Gallitzin Forest District

10/14/2026

*UPDATE*
Due to weather delays, this work will not happen until the week of October 26th. Road closed signs will be posted during work hours.

The lower half (southern portion) of Laurel Run Road in the Rager Mountain Division will be temporarily closed for road work between Oct. 20 and 23 during the workday. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

It's time for your Week 2 Fall Foliage Report! 🍂🍁

While autumn colors continue to spread across much of the Commonwealth, recent cold nights have helped fall colors reach their peak in the north. Bright, colorful leaves are now easy to spot in most Pennsylvania forests.

The best places to enjoy the season right now are the northern counties, the northern Poconos, and the Laurel Highlands.

Photo 1: Denton Hill (Susquehannock State Forest)
Photo 2: Route 850 (Perry County)
Photo 3: State Game Lands 159 (Wayne County)

View the full report: pa.gov/fallfoliage

10/07/2026

Fall doesn’t mean that ticks take a break!

Tick bites can happen well into the cooler months. Reduce your risk of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses by following these bite prevention tips.

10/07/2026

DCNR is seeking four passionate advocates to fill voluntary positions on the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee. Apply today and help shape the future of Pennsylvania's trails!

To kick off September and Trails Month in Pennsylvania, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is now accepting letters of interest and resumes for four voluntary positions that will be opening on the 2027 Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC). DCNR is seeking interested

10/06/2026

Expanding access to the outdoors!

A 12-acre parcel has been added to Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area in Lower Paxton Township, creating a new parking area and trailhead. This addition gives visitors even more ways to hike, explore nature, and enjoy the preserve. 🌲🚶‍♀️

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/shapiro-administration-expands-boyd-big-tree-preserve-conservati

10/06/2026

Discover Pennsylvania’s funga in-person!

There are many mushroom/mycology clubs in Pennsylvania where you can learn from experts with decades of identification experience. The safest, most rewarding way to learn about mycology is in-person.

Explore clubs at https://naturalheritage.dcnr.pa.gov/Fungi.html

10/05/2026

Wildfires are most likely to happen during the spring and fall months in Pennsylvania. 🔥

Follow these tips to stay safe and prevent wildfires when enjoying the woods. ⤵️

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/community-outreach-and-development/wildfire

10/02/2026

Walk In Penn’s Woods events are happening this Sunday (October 4)!

Join DCNR forestry staff for guided hikes and learn more about the history, land use, trees, plants, and animals that shape Pennsylvania’s forests.

Find a walk: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/search?search=walk+in+penn%27s+woods

10/02/2026

Explore Free: Because every season brings a new reason to visit.

09/17/2026

Join Gallitzin Forest District at this year's PawPaw Festival on Sunday, September 20th at the Duncansville Memorial Park.

09/04/2026

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

08/10/2026

🚧🚧 Please be advised that work replacing the “swinging bridge” on the JP Saylor Trail in Ogle Township, has started again. The contractor will continue improving the access trail to the bridge sight and remove the old bridge prior to constructing a new, safer bridge. During construction, the area of the existing bridge will be off limits to the public for safety reasons. Access to the middle ridge loop of the JP Saylor can be gained by crossing Shade Creek upstream from the bridge utilizing natural stones. The district staff apologizes for this disruption, but the condition of the existing bridge necessitated it be replaced for public safety. Thank you.

05/26/2026

In the coming weeks our state flower, mountain laurel, will be in full bloom and present a spectacular show across many regions of the state. The below interactive map will allow you to see the best viewing destinations our state forests have to offer.

Mountain Laurel Viewing

05/15/2026

We have some left over trees from our Invasive Replac-ive event. If you have or are going to remove an invasive tree or shrub you may receive up to 5 trees to replace that invasive. The available species are Sycamore, Pin Oak, Basswood, and Northen Catalpa. If you are interested, please email Gallitzin Forest District Service Forester Jeff Osborne at [email protected].

05/08/2026

Director Seth Cassell recently participated in a podcast with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). You can listen at the link below ⬇️

Our host, Marci Mowery, sits down with Seth Cassell, Director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, also known as the State Forester, to take a sweeping look at one of Pennsylvania’s most consequential and quietly essential agencies.

04/28/2026

🚧 Buffalo Road will be closed from 4/28/26-5/4/26 for road maintenance 🚧

04/21/2026

Register to get up to 3 free native trees for removing an invasive tree or shrub. The Nature Works Park Hollidaysburg event is being held on May 9th 🌳

Don't forget — registration is now open (and filling quickly) for the statewide Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program.

Residents can participate by removing an invasive tree or shrub from your property or with permission from a property owner (e.g., park, library, school), taking a photo of the removed plant(s), and attending an event to receive a replacement tree or shrub, available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Learn more/register: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_262FKbQ6bXo7ajI

No event near you or just want to show off your invasive species removal(s)? Participate in our photo contest for the chance to win native plugs at Pennsylvania Master Watershed Steward plant sales.

Learn more/submit: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6FIXNPwTY5zb6Ae

04/20/2026

Gallitzin Forest District is hiring a Seasonal Forest Maintenance Worker at our Babcock Maintenance Division. Apply Below ⬇️

Imagine spending your workday surrounded by the beautiful, tranquil landscapes of the Gallitzin Forest District. If this kind of setting inspires you, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has an excellent seasonal opportunity waiting for you. Join our dedicated team and play an impor...