Hello friends!
Bear Meadows was a blast...
Last week we explored Bear Meadows Natural Area in Rothrock State Forest and learned so much about the characteristics of this nearby National Natural Landmark. Thanks to everyone who joined us and made these events possible!
What's all the buzz about this week?
This week we'll admire and celebrate the wonders of nature closer to town at Tom Tudek Memorial Park, home to the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden (SBG). Master Gardeners will lead tours of garden on three days this week, and Ann Taylor-Schmidt will lead a mindfulness activity on Sunday. Find all the dates and details below, as well as important information about safely spending time outside in high temperatures.
Did you ClearWater Conservancy's origin story starts at this park?
The land where the park is today was a proposed site for a shopping mall in the 1970’s, when a group of community members organized to prevent its construction out of concern for potential impacts to the watershed. Barbara Fisher and Jim McClure led the effort, and in 1980 they went on to co-found ClearWater Conservancy! Ever since, ClearWater has been working alongside the community to proactively conserve and restore the region’s natural resources while connecting people with the natural world through programs such as Centred Outdoors.
We hope to see you for a walk in the park this week!
Bridget Whyte, Adventure Coordinator
ClearWater Conservancy
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Tom Tudek Memorial Park
Guided Tours & Wellness Activities
July 24, 27, and 28
Tom Tudek Memorial Park, the most frequently visited park in the Centre region, is home to a playground, 1.3 mile walking loop, and many other features, including the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden Habitat (SBG). The garden is an educational site of approximately 3 acres of diverse ecosystem that includes over 40 species of resident butterflies, many native bees and birds, and hundreds of native plants that serve as food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife. |
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Guided activities this week - 3 days to choose from!
Sunday, July 24 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.:
🚶🏻♂️🚶🏽♀️Guided tour of the butterfly garden (1 pm and 3 pm): Visitors will enjoy the beauty of the plantings at the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden and learn the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’ of gardening for pollinators. SBG Master Gardeners will be on hand to share stories of pollinators and their interactions with native plants. This event is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
🌿 📝"Leaf Me Alone" Nature Journaling led by Ann Taylor-Schmidt (1 pm and 3 pm):
Focusing on the natural world is meditative and renewing. Let’s do that with this wellness exercise focusing your thoughts on a specific tree and its leaves; describing them on paper with words, numbers, drawings, tracings and/or impressions; then, writing your questions to help you discover more later or writing about what’s on your mind – downloading it to help you untangle some feelings. You can focus on your own wellness, when you focus-in on nature.
About this week's activity leader, Ann Taylor-Schmidt: Ann Taylor-Schmidt earned a B.S. in Art Education, and in addition to many professional accomplishments, has taught Penn State nature journal drawing workshops and at the Art Alliance. She also teaches her own art classes, and enjoys photography, bonsai, and creating polymer clay art and jewelry. Ann is proud of the nature around Central PA, and loves to tune people in to it.
You are welcome to attend one or both activities on Sunday!
Wednesday, July 27 at 6 p.m. AND Thursday, July 28 at 10 a.m.:
🚶🏻♂️🚶🏽♀️ Visitors will enjoy the beauty of the plantings at the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden and learn the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’ of gardening for pollinators. SBG Master Gardeners will be on hand to share stories of pollinators and their interactions with native plants. This event is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
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Prepare for your adventure:
Heat Advisory! While temperatures will remain high this Sunday, please be prepared to join us in these conditions. Bringing a full water bottle and proper sun protection (sunscreen and a hat) are a priority for safety. Tudek Park offers many spots for resting in the shade, however, the Snetsinger Butterfly Gardens are primarily located in direct sun. Please plan ahead accordingly for your own personal comfort outdoors.
Location & Parking:
What to expect:
- Hike length: 0.5-1.0 miles, and modifiable for all ages and fitness levels.
- difficulty: Easy, suitable or modifiable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Terrain: Wide paths around the park and grassy trails through the butterfly garden
Items to bring/ways to prepare for a safe and fun day at Bear Meadows Natural Area:
- 🌡Please be prepared for hot temperatures this week.
- 💧 Bring a filled water bottle
- 😎 Sun protection, including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- 🐕 Pets on a leash welcome here, please keep pets on a leash for entire duration of event
- 📅 This destination is open to the public all year
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Gray's Woods Preserve
Sunday, July 31 at 1 and 3 pm
Wednesday, August 3 at 6 pm
A visit to Grays Woods Preserve offers the sights and sounds of true wilderness without driving too far from town. The 149-acre property was acquired by Patton Township and conserved permanently with an easement held by ClearWater. The Preserve includes vernal pools, forest, and barrens habitat that includes rare vegetation that many animals rely on. This destination borders Gray’s Woods Park, making it possible to visit a forest and a playground all in one adventure! |
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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, and community organizations. |
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