Press launch by DCNR on 6 June 2025
This Forest Fridays is Half 2 of the Remembering a Pennsylvania Mountaineering Icon article revealed on April 4th, which offered an introduction to the late Bob Webber
by Matthew Crosbie
Bob after a day of labor with now retired staff Jeff Raisch and Brian Farr, with John Eastlake behind the digital camera,1994.
Nationwide Trails Day is tomorrow, June seventh, and a great time to take a hike and provides again to the trails by volunteering and stewardship. Many influential conservation and recreation champions helped form the unimaginable path methods at present present in Pennsylvania. One in all whom, Bob Webber, can present inspiration to us this Nationwide Trails Day.
Bob Webber’s legendary work on trails reached past his residence within the Tiadaghton. He initially reduce the vistas at Rider Park, adjoining to Loyalsock State Forest, and helped create the Bee Tree Ski Path in Tioga State Forest. He additionally helped preserve a bit of the Susquehannock Path System (STS) within the Hammersley Wild Space with a few of his associates for years.
Bob particularly cherished alternatives to steer the Youth Conservation Corps on the paths. A masterful entertainer, he saved them laborious at work whereas instilling a deep appreciation of nature. He spoke of these days fondly and program attendees loved it simply as effectively. Contributors had been recognized to talk of the expertise many years later, a testomony to his mentorship and a reminder of the significance of those applications.
Bob working his method by infinite blowdowns after a storm, 2008.
Sharing his love for nature was one thing that Bob did usually. He knew the Pine Creek nation just like the again of his hand and would gladly describe the numerous highlights of the realm. Bob led many hikes for the general public, main a “Slate Run Ramble” each spring and fall for years with Tiadaghton workers. He additionally led hikes for the Alpine Membership of Williamsport, caretakers of the Loyalsock Path, the Keystone Trails Affiliation, and others. He would cease at varied factors to inform humorous tales, give historic views, or to elucidate a pure characteristic. Regardless of having spent most of his life roaming these woods, his enthusiasm for nature by no means waned. His pleasure at some wildflower or massive tree was like that of a kid and would deliver a smile to anybody’s face.
Bob main the Alpine Membership on a hike, 2003.
Bob left an indelible legacy within the trails he so beloved and the folks he touched. Rather more may very well be mentioned concerning the life and work of Bob Webber, however for many who didn’t know him, a hike on his beloved Black Forest Path could give some perception and encourage you to assist to assist maintain the paths open.
Whereas sustaining trails, Bob would usually go for an axe or brush hook to chop fallen logs. In the event you listen, you should still see his mark! Since his passing, his dedication to the Tiadaghton trails has been taken up by Recreation Forester Ben Sands and Technician Jake Jeffries, together with different workers and numerous volunteers from the Keystone Trails Affiliation. Bureau of Forestry staff proceed to try for this kind of ardour for service by delivering premier trails and offering experiences and training to forest guests. For these fascinated with lending a hand, please attain out to your native Bureau of Forestry Volunteer Coordinator.
