Nurture in Nature

Penn State’s Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm (the farm) offers a unique NiN location. It is a working farm located in an open field on natural terrain. Trail-goers should expect to encounter uneven surfaces, slight hills, and farm workers or volunteers. There are six invitations scattered around the farm and trail-goers are welcome to wander to stumble upon them as they explore the farm or attempt to follow established paths on the farm to common invitation areas.

• The farm sits on a 4-acre plot
• Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes (depending on length of time taken to engage with each invitation)

Hours of Operation: In general, the farm is open to NiN trail-goers at select times between April 1 and November 1. Current hours and sign up times are available on the Nurture in Nature on the Student Farm registration page. For your safety and that of the farm, please register before you visit.

Directions & Parking: The Student Farm is located on Penn State’s northern campus at the intersection of Big Hollow Road and Fox Hollow Road, near OPP Renovation Services Building (also known as the old Armory). The farm is easily accessible from campus by bicycle, car or CATA bus, and is walkable as well.

• If driving to the farm, use Fox Hollow Road, If you are driving from campus or Downtown State College, Big Hollow Road is a quick left just before the underpass for 322.
• If biking or walking to the farm from the Penn State campus, please use Big Hollow Road to safely travel to the farm.
• The parking lot is available for visitors to use. Parking requires a Penn State parking permit (all campus permits accepted at all times) or $1 per hour payment from 7am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Payment can be made on site through the ParkMobile app, zone 95126. It is recommended that you download the app in advance of your visit, at https://parkmobile.io/
• Arrangements for group visits wishing to pay for the group’s parking in advance can be made with the Transportation Services office. Email parking@psu.edu with the date, times, and attendance of the visit, and they will reach out to make the arrangements.
• Head-in parking on the grass along the front fence of the farm is available as overflow when the lot is full. Guests must either have a Penn State parking permit or pay via the ParkMobile app using the same zone.
• Once you’ve parked, groups are asked to enter through the central farm gate next to the brown farm sign along Big Hollow Road. The entrance gate is indicated by the orange arrow on the map below.

Restrooms: There are no indoor public restrooms out at the farm. However, there is a porta-potty that can be used, located near the parking lot entrance to the farm.

Report an Issue: If you come across something that does not seem right (i.e., is broken, out of place, appears unsafe, etc.) and are unable to find a farm worker or volunteer while you’re there, please complete this form  to let us know.

To learn more about other opportunities and resources available at the Dr. Keiko Miwa Student Farm, check out the NiN mailbox located at the Visitor Entrance Gate of the farm or the farm’s website.

There are two NiN Trails at Penn State’s Stone Valley Recreational Center (SVRC), East Entrance, and Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center (SCEC). If carrying a cell phone, please note that there is poor cellular service (likely only sufficient for sending text messages) at this location.

The Boardwalk Trail connects the east entrance of SVRC with SCEC and can be accessed from either side. It is a combination of packed dirt, wooden boardwalk, and packed gravel. It is mostly flat with a slight grade on the SCEC side of the boardwalk. The “packed gravel” portion is trail surface aggregate designed with the purpose of providing an accessible surface by Penn State’s very own Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads.

• Distance: 0.49 miles (approximately 1-mile round trip)
• Elevation Gain: 110 ft
• Estimated Time: 20-40 minutes (depending on length of time taken to engage with each NiN invitation)

The Morning Oaks Trail is located at the East Entrance of SVRC. It is an all-natural, dirt trail in the nearby forest. Trail-goers using this trail should expect to encounter uneven surfaces, sticks, rocks, and hills.

• Distance: approximately 1.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 208 ft
• Estimated Time: 40-60 minutes (depending on length of time taken to engage with each NiN invitation)

Hours of Operation: Daily from sunrise to sunset. The office at SVRC is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Facilities (i.e., parking lot, aviary, visitor’s center, bathrooms, etc.) at SCEC are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Getting here: Penn State students can check for shuttle availability from the University Park campus IM building to Stone Valley! Shuttle offerings vary and may not be available at all times of year. Questions can be directed to Campus Recreation, e-mail: stonevalley@psu.edu. Ample parking for personal vehicles is also available at both SVRC and SCEC.

Directions & Parking: SVRC and SCEC are located about 30 minutes (by vehicle) south of University Park. Trail-goers can park at SVRC’s East Entrance  or SCEC during operating hours.

Restrooms: Public restrooms at SVRC are located up the hill from the office, in line with the cabins. Two public restrooms at SCEC are accessible during operating hours located in the visitor’s center and near the aviary.

Report an Issue: If you come across something that does not seem right (i.e., is broken, out of place, appears unsafe, etc.) or that you would like to provide logistical feedback about, please let us know. Send an email to stonevalley@psu.edu that includes the location, description, and any relevant photos (if available) of the issue.

For non-emergency, yet urgent issues (i.e., overflowing restroom facility or wildlife situation) that occur outside of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. please text or call Brian Sedgwick, SCEC Grounds and Facilities Coordinator, at (814) 933 - 6797.

For more general feedback on the Nurture in Nature: Penn State Wellness Trails, please complete the form linked in the Feedback section below.

 

To learn more about other opportunities and resources available at:

• Stone Valley Recreational Center: visit their office, check out their website, or send them an e-mail at stonevalley@psu.edu
• Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center: check out their visitor’s center, website, Instagram, or Facebook.

