Search Results

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

State College, Pa. – August 28, 2025 – ClearWater Conservancy permanently conserved 128 acres of forested land in the Spring Creek Watershed through a newly donated conservation easement known as Daryabar, on the Purdue Mountain Road gap of Bald Eagle Ridge in Benner Township. The property’s protection will safeguard critical wildlife habitat, preserve scenic views, and contribute to the ecological health of Bald Eagle Mountain for generations to come. Located within an area of high ecological integrity and containing a tributary to Buffalo Run, a high-quality coldwater fishery, Daryabar supports sensitive and uncommon macroinvertebrate species, as well as diverse native plant communities. Its protection advances ClearWater’s long-term goal to connect forested landscapes and conserve high-priority areas. The Owners’ noted they are acting stewards of their property, but donated the conservation easement for the future, as part of creating a deeper and richer abundance of life and a sustainable future.  “The Landowners’ decision to conserve these steep forested slopes along Purdue Mountain Road and the edge of the Spring Creek Watershed is a true gift to the community,” said Ryan Hamilton , ClearWater’s Land Conservation Manager.  Daryabar is not far from other conserved lands and landowner initiatives, expanding the growing corridor of protected land along Bald Eagle Mountain and in the Buffalo Run area. This easement builds upon ClearWater’s ongoing conservation work in the area, which began in 2007 with the preservation of the nearby 196-acre Barbara and John Fisher Farm. Between 2014 and 2016, ClearWater also partnered with the PSU Center for Private Forests (now the James C. Finley Center for Private Forests ) to bring together landowners in the Middle Buffalo Run neighborhood in a shared commitment to learn and share perspectives and values across boundaries to improve the health and resilience of their land through community-based forest stewardship.   “Improving wildlife habitat and forest health on private lands requires cooperation, collaboration, and communication among all connected landowners. The Buffalo Run Initiative was a great example of how social learning to promote landscape stewardship could lead to more impactful conservation outcomes,” said Suzy Yetter , ClearWater’s Conservancy’s staff Ecologist. This most recent donated conservation easement is just the next step in continuing ClearWater’s work in the area. After several years of collaboration and careful planning with the Owners, the ClearWater Board granted final approval for the project in April 2025. A perpetual conservation easement on the Property will ensure the land remains dedicated to forestry management and conservation forever. ClearWater Conservancy is committed to upholding the easement’s terms and will ensure its continued protection and care.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. July 16, 2025 - Last week, community members, trail enthusiasts, and local officials gathered at the Musser Gap Trailhead to celebrate a milestone years in the making — the first 7.5 mile stretch of new multi-use trails connecting the Musser Gap area to Pine Swamp Road in Rothrock State Forest, Centre County.  This event marked the completion of Phase One of Rothrock Trail Alliance’s (RTA) visionary project: a 50-mile loop system of sustainable, natural-surface trails designed for biking, hiking, and equestrian use. These trails are carefully built to minimize environmental impact while maximizing accessibility and adventure.  For Elizabeth Crisfield, ClearWater Conservancy’s executive director and longtime advocate for conservation and access, the moment carried historical weight. “ The very existence of this trail, you could say, started in 2007 when ClearWater conveyed this property to DCNR,” Crisfield shared during the celebration. “This established a point of entry to the forest that we didn’t have and it also made it possible for that greenway to extend to State College. ” The ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by RTA, also included remarks from Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), who emphasized the importance of outdoor access and sustainable recreation.  ClearWater Conservancy has a deep connection to the site and the surrounding landscape. “Though we have only been RTA’s nonprofit sponsor for about two years,” Crisfield said, “we have been invested in this site, and this work for a long time. It is an honor to support RTA and the community in this project.” “Rothrock Trail Alliance really is showing the rest of the state how this work gets done,” Crisfield added. “Everything ClearWater does is through partnership, and we feel this work is such a good example of that.” This project is the result of years of cooperation between state agencies, private donors, Penn State, local governments, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, and countless trail volunteers. Phase Two of the trail system is already underway, with Appalachian Dirt beginning construction on an additional 11-mile segment that will connect Hubler Gap to Whipple Dam State Park. As the trail expands, it continues to weave together communities across Centre and Huntingdon Counties, offering safe, sustainable outdoor experiences for generations to come.

