Centre County is home to many beautiful outdoor resources, and ClearWater Conservancy, along with many other local organizations, is encouraging everyone to experience that beauty through Centred Outdoors, a series of outdoor activities being held throughout the summer.
The 10-week program offers guided adventure tours of some of Centre County’s best outdoor attractions. ClearWater Conservancy know how important it is to get outside and include nature in people’s hectic lives. Centred Outdoors offers a chance to do that.
“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.”
Around town, community members can find outdoors passports that provide details on the program’s activities. Participants who register online at www.centredoutdoors.org can track their progress and earn e-trophies. Those who complete the Centred Outdoors Challenge by finishing 10 or more guided or self-guided adventures by Wednesday, Aug. 15, will be eligible to win end-of-season prizes.
The program kicks off Sunday, June 3, with the Get Outdoors Family Fishing Picnic from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Tussey Mountain. The event is co-hosted by the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited and ClearWater and will feature fishing and food, along with children’s activities, fly-casting stations, kayaking and other wilderness workshops. Those interested in attending can visit www.centredoutdoors.org to register.
Beginning Sunday, June 10, Centred Outdoors events will take place every Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m. and every Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 15.
Events will feature guided hikes and additional outdoor activities for everyone to explore, appreciate and discover Centre County’s natural locations. Sites for the events are Spring Creek Canyon, Poe Paddy State Park, Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor, Talleyrand Park, Downtown Urban Hike/Festival of the Arts, Bald Eagle State Park, Mount Nittany, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, The Arboretum at Penn State and Black Moshannon State Park.
Hosted by ClearWater, 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, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and The Arboretum at Penn State.
