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March 4, 2024

Flagstone from the PA Wilds graces the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

“Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God.” These hallowed words are emblazoned on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for America’s unidentified service members, providing a place for reflection on those who have served our military and made the “ultimate sacrifice.” The Tomb is one of the most recognized in the United States, up on a hillside overlooking Washington D.C. But 250 miles away on a hillside in Cameron County in the PA Wilds is a quarry where flagstone for the paved walkway of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was mined.

March 1, 2024

Celebrate without screens: Global Day of Unplugging 2024

Smartphones, computers, smart home devices, gaming systems... it seems like we're always connected, reachable, and entertained. However, one global holiday is encouraging a moment to unplug and disconnect from our screens. The Global Day of Unplugging has been celebrated annually during the first weekend of March since 2009. Now in 2024, people around the world are taking some time between sundown March 1 and sundown March 2 to turn off their devices, step away from screens, and engage with the real world around them.

February 29, 2024

How to watch the solar eclipse the Leave No Trace way

On April 8, 2024, parts of the world will experience a total solar eclipse... including a small part of the northwestern section of the PA Wilds region! This includes places like Warren and the Allegheny Reservoir, along with parts of Warren County and McKean County. It is essential to follow these Leave No Trace guidelines when checking out the eclipse so that we can enjoy the view and protect ourselves and the outdoors while we do it.

February 27, 2024

Studying diversity in Pennsylvania’s lumber industry

Last year, the Lumber Heritage Region released a two-part report that studied the historic role of women and diverse or marginalized ethnic and cultural identities in the history of northcentral Pennsylvania’s lumber industry. Working with historic researcher Hilary Jebitsch, the Lumber Heritage Region sought to document these stories to tell and preserve a more complete and inclusive history of northcentral Pennsylvania.

February 22, 2024

Protect PA Wilds waterways; use caution when removing ice or snow

In large doses, many popular snow and ice removal methods can be harmful to wildlife, plants, streams, and rivers. The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Chesapeake Bay Program give tips on how you can still remove ice from outdoor surfaces while being cautious about how it might affect the waterways and wildlife.

February 20, 2024

BIRD LORE: Birding without bells and whistles

For non-birders, and those just getting interested in birds, the idea of spending a lot of money on a pair of nice binoculars and a fancy Peterson’s Guide and learning how to tell eight different kinds of sparrows apart can seem intimidating. Here are some simple ways to identify common birds without binoculars, using indicators like shapes, colors, behaviors, and habitat.

February 16, 2024

The Golden Axe: Embracing the thrill of axe throwing

Clinton County’s entertainment scene has just been infused with a dose of exhilarating competition and shared laughter: The Golden Axe. This isn’t your rustic backyard axe toss! Located along the I-80 Frontier right in downtown Lock Haven is this state-of-the-art venue meticulously designed for an unparalleled axe-throwing experience. Owners Travis and Beth Moyer welcome both seasoned competitors and curious newcomers.

February 14, 2024

Reasons to love the PA Wilds

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, our hearts are filled with love... not just for our sweethearts, but also for the special place we call the PA Wilds! There are plenty of reasons to love this region: the awe-inspiring landscape that surrounds us, the family and friends we can share memories with, the creative endeavors of our PA Wilds entrepreneurs, tasty food and drinks, and all of the experiences you can have within a three-hour drive. Let’s take a moment and show some adoration and appreciation for the PA Wilds!

February 12, 2024

The Death Shout: A legend from the Pennsylvania Wilds

A legend in the PA Wilds says that when a Native American warrior was killed in battle, he would cry out a “Death Shout” which was heard in the afterlife and warned his predeceased friends that he was coming. Writer Lou Bernard shares the story of the Death Shout as told by Henry Wharton Shoemaker, a Clinton County writer and folklorist. Shoemaker wrote, “There were many strange stories clustered around the ‘Death Shout,’ some of them beautiful, others painfully sad.”

February 9, 2024

ATV Regional Trail Connector program will continue in the PA Wilds through 2025

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) says it will operate an ATV Regional Trail Connector through the 2025 riding season, following the conclusion of the ATV Regional Trail Connector in 2023. DCNR published an ATV Regional Pilot Report (PDF), which shares findings regarding the pilot on the department’s website.