Welcome Message
The new year is here and with it, new opportunities. If you’ve visited here before (or have been reading our eBlasts and Facebook posts), our theme for this year is “The Outdoors is for Everyone!” To this end, we hope to introduce you to new activities, new information, and new ways to become more involved in your state parks and forests.
We’ll be kicking it off with our first newsletter of the year, which will arrive to our members in early March. You can also find it electronically on our webpage.
We have a busy year ahead of us…allow me a few minutes to share some ideas with you.
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We delivered 253 record bowls to the general assembly on February 5th in support of funding for state parks and forests. We will continue to monitor funding for our public lands along with other issues that might impact them.
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We will build upon our first playground at Sam Lewis to raise funds for playgrounds across the state. See LINK for more information or to make a contribution.
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We are meeting and training all of our chapters to make them even more efficient. They are all looking for volunteers, so view our friends page and see if perhaps there is one near you!
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We will be joining Pine Grove Furnace State Park to celebrate their 100 year anniversary in May!
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Join us at our awards banquet on May 7th at the West Shore Country Club.
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We so enjoy the pictures you take, and look forward to offering another photo contest this summer, along with two ‘snapshot’ days in celebration of parks and forests. Stay tuned for more details.
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Are you ready to ride? We’ll be Pedaling Between the Parks on September 14th. Join us as we spin between Gifford Pinchot and Codorus state parks.
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Are you as tough as a ranger? As fit as a wildfire fighter? We’ll give you a chance to find out this October.
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Are you up for a challenge? We’ve revamped our Great Pennsylvania Outdoor Challenge but aren’t quite ready to unveil it yet. Anticipation is good thing.
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Looking to volunteer? There are many ways to get involved. Visit our Volunteer page to find out how.
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New to social media? Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and do whatever it is you do on Pinterest.
If you haven’t already seen it, the Foundation developed the Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests Passport. This 134-page book will guide you to places to explore waterfalls, hikes, scenic vistas, wildflowers and more. Available through our store, it’s a must-have for any state park and state forest enthusiast.
For our tech-savvy friends, our new smartphone app (Android)(iOS) is available free of charge. Later this year, we’ll have a new highway map for you featuring all of your state parks and state forests, brought to you by our partnership with Parks by Nature.
Have a new elected official or want to let your current ones know how important parks and forests are to the economy? Consider introducing yourself and sharing a set of fact sheets, letting them know how much you appreciate our park and forest system, as well as ongoing funding of the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund.
Health Benefits Fact Sheet
Economics Fact Sheet
Quality of Life Fact Sheet
Just how much DO you love your state parks and forests? Let us know! We are always interested in hearing your stories.
Yours in the Outdoors,
Marci Mowery
President
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests
P.S. Betcha Didn't Know! Click HERE to watch a video about some unusual things that you may not know about state parks & what they have to offer.
P.P.S. Its great to be free! Click HERE to watch a video celebrating how wonderful it is to be able to enjoy PA state parks absolutely free.
We encourage your feedback, stories, and enthusiasm.
