Seminar Forest

The Seminar Forest is a forty-acre tract of land obtained by Penn State Altoona in 2008 and located across from the Juniata Gap entrance to campus. The Environmental Studies Senior Seminar created Seminar Forest in the spring of 2010. The forest, previously known as the Ritchey Property, now has hiking and mountain biking trails and a restored pond. The land has been geologically assessed, surveyed for its biodiversity, studied, and simply enjoyed by students and faculty. A number of other projects have also been created or proposed for the land.

Fire Pit Reservations and Rules

To reserve the fire pit or Thoreau Cabin for your next staff or student group gathering, please submit your request through CollegeNET.

Fires at the Seminar Forest are a privilege. Please follow these rules:

Fires are only allowed within the provided hearth area of the fire pit.
Fires shall be attended at all times by a responsible, non-impaired adult over the age of 18 until the fire is thoroughly extinguished.
Fires must be thoroughly extinguished with water. There is a rain barrel by the cabin to provide water (the pump next to the fire pit is presently broken). The stored rainwater is not potable.
No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Minors must be supervised by persons over the age of 18 according to Penn State Policy AD39 (Minors involved in University-sponsored programs or programs held at the University and/or housed in University facilities).
Burn only clean untreated, unpainted dry wood.
Do not burn wood containing nails or other hardware.
Do not use accelerants such as lighter fluid or gasoline. Paper and kindling are the preferred fire starter material.
Do not burn trash, construction materials, yard debris, leaves, or recyclable materials.
Burning shall not be conducted when wind speed exceeds ten mph.

During your event, in case of an emergency, contact University Police at 814-949-5222 or dial 911.

Seminar Forest

Fire Pit Reservations and Rules

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