Salute to the Winners – The 2026 Program

Honors an outstanding contribution to the protection and enhancement of Pennsylvania’s park and forest system

Awarded to Andrew Mowen, Ph.D.
Sponsored by Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)

Throughout his career, Dr. Mowen has helped audiences understand parks as essential community resources and spaces that support health, belonging, and quality of life. His work has strengthened how parks are planned, funded, and managed, while always keeping people at the center of the conversation. His ability to bridge research and practice enables him to ask important questions about access, impact, and inclusion and follow through on those questions to enact on-the-ground change. His research has informed decision-making across the Commonwealth, and his leadership has elevated the field of parks and recreation.

Just as important has been his role as a teacher and mentor. Many of today’s park professionals and advocates carry forward his influence in ways both visible and unseen—shaping programs, policies, and partnerships that benefit communities every day.

Given to a person or department at any level of government; recognizes their work in the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests

Awarded to Silas Chamberlin, Ph.D.
Sponsored by KCI Technologies, Inc.

Chief Strategy Officer and VP of economic and community development at the York County Economic Alliance, Dr. Chamberlin also serves as President of Firefly Outdoor + Economics and as the Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania, demonstrating leadership that reflects a strong commitment to community.

Notable commitments to community development include leading the creation of York County’s most recent 10-year economic development plan, founding and overseeing the York County Trail Towns program, and leading the development of the Codorus Greenway.

The work that Dr. Chamberlin does has been a steady and influential voice for thoughtful, people-centered planning. His work has helped elevate how communities think about public spaces—not just as infrastructure, but as places that support connection, health, history, and quality of life.

Recognizes outstanding citizens or businesses who made a special impact through innovation and creativity

Awarded to Outdoor Inclusion Coalition
Sponsored by Jessica & Greg Lee

Since 2019, the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition has helped create pathways for communities that have historically been underrepresented in outdoor spaces—fostering connection, belonging, and opportunity. Through collaborative approaches, the Coalition is at the forefront of making quality recreation experiences more accessible while reshaping urban recreation to be a pathway for greater exploration both professionally and recreationally. Some of their programs include rock climbing, camping, snow sports, summer camps, and an urban wilderness program. They provide access to high-quality gear through their Gear Library, provide comprehensive education that empowers participants to gain confidence in their chosen activities, and offer transportation to and from their trips.

Marcus Shoffner’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing partners together, amplifying community voices, and translating shared values into meaningful action. Under his guidance, the Coalition has strengthened relationships across organizations and communities, helping the outdoor movement become more representative of the people it serves.

Recognizes outstanding citizens or businesses who made an impact in protecting open space, conservation, outdoor recreation, or volunteerism

Awarded to Jennifer Marsh
Sponsored by Outdoor Business Alliance of PA

Jennifer Marsh has been a driving force in positioning Bedford County as a premier outdoor recreation destination, recognizing that healthy landscapes and healthy communities go hand in hand.

Under Jennifer’s leadership, Bedford County has embraced outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of economic development—connecting trails, parks, public lands, and local businesses in ways that benefit residents and visitors alike. Her work has helped elevate the county’s natural assets while supporting local economies, job creation, and community pride. Her ability to bring together public agencies, nonprofit partners, and local stakeholders help to build momentum around shared goals for Bedford County’s economic development.

Recognizes a park for exemplary or innovative work in customer service; education, programming, or recreation; stewardship of the natural, cultural, or historic assets; and/or accommodation of needs of visitors

Awarded to Black Moshannon State Park
Sponsored by Seneca Resources

Community is at the heart of Black Moshannon. The park’s calendar is full of events that bring people together across seasons and generations—Women in the Wilds, PA Wilds Child, Winterfest, Summerfest, and more. Behind the scenes, an exceptional Friends Group and dedicated trail volunteers work collaboratively with park staff to care for the land and the visitor experience.

Black Moshannon is also a place where history and nature meet. Through engaging programs, visitors learn about the area’s lumber heritage and the lasting legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. And one of the shining natural features of the park is the Bog Natural Area—an extraordinary ecosystem that draws visitors from across the region to witness rare plants, abundant wildlife, and a landscape unlike any other in Pennsylvania.

