29 September 2023- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the agency’s participation in a statewide initiative for annual Walk in Penn’s Woods events Sunday, October 1.
“Participating in Walk in Penn’s Woods events is a great way to learn more about Pennsylvania’s forests and the opportunities they provide,” Dunn said. “Whether it is for recreation, birding, learning more about the benefits of forests, or simply wanting to spend more time outdoors, I encourage everyone to consider joining one of these walks across the Commonwealth.”
Walk in Penn’s Woods events are organized by the Pennsylvania Forestry Association and have taken place the first Sunday of October since 2017.
These walks provide an excellent opportunity to get out, have fun, and learn about Pennsylvania’s forests, to see forests in new ways, and to understand and appreciate the many values held in the woods.
Forests are always working for us, providing recreation, wildlife habitat, beauty, improved water quality, clean air, wood products, carbon storage, and more.
Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration are committed to protecting and preserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources for current and future generations.
One of these events is set to be held at Micheaux State Forest, who wrote in an event post stating,
“Join Michaux State Forest staff for a 1.5 to 2-mile walk in the woods on Sunday, October 1st from 10 AM – 12 PM. We will explore the Smoke Zimmerman Cross Country Ski Trails for local plants and wildlife.”
Volunteers and DCNR staff lead the hikes, which are usually about one or two miles, but can be longer depending on the location and its terrain. More than 60 walks are scheduled this year, with 28 occurring in state parks and forests.
A full list of Walk in Penn’s Woods Events can be found on the Pennsylvania Forestry Association websiteOpens In A New Window. Walks are listed by county and event descriptions share whether registration is required, the difficulty of the walk and whether it is accessible.
“We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Forestry Association for organizing these walks and I look forward to seeing thousands of Pennsylvanians on the trails Sunday,” Dunn said. She noted that she will visit Weiser State Forest for a Walk in Penn’s Woods.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Walk in Penn’s Woods events at state parks and forests, and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for additional events on public lands.
