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September 19, 2024

Taking care of the Chuck Keiper Trail

Keystone Trails Association's trail care program focuses on trails that lack formal trail maintenance clubs. Deep in the Sproul State Forest just south of Renovo in Clinton County, the Chuck Keiper Trail is one of those trails. Over the past several years, the Chuck Keiper Trail has earned a reputation for having very rough conditions. Now with the help of Keystone Trails Association and the Outdoor Corps, part of the trail is looking much better.

September 17, 2024

Ride the PA Wilds (and share your cycling feedback!)

The PA Wilds is filled with endless opportunities to explore via bicycle, from scenic rail trails like the Pine Creek Rail Trail and Clarion Little-Toby Trail, to thrilling purpose-built mountain bike trails such as Jakes Rocks, to thousands of miles of gravel and dirt roads. Cycling, in particular off-road cycling, has grown in recent years with more participants than ever taking to the trails to discover the joy of two wheels. E-bikes have made the sport even more accessible, lowering the physical barrier for using bikes for both transportation and recreation. Now a survey is asking for your feedback about how you bike in the PA Wilds!

September 16, 2024

Last swim

Quick is usually best. A deep breath, a plunge and the cool September water laughs and envelops me one last time. Everything feels sharp and alive. The smooth stones slip by below and newly browned and yellowed leaves ride the surface with me as we journey together for a while. Eventually their delicate veins will slip beneath the surface as mine have now, marveling at late afternoon slant of light on stone and branch and leaf now resting below.

September 13, 2024

Forest Fridays: Chewing the fat

For many of our migratory songbirds, the journey southward will commence soon or has already begun. Their arduous voyages consume vast amounts of energy that must be steadily replenished along the way. Of the most valuable food sources during this time are those that are high in fat content. When it comes to native versus non-native berries, it’s no contest. Oft-eaten, non-native berries include those of the multiflora rose and various invasive honeysuckles, which contain less than one percent fat. For our feathered migrants, that just won’t cut it.

September 12, 2024

The Allure of the Allegheny National Forest and the Surrounds

I was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and lived in the Guys Mills area for a few years before work took my parents out of the state and ultimately back to Virginia, their home. My parents thought a gap year program might benefit me, which is what brought me back to Pennsylvania - specifically, Spring Creek. My plan was to stay in PA for only a few months and then head back to Virginia, but apparently it wasn’t meant to be. Twenty-four years later, I still call Spring Creek, Pennsylvania home. I never left, and I don't think I ever will. 

September 10, 2024

September in the PA Wilds – a new beginning

At last, autumn is here with all its trimmings, It is THE perfect time for NEW beginnings! Our good Mother Nature is putting on quite a show, With spectacular colors, from Warren to Wellsboro! A poem celebrating the seasonal change that comes in September, written by Ed Byers.

September 9, 2024

A climb with Van Wagner in Jefferson County

Van Wagner arrived, ready to make his 53rd tree climb as part of his mission to climb the tallest of trees at the highest elevation in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. His goals include raising awareness about the importance of forests, the connection they hold to our heritage, and the jobs, habitat, and many other benefits that come from sustainable forest management practices today.

September 4, 2024

Smokey Bear turned 80 years old!

If you think you’re getting old, look no further than our beloved Smokey Bear for affirmation. On August 9th, 2024, Smokey turned 80 years old! So to recognize his birthday, I thought I’d recount his distinguished career and update his enduring message during this year of extreme wildfire behavior and unprecedented warm temperatures. If you were born after 1940 or so, Smokey Bear has been around as long as you can remember. Whether you first saw him strutting in a parade, campaigning on TV, or posing for one of his many posters, Smokey has had a full life campaigning against the dangers of wildfire.

September 3, 2024

A Watershed Moment: Among the Flowers

Among the flowers and weeds, somewhere in between, is where I sit; hidden under their leaves and holding onto their stems. With whom do I belong? For which one am I? Read this poem about being among the flowers in nature, written by Laurie Barrett for The Watershed Journal.

September 2, 2024

Why Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season is the most beautiful

Each year, hundreds of thousands of travelers make their way to the Pennsylvania Wilds, eager to get a view of some of the most gorgeous fall foliage in the world. These “leaf peepers,” as they’re called, know there’s something special about Pennsylvania’s autumn leaves… scientifically, Pennsylvania is a prime viewing spot.