Living Filter: Free Guided Outings

Outing Difficulty: Easy

PARKING is at the small gravel lot at 851 Cricklewood Drive, State College, PA, next to the American Ale House. (Street parking also available.)

Discover the innovative sustainability practices at Penn State's Living Filter, a 600-acre expanse of agricultural and forested land where treated wastewater from the University Park campus is spray-irrigated. This system has been in operation for 50 years, serving as a model for wastewater reuse and environmental stewardship. Visitors can observe how the land application system enhances groundwater recharge, supports diverse plant life, and contributes to sustainable water management practices. The site is co-managed by Penn State and the PA Game Commission and is also used as a public hunting area (State Game Lands No. 176).

Our guides will be joined by Living Filter staff who will discuss the history and environmental significance of the Living Filter system at Penn State.

Outing Distance (miles): 1.5

How to Prepare:

- Sturdy shoes and a filled water bottle (32 oz. or more per adult) are necessary for all outings.

- Water filling stations are not available at most locations.

- Sun and insect protection recommended such as sunscreen, insect repellent, long sleeves/pants, or hat.

For self-guided explorations, the trails are open to the public throughout the year.

You may also like the following events from Centred Outdoors:

• Next Wednesday, 25th June, 06:00 pm, Wellness Wednesday: Art in Nature in Julian
• Next Sunday, 29th June, 11:00 am, Lederer Park: Free Guided Outings in State College
• Next month, 6th July, 11:00 am, Patton Woods: Free Guided Outings in University Park

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in University Park.