Anyone who has experienced Kittatinny Ridge understands its beauty and splendor. This 185-mile long chain of forested Appalachian mountains that runs through Pennsylvania, from the Mason-Dixon line to the Delaware Water Gap, is not only a stunning show of local nature, but it is also integral to the future of the local ecosystem. The Ridge is what’s called a “resilient landscape,” a place that, because it is largely unfragmented, allows plants and animals to move to higher elevations and points north and survive as their habitats change. According to The Nature Conservancy, “Kittatinny Ridge is the single most important resilient landscape in Pennsylvania, and key to the role the entire Appalachian chain must play in preserving the forests, clean streams and diversity on which all life depends.”
But, like so many natural resources, Kittatinny Ridge is being threatened by human development, particularly as nearby urban areas spread and sprawl. The Nature Conservancy has a plan, and is working alongside landowners and partners to protect 25,000 acres of the most critical, connected lands on and near the ridge. One of its newest partners in this quest is Hershey, PA-based Tröegs Independent Brewing Co., which launched a limited run of a dry-hopped pale ale, Trail Day.
Proceeds from the beer will go toward the Tröegs Trail Day Fund, which will help protect 15,000 acres of the Kittatinny Ridge. Trail Day is part of Tröegs innovative small-batch Scratch Series, and is brewed with unmalted Pennsylvania wheat, barley and oats, and hopped with Citra, Lotus and El Dorado hops. The yeast used offers fruit-forward, peachy notes, and the hops lend notes of passionfruit, lychee, orange rind and vanilla.
This partnership between Tröegs and The Nature Conservancy hits close to home for the brewery’s founders, Chris and John Trogner.
“We grew up in the shadow of the Kittatinny Ridge and it passes within 10 miles of the brewery,” says Tröegs founding brother Chris Trogner, “so we know this land well. And few things are more important to brewing beer than clean water. We’re proud to be working with The Nature Conservancy to help protect a place that does so much for Pennsylvania and beyond.”
To further spread awareness around the importance of Kittatinny Ridge, the two organizations recently sponsored a mural in downtown Harrisburg (512 N. 3rd St., directly across the street from the capitol building) created by artist Emily Ding as part of HBG’s Mural Fest. The mural’s motif is centered on the species of birds that live and migrate along the Kittatinny Ridge, which include hawks, eagles and song birds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2EreKbh3s1/
To help support this amazing cause, use Tröegs Brew Finder to find out were you can locate Trail Day near you! It is currently available on tap. Or, stop by the Tröegs Tasting Room & Snack Bar, open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Find Tröegs Brewing Company at 200 E. Hershey Park Dr., in Hershey, PA; (717) 534-1297.
- Photo and video: Tröegs Brewing Co.
