Penn State Behrend’s Nurture in Nature program invites students and community members to connect to the beauty and benefits of nature.
As a Nurture in Nature trail-goer, you can stop at designated stations along the trail, following the suggestions to participate in a self-guided activity designed to be mindful of your natural surroundings.
Why spend time on the trail? Spending time in nature has been shown to have benefits to your health and wellbeing, including improved sleep quality, lower blood pressure, and reduced stress.
Wintergreen Gorge Trail
This Nurture in Nature trail offers a scenic hike through the wooded area along Wintergreen Gorge, a 250-foot-deep chasm and Natural Heritage Area located on and adjacent to the Penn State Behrend campus.
Trail-goers can expect six Nurture in Nature stations scattered along the trail. At each station, feel free to accept the invitation, or adapt it to meet your own needs.
- Terrain: You can expect uneven surfaces and slight to moderate hills.
- Estimated time: 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the length of time spent at each Nurture in Nature invitation.
- Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead on Cooper Road.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed.
- Accessibility: The Wintergreen Gorge Trail is not yet fully ADA compliant.
See the Wintergreen Gorge Trail Stations
Know Before You Go
Before heading out on the trail, please review these safety and environmental considerations:
Take or tell a friend: Consider exploring these trails with a friend. If you’re going alone, let someone know where you’ll be and how long you expect to be gone.
Weather: Check the forecast before heading out, and plan accordingly.
Wildlife: Northwestern Pennsylvania’s natural areas are home to squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, black bears, snakes, and more. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and know how to stay safe around wild animals. Don’t disturb any animals that you encounter.
Ticks: Protect yourself from ticks, particularly during peak tick seasons—spring, late summer, and fall.
Plant life: While you might be invited to touch the plants along the trails, be aware that some trails might be home to poison ivy, poison hemlock, poison oak, and more.
Leave no trace: Leave only footprints; take only photos and memories.
Other trail-goers: Remember that you aren’t the only one using the trails. Good trail etiquette is important!
What to Bring
Preparing for a visit to the trails? We suggest bringing:
- A full bottle of water
- Appropriate footwear and apparel for the conditions
- A journal and something to write with
- Raincoat or umbrella
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
Feedback
Nurture in Nature is a pilot program, and we welcome your feedback on location, trail, signs, stations, or the initiative as a whole. Please share your thoughts with Matt Szczesny.
Behrend’s Nurture in Nature program is part of the University-wide Nurture in Nature: Penn State Wellness Trails initiative.