June 2024

Week 2: Talleyrand Park Outings & Wellness Wednesday

Hello ClearWater,


Centred Outdoors is heading to Bellefonte, PA for our second week of free outdoor events. Our destination is Talleyrand Park, a site that was once home to a block of dilapidated buildings and at risk of being sold for commercial development. Community volunteers formed a committee in the early 1970s and installed the first structure, the Talleyrand Park Gazebo, in 1976. 


Today, Talleyrand Park’s features are almost too many to list! Beautiful sculptures, edible and pollinator gardens, a historic railroad, suspension bridge, and the cooling waters of Spring Creek are just a few of the unique elements that make up this community landmark.


On Sunday, June 9, Local Historia’s Matt Maris will join our Centred Outdoors guides to lead two outings in Talleyrand Park. "The history of Bellefonte’s waterfront is at the heart of the area’s history,” says Maris. “From the Big Spring to the Gamble Mill, the tour includes discussion of industries like the Match Factory, railroads, former structures, the development of Talleyrand Park as well as other stories about Bellefonte and its people."

A fountain in Talleyrand Park features trout that inhabit Spring Creek.

Our first Wellness Wednesday of the season happens on June 12, as Jennifer Tucker leads a study of Medicinal Plants that can be found in the park (registration is required). Then on Thursday, June 13, our Centred Outdoors guides will lead another unique outing to explore the park from both a nature-based and historical perspective. 


As our eighth season of outdoor adventure gets underway, we look forward to highlighting a wide variety of outdoor destinations. Exploring public parks and spaces like Talleyrand is a fantastic way to experience the benefits of nature and outdoor recreation. Join us this week as we take a look at one of our most historic local public spaces!


Happy exploring!


The Centred Outdoors team

Questions? Email adventure@clearwaterconservancy.org

This Week with Centred Outdoors

Guided Outings & Wellness Wednesday

at Talleyrand Park

Sunday, June 9 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m.

There is always something new to discover at Talleyrand Park in downtown Historic Bellefonte. Many are familiar with the gazebo, ducks, and playground here, but can you find the sculpture garden, edible landscape garden, and the bridge that connects the two main areas of the park?

Outing Details

Wednesday, June 12 at 6 p.m.


Registration is required for all Wellness Wednesday events.


Jennifer Tucker is a botanical and visionary photographer, herbalist and flower essence practitioner with over 45 years of experience teaching plant ways in workshops, conferences and private sessions. At Wellness Wednesday, Jennifer will explore the landscape and gardens and teach us about the helpful plants we can find in public spaces like Talleyrand Park.

Wellness Details

Catch a Ride!

Free transportation is available to some of our upcoming events. Reservations are required; seating is limited. Reservations open one week prior to the event date.


PLEASE NOTE: As part of our agreement with the transportation service, if no reservations have been made by 48 hours prior to an event, the van for that event will not be available. If you do wish to take advantage of free transportation, please make your reservation as early as possible.

JUNE 9 to Talleyrand Park (11 a.m. Outing)

Pickup Times and Locations:

Westerly Parkway Plaza (10:10 a.m.)

N Atherton Walmart Plaza (10:25 a.m.)

Reserve June 9

JUNE 12 to Talleyrand Park (Wellness Wednesday)

Pickup Times and Locations:

Westerly Parkway Plaza (5:10 p.m.)

N Atherton Walmart Plaza (5:25 p.m.)

Reserve June 12

What to Expect and How to Prepare

Destination

Talleyrand Park

West High Street

Bellefonte, PA 16823


Guided Outing Dates & Times

Sunday, June 9 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m.


Wellness Wednesday

Wednesday, June 12 at 6 p.m.


Guided Outing Length and Terrain

  • Centred Outdoors Talleyrand Outing Map (.pdf download)
  • Outing length: 0.89 mi (Ascent: 26 ft.)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Terrain: Flat, paved paths with steps and bridge crossings; grassy park land.


Map Links and Directions


Public Parking (free during our events only): 404 W High St., Bellefonte. Parking also available (and free during our events only) in the diagonal spots on High Street, in front of the park.


Talleyrand Park on Google Maps


Borough of Historic Bellefonte

What to bring:

See our Tips for a safe and successful outing. We encourage all participants to remember:


  • Bug spray, and/or long pants, sleeves, hats or bug nets for insect and tick protection
  • A full bottle of water, at least 32 oz. per adult
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • 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 Spring Creek Canyon or Bald Eagle State Park!

Bring your budding Jr. Naturalist!


Kids can borrow one of our Jr. Naturalist backpacks and try tools like a magnifying glass, binoculars, and field guides! Use the digital camera and we'll send you the pictures you take while exploring.

Hike smarter with the right gear.


Child carriers, trekking poles, and day packs are available to borrow from our Gear Library during any Guided Outing. Reserve Gear at the link below!


Binoculars from Nocs Provisions are also available, without reservation. At Wellness Wednesdays, get comfy on a Camp-2-Crag seat cushion from Organic Climbing!

Reserve Gear

Sock Sundays

Sponsored by Appalachian Outdoors


Sign-in at any of our 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Sunday Outings and be entered to win a free pair of Darn Tough® socks. Drawing held at the end of each guided outing; certificate can be redeemed at Appalachian Outdoors, 131 S. Allen St., State College.

Coming Up Next

Guided Outings at Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor


The Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor was conserved by ClearWater Conservancy in 2010 to create safe passage for wildlife species between Bald Eagle Mountain and the Scotia Barrens. Hike along the rolling grassy trails and look for the many signs of life here. A wildflower meadow provides pollinator habitat for bees, moths, insects, and birds.

Event Details

Jr. Naturalist Free Play Days

June 18, July 16, & August 20 | 8-10 a.m.


Registration required. Learn and observe with Centred Outdoors guides as your child discovers the joy of outdoor free play! This program is designed for preschool and elementary age children and their caregivers. A learning experience for adults, and a fun day for kids!

Event Details

Have You Joined Us This Season?

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. 


Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback!


Participant Survey

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.

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