(Camp Hill, PA) – The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) held its 16th Annual Awards Banquet and celebrated 11 award recipients for their outstanding stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state natural assets. The event was held at Little Buffalo State Park in Newport, PA on May 13, 2025.
The annual event brought together individuals, businesses, and organizations from across the state, including Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
“Pennsylvania state parks and forests wonderful places to visit because the community of support that help these special places run,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “That community ranges from the outstanding volunteers and Friends Groups to the amazing staff that give tirelessly to make public lands welcoming for all. I am grateful for the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation for being a tremendous partner and for prioritizing these awards to help honor the exemplary work of those who support public lands.”
“We honor those who have gone above and beyond to conserve the resources so essential to life and those who help connect people to these assets,” stated Tina Molski, Chairwoman of the PPFF Board. “Their leadership, hard work, and passion remind us that it takes a dedicated community to steward the wild and wonderful places we love.”
“The annual banquet is more than a celebration of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests—it’s a tribute to the organizations, individuals, and businesses dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation,” said Marci Mowery, President of PPFF. “We commend their tireless efforts and commitment to making Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and play.”
“I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to the sponsors who made the award banquet possible. Their generous support brings this annual celebration to life. To view the banquet program and a complete list of sponsors, visit the Foundation’s website at https://ppff.events/2025AwardsProgram.”
The event also held a silent auction where the proceeds will go towards funding accessible equipment and opportunities in PA state parks and forests to help ensure outdoor access for everyone.
To learn about all the award winners and sponsors, visit https://ppff.events/2025AwardsProgram.
All 2025 PPFF Award Winners:
Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Dwight Lewis Lumber Co./Lewis Lumber Products
Pictured is Mel Lewis and Marc Lewis of Lewis Lumber
Joseph E. Ibberson Government Award: Chris Kemmerer
Pictured is Brad Mallory (PPFF Board), Chris Kemmerer (DCNR), and representatives from Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, Cristina Roth, Jeff Sheaffer, and Mike Marso.
President’s Award: Steve Stroman (No photo)
Chair’s Award: Keith Russell
Pictured is Tina Molski (PPFF Board Chairwoman) and Keith Russell.
Forest of the Year Award: Loyalsock State Forest
Pictured is Jusine Andronici (Purple Lizard Maps), Michael Hermann (Purple Lizard Maps), Marci Mowery (PPFF President), Rich Glinski, Sean Freidhof, Seth Cassell, and Jason Albright
Park of the Year Award: Hills Creek State Park Complex
Pictured is Tracy Lambert, Tim Morey, Scott Morgan, Ben Stone, and Mike Teeter (PPFF Board)
Volunteerism Award (Individual): Charles Pinardi
Pictured is Mary Hirst (PPFF Board), Charles Pinardi, and Tina Molski (PPFF Board Chairwoman)
Volunteerism Award (Group): Eastern PA Climbers Alliance
Pictured is Joe Forte, Dana Caracciolo, and Mary Soderberg (PPFF Board)
Education Award (Individual): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
Pictured is Maria Montero (PPFF Board), Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward, and Linda Ries (PA Arch Council)
Improvement Award (Individual): Paul Yost
Pictured is Paul Roth (PPFF Board) and Paul Yost.
Young Volunteer Award: Mikayla Traini
Pictured is Paul Fogal (PPFF Board), Mikayla Traini, and George Asimo (Sponsor)
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About the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation supports 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities, and donations through its 45+ chapters. The mission of the foundation is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests. To learn more about PPFF, visit https://paparksandforests.org/.
Facebook: @PennsylvaniaParksAndForestsFoundation
Twitter: @PaPFF
Instagram: @paparksandforests
YouTube: https://ppff.events/youtube-hhm
LinkedIn: Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Meetup: Meetup.com/ppff-events/