Recognizes a forest district for their innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and in providing opportunities for healthful, low-density recreation compatible with the integrity of forest ecosystems; customer service; and the effective use of volunteers

Awarded to Buchanan State Forest
Sponsored by Purple Lizard Maps

In 2019, the Buchanan Forest District encountered unauthorized trail construction and what could have ended with citations and conflict became something more meaningful. Instead of stopping at enforcement, the district chose to listen and engage instead. By turning a violation into a volunteer opportunity, the district helped channel passion into partnership. Through clear guidance, consistent communication, and a commitment to doing things the right way, Buchanan State Forest transformed a problem into a high-quality trail system, productive conservation volunteers, and a stronger relationship with the mountain biking community.

The Buchanan State Forest district has also played an active role in improving emergency response coordination along the corridor—working with state police, county emergency management agencies, and partners to ensure public safety as recreation opportunities expand. Committed to expanding access, the district has plans underway for ADA-accessible campsites, hunter access, and improved wheelchair access to scenic vistas as well.

Recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts for a special project for a state park or forest

Awarded to June Morgan
Sponsored by Kate Harper

For many years, June has shared her skills, creativity, and commitment to Kings Gap State Park. As a Master Gardener, she has helped care for and maintain the gardens at the Kings Gap mansion, ensuring they remain welcoming, beautiful, and thoughtfully tended for everyone who visits.

June’s impact also reaches beyond the gardens. For more than a decade, she has been a driving force behind the Music on the Mountain series. As a member of the music committee, June has researched, booked, and managed performances that bring people together at Kings Gap, thoughtfully curating artists from across the region and showcasing a wide range of musical traditions, from bluegrass to Celtic and beyond.

Through her attention to detail, dedication, and love for both place and community, June has helped make Kings Gap a destination not just for nature, but for connection and culture.

Recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts for a special project for a state park or forest

Awarded to Friends of Ridley Creek
Sponsored by George & Kristie Asimos and Charles & Susan Davidson

Through regularly organized monthly work parties, the Friends bring together an open and inclusive community of volunteers who contribute roughly 850 hours of service each year. Their work focuses on maintaining more than 13 miles of designated trails, addressing the constant challenges of seasonal overgrowth, fallen trees, erosion, and drainage issues.

Beyond routine maintenance, the Friends have also stepped up for special projects that leave a lasting mark on the park, including the construction of a sensory playground, rebuilding picnic tables, and creating simple footbridges and trail improvements that enhance access for all visitors.

Through their dedication, teamwork, and years of consistent service, the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park have lifted a significant burden from park staff and strengthened the park community in meaningful ways. The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is proud to recognize them for their outstanding volunteer commitment and lasting impact.

Recognizes the planning and initiation of an outstanding program or ongoing event in a state park or forest

Awarded to Friends of Colonel Denning
Sponsored by Mary Hirst

The Friends of Colonel Denning State Park have brought people together in ways that encourage exploration, joyful outdoor experience, and connection to place. One of their standout efforts is the annual Welcome Summer Beach Party, a community celebration held at Colonel Denning’s sandy beach on Doubling Gap Lake. This event channels the spirit of summer and public land enjoyment with music, fun, and fellowship for families and visitors of all ages. The Friends also use this event as an opportunity for people to gather by the water, learn more about the park, and build positive memories tied to Pennsylvania’s outdoors. Through making the park feel accessible and inviting, they encourage more people to discover the value of public lands.

Beyond the beach party, the Friends are active year-round, hosting volunteer days, supporting trail and habitat care, and helping maintain the natural beauty of Colonel Denning State Park. Their work strengthens community bonds and fosters a broader appreciation for outdoor recreation and stewardship.

Recognizes an effort which has resulted in the physical improvement of facilities

Awarded to Chad Zimmerman
Sponsored by Organic Snack Company

Chad is a mountain bike enthusiast, a full-time high school teacher, and a parent who somehow still finds nights, weekends, and early mornings to give back. Over the last several years, he has helped build more than 17 miles of hand-built, multiple-use single-track trail in Buchanan State Forest’s rugged Bear Valley Division—often working with just one other person, and rarely with more than a small crew of five.