During the week of June 15, Centred Outdoors explored Tom Tudek Memorial Park . This included guided outings and our second Forest Therapy (Shinrin-yoku) session of the season. We had the privilege of being led by Anna Marie Nachman, certified ANFT  guide. Anna helped participants awaken their senses in the park, which has a diverse ecosystem with over 40 species of resident butterflies, native bees and birds, and hundreds of native plants that serve as food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife. To learn more about how spending time in silence to listen, feel, and observe is proven to benefit our wellbeing, click here to learn  from leading experts in the field! During the guided outings, community members had the privilege of learning from one of ClearWater's founding members, Barbara Fisher,  about the inspiring history behind Tom Tudek Memorial Park In the 1970s, this land was nearly turned into a shopping mall but thanks to the efforts of Barbara, Jim McClure, and a group of dedicated locals, the plan was stopped to protect the local watershed. That movement led to the founding of ClearWater Conservancy in 1980. A decade later, the Tudek family generously donated much of the land in memory of their son, Tom. Today, the 91-acre park is home to a community garden, dog park, playground, walking trails, the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden, and more. Click here to watch a video of what Barbara shared. If you missed the program last week and want to participate, there are three more sessions throughout the season with the next one being on July 9 . More information on upcoming events can be found on our Centred Outdoors events page  linked below.

Centred Outdoors visited Prince Gallitzin State Park the week of June 1, with guided outings on Sunday and Thursday evening and Wellness Wednesdays. Pictured above are photos from the Wellness Wednesday program, Art in Nature . Ann Taylor-Schmidt led the group in a creative evening that involved observing and creating art focused on the beautiful landscape available at Prince Gallitzin. Pictured below are photos from the Thursday evening guided outing led by DCNR's Environmental Education Specialist, Suzann Rensel and Centred Outdoors', Bridget Whyte.

Grounded in both ancient wisdom and clinical research, physicians and wellness leaders are turning to nature for answers in an increasingly anxious world. STATE COLLEGE, Pa., June 3, 2025  – Imagine yourself stepping into a forest where time slows down. Light filters softly through the canopy, a chorus of birdsong echoes in the distance, and the earthy scent of pine and moss rises with each step. What do you notice first? The crunch of leaves underfoot, the warmth pressing gently on your shoulders, or the stillness in your mind? As you wander deeper, ask yourself: How do you feel here, unplugged and surrounded by green? Peaceful? Restless? Recharged? Or are you secretly counting how many bars of service you’ve lost? The rise in smartphones, social media and other modern technology—coupled with a growing movement away from rural areas—has weakened Americans’ connection to the natural world. Access to nature is a privilege, one that many of us don’t recognize. Yet a relationship with the outdoors is essential to our quality of life, health, social well-being, prosperity and productivity. Growing evidence suggests that technology use contributes to rising rates of stress, anxiety and other health issues. But stepping into the forest can help counteract those effects. The ancient practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest or natural environment to consciously engage with our senses and surroundings. In Japan, forest bathing is viewed as both an art and a form of meditation, with roots in local traditions. Dr. Michele Antonelli, a physician specializing in preventive medicine with expertise in evidence-based complementary therapies, nutrition, clinical prevention and environmental health, has worked in this field for over 20 years. He currently works in private practice. One study by Antonelli, published in the National Library of Medicine , aims to investigate the effects of forest bathing on levels of salivary or serum cortisol as a stress biomarker to understand whether forest bathing can reduce stress. “Even just looking at the forest, even just contemplating the forest from far away can reduce cortisol levels and stress hormone levels in short term,” said Antonelli. “At the same time, when we talk about anxiety, respiratory function and other parameters, the most fundamental component is the inhalation of volatile organic compounds, mostly terpenes, such as pinene or limonene.” Spending 15 to 20 minutes in nature can produce effects that last a few hours. Two to four hours can result in benefits lasting several days. And if you spend a few days immersed in nature, the effects can persist for weeks. That’s why Antonelli recommends visiting natural environments at least once or twice a month to prevent stress-related diseases. These beneficial substances enter the body through the airways and reach the bloodstream and brain. Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the scent of many plants and herbs, including rosemary, lavender, mushrooms and pine. They help plants survive by deterring grazers or pests and by enabling plant-to-plant communication. Antonelli explained that people exposed to high levels of terpenes experience greater reductions in anxiety and stress, as well as improved respiratory function, compared to those exposed to lower levels. When other variables are accounted for, this becomes a critical factor in the effectiveness of forest bathing. However, not all forests are created equal—and not all plants emit the same levels of terpenes. Antonelli and his team conducted research in the Alps, near Misurina, Italy, focusing on adolescents with asthma. “The effects of forest bathing are more pronounced around water basins like rivers, lakes and alpine streams of quickly flowing water,” he said. "The humidity in the atmosphere maximizes your exposure to terpenes.” Terpenes in pristine environments like these tend to have stronger effects because the air is less polluted. The challenge, Antonelli explained, is finding study sites that are both accessible and far from pollutants. This matters because atmospheric pollutants can bond with terpenes and other natural compounds, creating negative reactions.  Since not everyone can access pristine forests, especially in the U.S., we must find creative ways to foster connections to nature. That’s where ClearWater’s Centred Outdoors program comes in. ClearWater Conservancy is working to nurture a healthy environment and thriving communities in the heart of Pennsylvania. Centred Outdoors focuses on connecting people to place and one another by discovering natural landscapes in the region. The Centred Outdoors wellness programs and guided outings help engage all who want to experience the awe of the outdoors and connect to nature. Through this program, participants are invited to further collaborate in effective and lasting conservation with ClearWater Conservancy. During a forest therapy walk, the trained guide uses a clearly defined sequence of events and invitations in partnership with the forest which allows participants to slow down, allow the senses to open, and experience the environment using all senses. This supports the wholeness and well-being of both. While anticipated placebo effects do play a role, Antonelli emphasized the importance of placebo effect in medicine, specifically in ritual. “We all kind of work the same way, more or less, with some cultural differences,” he said. “We have to go to the shaman, and the shaman has to give us some potion—the receipt of a cure.” In Italy, forest bathing is more popular among women in their 40s to 60s, who tend to have higher-than-average anxiety levels. Men, by contrast, often participate as part of broader efforts to improve their health through physical activity. Regardless of gender, participants often already have high levels of environmental awareness. Because of this, Antonelli cautioned against viewing forest bathing as a tool for raising environmental awareness because it tends to attract those who already care deeply about nature.  Still, in an area like Centre County, where diversity of background and perspective is so pronounced, practices like forest bathing can nurture a deeper commitment to conservation. This is especially true for participants who are new to the area, and might not have had prior access to the outdoors. The key here also, is in peer storytelling. During an invitation called “power of presence,” participants are asked to find an item in nature that speaks to them, share their thoughts in a safe environment, and listen to others. Mary Price is our Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs . She is also certified in Wilderness First Aid through Wild Med , and is certified in CPR/AED for adults, children, and infants through the American Red Cross. She has earned a Mental Health First Aid certification through Penn State Extension  and has practiced Mindfulness Meditation for over ten years. "The forest is the therapist. The guide simply opens the door," said Price. As interest in Shinrin-yoku grows beyond its Japanese roots, it offers a fresh lens through which we can reimagine our relationship with the natural world, especially in an age where disconnection is the norm. Whether it’s a guided practice in Big Flat Laurel Natural Area or a quiet solo walk in Lederer Park, the invitation remains the same: to slow down, pay attention, and allow the forest to meet us where we are. As Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, MD, writes in The Outdoor Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing , “One thing that sets forest bathing apart from mindfulness, in its truest sense of the word, is that in mindfulness practices, the object is to remove oneself from emotion and reaction to one's surroundings. In forest bathing, however, there is a celebration of the experience of awe and wonder during the time spent in nature.” And perhaps in that celebration, we find a path back to ourselves.

