Nottingham, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Forestry and the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), invite community members to attend a public meeting focused on growing support and strengthening the Friends of the State Line Serpentine Barrens.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nottingham County Park Office.

The Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens, located in the extreme southwest corner of Chester County, is a truly unique and rare natural area. Serpentine barrens are not a common geologic feature in Pennsylvania. The particular soils, which develop from the serpentine rock, greatly influence the plant life growing on the site. Therefore, these barrens are home to many unusual and possibly threatened or endangered species.

People who use, enjoy, and live near Pennsylvania’s state forests often become some of their strongest advocates. This meeting seeks to welcome new volunteers, ideas, and community participation while building upon the dedicated efforts of the Friends of the State Line Serpentine Barrens.

“If you’re interested in caring for and preserving the unique environment in the serpentine barrens, come to this meeting and hear about our upcoming events,” said Gordon Bosler, current chair of the Friends of State Line Serpentine Barrens.

Over the past decade, the barrens have undergone significant conservation work, including efforts to combat the southern pine beetle, improve habitat for rare plant species, incorporate prescribed fire into landscape management, and expand Bureau of Forestry lands in the region.

“The Bureau of Forestry’s vision is to conserve, steward, and enhance Pennsylvania’s trees, forests, and native wild plants while connecting with all the people and communities we serve,” said representatives of William Penn State Forest. “A strong friends group is an important partner in helping accomplish that mission within the State Line Serpentine Barrens landscape.”

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests. PPFF works with citizens, businesses, and local organizations to establish and sustain friends groups that support conservation, stewardship, recreation, education, and community engagement on public lands.

Friends groups are composed of individuals and organizations who share a common commitment to protecting and enhancing Pennsylvania’s natural resources. Working in partnership with DCNR and PPFF, these volunteer-driven groups support projects, stewardship activities, educational programming, and public outreach that benefit state parks and forests.

“The Friends of the State Line Barrens work closely with the William Penn Forest District and other partners to conserve this unique resource,” said Marci Mowery, president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, the umbrella organization for the Friends. “We invite the public to learn more about the barrens and about how to get involved.”

During the June 17 meeting, participants will learn about current needs and opportunities at the State Line Serpentine Barrens, share ideas for future projects and activities, and discuss next steps for strengthening and expanding the friends group.

Community members interested in supporting conservation efforts, volunteering, or learning more about the State Line Serpentine Barrens are encouraged to attend.

To RSVP to the community meeting, contact William Penn State Forest at [email protected] or 610-582-9660.

There will also be a guided hike in the Goat Hill region of the State Line Serpentine Barrens held on Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 AM. The hike will be led by Friends of State Line Serpentine Barrens members Connor McInerney and Chris Hoess. This will be an exciting opportunity to view the unique topography and the flora and fauna of the landscape.

To register, RSVP on the Friends of State Line Serpentine Barrens’ Facebook event.