Groundbreaking Held For Nature Inn At Bald Eagle State Park

Construction of the first nature inn in the Pennsylvania State Park system is underway after a groundbreaking ceremony this week at Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County.

 

"This day arose from our desire to attract new visitors to our state park system to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and help them understand the role we all play in the conservation of our natural resources," Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "We know there are many people who would spend more time using our parks if we offer them something beyond the traditional camping experience.

 

"We also believe that visitors will help support local economies for goods and services during their stay," Secretary DiBerardinis said.

 

The facility will provide a unique, modern inn setting with an outdoor recreation and stewardship focus; make maximum use of green building technologies; and serve as a premier interpretive facility for bird watching.

 

"This nature inn at Bald Eagle will make the natural resource the attraction, and serve as an entrance to the large expanse of public land in the Pennsylvania Wilds," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "It will be the model for other parks in our system since the design can be used elsewhere."

 

Every spring, songbirds, like warblers, flycatchers and swallows, display courtship rituals and sing enchanting melodies while searching for nesting spots in the park. Boaters and beach goers commonly see herons, gulls, geese and osprey around the lake. In the fall, you can find migrating mergansers, cormorants, and buffleheads on the lake.

 

"It's our intention through this facility to highlight the fabulous birding opportunities in Bald Eagle that result from its ridges, valleys and diverse habitat that attract many bird species," Secretary DiBerardinis said.

 

Partnerships with conservation and artisan groups are being pursued to maximize the inn's educational and community benefits. In cooperation with Audubon Pennsylvania, guest rooms will feature limited edition prints of John James Audubon's paintings of birds found in Pennsylvania.

"Through green features and technology, this nature inn will model environmental sensitivity," Secretary DiBerardinis added.

 

Green features of the 18,500-square-foot, 16-room building will include: a high efficiency geothermal heating and cooling system; solar collectors to heat water for showers and laundry; rainwater will be collected and used for flushing toilets; low-water-use plumbing fixtures and high efficiency lighting throughout; Pennsylvania hardwoods from forests certified as using sustainable forestry for structure, finishes and furnishings; and direct access to hiking and biking trails to enable and encourage healthy interaction with park resources.

 

The inn will feature works by artisans participating in the Pennsylvania Wilds Artisans Workgroup that was created in the north central region of the state.

 

Rooms will include a microwave, refrigerator, linens, cable TV and Internet connection. Breakfast will be provided.

 

For more information, visit the Bald Eagle State Park webpage.