Outdoor Recreation

March 29, 2024

Forest Fridays: Bountiful brooks

Spring is here and tomorrow’s youth opener begins another season of trout fishing in Pennsylvania. It seems as good a time as any to talk about our state fish, the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Few creatures provide a more awe-inspiring sight than the incredible brook trout. Displaying a carnival of colors, brookies may be small, but they are mighty. Pound for pound, they put up a fight on a taut line as vigorous as any fish of pugilistic repute.

March 19, 2024

YouTube in the Pennsylvania Wilds – “Forest County Outback” 

While hiking through the PA Wilds’ Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds over the years I cannot remember how many times I have come upon a stack of ancient foundation stones or old lumber in the middle of nowhere and wondered, “What’s the story with this, what was this, why is it here?” Somehow, somewhere, there must be somebody who knows something about these little mysteries. Meet Forest County’s Terry Janosik who has investigated at least 40 of them.

March 11, 2024

Apply for the Artist-in-Residence Program at the Allegheny National Forest

The USDA Forest Service is once again accepting applications for the Artist-in-Residence Program at the Allegheny National Forest. Applications for the 2024 summer and fall residencies will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024. The Artist-in-Residence Program provides artists of all mediums the opportunity to pursue their craft outside of their normal environments, with free housing in the ANF and a stipend for those three weeks.

March 8, 2024

Forest Fridays: Squirrel dogging

Growing up at the base of a mountain in Northwestern Clinton County, one of Eric Probert's passions as a youth was loading his single shot 20 gauge and pursuing squirrels. Still hunting across a grape vine choked red oak sidehill or sitting quietly in a hickory flat waiting for squirrels to appear was probably how most young hunters cut their teeth on the sport in Penns Woods. As Eric grew older, the thought of hunting those bushy tails faded as he grew more interested in chasing deer and bear through the same hills.

March 7, 2024

Learning how maple syrup is made in the PA Wilds (and how you can see a live demonstration!)

Maple syrup and other maple products are a big part of Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy… and it sure is sweet to get an inside look at how those products are made, both by big companies and by small producers at their own homes! Learn about maple syrup with an educational program at Parker Dam State Park, or celebrate maple goodness with the Potter-Tioga Maple Weekend on March 16 and 17, 2024!

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 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 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 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.