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KTA is proud to partner with RepresentPA, a small business working to unite and energize Pennsylvania pride—specifically pride in the PA outdoors—through their Symbol of Pennsylvania. KTA members can save 20% on RepresentPA gear and contribute a portion of their sales to support KTA’s mission. Read on to find out more! RepresentPA founder and owner, Avery Peechatka, shared about the origins of their Symbol of Pennsylvania with Keystone Trails Association in this Q&A:  KTA: Creating a symbol that captures all the charm and wonder of Pennsylvania is quite a task! What inspired you to take on this project? Avery: We were far from Pennsylvania, hiking through a wildflower and prickly pear cactus meadow, watching prairie dog heads curiously pop out of their burrows, when it struck us: the more we explored far from home, the prouder of home we became. We were proud that our formative trail miles were blazed in beautiful PA, winding around the mountain laurel and hemlocks, hopping from rock to stump to avoid the mud from a recent rain shower. But in that pride, we found frustration that we didn’t have a recognizable, distinctive way to show our home state pride. KTA: Almost like a team uniform! A way to show that you are part of a specific community and share a common story. Avery: Right! So we created a Symbol of Pennsylvania that proud Pennsylvanians could wear and display; a logo that tells the world we are from the Keystone State and proud of it! The RepresentPA Symbol of Pennsylvania that we created highlights the classic PA keystone, our beautiful rolling mountains that we love to hike and explore, and sun-lit agricultural fields.
KTA: So many hikers can probably quickly and easily recall a moment of being on a PA trail that fits within that description! It’s great because even people who haven’t hiked many trails in PA can still relate to this image, knowing all that PA has to offer. Avery: Agreed. We originally wanted to show pride in Pennsylvania’s natural beauty, incredible trails and waterways, and iconic wildlife, but—much to our delight—our vision for a Symbol of Pennsylvania has been enthusiastically received by Pennsylvanians with pride in all walks of life in the Keystone State: our vibrant urban communities, our rich agricultural history, and our passionate sports fan bases, (to name a few!). KTA: That’s amazing! What’s it like seeing this symbol being worn out in the wild? Avery: Our most enthusiastic support comes from our fellow Pennsylvanians that appreciate and love spending time in the woods, on the water, and on the trail. It’s a pleasure coming across a fellow hiker wearing a dirty, trail-worn, sweat-stained RepresentPA hat! There’s already a great sense of camaraderie with fellow hikers, but sharing that sense of PA pride is a real bonus. KTA: This is such a great conversation starter for out on the trail! How can our KTA community get some RepresentPA gear? Avery: Because we appreciate all the KTA community does to support and protect PA’s trails, we’re offering 20% off RepresentPA gear to KTA members! Shirts, hats, stickers, and more can be purchased online at RepresentPA.com. A portion of all sales using the KTA discount code will support KTA! KTA: Thank you for supporting KTA’s mission and providing our members with such a generous offer! Become a member of KTA today to receive access to this exclusive discount code offer from RepresentPA. If you are a current member, log in to the member portal to get the code! |
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by Brian Kane
Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, Old-Growth Forest Network
Part of the joy of hiking is not knowing exactly what lies on the path ahead. An All-Trials tip might give us a sense of what we might encounter, but our boots on the ground are the only real way to experience the highlights - or the low points - of a hike.
Some surprises on a hike may be the vista revealed around a sharp turn in the trail where miles of a rolling landscape expand in the distance. Or it may be the rushing sounds of a creek, splashing its way over rocks and fallen trees in a tree-shaded ravine. Or the increasingly loud volume of a waterfall as it falls hundreds of feet from a rocky precipice.
When we enter an old-growth forest, something feels remarkably different.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, Old-Growth Forest Network
Part of the joy of hiking is not knowing exactly what lies on the path ahead. An All-Trials tip might give us a sense of what we might encounter, but our boots on the ground are the only real way to experience the highlights - or the low points - of a hike.
Some surprises on a hike may be the vista revealed around a sharp turn in the trail where miles of a rolling landscape expand in the distance. Or it may be the rushing sounds of a creek, splashing its way over rocks and fallen trees in a tree-shaded ravine. Or the increasingly loud volume of a waterfall as it falls hundreds of feet from a rocky precipice.
When we enter an old-growth forest, something feels remarkably different.
There, fallen trees decompose with fungi clinging to its crumbling bark. Enormous tree trunks are embossed with lichen, beetles dodge under flaking bark of fallen trees, and dark crevices at the tree flare hint of some creature’s den. There are openings in the tree canopy against which we see tree antlers – those distorted, crooked limbs of trees misshapen by decades of wind, ice, snow, or lightning strikes. Or we glimpse the mysterious play of shadows from overhead limbs that animate the forest floor.
Scientists have much more to tell us about old-growth forests, as they have measured the carbon, counted amphibians, and dated the oldest trees. Ongoing research is immense in this time of climate change, as the power of old-growth forests to sequester carbon is astounding. These forests have been doing this work for centuries! Most of us recognize when we are under the aura of an old-growth forest without scientific verification - the earthy smell, the call of warblers, or battering beaks of the woodpecker confirm our suspicions. The ancient trees within support a deep and rich ecosystem. Plants, wildlife, insects, roots and fungi are intricately connected here,
While only 1% of old-growth forests remain in the Eastern United States, Pennsylvania is a national leader in protecting its old-growth forests. The state offers us abundant opportunities to explore them as twenty-seven of Pennsylvania’s old-growth forests are now registered in the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN), an national organization that recognizes publicly accessible old-growth forests protected from logging. State code protects these forests in its state-owned forests and parks.
