Greetings!

This Sunday, September 5, we will be visiting Tom Tudek Memorial Park, located just off Martin St. in State College. The park covers over 90 acres and includes a wide variety of features for everyone to enjoy, including the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden, a scenic walking loop, a dog park, playground, and areas for tennis, basketball, soccer, frisbee, baseball/softball, and more.

Beth Shaha, life coach with the Grounded Canary, will join us again from 12-1 p.m. this week to offer a wellness activity, Nurture Your Self with Nature. This meditation activity is free to attend, and full details of the event are listed below. A Centred Outdoors Ambassador will also be available from 12 - 5 p.m. to offer suggestions for your self-guided adventure.

Also, did you know there is a significant connection between the establishment of Tom Tudek Memorial Park and the establishment of ClearWater Conservancy? In the late 1970's, there were plans for the land where the park is located to be developed into a shopping mall. Many citizens were concerned about the proposed development's potential negative impact on the Spring Creek Watershed and local community, so they organized and worked together to oppose the development. Barbara Fisher and Jim McClure led the effort, and the development plans were eventually cancelled.

After this experience, the citizens understood the need to establish an organization to continuously and proactively protect and restore the region's natural resources. In 1980, Fisher, McClure, and approximately 20 members founded ClearWater Conservancy. Fast forward 41 years, and the organization has become a nationally-accredited land trust, conserved or facilitated the conservation of 9,514 acres of land, has planted or restored habitat along 122,000 linear feet of stream, and connected thousands of people to the region's most beautiful and ecologically-significant places at no cost to them.

While so much has changed since 1980, the community's support of ClearWater's efforts has consistently made it possible for us to work together to protect, restore, and enjoy our region's natural resources year after year.

Thank you for all you do for local conservation efforts!

Sincerely,
Deb Nardone and Dan Trew,
Executive Director and Adventure Coordinator, ClearWater Conservancy

P.S. For more information about the Tom Tudek Memorial Trust, the Tudek Family, and others involved with permanently preserving the park, read this informative article.
Past ClearWater presidents at a 2004 meeting from left to right: Barbara Fisher, Brian McCullough, Walt Ebaugh, and Don Hamer
The iconic drawing "We're All in the Same Bathtub," by Jim McClure
Join us at Tom Tudek Memorial Park
Sunday, September 5
12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
400 Herman Dr., State College, PA
12:00 pm -1 pm: Nurture your Self with Nature: Using the Pace and Solitude of Nature as a Gift to Our Soul, with Beth Shaha, Life Coach with the Grounded Canary

Bring a chair or blanket and yourselves to this Centred Outdoors event focusing on Mindfulness in Nature. Participants will be led through a meditation focusing on the five senses as a way to experience the outer world. We will then turn our attention to our inner worlds as we experience presence and discovery. Small group discussion and sharing is optional but encouraged.  


12:00-5:00 pm: Enjoy a self-guided adventure: Centred Outdoors Ambassadors will be available at a welcome table between 12 p.m and 5 p.m. to answer questions and offer suggestions for a self-guided adventure through the park at your own pace. Enjoy a relaxing walk or explore the bath with scooters, bikes, or binoculars. Play in the open field with soccer balls, basketballs, frisbees, kites, bubbles, etc.

Difficulty Level: This destination is a good fit for all ages and fitness levels, with paved paths and many different adventure options. The full loop on the park's paved pedestrian path is 1.3 miles, with some hills along the way. Email info@centredoutdoors.org with any questions about preparing for this adventure.

Planning to attend? Here are a few helpful tips:

What to bring:
  • A filled water bottle
  • Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen
  • Bug repellant
  • Comfortable sneakers/shoes
  • A light snack or picnic lunch
  • This is a pet friendly destination. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your pet.
  • Additional safety tips can be found here.
A special thanks to the Grounded Canary for hosting this week's wellness activity!
Upcoming Adventures
Barrens to Bald Eagle
Wildlife Corridor
September 12, 12-6 p.m.
(guided hikes at 1 and 3 pm)
Allegheny Front Trail
September 19, 12-6 p.m.
(guided hikes at 1 and 3 pm)

ClearWater Conservancy | 814-237-0400 | info@centredoutdoors.org