Soaring Eagle Wetland Millbrook Marsh Poe Paddy Bilgers Rocks

July 14, 2024 - Centred Outdoors  visited Dry Hollow the week of July 14 for guided outings. Participants enjoyed a .75-mile hike around the 1,272-acre property with a variety of ecological features led by Jim Julian, Ecological Program Specialist for DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry  who works in the Resource Inventory and Monitoring Section. Jim helped lead the effort to map and inventory the vernal pools that occur throughout Dry Hollow, and he has worked in vernal pool ecosystems for over twenty years. On Thursday's outing, Suzy Yetter, staff Ecologist for ClearWater Conservancy, joined the hike and contributed knowledge about the significance of connected lands for wildlife and migration. At ClearWater, Suzy provides technical expertise in developing and implementing conservation strategies through ClearWater’s land and water resources programs and works with landowners, volunteers, local organizations, and other partners to protect and restore healthy ecosystems. Dry Hollow encompasses a total of 1,272 acres of conserved land and lies within Huntingdon and Centre Counties primarily in Warriors Mark Township. Portions of the property provide important habitat for declining young forest species. The geology is similar to that of the  Scotia Barrens  and lies between two  Important Bird Areas  along the Bald Eagle and Tussey Mountain ridgelines. In February of 2021, the Dry Hollow Hunting Club property was acquired by ClearWater Conservancy through a purchase made possible by a network of partners including PA DCNR  and philanthropic foundations, including the Richard King Mellon Foundation . The land is now under management of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Forestry as part of Rothrock State Forest  and managed under the guidance of the State Forest Resource Management Plan. It is open to hiking, birdwatching, research and education, and other outdoor activities. Dry Hollow includes barrens habitat, a large sand pit, vernal pools, and remnants of iron mining, reflecting its rich natural and historical heritage.

