Mini-Grants / Cameron County

CCOYA Outdoor Classroom

CCOYA Outdoor Classroom Featured Image

Funding

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) contributed $5,000 toward this project, with additional support from:

  • Headwaters RC&D: $10,000
  • Ron Andrews: $36,800
  • Emporium Water Company

Type of Project

We’re building a 30′ x 60′ pavilion to serve as an outdoor classroom at the Andrews Farm/Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities. This will be a log construction pavilion on a concrete pad with 12 picnic tables.

Project Details

Our main goal with this project is to get our region’s youth more connected with the outdoors. By providing this outdoor classroom, we want to show them the benefits of spending time outside and how it can positively impact their daily lives and personal growth. The pavilion will be a great space for various youth programs focusing on nature and outdoor skills. We want kids to learn about local ecosystems, conservation, and why it’s important to take care of our natural resources.

Designed to be a flexible space, the pavilion will host a range of activities like workshops, lectures, and community gatherings. With 12 picnic tables, there’s plenty of room for school trips, scout meetings, and family events.

One of our big goals is to teach kids about environmental responsibility. We hope to inspire them to become advocates for the outdoors and promote sustainable practices.

The pavilion will also be a great spot for community events, helping residents and visitors enjoy the natural beauty of North Central Pennsylvania. We’re planning nature walks, bird watching tours, and outdoor art classes to engage people of all ages. By attracting visitors to the area, the pavilion will support the local economy and boost tourism, benefiting local businesses.

Ultimately, we hope this project helps people fall in love with the outdoors and our region, encouraging them to stay here. We believe that connecting with nature and the community will foster a sense of pride and belonging, contributing to the region’s long-term vitality. In summary, building this pavilion at Andrews Farm/Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities is a big step toward promoting outdoor education, environmental awareness, and community engagement. This project will leave a lasting impact, benefiting future generations and ensuring the natural beauty of North Central Pennsylvania is appreciated and preserved.

Cultivating Growth and Preserving Heritage Through Partnership

By empowering local organizations and communities through our mini-grant program, we foster collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, ultimately strengthening the economic and cultural fabric of the region. We believe that by working together, we can create a sustainable future that honors our rich lumber heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and development. If you represent an eligible organization and have a project that aligns with our goals, we encourage you to apply for our mini-grant program and join us in our mission to build a thriving, sustainable region that celebrates its lumber heritage while embracing innovation and progress.

Download Mini-Grant Application
Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Other Completed Mini-Grant Projects

News & Updates

Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course

Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course Warren, PA – The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) has been awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to design and build an 18-hole disc golf course on the Hatch Run Property in Warren, PA. LHR is partnering with the Warren County Visitor Bureau and the Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) to bring this exciting recreational project to life. This will be the first and only 18-hole disc golf course in Warren County, offering a unique combination of outdoor recreation, historic interpretation, and conservation education. The Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area, managed by the Warren County Conservation District, is a 350-acre property dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation, and sustainable land management practices. The area features scenic trails, diverse wildlife habitats, and forested landscapes, making it an ideal location for a disc golf course that emphasizes both recreation and environmental awareness. The course will be designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, preserving the property’s rich biodiversity while providing an engaging space for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. This project aims to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the region while promoting environmental stewardship and local history. The course will feature interpretive signage highlighting Warren County’s rich lumber heritage, forestry conservation efforts, and the ecological significance of the Hatch Run property. “We are thrilled to bring this exciting project to Warren County with the support of DCNR and our dedicated partners,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the LHR. “Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport that appeals to all ages and skill levels, and this course will not only provide a fantastic recreational outlet but also help connect players with the history and natural beauty of the region.” In addition to benefiting local residents, this project will be a significant asset to Warren County’s tourism efforts. As disc golf continues to grow in popularity, the new course will attract players from surrounding areas, boosting visitor traffic, local businesses, and outdoor tourism. The Warren County Visitors Bureau recognizes this as an opportunity to diversify the county’s outdoor recreation offerings and further position the region as a premier destination for nature-based tourism. “As Warren County’s destination marketing organization, our job is promoting our assets to bring people to the area. When Holly approached us asking if there was a dream project we would like to pursue, a disc golf course was the automatic answer. Warren County is known for a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, our number one tourist draw, but nowhere in the county is a disc golf course, one of the nation’s most rapidly growing sports. The location at HRCD is perfect with its proximity to restaurants, stores, and other amenities while still providing a remote forest experience. This will be a great economic asset as dedicated disc golfers travel far and wide to try new courses and will need a place to eat, sleep, and shop. It will also give locals easy access to a new adventure. Every step of the process has been exciting, and we look forward to seeing Warren County’s newest amenity come to fruition and become a favorite for locals and tourists alike.” – Casey Ferry, executive director of the Warren County Visitors Bureau. LHR, in collaboration with the Warren County Visitors Bureau and WCCD, will ensure the course is designed to enhance the outdoor experience while maintaining the integrity of the Hatch Run property. The inclusion of interpretive elements will provide players with a deeper appreciation for Pennsylvania’s lumber industry, forest conservation, and sustainable land management practices. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction set to begin in the coming months. Once completed, the course will be open to the public, providing free access to both beginners and seasoned disc golfers. For more information on the project or ways to get involved, please contact Holly Komonczi. About the Lumber Heritage Region The Lumber Heritage Region is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry through community engagement, education, and sustainable recreation initiatives. About the Warren County Visitors Bureau The Warren County Visitors Bureau promotes tourism and outdoor recreation in Warren County, highlighting its natural beauty, history, and unique attractions to visitors from near and far. About the Warren County Conservation District The Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) works to conserve and protect the county’s natural resources through education, stewardship, and sustainable land management practices. Media Contact: Holly Komonczi Executive Director Lumber Heritage Area hkomonczi@lumberheritage.org Casey Ferry Executive Director Warren County Visitors Bureau director@wcvb.net

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