and woodlands. Participants will learn about the importance of wildlife corridors and see the diverse community of bird, mammal, plant, pollinator and amphibian species they support. Thirty nine acres of the Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor was purchased by ClearWater Conservancy in 2010 and is protected with a conservation easement held by Halfmoon Township. An additional 64 acres is owned by Barbara Spencer and Dan Dreibelbis, who enrolled their property in the Halfmoon Township Open Space Protection Program. The 103-acre Wildlife Corridor serves the important function of supporting wildlife traveling between significant ecosystems, Scotia Barrens — and the 6446 acres of State Gamelands 176 and Bald Eagle Ridge. The Barrens is the largest pitch pine-scrub oak barrens remaining in Pennsylvania and offers habitat to rare insects, neotropical songbirds and amphibians. The Corridor connects the Barrens to Bald Eagle Ridge, a relatively unfragmented forest habitat that supports a great deal of wildlife. Discover how conservation efforts at the corridor protect and connect vital habitats during a hike alongside Kevin Abbey and Colleen DeLong, ClearWater Conservancy’s Land Conservation Manager and Habitat Stewardship Biologist. The .66 mile hike follows a mowed path and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome to attend with owners prepared to clean up after their furry friends. Guided hikes will begin at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Sunday and will take place at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Those who are registered for Centred Outdoors through the website, www.centredoutdoors.org, will be able to enter a special code from the event to earn an e-trophy and climb the online leaderboard. Participants who earn at least 10 trophies by Aug. 15 will be eligible to win end-of-season prizes such as outdoor gear and gift cards. Planning to attend the adventures this week? Here’s what you need to know: What: Centred Outdoors: Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor When: Sunday, with guided hikes at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. and Wednesday with guided hikes at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Where: Harness Downs Road, Port Matilda, PA 16870 Directions: The corridor parking area is at the edge of a residential development. Please drive very slowly and cautiously through the neighborhood and watch for children at play. What to bring: · A refillable water bottle · Long sleeves, high socks and pants are recommended · Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen · Bug repellent · Comfortable walking shoes · A light snack such as hand fruit, granola bar, etc. Difficulty of hike: This .6 mile hike on a grassy trail is easy, and suitable for all ages. Additional Information: · This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet. · Portable restrooms are available at this destination. Next week’s adventure: Centred Outdoors will be at Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte on Sunday, July 1 Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.

Everyone is invited to participate in ClearWater Conservancy’s next Centred Outdoors adventure at Poe Paddy Tunnel from 2-5 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. This adventure, led by Penns Valley Conservation Association, will showcase the natural beauty of Penns Creek and its surroundings, in an area of the stream known for its healthy population of wild brown trout. After a scenic drive to Poe Paddy State Park, visitors will start down a short path before passing through West Paddy Mountain via the recently renovated Poe Paddy Tunnel, originally built in the late 1800s. Once on the other side of the tunnel, visitors will choose their own adventure based on fitness level and personal interests. Jim Flanagan, PVCA Environmental Educator, will lead a family-friendly, educational nature walk along Penns Creek Trail that is suitable for all ages. Birders and naturalists will join the native bird and plant walk guided by Cathy Pierce, PVCA member and owner of Winghaven Native Plant Nursery. Anglers and those curious about fly-fishing can observe demonstrations and practice fly-casting with members of Penns Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, using equipment provided by the group. Meanwhile, fitness enthusiasts can challenge themselves during a two-mile trail run while also treating themselves to an abundance of fresh air and nature sounds. Others may enjoy strolling along the trail at their own pace on a self-guided adventure with binoculars or camera in hand. Whichever adventure they choose, visitors are reminded of a few simple steps to ensure Penns Creek and all the natural resources at Poe Paddy Tunnel and Poe Paddy State Park remain undisturbed during their visit. Do not take anything other photos and memories home from your adventure and leave nothing behind other than footsteps. Please carry out and dispose of food wrappers, fruit peels, pet waste, etc. responsibly. Guided hikes for the Poe Paddy Tunnel Adventure will start at 2 p.m. Sunday and again around 4 p.m. Centred Outdoors will host a second adventure at Poe Paddy Tunnel from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. Those who are registered for the program through the website (www.centredoutdoors.org) will be able to enter a special code from the event to earn an e-trophy and climb the online leaderboard. Participants who earn at least 10 trophies by Aug. 15 will be eligible to win end-of-season prizes such as outdoor gear and gift cards. Planning to attend this week’s adventures? Here’s what you need to know: What: Centred Outdoors: Poe Paddy Tunnel Adventure When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday and 5-8 p.m. Wednesday Where: Poe Paddy Paddy State Park, Woodward, PA 16882 Directions: Cellphone service is not available at this location. Please visit centredoutdoors.org before you begin driving for specific directions to the parking area and look for Centred Outdoors signs as you approach the park. What to bring: A refillable water bottle Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen Bug repellant Comfortable shoes (hiking boots are not necessary) A light snack such as hand fruit, granola bar, etc. Difficulty of hike: Multiple hikes are offered for all ages and fitness levels Hike times: Hikes begin at 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, 5 and 7 p.m. Wednesday Additional Information: This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet. Portable restrooms are available at this destination Next week’s adventure: The Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor on June 24 and June 27 Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.

