For nearly a decade Centred Outdoors has been helping people connect with the natural world
It is plain to see that when it comes to outdoor adventure, Centre County is a great place to be. All you have to do is step outside and look around. You will find many state parks and forests with outdoor activities and programs galore. You will see our streams and other waterways flowing strong and clean. And you will find trailheads teeming with folks who make it a priority to get outside and connect with nature.
These opportunities are one of the things that make this area such a special place to live, work, and play. After all, connecting with nature can boost your life in many ways, in mind, body, and spirit, and we have an abundance of nature to connect with.
The best part is that these outdoor opportunities are out there for everyone; you just need to know where to get started. Now I know, that for those who are new to the area or to outdoor adventure, stepping onto a new trail or hopping into a kayak for the first time can be a little overwhelming (Trust me, I know, I was born a city slicker. Luckily, I made some friends who helped me learn the ropes when I was a young adult).
But what if I told you there was a resource where folks could learn about some of the many opportunities to connect with nature that are available locally through guided hikes, wellness programming speaker events, and a plethora of online resources. Sounds pretty great, right?
Well, that is where Centred Outdoors comes in.
For more than a decade, the ClearWater Conservancy program has been working with its many community partners to connect people with nature while supporting community health and well-being.
What started as a 10-week initiative in 2017 has now evolved into a year-round program, including a 22-week season that runs from spring to fall and offers multiple events per week, along with several weeks of winter programming with events nearly every week in January, February, and March. The free program is open to everyone.
Season 10 of the program kicks off in mid-April, and anyone interested can pick up a Centred Outdoors passport at locations around town, or at the ClearWater Conservancy office, or check out clearwaterconservancy.com.
The passport highlights the outdoor destinations that Centred Outdoors will explore during the season. Explorers can join in for a guided hike with the Centred Outdoors team or visit on their own. And there is so much more, says program coordinator Olivia Stas.
“While the core of our program is still guided, educational hikes, we have expanded our program to include wellness programming, adventure hikes, Jr. Naturalist Play Days, and speaker events on our schedule throughout the year,” says Stas. “People need to have a personal connection with nature before they understand the importance of conservation. Through free guided hikes, walks, wellness programs, and other educational offerings, Centred Outdoors hopes to provide the opportunity for all community members to connect with nature, learn about local ecology, and recognize the importance of protecting our natural resources.”
It all sounds awesome to me. After all, when I hear Stas speak, it reminds me of why I started writing this column in the first place — to help people connect to the outdoors that mean so much to me.
“Not only can spending time outdoors bring joy and adventure, but research also shows that it improves physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” Stas says. “I know that a walk in the woods helps me to clear my head and feel more grounded, and I hope that our program gives people the opportunity to experience those benefits as well.”
Those opportunities continue to grow, and luckily, in Centre County and the surrounding areas, there is a lot of room for that growth.
“Outdoor adventure is ingrained in the culture of Happy Valley. We are rich with an abundance of beautiful state parks, state forests, and local parks right in our backyard. There are also so many wonderful community groups and local businesses that make it easy for folks to get outdoors, whether they are hiking, biking, boating, trail running, or bird watching,” says Stas. “This year we are celebrating 10 years of Centred Outdoors, and I am really excited to highlight some of our favorite places, our incredible partners, and how much our program has grown over the years.”
New this year to Centred Outdoors is a Special Topics program which will allow the team to work with local partners to offer a wider range of experiences to participants. Some topics that they hope to include are canoeing, foraging, beginner bike maintenance, bird walks, accessible gear demos, and more.
It sounds like there is something for everyone, which is what the program is all about — finding a way for everyone to get outside and make a connection.
“The Centred Outdoors team is passionate about creating outdoor experiences for everyone, regardless of age, background, and ability,” says Stas. “We are always looking for new ways to expand our programming and make it more inclusive for all. We are always open to feedback and suggestions on how we can better serve the community.”
Count me in. See you outdoors, Centre County.
Learn more about Centred Outdoors by visiting centredoutdoors.org. T&G
Vincent Corso loves exploring the outdoors in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
