Centred Outdoors shifts gears this season to ‘choose your own adventure’ format

This summer marks the fourth season of Centred Outdoors, a program hosted by ClearWater Conservancy that connects people of all ages and fitness levels with the health benefits of spending time outside in a way that is comfortable, fun and cost-free. While Centred Outdoors has offered guided group hikes in the past, this season is slightly modified to meet safety recommendations for enjoying outdoor activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each week Centred Outdoors will highlight one nature-related topic and multiple destinations where that topic can be observed and explored. This “choose your own adventure” format allows for participants to visit places on the day and time that is best for them while preventing large groups from gathering at one site at the same time.

This week participants are invited to explore the topic of Pennsylvania’s reptiles. There are three types of reptiles in the state: turtles, lizards and snakes. While reptiles and amphibians are often grouped together, they diverged about 300 million years ago. There are two major differences between reptiles and amphibians. First, reptiles are covered in scales, like snakes are covered in, and/or scutes, such as the plates turtles have on their shells.

Amphibians, on the other hand, have smooth skin that is essential for them to “breathe” through. Eggs are the second major difference between reptiles and amphibians. Reptiles lay eggs on land, while amphibians lay eggs in the water. Amphibians also differ from reptiles because they go through an aquatic after hatching (think tadpoles) and breathe through gills before becoming adults.

A large percentage of Pennsylvania’s reptiles are considered Species of Special Concern, meaning they have been identified as being vulnerable and at risk of becoming threatened or endangered. Most of the 14 species of turtles in Pennsylvania are in decline due to habitat loss due to human uses and climate change. Specific habitat or areas that are found to contain these creatures are often designated as important reptile habitats and selected for land and water conservation efforts to stabilize populations.

Reptiles are tough to spot because they are not only rare, they are excellent at hiding from humans. For adventurers looking to spy a reptile in action, try visiting the lakes of central Pa. on a warm and sunny day to spot turtles doing what they love most-sunbathing!

There are two lakeside trails at Black Moshannon State Park in Philipsburg where you might see a turtle and are guaranteed to see lots of other plants and wildlife. For a comfortable, sunny walk with informative signage, try the .5-mile Bog Trail where you’ll overlook a beautiful bog teeming with interesting plants as you stroll the boardwalk.

The Lake Loop Trail is in this same area as the Bog Trail and makes for a relaxing adventure on the opposite end of the lake. The trail hugs the lake’s edge closely for most of the .7-mile loop and is mostly under the cool, damp shade of the lakeside trees. One could easily cover both trails in one day with the help of a hearty snack or picnic between walks. Explorers with boats and valid permits can even take to the water to explore further into the lilies and other plant matter that support turtles and other wildlife. The Bog Trail is ADA accessible when accessed from Boat Launch 3. You can follow signs that parking area once you arrive at the beach and swimming area of the park.

Bald Eagle State Park in Howard has numerous platforms constructed across the length of its lake, Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, where snapping turtles might be found. Consider trying the 2-mile Woapalanne Path, designated as an easy hike, for the closest view of the lake and its abundant wildlife. This path is great for bird-watching as well, so bring your binoculars along.

Colyer Lake, in Centre Hall, offers another loop trail, this one 2.5 miles, where you may spot a sunbathing turtle on a fish habitat structure put in place the state Fish and Boat Commission. You’ll cross a few small streams on this longer trail, which can be accessed from the PFBC Parking Lot located at the end of Lingle Road. Visitors come to Coyler Lake to fish, hike, horseback ride and take their electric-powered and un-motorized boats out for a ride, so expect to see plenty of activity here.

Choose your own adventure:

• Bog or Lake Loop Trail, Black Moshannon State Park (.5 to .7 miles, easy)

• Woapalanne Path, Bald Eagle State Park (2 miles, easy)

• Coyler Lake trail, (2.5 miles, easy to medium)

• View all site and topic information, including specific location details and tips online at www.centredoutdoors.org.

Prepare for your trip:

• Review DCNR recommendations for safely engaging in outdoor activity during the COVID-19 pandemic at dcnr.pa.gov.

• Note that during the phased reopening of state parks that all trails, lakes, streams and parking areas are accessible, but facilities such as restrooms and changing stations may be closed.

• Have a second location selected ahead of time, and move to that destination if the parking lot of your first choice looks crowded.

What to bring:

• A refillable water bottle and enough water for the day

• Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Long pants and high socks for areas where additional protection from insects and ticks is needed

• A light snack or picnic

• A map, if planning a longer hike you are unfamiliar with

• A child backpack/carrier if hiking a longer distance with small children

• Binoculars and/or nature journal