Mountain Bike Story Starter: Paying Attention
Julie Mader Julie Mader

Mountain Bike Story Starter: Paying Attention

That small span of lumber, tucked into the forest, made me think about the thought and effort behind places like this and the people who design, build, and maintain trails so others can move through them safely and thoughtfully. These moments in the Wilds don’t happen by accident; they’re shaped with intention.

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Kayaker Story Starter: Around the Bend
Julie Mader Julie Mader

Kayaker Story Starter: Around the Bend

Kayaking is a familiar rhythm across the PA Wilds. It’s a region shaped by miles of waterways, including two National Wild & Scenic Rivers that wind patiently through forests and valleys.

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Dark Skies Story Starter: A Night Under the Stars
Julie Mader Julie Mader

Dark Skies Story Starter: A Night Under the Stars

Back in December, I shared a preview of a new idea — using my drawings created for the PA Wilds Collaborative Series greeting cards as a starting point for storytelling, reflection, and imagination. Today, I’m officially beginning that series with one of the six defining landscapes of the PA Wilds: Dark Skies — where wonder begins the moment you look up.

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Every Picture Tells a Story: The Beginning of PA Wilds Story Starters
Julie Mader Julie Mader

Every Picture Tells a Story: The Beginning of PA Wilds Story Starters

Storytelling isn’t just for children — stories are for connection.

  • For a grandparent telling a bedtime tale

  • For the caregiver sharing time with a loved one

  • For anyone who needs a few moments of daydreaming in their week

The PA Wilds is full of stories waiting to be told — and I can’t wait to hear yours.

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Postcards from the PA Wilds: A New Spin on an Old-School Treasure
Julie Mader Julie Mader

Postcards from the PA Wilds: A New Spin on an Old-School Treasure

Postcards are more than a quick hello. They’re time capsules.

…they’re small works of art meant to be held, sent, saved, and smiled over. Whether you're a seasoned postcard collector or just someone who wants to share a piece of the Pennsylvania Wilds with a friend, they carry the same charm I fell in love with as a kid flipping through my mother’s stash.

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Six Little Somethings: A Hidden Thread in the PA Wilds Posters
Julie Mader Julie Mader

Six Little Somethings: A Hidden Thread in the PA Wilds Posters

Each poster was designed to feel like a moment of real observation — not just a scenic view, but an encounter.

…Within these scenes, I’ve tucked what I call the “six little somethings” — a repeated element woven quietly into each design. Six owls. Six bees. Six birds. A quiet riddle, a visual thread tying all six landscapes together.

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