July 14, 2024 - Centred Outdoors visited Dry Hollow the week of July 14 for guided outings. Participants enjoyed a .75-mile hike around the 1,272-acre property with a variety of ecological features led by Jim Julian, Ecological Program Specialist for DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry who works in the Resource Inventory and Monitoring Section. Jim helped lead the effort to map and inventory the vernal pools that occur throughout Dry Hollow, and he has worked in vernal pool ecosystems for over twenty years. On Thursday's outing, Suzy Yetter, staff Ecologist for ClearWater Conservancy, joined the hike and contributed knowledge about the significance of connected lands for wildlife and migration. At ClearWater, Suzy provides technical expertise in developing and implementing conservation strategies through ClearWater’s land and water resources programs and works with landowners, volunteers, local organizations, and other partners to protect and restore healthy ecosystems.
Dry Hollow encompasses a total of 1,272 acres of conserved land and lies within Huntingdon and Centre Counties primarily in Warriors Mark Township. Portions of the property provide important habitat for declining young forest species. The geology is similar to that of the Scotia Barrens and lies between two Important Bird Areas along the Bald Eagle and Tussey Mountain ridgelines.
In February of 2021, the Dry Hollow Hunting Club property was acquired by ClearWater Conservancy through a purchase made possible by a network of partners including PA DCNR and philanthropic foundations, including the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The land is now under management of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Forestry as part of Rothrock State Forest and managed under the guidance of the State Forest Resource Management Plan. It is open to hiking, birdwatching, research and education, and other outdoor activities. Dry Hollow includes barrens habitat, a large sand pit, vernal pools, and remnants of iron mining, reflecting its rich natural and historical heritage.
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