By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend
When’s the last time you really looked at a tree? Not through a windshield or a window and not while scrolling past a picture on social media but standing right in front of it. The 2025 Erie County Tree Scavenger Hunt invites you to do just that.
The hunt—a free, self-guided activity created by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Erie County—is your invitation to step outside, slow down, and discover eighteen remarkable trees growing in the region.
“We want to encourage people to get out of their houses and cars and explore Erie County,” said Lisa Rand, coordinator of the project. “When you’re standing in front of a tree, you notice things you can’t get from a website or a drive-by. You can study its shape, feel the texture of its bark, and catch the scent of its leaves or needles.”
This year’s hunt focuses on conifers (cone-bearing trees) with eighteen “remarkable” specimens to find. All are located on public land or in places that welcome visitors, like Penn State Behrend, which is an official arboretum and home to more than 200 unique tree species.
What makes a tree remarkable?
“They’re all special for some reason—be it form, location, or historical significance,” Rand said. “The guide explains why each tree is significant.”
The scavenger hunt runs through October 1 and is open to anyone curious enough to lace up their shoes and start exploring. It’s part outdoor challenge, part botany lesson, and part treasure hunt—all rolled into one.
How to Play
Use the digital Tree Hunt Guide, filled with clues to locate specially tagged trees across the county. At each stop, you’ll find a metal ID tag with a number. Find at least ten trees, log their numbers using the yellow links in the guide, and you’ll be entered in a prize drawing to win—what else?—a live tree.
It’s an easy, low-pressure way to spend time outdoors, learn about native trees, and maybe even discover a new favorite park or trail.
One past participant told Rand she and her mother found every tree in a previous hunt and couldn’t wait to do it again.
“It’s something they could enjoy doing together,” Rand said.
Note to college students: This also makes a fun—and free—date idea, and a nice break from hitting the books. Hint: One of the trees is right here at Behrend.
P.S. Want to go old school? A printable guide is available here.
BEHREND BLOG 