Walk in Penn’s Woods: Gov. Wolf Designates October 2 as a Day to Explore Pennsylvania’s Forests

Since 2017, the first Sunday in October has been set aside for Pennsylvanians of all ages to get out and explore the state’s nearly 12 million acres of forestland during the annual Walk in Penn’s Woods event.

A proclamation issued by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has designated Sunday, October 2 as this year’s Walk in Penn’s Woods Day. On this day, hosted walks offered throughout the state will provide the public easy access to expert forestry, wildlife, and natural resources professionals. Some walks have children’s activities; others highlight managed wildlife habitat or watersheds; some walks may explore the results of harvesting activities or plantings of native trees and shrubs; still others may demonstrate the effects of urban tree cover or riparian buffers. Walk in Penn’s Woods also offers some sites that are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

“I encourage all Pennsylvanians to participate in fun and educational walks to learn and appreciate the forests of our commonwealth,” Gov. Wolf said in his proclamation.

Over 40 hosted walks are scheduled so far, with more being added each day. Featured walk topics include tree ID, riparian buffers and stream repair, forest management, managing invasives, fun for children, young forests, old growth, bird ID, exploring geological features, and wildflowers. A list of organized walks can be found at www.walkinpennswoods.org.

If a hosted walk isn’t for you and yours, you can still get out and discover Penn’s Woods in your own way. Create your own woodland learning adventure at a trail, park, or forested landscape near you. Post your walk on the Walk in Penn’s Woods Facebook or Instagram page and it will be counted as part of Walk in Penn’s Woods Day.

Pennsylvania’s forests bring us a wide array of benefits—some values we see clearly; others are a little more hidden. The trees and ground cover provide nutrients for the soil, food and homes for wildlife, clean air and water, wood products that we use in our daily lives, and peace and tranquility for us to enjoy. Studies have shown that time spent in nature reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension and boosts the immune system. Walk in Penn’s Woods—whether at a hosted walk or a family afternoon in the forest—raises awareness about the importance of forests to our lives and the effort that goes into caring for them.

The Walk in Penn’s Woods partnership includes the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, James C. Finley Center for Private Forests at Penn State, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Penn State Forestry and Wildlife Extension, Pennsylvania Forest Stewards, Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters, Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

For more information about trails, parks, and sites across the state, and a listing of hosted walk locations, times, and descriptions, visit www.walkinpennswoods.org.