While only 1% of old-growth forests remain in the Eastern United States, Pennsylvania is a national leader in protecting its old-growth forests. The state offers us abundant opportunities to explore them as twenty-seven of Pennsylvania’s old-growth forests are now registered in the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN), an national organization that recognizes publicly accessible old-growth forests protected from logging. State code protects these forests in its state-owned forests and parks.
The state’s Division of Conservation and Natural Resources has brought 15 of its forests in the national Network where we can walk adjacent to the ancient white pines (Pinus strobus) at Cook State Forest Cathedral Natural Area, or the Eastern hemlocks (Tsuga candensis) at Hemlocks Natural Area, or majestic white and red oaks (Quercus sp.) at Boyd Big Tree Preserve. On June 29, the National Park Service and the Old-Growth Forest Network will induct the old-growth forest at Delaware Water Gap in Monroe County (Details are here.)
Old-growth forests provide places of cultural and ecological significance. They also bring us moments of sheer wonder. To walk within trees that have witnessed centuries of time is sublime. Hiking through, we become aware that there is something different and larger than ourselves on this planet. To see and smell the richness of life within these Pennsylvania forests, visit an old-growth forest and enjoy the amazing and sometimes unexpected places on your next hike this summer.
Old-growth forests provide places of cultural and ecological significance. They also bring us moments of sheer wonder. To walk within trees that have witnessed centuries of time is sublime. Hiking through, we become aware that there is something different and larger than ourselves on this planet. To see and smell the richness of life within these Pennsylvania forests, visit an old-growth forest and enjoy the amazing and sometimes unexpected places on your next hike this summer.
What is most important to PA hikers? What do PA hikers enjoy most about our trails and want to experience in our forests? That's what Keystone Trails Association is venturing to find out!
The PA Hike Poll invites hikers throughout the Keystone state to raise their voice and share their opinion about hiking in Pennsylvania.
Data from this survey (submitted anonymously) will influence the development of Keystone Trails Association's strategic plan to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in PA.
The PA Hike Poll invites hikers throughout the Keystone state to raise their voice and share their opinion about hiking in Pennsylvania.
Data from this survey (submitted anonymously) will influence the development of Keystone Trails Association's strategic plan to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in PA.
Poll participants are invited to share about their:
Keystone Trails Association thanks everyone who participates in this milestone project for the organization and for hiking PA's cherished trails!
- Trail preferences (distance, difficulty, etc)
- Technology use while hiking (fitness tracking, digital maps, etc)
- Hiking frequency
- Reason/intention for hiking
- Priorities and values around the environment
Keystone Trails Association thanks everyone who participates in this milestone project for the organization and for hiking PA's cherished trails!
Not able to travel very far for a hike, but want to feel like you're heading out for an adventure? Try one of these 10 ways to hike the same trail for a new experience!
10. Change your pace
If you normally hike swiftly, try slowing down your steps. What else can you notice when you're taking your time? If you're typically out for a leisurely stroll, are you able to challenge yourself to hike a bit quicker (within your personal limits)? How does this impact your experience?
9. Start at a different time of the day (or night!)
A trail can feel completely different if you start early in the morning or hit the trail later in the day to catch the sunset. How does it feel to be hiking while listening to the chirping of early morning birds vs the crickets as the sun is going down?
8. Travel the opposite direction
A change in perspective can reveal a whole new trail! If you're used to trudging up a section vs going down, or seeing the landscape change from a different view, hiking a loop in reverse could be a welcomed mental shift.
7. Watch and listen for the birds
Go to the library and grab a bird identification guide and head out to your favorite trail for a new adventure! Or, download the Merlin Bird ID app and identify the birds in real time by their songs.
6. Be mindful of the plants
Take a native plant book along in your backpack to see what is growing along the trail. Are they there just for the season? Are they safe to eat? Are they invasive? Knowing whats growing can add a layer of fascination and curiosity to your hikes!
5. Change who you're with
Do you normally hike alone? Invite a friend to join you! Similarly, if you normally hike with a large group, what would it be like to go with just one friend? Curating who you hike with can open doors for great conversations.
4. Make time to journal
Grab a notebook and jot down your thoughts as you hike. What's the weather like? What time did you start? What did you see? How did you feel? Documenting your experience can heighten your senses and your intuition.
3. Take (or don't take) pictures
If you don't normally take photos while you're hiking, try setting a goal to take 5-10 photos. What caught your attention? How would you summarize the trail in pictures? If you normally take a lot of photos, try keeping your phone tucked away. Can you be totally present while walking? Rather than capturing it with a photo, can you simply capture it with your mind?
2. Plan to stay all day
Even if your hike will only take a couple hours, can you stop and take breaks to enjoy simply being outside? Pack some extra snacks and make your trail experience last all day.
1. Hike it in every season
Hiking in Pennsylvania means trails are always changing. You can hike the same trail multiple times a year and with each experience see something completely different like snow covered trees, changing leaves in autumn, luscious greenery, and bubbling creeks.
What did you try? Tag us in a post on Facebook (@keystonetrails) or Instagram (@keystonetrails) to let us know!
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