Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

More hemlock woolly adelgid have been found on the Allegheny National Forest. The invasive insect from Asia was found in the West Fork area of the Tionesta Research Natural Area by DCNR personnel on November 20 and confirmed by the state Department of Agriculture on Monday. The hemlock woolly adelgid threatens trees and the biodiversity they support in parks and forests, according to the US Forest Service. An infestation causes environmental changes for some wildlife, fish and plants because of increased light and warmer temperatures when hemlock trees die. The insect was found in Cook Forest and Clear Creek state parks this past spring, and on the forest near the Clarion and Allegheny rivers and Webbs Ferry. The forest service is partnering with The Nature Conservancy, DCNR, game commission, New York Department of Environmental Conservation and New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to develop a strategy for the high Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania and Ne...

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau It’s been 40 years since Father’s Day was named a federal holiday so it’s the perfect time to explore the Allegheny National Forest Region, located in northwestern Pennsylvania with dad. Surprise dad by building an adventure that will allow the both of you to share the forest by air, on land, or by water. Vintage Biplane Rides, operated by experienced pilot Bruce Klein, allows you to soar over the amazing Kinzua Sky Walk and the Allegheny National Forest in a beautifully restored 1943 Boeing Stearman. Featuring an open cockpit, a biplane offers a safe, enjoyable and memorable opportunity to fly with some wind in your hair, a little sun warming your face and a lot of joy in your heart. Flights take off from the Bradford Regional Airport, 212 Airport Road, Lewis Run, Pa., located along Route 59 just southeast of the City of Bradford. Rides are $80 per person; group ra...

Sky Walk to Receive 'Great Places Award' Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today stopped at the Millstone Township Canoe Access Area during a tour of the Clarion River corridor, where he highlighted the partnerships that have improved recreational opportunities on the river in Clarion, Elk, Forest and Jefferson counties. "The Clarion River was once one of the most-polluted waterways in Pennsylvania, but today through hard work, partnerships and investments it offers residents and visitors alike tremendous opportunities for river-based recreation," Allan said. "We are here to celebrate the success that can be achieved when some start-up dollars, local commitment and a wide range of partners work together." In addition to canoeing and kayaking, the corridor offers opportunities for picnicking, sightseeing, camping, watching wildlife, birding, fishing and hiking. The corridor is the southwestern gateway to 12 1/2-county Pe...