We took a scenic ride up to Benezette PA to the Elk Visitor center. We were amazed at how nature, with the right care and intervention, can rebound from near extinction.
In the early 20th century, the elk population in Pennsylvania was nearly wiped out due to overhunting and habitat destruction. However, through careful conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and protection, the elk were reintroduced to Pennsylvania in 1913.
What makes this reintroduction so profound is not just the restoration of a species, but the reconnection between humans and the wild places we have nearly lost. Elk, with their majestic stature and powerful presence, symbolize a return to balance in ecosystems that were once heavily disrupted by human activity. Their resurgence in Elk County is a reminder that with collective effort and respect for the natural world, we can help restore the ecological richness of our lands.
Today, Elk County has become a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a living testament to how conservation can have lasting, positive effects. The sight of a bugling elk against the backdrop of Pennsylvania’s wilderness is more than just a spectacle—it’s a profound echo of nature’s resilience and humanity’s ability to foster healing where there once was loss.
In this episode we talk with Ben Porkolab (Conservation Education Coordinator) and Morgan Lovenduski (Director of Marketing & Communications) from the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and they share with us thoughts and insights into the reintroduction of elk into Pennsylvania and where those conservation efforts now stand.
