ClearWater Conservancy Kicks Off Centred Outdoors

ClearWater Conservancy has released the schedule for the seventh season of the organization’s Centred Outdoors program. The 2023 program, made possible with support from partnering organizations including Mount Nittany Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, invites people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in free guided adventures at outdoor destinations throughout 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.”

Everyone is invited to join a “pre-season” guided outing — a Mother’s Day wildflower walk at Spring Creek Canyon led by Terry Melton, ClearWater board member and native plant enthusiast and expert, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The season officially launches on June 4 during the Family Fishing Picnic at Tussey Mountain from 1 to 5 p.m. Hosted by Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited and partnering organizations, the event offers the opportunity to fish at Tussey Pond with all equipment and bait provided, a picnic lunch and other fun and educational activities for all ages. Centred Outdoors will host guided hikes at 1 and 3 p.m. There is no cost to attend the picnic, and registration is not required.

Beginning on June 11, Centred Outdoors’ guided outings will be held every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and every Thursday at 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 19 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, 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 are available on the program’s website, centredoutdoors.org.

Printed “passports” with all destinations and event information are available at no cost at ClearWater Conservancy’s office, 2555 N. Atherton St., 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.