ClearWater Conservancy Kicks Off 9th Season of Centred Outdoors the Week of May 4

Free Guided Outings and Wellness Programs Offered Through October

State College, PA, April 28, 2025 — ClearWater Conservancy is excited to announce the 2025 schedule for the ninth season of the Centred Outdoors program, made possible through the support of community partners including The Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Hamer Foundation, Mount Nittany Health, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA-DCNR). This beloved program invites people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy free guided outdoor adventures throughout Centre County from May through October.

The 2025 season kicks off the week of May 4 at the Colerain Forges Mansion Estate, one of ClearWater’s own conserved easement properties. The kickoff week will feature a Guided Outings and Wellness Program including outdoor yoga, inviting participants to reconnect with nature while caring for their physical and mental well-being.

Beginning Sunday, May 4, regular guided outings will be offered every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and every Thursday at 6 p.m. through August. The autumn months of September and October will hold guided outings on Sundays at 11 a.m. only. The season also includes Wellness Wednesdays—weekly evening events at 6 p.m. that incorporate mindfulness practices, forest therapy, and other wellness-focused activities. These will be at each weekly destination from May-August. Fall Wellness Wednesdays will take place at Rhoneymeade from September to mid-October.

New to this season are Fresh Air Walks, designed as midweek refreshers for those looking to enjoy nature during a quick break. These short, lunch-break-sized loop walks take place in three public parks around State College (Tudek Park, Lederer Park, and Circleville Park), offering a low-key opportunity to get some fresh air, and socialize with new and familiar faces. They’re perfect for those with busy schedules looking to add a little calm and connection to their day. 

Participants can look forward to exploring 26 outdoor destinations (including Spring & Summer Weekly Destinations, Fall Guided Outings, Fall Wellness &  Fresh Air Walks locations) across Centre and surrounding counties, ranging from easily accessible parks like Tom Tudek Memorial Park to more adventurous trails in areas like Bald Eagle State Park, Bilger’s Rocks, and Rothrock State Forest. Outings include nature walks, guided hikes, forest therapy, yoga, and more—all designed to accommodate various interests and ability levels.

To support accessibility, ClearWater Conservancy offers helpful features such as free transportation to select locations, a free gear library, and Jr. Naturalist Toolkits. At every Sunday outing, participants have the chance to win a free pair of Darn Tough® socks, thanks to sponsorship from Appalachian Outdoors.

“Mount Nittany Health is proud to continue our partnership with ClearWater Conservancy,” said Jared Maurer, DO, Mount Nittany Health Primary Care. “Programs like Centred Outdoors are a great opportunity for the community to experience the physical and emotional benefits of time spent in nature, and we’re grateful to be part of this community-wide effort to support wellness.”

The full 2025 schedule and registration options for event updates are available at centredoutdoors.org.

All Centred Outdoors events are free and open to the public.

In addition to Mount Nittany Health and PA-DCNR, Centred Outdoors is supported by the Hamer Foundation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and a dedicated group of partners including Appalachian Outdoors, Centre Region Parks and Recreation, Cole Transportation, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Jana Marie Foundation, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, Organic Climbing, Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden, Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and Webster’s Bookstore & Café.

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About Centred Outdoors:

Centred Outdoors is a program of ClearWater Conservancy made possible with financial assistance from the Environmental Stewardship Fund Grand from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Financial assistance is also provided by the Hamer Foundation, Mount Nittany Health, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, The M&T Charitable Foundation, and community organizations.

About ClearWater Conservancy:

ClearWater Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to conserve and restore the natural resources of central Pennsylvania through land conservation, water resources stewardship, and environmental outreach in the community.

About Mount Nittany Health:

Mount Nittany Health is a comprehensive healthcare system headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania. Comprised of Mount Nittany Medical Center, Mount Nittany Physician Group, The Mount Nittany Health Foundation, and the Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center, the system serves six counties and offers more than thirty medical specialties, including Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology, Urology, and Neurology. Visit mountnittany.org to learn more.