People of all ages and fitness levels are invited to attend Sunday's Centred Outdoors Adventure at Spring Creek Canyon, co-hosted by ClearWater Conservancy and Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Visitors will discover a wide variety of plant and wildlife in the canyon and along the creek during a 2.2 mile hike with knowledgeable guides including naturalist, outdoor writer and photographer Mark Nale. Along the way, hikers will stop and learn about turtles and amphibians from the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission and take a close look at macroinvertebrates such as crayfish that live in the stream. Bob Carline, retired fisheries biologist, will explain why the population of these small organisms is an important indicator of water quality.History enthusiasts will enjoy learning about General Philip Benner and his role in establishing Benner Township from Kevin Abbey, ClearWater Conservancy’s Land Conservation Manager. Sunday's adventure will also be the first chance for many to explore the newly completed 1.1 mile trail that connects the Canyon’s Shiloh Road entrance with a new trailhead along Rock Road in Benner Township. This project was made possible through collaboration between PA-DCNR, Benner Township and ClearWater Conservancy. The Spring Creek Canyon Adventure will run from 2-5 p.m., with guided hikes beginning at 2 and 4 p.m. A second event will take place at the canyon from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, with guided hikes at 5 and 7 p.m. Those who are registered for the program through the website, www.centredoutdoors.org, will be able to enter a special code from the event to earn an e-trophy and climb the online leaderboard. Participants who earn at least 10 trophies by Aug. 15 will be eligible to win end-of-season prizes such as outdoor gear and gift cards. Centred Outdoors will continue hosting free, guided adventures to Centre County residents and visitors every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 15. Look to the Good Life section of the CDT every week and www.centredaily.com for complete details about the upcoming Centred Outdoors destination. Going to today’s event? Here’s what you need to know: What: Centred Outdoors: Spring Creek Canyon Adventure When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday and 5-8 p.m. Wednesday Where: SGL 333 Parking, Bellefonte, PA 16823 (Exit 76/Shiloh Road off I-99) What to bring: A refillable water bottle Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen Bug repellant Comfortable shoes (hiking boots are not necessary) A light snack such as hand fruit, granola bar, etc. Difficulty of hike: The hike is easy and suitable for all ages and fitness levels Hike times: Hikes begin at 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, 5 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday Additional Information: This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet. Portable restrooms are available at this destination Next week’s adventure: Poe Paddy Tunnel on June 17 and June 20

Sunday marks the official launch of the second season of Centred Outdoors, a program hosted by ClearWater Conservancy and partnering organizations that invites people of all ages and fitness levels to attend guided adventures at outdoors destinations in Centre County throughout the summer. The launch will take place during the Get Outdoors Family Fishing Picnic, held 2-6 p.m. at Tussey Mountain Pond in Boalsburg. Co-hosted by Spring Creek Chapter Trout Unlimited and ClearWater Conservancy, the Fishing Picnic is free and open to the public. It offers a chance for people of all ages to try fishing for the first time or get instruction to improve their technique with assistance from Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Centre County YMCA. Attendees will enjoy food and refreshments, children’s activities, fly-tying and casting demonstrations and an opportunity to kayak. All fishing equipment and bait is provided and a fishing license is not required to participate in this special event. The event will also feature the first adventure of the Centred Outdoors 2018 season. Participants can explore the Galbraith Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest during one of multiple guided hikes throughout the day. This adventure will take hikers through a shaded and impressively scenic forest to spot unique plants and wildlife such as mountain laurel, Pennsylvania’s state flower. “When we disconnect from our busy schedules and mobile devices and take time to reconnect with nature, positive things happen,” said Deb Nardone, ClearWater’s executive director. “We increase our physical and mental wellness, develop a greater appreciation for the natural world, and are more likely to engage with the local organizations who work to conserve and protect the beautiful region where we all love to live. That’s why we encourage everyone to complete the Centred Outdoors Challenge this summer by completing at least 10 guided or self-guided adventures between June 3 and August 15.” Centred Outdoors will continue hosting free, guided adventures to Centre County residents and visitors every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 15. The finalized schedule can be found at www.centredoutdoors.org, where users can log in to create their own profile, RSVP for events and track their visits to earn e-trophies and climb the online leaderboard. While online registration is not required, it is the best way to receive event updates. You can also look to the Good Life section of the CDT every week and www.centredaily.com for complete details about the upcoming Centred Outdoors destination. Hosted by ClearWater Conservancy, Centred Outdoors’ primary supporters include the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Mount Nittany Health. Community partners include Spring Creek Chapter Trout Unlimited, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society, Centre Foundation, Talleyrand Park Committee, Centre Moves, Penn State Sustainable Communities, Penns Valley Conservation Association, YMCA of Centre County, Get Outdoors PA, Mount Nittany Conservancy, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and The Arboretum at Penn State. Going to Sunday's event? Here’s what you need to know: What: Get Outdoors Family Fishing Picnic When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday Where: Tussey Mountain Pond, 301 Bear Meadows Road, Boalsburg What to bring: A refillable water bottle for everyone in your party Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen Comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to participate in the guided hike What’s provided at no charge: Picnic food and drinks Fishing equipment, bait and instruction (fishing license not required) Portable restrooms. Difficulty of hike: The hike is easy and suitable for all ages and fitness levels Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.