Those attending the Wetlands and Waterways Tour on Thursday in Penns Valley should come prepared for some rough terrain.

The program kicks off Thursday morning at the Muddy Paws Marsh in Spring Mills and continues at other sites throughout the region.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at Muddy Paws Marsh. A talk and tour of the site will follow, featuring landowners Gary and Mary Kay Williams and Penn State Altoona amphibian biologist Jim Julian.

The marsh is a restored wetland and educational center in the Upper Penns Creek Watershed near Spring Mills.

Participants will travel by bus to three other sites. This program is free and open to the public. The Penns Valley Conservation Association will provide lunch.

The Centre County Conservation District received $2,000 to fund a wetlands environmental education series, like the one scheduled Thursday in Penns Valley.

“As members of the conservation district, it is imperative that we work to maintain our waterways,” said Ann Donovan, Centre County Watershed specialist, “We want to remind everyone that we are all stewards in protecting our natural resources, and together we can preserve these commodities for years to come.”

For more information about the tour, contact Donovan at 355-6817 or amdonova@co.centre.pa.us.

Matt Carroll writes about news from the Penns and Brush valley regions. Contact him at 231-4631. Follow him on Twitter @Carrollreporter