Sunday marks the official launch of the second season of Centred Outdoors, a program hosted by ClearWater Conservancy and partnering organizations that invites people of all ages and fitness levels to attend guided adventures at outdoors destinations in Centre County throughout the summer.
The launch will take place during the Get Outdoors Family Fishing Picnic, held 2-6 p.m. at Tussey Mountain Pond in Boalsburg. Co-hosted by Spring Creek Chapter Trout Unlimited and ClearWater Conservancy, the Fishing Picnic is free and open to the public. It offers a chance for people of all ages to try fishing for the first time or get instruction to improve their technique with assistance from Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Centre County YMCA. Attendees will enjoy food and refreshments, children’s activities, fly-tying and casting demonstrations and an opportunity to kayak. All fishing equipment and bait is provided and a fishing license is not required to participate in this special event.
The event will also feature the first adventure of the Centred Outdoors 2018 season. Participants can explore the Galbraith Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest during one of multiple guided hikes throughout the day. This adventure will take hikers through a shaded and impressively scenic forest to spot unique plants and wildlife such as mountain laurel, Pennsylvania’s state flower.
“When we disconnect from our busy schedules and mobile devices and take time to reconnect with nature, positive things happen,” said Deb Nardone, ClearWater’s executive director. “We increase our physical and mental wellness, develop a greater appreciation for the natural world, and are more likely to engage with the local organizations who work to conserve and protect the beautiful region where we all love to live. That’s why we encourage everyone to complete the Centred Outdoors Challenge this summer by completing at least 10 guided or self-guided adventures between June 3 and August 15.”
Centred Outdoors will continue hosting free, guided adventures to Centre County residents and visitors every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 15. The finalized schedule can be found at www.centredoutdoors.org, where users can log in to create their own profile, RSVP for events and track their visits to earn e-trophies and climb the online leaderboard. While online registration is not required, it is the best way to receive event updates. You can also look to the Good Life section of the CDT every week and www.centredaily.com for complete details about the upcoming Centred Outdoors destination.
Hosted by ClearWater Conservancy, Centred Outdoors’ primary supporters include the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Mount Nittany Health. Community partners include Spring Creek Chapter Trout Unlimited, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society, Centre Foundation, Talleyrand Park Committee, Centre Moves, Penn State Sustainable Communities, Penns Valley Conservation Association, YMCA of Centre County, Get Outdoors PA, Mount Nittany Conservancy, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and The Arboretum at Penn State.
Going to Sunday's event? Here’s what you need to know:
What: Get Outdoors Family Fishing Picnic
When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Tussey Mountain Pond, 301 Bear Meadows Road, Boalsburg
What to bring:
A refillable water bottle for everyone in your party
Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen
Comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to participate in the guided hike
What’s provided at no charge:
Picnic food and drinks
Fishing equipment, bait and instruction (fishing license not required)
Portable restrooms.
Difficulty of hike: The hike is easy and suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.
