Centred Outdoors Wraps Up Its Ninth Season of Exploration and Connection

Centred Outdoors has just recently wrapped up its ninth season of exploration, connection, and appreciation for central Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. This year’s season featured more hikes, educational programs, wellness programs, and unique outdoor experiences designed to inspire and engage participants of all ages and abilities.

Launched in 2017 by ClearWater Conservancy, Centred Outdoors is the organization’s signature outdoor engagement program. It was created to promote environmental stewardship and foster meaningful connections between people and the land. Season 9 brought 91 events to 28 outdoor destinations, welcoming 1,012 participants throughout the year, including 22 Jr. Naturalists.

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of the program, contributing in many ways that benefit the entire community. At ClearWater’s Annual Meeting, Jeff Molek was awarded the Centering Connections with the Outdoors Awards for going above and beyond to foster a commitment to appreciating and stewarding the natural world around us. "I enjoy being able to help a good cause while also bringing people who may not normally get into the outdoors on their own out to enjoy the great natural areas in central PA,” said Molek.

Program Coordinator Bridget Whyte shared that her favorite destination this season was Spring Creek Canyon. “This trail never fails to amaze me with its beauty, and it certainly helps that we reserve this specific location for early May each year. The wildflowers are in bloom, the creek flows strong alongside the path, and the trail itself is accessible for a wide range of skill and ability levels.”

Event Coordinator Olivia Stas highlighted the end-of-season hike at Musser Gap as her favorite. “Jay Ziegler, from Rothrock Trail Alliance, joined us to talk about RTA's ongoing project to add 50 miles of trails to Rothrock State Forest. We got to hike one of the new trails together on a beautiful fall day! We even encountered a group of volunteers from Nittany Mountain Biking Association doing trail maintenance, and they took the time to explain what they were doing and the importance of maintaining these trails,” said Stas. “As a whole, I thought that this hike highlighted the great work that various groups are doing in the area to responsibly maintain and improve the trail systems for our communities to enjoy.”

Communications Specialist Sandy Miller chose the Penn State Living Filter as her top destination this year. “It's been a regular hiking spot for me for a long time, and I am always excited to share it with others. It is easy to access in all seasons and accessible for most ages and abilities,” said Miller. “The site also serves as an educational opportunity as visitors can observe the system of water treatment and groundwater recharge that serves as a model for innovation and environmental stewardship.”

Season 9 offered educational opportunities that deepened participants’ understanding of the natural world. Expert guides and conservationists led engaging discussions on topics such as biodiversity, forest ecology, stream health, and the challenges facing local wildlife. Through these guided outings, participants learned how to contribute to its preservation – emphasizing the importance of understanding local ecosystems and their interconnectedness.

This season also marked a bittersweet milestone: Bridget Whyte’s final year as Program Coordinator. For the past three years, she has helped grow and redefine what it means to be an educational program within a land trust. She leaves the community with these parting words: “Centred Outdoors has taught me that community is everywhere if you take the time to notice it. From first-time participants to those who have joined us year after year, the conversations, laughter, and connections I heard along the trail always reminded me why this work mattered. When I accepted this role over three years ago, I was excited by the chance to make an impact and, hopefully, leave a small but mighty mark in ClearWater Conservancy’s long line of success. I truly hope I succeeded.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Centred Outdoors will celebrate its 10th season with an exciting lineup of winter programs beginning in January. These include a Speaker Series on outdoor-related topics, wellness programs, nighttime moon and star walks, and outdoor play days for families. Getting outside in winter is just as important as in any other season – fresh air, natural light, and movement all help boost physical and mental well-being during the colder, darker months.

Season 10 will be a celebration of the many destinations visited over the past decade and the partners who have made Centred Outdoors a success. The upcoming schedule will revisit favorite locations while introducing new programs and experiences. With a slight shift in timing to better capture the awakening of the spring and the vibrant colors of fall, the season promises a great blend of familiar favorites and fresh adventures to get folks outdoors.