Support for PA Wilds Communities

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a region steeped in rich history and culture.
After being dramatically logged over at the turn of the century, 100 years of conservation and sustainable forestry practices have restored the PA Wilds to what it is today. Here, stewardship is not just a buzzword or a one-time thing. It is a way of life. And the woods continue to provide meaningful jobs in a variety of industries, including sustainable timber, manufacturing and outdoor recreation.
The natural assets and the community character of our region's many small towns and cities make it a particularly special destination for visitors.
PA Wilds Center works hand in hand with county planners, as well as conservation and economic development partners, to sustainably develop the region as an outdoor recreation destination. PA Wilds Center supports community character stewardship in the region and provides marketing support for communities and local businesses.
Community Stewardship Resources
Regional Planning & Investments
Planning for and investing in rural tourism and community development in the PA Wilds
Preserving What Makes Us Special
The PA Wilds Design Guide is a free tool for developers to ensure new assets fit our rural character
Shared Messaging for Protecting Our Place
Become a PA Wilds Leave No Trace Partner and help people explore more sustainably
Energy Efficiency Remodel Case Study
Get inspiration for renovating old downtown buildings to be more energy efficient
Community Marketing & Other Resources
Get Promoted on PAWilds.com
Get a landing page for your community and promote local events on PAWilds.com
Use the PA Wilds Logo
Apply (for free) to use the iconic Pennsylvania Wilds logo on your community's marketing materials!
Participate in Local Storytelling
Help us showcase hidden gems in your community to encourage others to visit and shop local
Find Grants, Loans, and More
Check out the PA Wilds Resource Guides to find resources for funding, marketing and more!

Join Our Free Network!
Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO) is a network of more than 650 creative entrepreneurs, organizations and communities based in the PA Wilds, a premier outdoor recreation destination. Communities fit into the network as Resource Partners.
PA Wilds Center supports members of the network as it working to address PA Wilds market demands and create new economic opportunities tied to outdoor recreation in the region. As we help people find #PAWildsMade products, services and experiences, our local businesses and communities grow and thrive.
PA Wilds Center manages the WCO network and helps to connect the members and promote them to visitors through PA Wilds marketing, branding, market opportunities, professional development and referral services.
Help others in your community join the Wilds Cooperative
There are many types of members in the Wilds Cooperative network, and most small businesses and nonprofits in the PA Wilds are eligible to join for free. Let's get more pins on the directory map for your community together! Help us get local artists, hospitality and cultural establishments, and longstanding tourist events into the network.

Nominate a Local Champion for Recognition!
Do you know a local person, business or organization that is making a big impact in the region?
Each year the PA Wilds Center and the PA Wilds Planning Team recognize individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and businesses that in the last year have made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism in the PA Wilds by marrying economic development and conservation goals.
These prestigious awards are presented at the Center's dinner, held the fourth Thursday of July.
There are several categories open for public nominations. Nominations are typically due in early April.

Encourage Local Schools to Connect with Us!
Did you know that the PA Wilds Center is an approved Educational Improvement Organization with the Commonwealth? PA Wilds Center has approved curriculum and programming designed to help the region's young people explore careers in entrepreneurship, specifically in the outdoor recreation and creative sectors. We're always looking for new schools to partner with, with programming implemented based on available funding!

Connect with Our Economic Recovery Corps Fellow
The Pennsylvania Wilds is a Host Community for the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC), made possible by the Economic Development Administration. PA Wilds Center's project looks at "Advancing Rural PA's Outdoor Recreation Sector" to accelerate job creation and increase connectivity and capacity.
Marc Wilken, the Fellow placed with PA Wilds Center for a 30-month period between early 2024 and mid 2026, is researching and providing capacity support related to several community and economic development projects that will ultimately benefit all of our region's communities.