As autumn paints the landscape with vibrant colors, ClearWater Conservancy is excited to celebrate the successful conclusion of Centred Outdoors Season 8—a season of exploration, connection, and deeper appreciation for central Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. The program brought together community members, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers to celebrate the region’s stunning ecological diversity and natural wonders.
A Journey of Connection and Discovery
Launched in 2017, Centred Outdoors, ClearWater Conservancy’s signature outdoor engagement program, is designed to promote environmental stewardship and create meaningful connections between people and the land. Centred Outdoors has become one of the region’s most popular community-driven outdoor programs, offering participants the opportunity to explore some of Central Pennsylvania’s most ecologically significant and scenic locations.
Season 8 featured nearly 50 hikes and 10 wellness programs at 20 locations, ranging from peaceful nature walks to more challenging treks. These outings took participants through a variety of landscapes including woodlands, protected conservation areas, and hidden gems that many had never experienced before. Led by knowledgeable guides and outdoor experts, the outings offered participants the chance to explore a variety of terrains, learn about local wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts, while developing a deeper appreciation for nature.
One of the standout experiences this season was a hike to Bilger’s Rocks, an area famous for its boulder formations and hidden caves. The hike was an interactive adventure, allowing participants to navigate around the rocks and even squeeze through narrow passageways. Centred Outdoors Program Coordinator Bridget Whyte recalled the outing: “Bilger’s Rocks! This destination allowed us to take participants both on a moderate stroll around the boulder features while also offering the immersive experience of squeezing through the narrow caves and passageways. It was certainly the definition of ‘choose your own adventure’ type of program!”
Centred Outdoors Event Coordinator, Olivia Stas spoke about the experience at this destination: “Bilger’s Rocks was a great addition to our schedule! It was such a unique and beautiful place to explore and moving through and around large rock formations is something that we don’t typically experience on a Centred Outdoors hike. The Bilger’s Rocks volunteers were super knowledgeable and did a great job guiding our group and sharing the history of the area. So many participants expressed how much they enjoyed this location.”
Outings like this highlighted the diverse outdoor experiences that Centred Outdoors offers—from peaceful nature walks to more recreationally challenging explorations. The program aims [BW4] to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can connect with the outdoors in a way that feels meaningful and rewarding.
A Season of Conservation and Education
Season 8 also provided valuable educational opportunities. Expert guides and conservationists led discussions on topics like biodiversity, forest ecology, stream health, and the challenges facing local wildlife. Whether identifying plant species along the trail or learning about water quality, participants left each hike with new knowledge and a stronger sense of environmental responsibility.
Through these guided outings, participants not only discovered the natural world but also learned how they could contribute to its preservation. The program emphasized the importance of understanding local ecosystems and their interconnectedness, from the plants and animals that call them home to the water systems that sustain them.
Nature and Wellness
Season 8 placed strong emphasis on wellness programs, highlighting the mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature. Many of the outings were designed not only for exploration, but to promote mental and physical well-being, allowing participants to connect with nature on a deeper level.
One of the season's highlights was Wellness Wednesdays, a series of nature walks, forest therapy sessions, yoga, nature-based art activities, and other wellness and mindfulness practices. These events provided participants with the opportunity to slow down, reduce stress, and improve their mental clarity while exploring the outdoors.
Stas emphasized the importance of wellness in the program: ““There are so many more ways to connect with nature than going on a hike or participating in an adventure sport. We started offering wellness programs as a slower, more health focused way of entering the outdoor space. These programs allow participants to connect with the environment on a different level and reap the countless health benefits that being in nature provide us.”
One particularly rewarding moment for Stas came when a participant showed her a journal filled with artwork inspired by the Art in Nature wellness workshop. “She flipped through multiple pages where she had been using the techniques that she learned in the Art in Nature program to create beautiful art using her backyard as inspiration. Seeing those pages and hearing how much she has enjoyed the wellness programs really affirmed for me the importance of providing these programs,” Stas said.
Community partners and wellness leaders play a big role in the wellness program. “The Wellness Leaders that we partner with for these events all have such a unique gift to share and really bring participants together in community with the Earth,” said Stas.
Building Community Through Outdoor Engagement
One of the most rewarding aspects of Centred Outdoors is its ability to foster a sense of community. Olivia Stas shared her enthusiasm for the program’s ability to bring people together: “What I love most is that we never have the same group twice. While we are fortunate to have many loyal returning participants, we also welcome new faces almost every week. The Centred Outdoors community is always evolving, and that’s part of what makes it so special.
Whether seasoned hikers or newcomers, Centred Outdoors creates an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. The program attracted a wide range of participants this season, including families, individuals, and outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds. The opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for nature was an important part of the experience for many participants.
Bridget Whyte noted, “When people feel comfortable enough to share knowledge, ask questions, and help others during a program, there’s no greater sense of community.”
Fostering Inclusion and Accessibility
Centred Outdoors strives to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, recognizing that not all community members have equal access to nature. To overcome barriers to participation, the program offers free transportation, and a gear library with trekking poles, rain jackets, and day packs.
Stas explained, “We believe the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer a variety of events, from easy walks to more challenging hikes, so that participants of all abilities can find something that works for them.”
Whyte added, “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear success stories from participants who were previously unable to engage with the program. Their feedback reinforces how important it is for us to continue making outdoor experiences accessible to all members of the community.
Looking Ahead: Winter Adventures
As Centred Outdoors wraps up its eighth season, the program is already looking forward to exciting plans for Season 9. New destinations, updated offerings, and expanded programming will make next season even more remarkable.
For those looking to stay active during the colder months, the program has a full slate of winter activities. Stas shared her excitement about winter outdoor engagement: “Winter is one of my favorite times to be outdoors. We’ll be offering Jr. Naturalist Play Days, wellness programs, and outdoor walks—some during the day, and some under the full moon!”
Looking forward to winter, Whyte shared her enthusiasm for year-round engagement: “While summer is a great time to get outside, we are excited to continue engaging the public year-round through the Centred Outdoors program. Keep an eye out for our complete schedule of winter opportunities that get us moving, learning, and connecting as the seasons change.
Gratitude to Supporters and Volunteers
The success of Centred Outdoors Season 8 would not have been possible without the unwavering support of dedicated volunteers, partners, and sponsors. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and expertise to make the program a reality.
We also want to extend our gratitude to our donors and community partners for their continued support of ClearWater Conservancy’s mission. Your generosity ensures that Centred Outdoors and other conservation initiatives continue to thrive, helping to protect the lands and waters that are so vital to the health of our region.
Season 9 and Beyond
As the program reflects on its successes this season, plans are already underway for Season 9, which promises even more opportunities for community connection, wellness, and outdoor exploration. The new season will offer additional hikes, educational programs, and unique outdoor experiences designed to inspire and engage participants of all ages and abilities.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Centred Outdoors Season 8 such a success. Your enthusiasm and commitment to exploring and protecting the natural world make the program truly special. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community that is dedicated to preserving the beauty and health of our region for future generations.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming hikes and events, and we look forward to seeing you next season!
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