PA man treks from Georgia to Maine, hits halfway point and home
About one in three hikers who attempt a thru-hike complete the entire trail, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. In 2025, 834 succeeded in that quest.
Recreation
With obsolete dams gone, Bedford sees less flooding, improved habitat
Before the dams were removed, Bedford borough lacked “curb appeal” because of flooding. Now, a riverfront revitalization plan is in the works.
Scientists test aquatic organisms for ‘forever chemicals’ in Montour Run near Pittsburgh International Airport
For decades, the airport used PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Now, the stream that captures the airport’s runoff has the "forever chemicals."
The swimmers who take on the Mon, together
They’ve dubbed themselves the Mon’ster Swimmers, and they brave the waters of the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh together from spring until fall.
Trump to eliminate U.S. Forest Service research, and close four facilities in Pennsylvania
The President’s budget eliminates funding for the agency’s research, and a USDA reorganization plan closes 57 of 77 Forest Service research sites.
Incoming fracking at Ohio wildlife area met with warnings of heavy truck traffic and habitat loss
A state commission is considering proposals to drill under most of the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in southeastern Ohio.
Pittsburgh-area conservation projects get grants to help wildlife, climate
A New York-based conservation group is funding projects to preserve green space in the Pittsburgh area, as part of an effort to protect the Appalachian corridor.
Pennsylvania has a brand new state park — and this one is underground
Laurel Caverns State Park in Fayette County is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh’s deer management program sees progress, challenges and a long road ahead
Pittsburgh has been using hunters and targeted harvesting to cull deer from its parks since 2023. The results have fluctuated.
Rock hunting helps a woman in addiction recovery
Joyce Fetrow said rocks inspire her to keep on track with her sobriety.
