Understanding and Engaging

the Natural Environment

MAY 15 - 17, 2026

Spring Mills, Centre County, PA

Symposium Free, Registration Required

ChicoryLane is an ecological reserve near Spring Mills protected by a conservation easement held by Clearwater Conservancy. Its 68 acres are actively managed for conservation. The landscape is natural and scenic. It includes wetlands and meadows, streams, remnant and successional forests, and a grassland. This diversity of habitats is especially inviting to birds and butterflies. A system of mowed trails makes most of the property accessible to walkers.

Schedule Overview

Friday, May 15

7:00PM - 9:00PM

Keynote by Doug Tallamy, Ecologist

"The Nature of Oaks"

Penns Valley Area High School Auditorium

Details Coming Soon

Saturday, May 16

8:00AM - 5:00PM

Six scheduled talks, walks, and field experiences

ChicoryLane Reserve

Details Coming Soon

Sunday, May 17

10:00AM - 4:00PM

Open Day to meander on your own; photograph, draw, paint, write, walk, sit, engage

ChicoryLane Reserve

Details Coming Soon

Details at a Glance

• Registration Required, Open in February
• All Events Free
• Please bring your own food, beverages, and snacks. Additional food may be available for purchase.
• Water available
• Parking & Restrooms available
• No pets, thank you

Locations

• ChicoryLane Reserve
• Penns Valley Area High School Auditorium*

This event is hosted by ChicoryLane Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Private Operating Foundation in Pennsylvania. Its mission is to promote learning, engagement, and ecological enhancement balanced with preservation through collaborative informed stewardship.

*ChicoryLane Foundation and its products, programs, activities, and services are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Penns Valley Area School District.