By Melissa HIcks
Just beyond the quiet curve of Cricklewood Drive, behind the familiar trees of Toftrees, there’s a place where water works a little harder—and nature responds in kind. It’s called the Living Filter, and while it’s not marked with signs or paved trails, it’s one of State College’s most quietly remarkable spaces.
The Living Filter is a 600-acre stretch of forest and farmland where treated wastewater from Penn State’s University Park campus is gently spray-irrigated across the land. The soil and plants function as natural filters, helping clean the water before it returns to the aquifer. It’s a process that’s been quietly at work for over 50 years, blending science, sustainability, and stewardship in a way that feels uniquely local.
In winter, the Living Filter transforms into a quiet, snow-dusted landscape—still active, but visually serene. While the spray irrigation system may operate year-round depending on conditions, the site’s appearance shifts dramatically with the season. The 600-acre mix of forest and agricultural land takes on a muted palette, with bare trees, frosted fields, and the occasional glint of ice on vernal pools in the forested areas.
A few years ago, the site was the focus of a national wastewater reuse conference hosted by Penn State, drawing researchers and environmental professionals from across the country. Faculty in the College of Agricultural Sciences, including longtime steward Chuck Gill, are exploring how the Living Filter can help address emerging challenges like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, climate resilience, and sustainable land use. It’s a living laboratory that is helping to shape how communities think about water, land, and long-term care.
The Living Filter isn’t just for researchers, though. It’s open to the public for self-guided walks and is occasionally featured in Centred Outdoors outings. While it’s not ADA accessible, it offers a quiet, contemplative space for those curious about how nature and innovation can work together. You won’t find kiosks or trail markers, but you will find birdsong, tree cover, and the subtle hum of a system that’s doing excellent work.
“I thoroughly enjoyed a recent Centred Outdoors walk and informative talk at the Living Filter,” said a local resident who joined one of the guided outings. “It was a great blend of exercise and local knowledge.” They shared that one of the researchers joined the walk to provide insights into the site’s history and environmental role, which added a layer of depth that made the experience even more engaging.
Most towns reuse wastewater in factories or on farms. Very few places do what State College does. Here, the system is land-based, guided by research, and blended with the local ecosystem. It’s a quiet innovation you might not notice at first… but it matters. In State College, sustainability isn’t just a fancy word. People here put it into practice.
Whether you’re looking for a new place to explore, interested in water science, or simply curious about the hidden stories in our community, the Living Filter offers a gentle invitation: come walk, wonder, and see how renewal takes root.
🗺️ How to Visit
- Location: 851 Cricklewood Drive, State College, PA
- Parking: Small gravel lot at the entrance. Please avoid parking in the American Ale House lot.
- Walking Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, paths are natural and can be muddy. Bring water and sun protection.
- Trail Overview:
- Start at the gravel lot and follow the main access path.
- Walk through open fields where irrigation occurs.
- Continue into shaded wooded areas rich with native plants and wildlife.
- Respect signage and boundaries. Some areas are used for research or hunting.
For a satellite view or directions, you can use your favorite website or app. You can also check out Centred Outdoors for seasonal guided outings and more background on the site’s ecological role.
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