PETERSBURG, Pa. — Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center will host Central PA Trails Day, a first-time family-friendly event Saturday, May 17, aimed at enhancing people’s appreciation for the outdoors.

Central PA Trails Day will include free hikes, nature walks and demonstrations, and the event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Penn State environmental center in Huntingdon County.

“Our ultimate goal is to help support a community of hikers and active people,” said Johanna Jackson, a co-organizer and public workshops coordinator with Shaver’s Creek. "We want to bring together the people who love camping with those who love forests, yoga, fishing and family time.”

Shaver’s Creek is partnering with two State College nonprofit organizations: Allegheny Outdoor Institute and Clearwater Conservancy to hold Central PA Trails Day. It’s the first time the environmental center has collaborated with those organizations to hold an event.

“All three of our organizations work with people outside, and we're curious to see what happens when we combine forces," Jackson said.

Chris Hennessey, of Clearwater Conservancy, said people appreciate opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and the event hopes to build on that. “It’s a gift they’ll have forever,” he said.

Allegheny Outdoor Institute aims to provide outdoor instruction and programs, and the trails day event is a way to showcase the recreational opportunities that are available, said Jason Erdman, a co-organizer of the event who works with the institute.

Advance registration is required for some activities.

For a schedule of activities at the event, go to shaverscreek.org/event/central-pa-trails-day.