ClearWater Conservancy invites you to attend the next Centred Outdoors adventure taking place Sunday at the Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor in Port Matilda from 2-5 p.m. and Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Bring your binoculars and a friend to experience all the Wildlife Corridor has to offer during a stroll through its meadows and woodlands. Participants will learn about the importance of wildlife corridors and see the diverse community of bird, mammal, plant, pollinator and amphibian species they support.
Thirty nine acres of the Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor was purchased by ClearWater Conservancy in 2010 and is protected with a conservation easement held by Halfmoon Township. An additional 64 acres is owned by Barbara Spencer and Dan Dreibelbis, who enrolled their property in the Halfmoon Township Open Space Protection Program. The 103-acre Wildlife Corridor serves the important function of supporting wildlife traveling between significant ecosystems, Scotia Barrens — and the 6446 acres of State Gamelands 176 and Bald Eagle Ridge. The Barrens is the largest pitch pine-scrub oak barrens remaining in Pennsylvania and offers habitat to rare insects, neotropical songbirds and amphibians. The Corridor connects the Barrens to Bald Eagle Ridge, a relatively unfragmented forest habitat that supports a great deal of wildlife.
Discover how conservation efforts at the corridor protect and connect vital habitats during a hike alongside Kevin Abbey and Colleen DeLong, ClearWater Conservancy’s Land Conservation Manager and Habitat Stewardship Biologist. The .66 mile hike follows a mowed path and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome to attend with owners prepared to clean up after their furry friends. Guided hikes will begin at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Sunday and will take place at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Those who are registered for Centred Outdoors through the website, www.centredoutdoors.org, will be able to enter a special code from the event to earn an e-trophy and climb the online leaderboard. Participants who earn at least 10 trophies by Aug. 15 will be eligible to win end-of-season prizes such as outdoor gear and gift cards.
Planning to attend the adventures this week? Here’s what you need to know:
What: Centred Outdoors: Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor
When: Sunday, with guided hikes at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. and Wednesday with guided hikes at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.
Where: Harness Downs Road, Port Matilda, PA 16870
Directions: The corridor parking area is at the edge of a residential development. Please drive very slowly and cautiously through the neighborhood and watch for children at play.
What to bring:
· A refillable water bottle
· Long sleeves, high socks and pants are recommended
· Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen
· Bug repellent
· Comfortable walking shoes
· A light snack such as hand fruit, granola bar, etc.
Difficulty of hike: This .6 mile hike on a grassy trail is easy, and suitable for all ages.
Additional Information:
· This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet.
· Portable restrooms are available at this destination.
Next week’s adventure: Centred Outdoors will be at Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte on Sunday, July 1
Andrea Murrell is the strategic communications coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy.