June 23, 2024 - Centred Outdoors   visited ClearWater Conservancy's first conservation easement, Rhoneymeade , the week of June 23 for guided outings led by Rhoneymeade's Executive Director, James Lesher. Additional to the guided tours,  Jana Marie Foundation   offered a drum circle activity for Wellness Wednesdays. Participants enjoyed a 2-mile hike around the 150-acre working farm and a shorter 0.5-mile walking tour of the six-acre arboretum and garden filled with outdoor sculpture, ancient specimen trees, a labyrinth, and fantastic vistas. Centred Outdoors works with many organizations like Rhoneymeade and Jana Marie Foundation as community partners where they can share their expertise with our participants. Rhoneymeade, the historic homestead of Grange Fair founder, Leonard Rhone hosts a wide variety of plant species and art. This timeless setting is nestled between the Nittany and Tussey Mountains. In 1986, ClearWater Conservancy finalized its first conservation easement on the Rhoneymeade Farm, permanently removing development rights on the 186-acre property. Learn more about Rhoneymeade at www.Rhoneymeade.org . Visit additional destinations with ClearWater Conservancy's Centred Outdoors program at www.CentredOutdoors.org .

Written by ClearWater Conservancy's Centred Outdoors Team Photos by Sandy Miller, Communications Specialist, ClearWater Conservancy In 2015, REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), the outdoor recreation apparel and gear company, opted to close its stores on Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and give employees the day off to enjoy the outdoors with their family and friends. The company referred to this day as #OptOutside, and eight years later, the movement continues to gain impressive momentum around the globe. On Instagram, for example, the hashtag has over 19 million posts. Locally, ClearWater Conservancy’s Centred Outdoors program offers opportunities for the public to #OptOutside through free, guided group outings throughout the year. Of the more than 30 destinations that participants have explored with Centred Outdoors since 2017, the Centred Outdoors team of experts got together to offer a few suggestions for nearby natural places to #OptOutside with your family and friends this year. #1 For great views of the valley , you can drive to the overlook at Jo Hays Vista , southbound along PA 26 S just outside of Pine Grove Mills. From the vista parking area, you can hike the Mid State Trail south 0.5 miles, to the site of the Tussey Mountain Spring Hawkwatch . Don’t forget to sign the Trail Register along the way! For a different vantage point, park on the 26 northbound side and take Jackson Trail 0.75 miles north to David’s Vista. This view of Rothrock State Forest offers another opportunity to see what makes our ridge-and-valley topography so memorable. #2 For a fun, family-friendly jaunt, explore the Lake Loop trail at Black Moshannon State Park in Philipsburg, PA. Beginning from the Beach area, this trail hugs the edges of Moshannon Lake, providing the opportunity to observe lakeshore habitat to one side and wooded scenery on the other. Look for evidence of beavers along the trail! With the leaves down, there’s plenty of visibility for younger hikers to fully take in their surroundings along this short yet satisfying 0.7-mile trail. # 3 To get your blood pumping after all that turkey, challenge yourself with a vigorous 4.54-mile hike along a portion of the Standing Stone Trail beginning near Greenwood Furnace State Park. This loop utilizes the Standing Stone Trail (SST), Turkey Trail, Lorence Trail, and Monsell Trail for a beautiful traverse of the Appalachian Range. The trails feature rocky pathways and switchbacks, eventually leading to the Stone Valley Vista atop Stone Mountain, and a breathtaking view of Stone Valley's rolling hills and farmlands. Bring your trekking poles! For specific information, directions and parking information for these adventures, visit the “All Destinations” section of the Centred Outdoors website, www.centredoutdoors.org . Email info@centredoutdoors.org with questions or for more information. All destinations mentioned are open to the public at no cost. When recreating outside in the fall and winter, be aware of all hunting season dates (regular deer hunting season opens Saturday, Nov. 25) and safety tips, including any requirements to wear orange when on state game lands. More information about these dates and safety requirements can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website. Hiking poles or walking sticks can be especially helpful in the fall when fallen leaves often cover trails. Remember to bring plenty of water and a few snacks to enjoy along the way. Learn more about safely preparing for your outdoor adventure on the Centred Outdoors website, www.centredoutdoors.org/safety . Whether you choose to take in the scenic beauty of our region from a vista, alongside a lake, or as deep within the forest, spend a moment or more reflecting on the natural world around you. Take a deep breath of fresh air and keep an eye out for the plants and wildlife supporting the ecosystems we rely on for fresh air, amazing local food, and healthy drinking water supplies. This #OptOutside, consider extending Thanksgiving by one day to give thanks to nature and all those working to protect it for future generations.