STEP OUTDOORS...where health meets adventure!

“STEP OUTDOORS...where health meets adventure!,” is a call-to-action campaign designed to encourage awareness, utilization, and appreciation of the outdoor resources, facilities, and programs in and around Tioga County, for the purpose of getting people rooted in healthy behaviors. Through the active enjoyment and appreciation of our natural environment, we can improve the health of both ourselves and our communities.

The origin of Step Outdoors is found in a chronic disease prevention approach called Steps to a HealthierUS (local initiative: Steps to a HealthierPA, Tioga County). This prevention model seeks to encourage healthy behaviors, such as daily physical activity and good nutritional practices, where we live, learn, earn, pray, and play. Steps to a HealthierPA began working with outdoor partners (i.e. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, US Army Corps of Engineers, and Wellsboro Parks and Recreation) to encourage use of public outdoor recreational facilities as a means to a more active lifestyle for the whole family, resulting in the "birth" of "Step Outdoors...where health meets adventure!".

3rd ANNUAL STEP OUTDOORS TRIATHLON ANNOUNCED

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Step Outdoors announce the third annual Step Outdoors Triathlon at Hills Creek State Park on Saturday, September 18, 2010, 10 am.

SPONSORS: Country Ski and Sports, Oswald Cycle Works, Mansfield University Kayak Club, Mountain Graphics, Wild Asaph Outfitters, Try Chips, Miller's Purely Maple

Hills Creek State Park is accepting registrations for the 3rd annual Step Outdoors Triathlon held at the park, located between Wellsboro and Mansfield, PA. This outdoor event features running (about 3 miles), paddling (about 2 miles), and biking (about 9 miles) for teams (male, female, and co-ed) and individuals. This is a great introductory event for the novice while featuring a fun, unique course for the seasoned triathlete. Registration fee is $20/person or $50/team. Please register by August 31 to be guaranteed an event T-shirt. A limited number of shirts will be available to those who register after August 31st (as supplies last). Race-day registrations will be accepted.

This is a great spectator event, as much of the action can be viewed from the hill overlooking the lake. Kids can enjoy some pumpkin painting and cider pressing as they await the chance to cheer mom or dad across the finish line. QUESTIONS? View the below documents. If your questions still are not answered, call the park office at 570-724-4246.

This event is an excellent opportunity for outdoor activity, fun, and a little camaraderie. Download the registration form and sign-up for the Step Outdoors Triathlon today! Get directions to Hills Creek State Park

Triathlon 2010 Registration Form

Triathlon 2010 Guidelines and Description

Triathlon 2010 Running and Paddling Route Map

Triathlon 2010 Biking Route Map

Triathlon 2009 Results

Get a feel for the triathlon by watching this two minute video:

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

3rd ANNUAL TRAIL CHALLENGE ANNOUNCED

The US Army Corps of Engineers and Step Outdoors announce the third annual Trail Challenge at Ives Run Recreation Area on Saturday, October 10, 2010, 10 am. It's easy to remember: 10-10-10 at 10 am!

SPONSORS: Night and Day Cafe, Mountain Graphics, Wild Asaph Outfitters, Try Chips, Tony's Tioga Trolley Tours, Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Yoga, Dyno-Might Mechanics, Penny's Daycare

Ives Run Recreation Area is accepting registrations for the 3rd annual Ives Run Trail Challenge hosted by the facility which borders Hammond Lake, Tioga, PA. The trail challenge course covers approximately 4 miles of varying terrain, incorporating part of the Lynn Keller Trail, the Stephenhouse Trail, and the Archery Trail. Everyone of all ages - walkers and runners alike - are welcome to participate. Registration fee is $15/person with children 12 years of age and under permitted to participate at no charge. Please register by September 10 to be guaranteed an event T-shirt. A limited number of shirts will be available to those who register after September 10 (as supplies last). Children 12 years and under participating without entry fee will not be eligible for event t-shirts. Race-day registrations will be accepted.

Please notice the change in date and day from last year. The event is now being offered in October rather than September to give people more freedom to participate in both fall Step Outdoors events. In previous years, the Step Outdoors Triathlon and the Trail Challenge were held back-to-back weekends, proving to be difficult to manage for both organizers and participants. A Sunday has been chosen since it is the only day of the week in October when hunting is prohibited on state and federal grounds, making it safer for walkers and runners to be using the Army Corps trails. In honor of traditions typically held on Sunday, an ecumenical church service is being offered on the grounds of Ives Run at 8:00 am, followed by registration from 8:30-9:30 am, a pre-race meeting at 9:45 am, and the start at 10 am. QUESTIONS? View the below documents. If your questions still are not answered, call 570-723-0520 or email tcp31@epix.net.

This event can accommodate those looking for a competitive challenge as well as those wanting an outdoor activity with family and friends. Download the registration form and sign-up for the Ives Run Trail Challenge today! Get directions to Ives Run Recreation Area.

Trail Challenge 2010 Registration Form

Trail Challenge 2010 Guidelines and Description

Trail Challenge 2010 Route Map

Trail Challenge 2009 Results

Get a feel for the trail challenge by watching this two minute video:

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

SPRINGFEST ATTRACTS AN ESTIMATED 300 PEOPLE

Springfest at Hills Creek State Park provided a variety of free outdoor activities and learning opportunities for kids and adults.

The 4th Annual Springfest at Hills Creek State Park on Saturday, May 15, 2010, drew an estimated 300 people who tried their hands at canoeing, kayaking, biking, fishing, hiking, geocaching, and crafts. The pleasant weather and laid-back nature of the day made for a quality event for all who attended. As a bonus, the PA Game Commission staff worked with the Hills Creek Park staff to arrange for a surprise Black Bear presentation. Not surprisingly, the majority of people in the park took advantage of the opportunity to see a real, live PA Black Bear up close and personal. The event was planned by The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Hills Creek State Park) and Step Outdoors...where health meets adventure!

WINTERFEST 2010 A SUCCESS

The 10th Annual Winterfest at Hills Creek State Park drew a crowd despite less than optimal snow.

Wellsboro Parks and Recreation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Hills Creek State Park) and Step Outdoors are pleased to announce Winterfest 2010 was a hit! An estimated 600 people came out to enjoy a variety of activities and free hot dogs and hot chocolate. The amount of snow did not allow for cross-country skiing, but the determination of downhill thrill-seekers made sledding and tubing a hit. The ice this year was of great quality, contributing to the success of the four ice activities. A big "thanks" to all volunteers who contributed toward making this Winterfest a quality, free event for anyone and everyone!