The nine-acre Sustainability Experience Center (SEC) lies on the edge of Penn State’s University Park campus and provides a living laboratory for students, faculty, and the community to research and learn about sustainability. The site allows different projects to explore food, energy, water, land, and community systems. The site is home to the campus Community Garden and five ongoing research and outreach projects hosted by various departments and colleges in the university.

When exploring this piece of Penn State, one can expect to traverse walking trails surrounded by meadows and small pockets of deciduous forest. Native pollinator zones are sprinkled throughout the property and provide a robust habitat for many insect and bird species. In exploring the Sustainability Experience Center, all visitors can experience the beauty of Pennsylvania and learn about the valuable research being conducted on-site. Students, faculty, and community members may be seen carrying out research or tending to gardens.

Hours of Operation: The property is open to the public every day of the week from dawn to dusk. Access to the site may be restricted or less accessible during tailgating occurrences. There are no restrooms or water fountains currently available on the site.

Penn State Sustainability also offers the MorningStar Solar Home as a meeting space for campus community groups, offices, or students looking to engage with the property. Guided tours can also be facilitated by Penn State Sustainability staff at request by filling out our form online.

Directions & Parking: The SEC is located along Porter Road at the intersection of Renewable Road, which is near Medlar Field. See the Google Maps location for details. 

An easy way to get to the SEC is by taking the free Blue Loop CATA bus and getting off at the Bryce Jordan Center stop, crossing Porter, and walking toward the MorningStar Solar Home. The Red Link also stops in front of Medlar Field. 

SPIN bikes on campus are available for anyone with an account to use and ride to the site. The SEC is also feasible for pedestrian/walking access from campus.

There is one handicap-accessible parking space located at the SEC, right next to the EcoMachine. There is no general open parking available at the Sustainability Experience Center. People can pay for parking on the ParkMobile app and park in the South Porter parking lot near Medlar Field or at the lower end of the Bryce Jordan Center parking lot. 

Accessibility: There is one handicap-accessible parking space located at the SEC, right next to the EcoMachine. As Penn State Sustainability works through the creation of a master plan for the property, accessible paths and walkways will be established. As of now, the walking trails and forested area of the property are not considered accessible by University guidelines.

Restrooms: There are no public restrooms on the SEC site.

Report an Issue: If you come across something that does not seem right (i.e., is broken, out of place, appears unsafe, etc.) or that you would like to provide logistical feedback about, contact Corey Gracie-Griffin, Director, Sustainability Experience Center at 814-863-3391 or corey@psu.edu 

Check back for more information on the NiN Trails at Penn State’s Arboretum coming soon!

There are several environmental factors to take into consideration when in nature. Specifically, in this part of Pennsylvania you’re likely to encounter a variety of wildlife, weather, and other recreators. Here are some factors you might want to be mindful of in the environment:

• Weather can be difficult to predict but it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before heading outside. Be sure to plan accordingly and pack the essentials. Check out the list below of What to Bring to make sure you’re adequately prepared.
• Central Pennsylvania’s natural areas are home to squirrels, chipmunks, bunnies, black bear, snakes, and more. Be aware of how to remain safe when encountering wildlife. A majority of these creatures are minding their own business and may not even be aware of your presence. Be mindful that these creatures are focused on survival (eating, sleeping, staying safe), and pay little mind to humans unless provoked.
• Tick season is at its peak during spring (from March to May) and late summer/fall (mid-August to November). Check out the CDC’s Guidelines for how to best protect yourself from ticks during these times.
• While it can enhance your experience in nature to physically connect with and touch plants, and we invite you to do so, some plants may leave you wishing you didn’t! Along some of the trails there may be plants such as poison ivy, poison hemlock, poison oak, and more which are common in our region. NiN sites do their best to manage the presence of these plants in public spaces. It can help to know what these look like before you go.
• Remember you’re not the only one(s) wanting to use this space and NiN Trails are not the only use of this land. You may encounter other people recreating (i.e., mountain biking, hiking, playing frisbee golf, etc.). Good trail etiquette is important!

Leave only footprints, take only photos and memories. NiN Trails are in natural spaces. As we use them, we’ll all need to do our part to keep them pristine. Please follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles while using NiN Trails!

To be adequately prepared for outings in nature, it’s important to consider the environment. Check the logistical details for each individual location listed in the Locations section of this website to learn of the trail conditions and other environmental factors to be sure you’ll have what you need to be comfortable and safe.

Here’s a list of things we’d suggest bringing:

• A full bottle of water
• Appropriate footwear and apparel for the conditions (you may get muddy or wet)
• A journal & something to write with
• Raincoat/umbrella
• Insect repellant or sunscreen (depending on location, weather, and time of year)
• Snacks (depending on how long you plan to be out)

Consider not bringing certain extra items such as electronics and other distractions. You may even choose to leave your phone at home or put it on “Do Not Disturb” for the duration of your time on the trails.

When you arrive at your desired NiN destination, locate the Welcome sign for more information. Follow the prompts for how to engage at each invitation. Start by mindfully arriving in the moment. Take a few deep, slow breaths and notice how your feet connect to the surface beneath them. Orient to the environment around you by engaging all of your senses. While continuing along your chosen path, try to remain fully present and be respectful of yourself and your surroundings.

For some, going into the woods, forests, and other secluded natural spaces is not considered relaxing, fun, or leisurely. NiN trails have been designed with those individuals in mind. If you’re the type that’s not into nature, check out the Botanical Gardens Trail at the Arboretum or the Student Farm NiN location, which are both more paths in public natural spaces than they are trails that will take you into the forest or wooded areas.