Our Community
At Penn Forest, fostering community is at the heart of our mission. We believe that community involvement is essential to educating the public about both sustainable end-of-life practices and sustainable living behaviors. Through tabling events, workshops, presentations, and programming, we engage with local communities and organizations and welcome new connections.
In addition, we proudly support individuals and small businesses by renting land to local farmers, collaborating with independent stone engravers, and hosting artisans who facilitate unique workshops, among many other initiatives.
Our commitment to community extends beyond education and support—we also offer special programs and events throughout the year, often free and open to the public. These include our annual Picnic Day, Winter Solstice celebration, and guided Nature Walk and Talks on our hiking trails.
To stay updated on our offerings, we invite you to visit our events page or sign up for our newsletter.
Flower Picking & Herb Garden
Our flower-picking and herb garden is a welcoming space for all visitors at Penn Forest. A variety of flowers and herbs are grown specifically for cutting, giving families and friends the opportunity to enjoy some of nature’s beauty. We invite visitors to spend time in the garden, appreciate nature’s vibrant expressions, and cut flowers that inspire them—whether for a burial or to take home. This experience is free and open to all.
Learn more about our garden from our wonderful flower farmer Meesh and herb gardener Marietta.
Hiking Trails
Penn Forest’s hiking trails wind through woods, forested hillsides, and along Plum Creek, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature in every season. These trails are open to the public and provide a peaceful space for reflection. Along the way, you’ll encounter wildlife and scenic views that highlight the beauty of natural land stewardship. The public is welcome to walk the trails during daylight hours. All dogs must be leashed to protect our wildlife. During the warmer months, we offer group programs and tours on our trails, such as Nature Walk & Talk and Forest Bathing. To see when upcoming events are scheduled, visit our Events page.
Review our map to explore our hiking trails and more.
Returning Home Farm
Returning Home Farm is an extension of Penn Forest that symbolizes the life cycle of nature, serving as a reminder that life continues after death. Our farm is lovingly cared for by our shepherdess, MaryPat, and is home to sheep, goats, ducks, and a donkey named Jingles. If MaryPat is there when you stop by, she’s happy to answer your questions and introduce you to the animals.
During the warmer months, we offer a yoga class, Yoga with Goats, as a unique way to connect with nature and your inner self.
Please note: access into the farm is only permitted when accompanied by Penn Forest staff.
Learn more about our farm and the programs we offer.
C0LDCO Farm
Established in 2021, COLDCO Farm is a local farm located on the property of Penn Forest. They specialize in high-quality produce for both home cooks and restaurant chefs in the Pittsburgh area. The farm is a collaboration between co-owners Nick Lubecki and Jason "Joddo" Oddo. They focus on cultivating cold-season crops, with a particular emphasis on chicories, cabbages, root vegetables, and specialty varieties of Italian lettuces like radicchio.
In addition to their farming operations, COLDCO Farm engages with the local community through initiatives such as plant sales and farmers markets. They also collaborate with local businesses, supplying produce to establishments like Driftwood Oven, Morscilla, and Apteka.