The Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) is honoring the life and legacy of founding member and former Board Chairman Terry Bryant with the creation of the Terry Bryant Memorial Tree Grove at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette.
Bryant, who was instrumental in the formation and growth of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, tragically passed away in an automobile accident on January 5, 2024. A Founding Member and Life Member of KECA, Bryant also served as Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors and left a lasting impact on KECA, Pennsylvania’s conservation community, and his hometown of Wellsboro. “Terry was a very strong community leader and genuinely cared about his hometown and community,” said KECA founding President and CEO Rawland “Rawley” Cogan.
In addition to his leadership with KECA, Bryant was the owner of Penn Oak Realty, Inc. in Wellsboro and a former PennDOT County Manager in Tioga County. His extensive community involvement included service with Northwest Bank, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Tioga Lodge #373 F&AM, Wellsboro Lions Club, GROW, Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Township Zoning Board, Tioga County Planning Board and Wellsboro Borough Council. He was also a former Boy Scout and served as a Scout Leader for 20 years.
A Living Memorial
In recognition of Bryant’s dedication to conservation, leadership and community service, KECA is developing a permanent memorial on the grounds of the Elk Country Visitor Center. mThe Terry Bryant Memorial Tree Grove will feature a short walking trail surrounded by a variety of native Pennsylvania tree species. The grove is being designed as more than a memorial—it will also provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about native trees, habitat and conservation while experiencing the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s Elk Country. “We hope to honor the memory of Terry though this beautification project and carry on his name through the education that will take place in this memorial” said Jacob Pistner, KECA Conservation Education Coordinator. The project is expected to be completed by the end of spring 2027.
KECA staff are working alongside Boy Scout Troop #199 of St. Marys to bring the project to life. Scout Brandon Hornburg has selected the Terry Bryant Memorial Tree Grove as his Eagle Scout project and will help coordinate major workdays and fundraising efforts associated with its construction. Hornburg is also selling Don’s Pizza gift certificates to help raise funds for additional project materials. The partnership carries special significance considering Bryant’s own long history with Scouting and his 20 years of service as a Scout Leader.
Ben Porkolab, KECA President and CEO said, “Terry Bryant was passionate about Pennsylvania’s Elk Country and cared deeply about inspiring future conservationists. This Memorial Tree Grove in his honor will be enjoyed by thousands of visitors annually and enhance the educational experience at the Elk Country Visitor Center.”
Continuing Terry’s Commitment to Conservation
Once completed, the grove will be located in a highly visible area of the Elk Country Visitor Center grounds, allowing thousands of visitors, students and families to experience the memorial each year. The project will also complement KECA’s conservation education programming, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) scavenger hunt, an activity used by many school groups visiting the Elk Country Visitor Center. Through the memorial grove, Terry Bryant’s commitment to conservation, leadership and service will continue to have an impact on future generations.
The Keystone Elk Country Alliance welcomes individuals and organizations interested in supporting the Terry Bryant Memorial Tree Grove through donations or project assistance.