In 2025 alone, Chad logged 457 volunteer hours, with at least half of those in an area known for steep terrain, rocky soils, and limited cell service. What makes his contribution especially meaningful is not just the miles built, but how he chose to do the work.

Chad also embraced the opportunity to collaborate with the Buchanan State Forest District—learning the process, submitting proposals through State Forest Environmental Review, and committing to building trails the right way. His vision helped transform disconnected, fall-line routes into a sustainable, well-connected trail system that serves a diverse array of users.

Today, Bear Valley offers looped trail experiences, improved access to destinations, and a stronger sense of place. Chad continues to give back—organizing volunteer efforts, hosting charitable rides, and helping lay the groundwork for a future Friends Group to ensure these trails are cared for long-term.

Recognizes an effort which has resulted in the physical improvement of facilities

Awarded to Keystone Trails Association/Bald Eagle State Forest Bridge Flash Crew
Sponsored by Stahl Sheaffer Engineering

Over the course of the year, this small but mighty team removed, rebuilt, and replaced five wooden hiking bridges along the Mid State Trail—one of the most popular and heavily used trails in Bald Eagle State Forest.

Working closely with forestry staff, materials were carefully planned and pre-cut, then transported into remote sites where the real work began. Bridge by bridge, crossing by crossing, the crew turned planning into progress—often hauling materials long distances and working in challenging conditions to ensure hikers could safely enjoy the trail.

In total, this five-person crew dedicated 158 volunteer hours and logged more than 1,800 miles of drive time to make these improvements possible. Their commitment has helped ensure that vital infrastructure in this 195,000-acre forest remains safe, accessible, and well-maintained.

Recognizes a significant contribution to a park or forest by a person under the age of 25 through volunteer hours, a significant project, an innovative idea, or more

Awarded to Eric Torikian

Eric began volunteering with the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park early in his junior year. What started as showing up to monthly trail workdays quickly became a steady, dependable commitment. For more than a year, Eric and a group of his classmates have made volunteering a routine part of their lives — arriving at 9 a.m., in cold weather, in the rain, and during the busiest years of high school.

While Eric often volunteers alongside his peers, what sets him apart is his natural leadership. He takes the time to motivate and teach others about caring for the outdoors and leads by demonstrating what stewardship looks like in action. He also captures the beauty of Ridley Creek through photography, showing not just a willingness to do the work, but a genuine appreciation for the place he helps care for.

Balancing school, college applications, volunteerism, and three part-time jobs, Eric has proven himself to be driven, reliable, and deeply committed to the causes he chooses to support.

Awarded to Keystone Mountain Bike Team
Sponsored by Pocono Whitewater

Formed in 2016, Keystone Mountain Bike Team has grown into a model of youth-driven stewardship and community leadership. Over 125 riders and half as many coaches have participated in the team over the years. The team consists of riders in grades six through 12 in Lackawanna County and nearby communities and many of the team members stay with the team the entire seven years. Several have come back to coach once graduating high school and many athletes go on to race bikes in college!

Beyond developing strong cyclists, the team is deeply committed to volunteerism at Lackawanna State Park, regularly maintaining and improving the trail network alongside the Lackawanna State Park Trail Care Crew, organizing workdays, and instilling a lasting ethic of service, teamwork and care for public lands. Since 2020, KMBT members have logged 3,661 hours of trail work at Lackawanna State Park.

A part of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, KMBT embodies PICL’s belief that mountain biking builds character, encourages leadership, and changes riders. The team is a youth development program where bikes are the vehicle to helping youth reach their highest potential. KMBT strives to develop outdoor citizens with love and appreciation for natural spaces and a respect for public recreation space.  The intent is to foster healthy, meaningful lifestyles that kids can carry forward onto adulthood.

This team rides, they race, and they give back to the places where they ride. One of their core mottos, We Build Trails, is exemplified in the work they have done at the park.