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August 2024
Week 10: Whipple Dam State Park
Petersburg, PA
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We’ll be joined on our guided outings by PA DCNR Educator Jen Moore who will talk about park wildlife, with additional detail and park history on the longer Thursday walk. On August 7, our Wellness Wednesday program features Mindfulness and Yoga next to the lake, led by Stephanie Koller. Register soon for a relaxing Wellness evening that is good for all ages and abilities! Free transportation is available on Sunday or Wednesday. Information is available on each Events page.
August will fly by! The next four weeks of Guided Outings on Sundays or Thursdays give you plenty of opportunity to visit new Destinations, gain confidence in the outdoors, and give yourself the gift of time in nature. In September, we’ll transition to once-per-week hikes on Sundays, visiting more difficult destinations and longer - or steeper - hikes! Check out our full schedule of Outings and Wellness Wednesdays at CentredOutdoors.org/events. See you on the trail!
The Centred Outdoors Team
adventure@clearwaterconservancy.org
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This Week with Centred Outdoors | |
Guided Outings at Whipple Dam State Park | |
Sunday, August 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Thursday, August 8 at 6 p.m. | |
Go on an adventure in one of Central Pennsylvania's hidden gems, Whipple Dam. This 256-acre park is a quiet retreat that offers ample opportunities to view wildlife, go for a swim, or listen to live music! Explore the trail that loops around the lake and nearby forest, then afterwards rent a boat or bring your kayak to explore the lake.
Our Sunday and Thursday outings will have different routes and difficulty levels:
Sunday, August 4th - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
This easy walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles over flat terrain including a gravel road. The talk will focus on the wildlife that we may encounter on the trail or that inhabit the park in general.
Thursday, August 8th - 6 p.m.
This moderate-difficulty hike will be approximately 2.5 miles along the Whipple Lake Trail. This trail makes a loop around the lake. The talk will include information on the wildlife and history of the park.
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Need A Ride?
Limited space is available on the free shuttle van to the Sunday 11 a.m. outing at Whipple Dam. Pickups at Westerly Parkway Plaza (10:10 a.m.) and North Atherton Walmart (10:25 a.m.). See reservation link for details and to register.
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Wellness Wednesday: Mindfulness and Yoga | |
Experience the benefits of mindfulness in an outdoor setting. | |
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Wednesday, August 7 at 6 p.m.
Led by Stephanie Koller (The Weather Vein). Take a peaceful and powerful journey that integrates elements of yoga, qigong, and sound healing into one seamless practice. This class includes slow-flowing movements, easy to follow postures, breath work and a guided meditation. Some props will be available but you are encouraged to bring your own yoga mat, blankets or pillows. All ability levels are welcome to attend.
Free transportation from State College is available if you register by 3 p.m. on Monday, August 5. Information is available at the Wellness Details link.
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What to Expect and How to Prepare | |
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Destination
Whipple Dam State Park
3746 Laurel Run Road
Petersburg, PA 16669
Guided Outing Dates & Times:
Sunday, August 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Thursday, August 8 at 6 p.m.
Guided Outing Length and Terrain
Sunday Outings
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Distance: 1-1.5 miles
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Difficulty: Easy
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Terrain: Flat dirt trail or gravel road.
Thursday Outing
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Distance: 2.5 miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Ascent: 147 ft.
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Terrain: Narrow dirt trails with some tree roots; wooden bridges at creek crossings. Short but steep elevation changes as the loop climbs above the lake and then descends to the parking area. Trekking poles recommended.
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Maps, Links, and Directions
After entering the Whipple Dam main entrance, turn into the beach-side parking on the right. Look for the Centred Outdoors table, past the beach and boat rental building.
Whipple Dam on Google Maps
PA DCNR Whipple Dam Park Map
DCNR State Parks: Whipple Dam Information
Keystone Stories: State Parks (WPSU Documentary on PA State Parks & the CCC)
Friends of Greenwood Furnace, Whipple Dam and Penn-Roosevelt State Parks
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What To Bring
See our Tips for a safe and successful outing. We encourage all participants to remember:
- Sturdy shoes are suggested for both outings
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Trekking poles recommended for Thursday's Moderate outing (see Gear Library)
- Long pants and/or sleeves, hats or bug nets for insect and tick protection
- Insect spray
- A full bottle of water, at least 32 oz. per adult
- Sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- A light snack to enjoy during or after the event
Looking for other places to explore nearby? Check out Shaver's Creek Environmental Center or Greenwood Furnace State Park!
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Have You Joined Us This Season? | | |
Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback! | |
Your Experience Matters!
We invite you to participate in our anonymous survey about Centred Outdoors guided hikes and activities. This brief survey helps us communicate our success with grant partners and stake holders and allows us to continue to alter our programming to better serve our community.
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Borrow A Day Pack
Hands-free Hiking!
Carry your water bottle, snacks, phone charger and more - and have your hands free to take pictures on your walk! Child carriers and trekking poles are also available, and you can reserve an item prior to any Guided Outing. We also have Nocs binoculars and reusable water bottles for use at our events - just ask at the sign-in table.
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Sock Sunday
Sponsored by Appalachian Outdoors
Sign-in at any of our 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Sunday Outings and be entered in our raffle for a free pair of Darn Tough® socks!
Drawing held at the end of each Sunday guided outing; certificate can be redeemed at Appalachian Outdoors, 131 S. Allen St., State College.
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A Jr. Naturalist Point of View
Kids can borrow a Jr. Naturalist backpack at any of our guided outings. Ask for one when you sign in!
Discover plants, animals, insects, or anything else you find on the trail. Record your observations and share what you find. Our event leaders will show you how to use everything contained in the backpacks, and you'll learn so much more about the natural world at every Centred Outdoors destination. Included in the bags is a small digital camera that kids can use to remember what they've seen - we'll send you the pictures via email!
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Jr. Naturalist's view: Guided Outing at Little Juniata Natural Area | |
Jr. Naturalist's view: Joy at Guided Outing at Spring Creek Canyon | |
Jr. Naturalist's view: Guided Outing at Galbraith Gap | | |
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Native Plant Walk at Shaver's Creek
August 3, 10:30-12:30
This walk is co-sponsored by the PA Master Naturalist program and Centred Outdoors. Join Master Naturalist Elli Bragg for an exploration of Pennsylvania native plants. We’ll discuss some tips and tricks for identifying and remembering sun-loving, part-shade, and shade-loving native plants as we hike the Point Trail loop. You’ll learn interesting facts about the roles they play in the ecosystem and how incorporating them into your home landscape will benefit your neighborhood birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
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Guided Outings at Poe Paddy Railroad Tunnel
August 11 & 15. Haines Township, PA
Take a short trip along the Pennsylvania Mid State Trail that begins with a memorable walk through the 250-foot Paddy Mountain Railroad Tunnel. After brief darkness in the tunnel you will be greeted by gorgeous views of Penn’s Creek, birdsongs, and an abundance of plants and trees surrounding the Mid State Trail. The trail is welcoming, with wide, flat, even terrain — making this adventure well-suited for people of all ages and fitness levels.
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About Land Conservation
To learn more about our impactful land conservation efforts and how you can contribute to preserving our natural landscapes for future generations, visit ClearWaterConservancy.org/land-conservation.
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Centred Outdoors is a program of ClearWater Conservancy, made possible with financial assistance from an Environmental Stewardship Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Financial assistance for the program is also provided by the Hamer Foundation, Mount Nittany Health, Richard King Mellon Foundation, and community organizations. | | | | |
