Mount Gretna may be just a small dot on the map, but what we do with our forests contributes to the health of the planet. Healthy woods absorb carbon, filter water, and shelter wildlife, making them essential for both local resilience and global ecology.

Our trees also root us in identity and tradition. Generations have gathered here “under the trees of the Old Chautauqua,” where shade and beauty create a sense of place that defines Mount Gretna. Caring for our forests is both environmental stewardship and a way of honoring the spirit of the community.

This section introduces the fundamentals of forest stewardship and why it matters here. You’ll learn how forests support clean water, protect biodiversity, and help combat climate change, as well as steps we can take together to ensure these benefits endure for generations.

That’s why here, forests come first.