A view from Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden, photo by Sam Seidel |
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Choose your own adventure at Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden this week! |
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Dear explorers,
Peaceful. Quiet. Beautiful. If these words sound refreshing, then it might be time to spend a day at Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden located between Boalsburg and Centre Hall (about a fifteen-minute drive from State College).
Rhoneymeade is a 150-acre site that was purchased in 1794 by Michael Rhone as a farm and homestead for he and his wife Catherine. The property would eventually become home to Michael and Catherine’s grandson, Leonard Rhone, who is known as the founder of the Centre County Grange Fair and for his lifelong dedication to farming, the advancement of agriculture, and improved conditions for farmers on the local and national level. His homestead became known as Rhoneymeade, “Rhone’s meadow” in German.
In 1984 Rhoneymeade was purchased by Dr. Richard Morgan, a retired Penn State professor who permanently conserved the natural resources throughout the property through a conservation easement with ClearWater Conservancy, the first in our organization's history.
There is so much to observe and enjoy at Rhoneymeade and we are offering eight ways for you to experience this remarkable place throughout the week. Please read below for complete details for plan your ideal visit to Rhoneymeade, including important safety and planning tips.
Together let's stress less, and explore more!
Dan Trew,
Adventure Coordinator, ClearWater Conservancy
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Special thanks to Mount Nittany Health for these health tips! |
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3 days and 8 activities to choose from at
Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden
Tour the grounds at Rhoneymeade, the historic homestead of Grange Fair founder, Leonard Rhone. Relax and promote mindfulness at this peaceful and scenic setting during a yoga or mindfulness workshop on one or more days. Don't hesitate to email our team with any questions about this destination or the activities prior to visiting: info@centredoutdoors.org.
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Sunday, August 1 from 12 - 6 pm
Guided trail hike, slightly over 2 miles:
1-3 pm or 3 - 5 pm
Challenge yourself with an invigorating 2-mile hike around the 150 acre working farm including the new public hiking trail through the wooded Labyrinth Loop led by James Lesher, executive director of Rhoneymeade. Difficulty Level: This is a challenging hike. The hike is slightly over two miles in length, with mixed terrain and elevation. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Yoga with Michelle Rogen
11:30 am – 1 pm
Meditation with gentle yoga stretches, guided breathwork and silent nature walk with certified yoga and mindfulness instructor Michelle Rogan. Appropriate for beginners. Please bring a water bottle, yoga mat or blanket, and wear comfortable for stretching clothing.
Our Senses in Nature with Emily Hayne
1 pm - 2:30 pm
Participants will be guided through mindfulness and sensorial practices that engage the body in the outdoors. The purpose of this workshop is to provide a fun and reflective space for participants to explore their relationship to nature and celebrate all that their bodies do. While walking the trails of Rhoneymeade, the group will be presented activities to stimulate each of the senses. Quiet reflection, writing, and drawing in a journal will occur throughout the workshop. Participants should be prepared to walk the trails of Rhoneymeade and stand and/or sit to journal for sensorial practices.
Please bring: a journal to write on, pen or pencil, drinking water, wear comfortable shoes to walk through the trails of Rhoneymeade (easy to moderate), and dress for the weather and sun!
Optional: You are welcome to bring colored pencils and binoculars.
Additionally, all are welcome to explore the destination on their own anytime between 12-6 pm
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Wednesday, August 4 from 9 am - 1 pm
Guided walks through the sculpture garden:
9-11 am and 11 am-1 pm
James Lesher, executive director of Rhoneymeade, will lead participants on a relaxing walking tour of the six acre public gardens which surround the house, filled with outdoor sculpture, ancient specimen trees and fantastic vistas. Difficulty level: This is an easy walk on a mowed path that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Emily Stang
9 am- 10:00 am
Join us for a vinyasa flow sequence with a focus on connection to the outdoors. This practice will center around themes of grounding ourselves in nature and rooting down to rise up. Come with a mat and “just be” in the trees. All levels and ages welcome. Activity level will be easy-moderate, and modifications can be made to ensure that yoga is accessible for every unique body.”
Meet a Neighbor with Emily Hayne
11 am- 12:30 pm
This workshop will encourage participants to think about how they develop relationships with people and the more-than-human world including plants, animals, and ecosystems. While walking the trails of Rhoneymeade, the group will reflect on what it means to be a neighbor and how we can extend our understanding of loving and caring "relationships" to include the environment. Quiet reflection, writing, and drawing in a journal will occur throughout the workshop. Participants are encouraged to be playful, creative, and curious for each of the mindfulness activities.
Participants should be prepared to walk the trails of Rhoneymeade and stand and/or sit to journal for reflection activities.
Please bring: a journal to write on, pen or pencil, drinking water, wear comfortable shoes to walk through the trails of Rhoneymeade (Easy to Moderate), and dress for the weather and sun!
Optional: You are welcome to bring colored pencils.
Additionally, all are welcome to explore the destination on their own anytime between 9 am-1 pm
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Friday, August 6 from 6 - 8 pm
Guided walk through the sculpture garden:
6-8 pm
James Lesher, executive director of Rhoneymeade, will lead participants on a relaxing walking tour of the six acre public gardens which surround the house, filled with outdoor sculpture, ancient specimen trees and fantastic vistas. Difficulty level: This is an easy walk on a mowed path that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Emily Stang
4:30 pm- 6:00 pm
Join us for a vinyasa flow sequence with a focus on connection to the outdoors. This practice will center around themes of grounding ourselves in nature and rooting down to rise up. Come with a mat and “just be” in the trees. All levels and ages welcome. Activity level will be easy-moderate, and modifications can be made to ensure that yoga is accessible for every unique body.
Additionally, all are welcome to explore the destination on their own anytime between 6-8 pm
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Check out this yoga flow with animals in their own poses to do in your own backyard! |
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Safety and Planning Tips for Your Next Adventure |
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Prepare for a day at Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden with the following tips:
- Please leave pets at home when visiting this destination.
- Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
- Bring a filled water bottle.
- Pack a light snack.
- Apply sunscreen/wear a hat.
- Apply bugspray and/or wear long pants and sleeves.
- Bring a walking stick/hiking pole if needed.
- Have a child carrying pack on hand for young children.
- Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
- Bring home and properly dispose of all trash, litter, and pet waste you are responsible for.
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Email us with any questions: info@centredoutdoors.org
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The Arboretum at Penn State - Hartley Wood
August 8, 11, and 13
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Poe Paddy Tunnel
August 15, 18, and 20
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