Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

A chat and a morning bevvie with Marci Mowery and Pam Metzger from PPFF. Who knows what they'll have to talk about? Probably state parks and forests!

Tomorrow is ExtraGive day! Marci and Pam will be chatting live on the?Facebook page/?YouTube channel/?LinkedIn feed?trifecta beginning at 10:00 AM. Special guests Secretary Cindy Dunn will join us at 10:00 and?Mike Teeter, volunteer extraordinaire and outdoor guru, at 10:20; and Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward, author of Cradle of Conservation, at 10:45. Visit our page on the Lancaster County Community Foundation's ExtraGive Extravaganza website any time before midnight Friday to support the work of the foundation--such as removing barriers to engaging in outdoor recreation.

Downed trees might turn a good hike into a scramble. Recently, 14 volunteers underwent a two-day chainsaw class to enhance their skills in an effort to help keep trails open--so you have a quality experience. Your support through the #ExtraGive on Friday, November 22, helps to support these types of trainings. Thank you for helping to steward YOUR state parks and forests. Our direct link is: https://lnkd.in/dDaGsJb

Great talk by Allen Dieterich-Ward about his new book, Cradle of Conservation. The book explores the conservation heritage of Pennsylvania. You can order the book at PaParksAndForests.org and you can find other opportunities to hear Allen at PaConservationHeritage.org We will be discussing the book, with the author, on November 20 at the virtual PPFF book club.

Step by step the chimney in the historic pavilion at Mont Alto State Park is being restored. Mont Alto, the oldest park that remains in Pennsylvania's state park system (the first park being Valley Forge, which is now a national park), was founded in 1902. Camp S-146 of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was located on Bark Shanty Road in Mont Alto, Pennsylvania. Funding for the project was made possible by an Impact Grant from Franklin County. #historicpreservation #history #paparks #conservation

We were excited to dedicate the inclusive playground at Little Buffalo State Park yesterday. This was a true partnership project. According to the UNICEF and the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is a fundamental aspect of childhood that supports cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Through play, children learn to explore the world, experiment with problem-solving, and engage in creative thinking. Moreover, play is essential for social and emotional growth. Studies consistently highlight how play contributes to a well-rounded, healthier childhood, enabling children to thrive both academically and personally. Yet not all children have equal access to play. Using a wheelchair in a playground presents several challenges that can limit a child’s ability to fully engage in play. To create more inclusive playgrounds, it's essential to prioritize accessible equipment, adaptive play features, and barrier-free environments. The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation was excited to unveil the playground at Little Buffalo State Park. This cooperative endeavor involved the staff at Little Buffalo State Park and the Friends of Little Buffalo State Park, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. We want to acknowledge Partnership for Better Health who provided a grant to support the purchase of the playground equipment; the fundraising of the Friends of Little Buffalo State Park; Globus Medical who provided a grant towards the rubberized surface; donations from Hershey Memorial VFW Post 3502; VFW Post 34 of Newport; Blain Barshinger Post 882; as well as private donors. We also want to acknowledge the staff at Little Buffalo State Park for their craftsmanship and commitment to the steps needed to bring the playground to life, which included navigating new processes and finding solutions to hurdles that presented themselves.?

It's all about the history with Rusty and Matthew. Rusty is Director of PA Museums; Matthew of the Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg. Join us for this fascinating chat about the past and how you can keep it alive.

On October 6, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation celebrates our 25-year anniversary. We are proud of the accomplishments during that time and want to thank our partners, funders, members, donors and amazing volunteers. We look forward to continuing our work for Pennsylvania's state parks and forests. Kate Harper Tina Molski Eric Madden Maria Montero Marcus Shoffner Jessica Lee

A Walk in Penn's Woods is a popular activity to wrap up PA Healthy Lands Week. Celesta explains this popular program.

How are you celebrating Healthy Lands Week?