Cherry Springs Dark Sky Association

The Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund/Association is one of the oldest friends groups of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. Our mission is the protection of the dark night sky at Cherry Springs State Park and enhancing the astronomy experience through facility improvement and educational outreach programs.

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Keith Templin, Chair

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Friends of Beltzville

A 949-acre lake. A covered bridge. Migratory waterfowl and high quality trout waters. Armed with these lovely features and a cooperative relationship with both the US Army Corps of Engineers (which constructed the dam in 1962) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this group is committed to water quality, accessibility, and spreading the word about the beauty of their edge of the Poconos paradise.

Find out more at their Facebook page.

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Diane Szwajkowski, Chair

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Friends of Big Pocono

Friends of Big Pocono are working together to preserve the park’s heritage and natural beauty for all to enjoy, and are dedicated to enhancing the Big Pocono experience for visitors.

Big Pocono State Park is in Monroe County in northeastern Pennsylvania. The park consists of 1,306 acres of rugged terrain on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of a vast portion of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New Jersey and New York. The park closes the day after the end of deer season in December and reopens as conditions permit in the spring. The park is open sunrise to sunset.

Big Pocono State Park facilities are operated and maintained in cooperation with the Camelback Mountain Resort. The trails of Big Pocono State Park are maintained in cooperation with the Pocono Outdoor Club.

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John Motz, Chair

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Friends of Buchanan

The Friends of Buchanan State Forest began in late 2015 with an eye toward improving the trails in the Sideling Hill and Martin Hill tracts of the Buchanan. Equestrian, mountain bikers, hikers, cross-country skiers, hunters, dog sled teams – in short, trail users of every type and passion are coming together to build a first-class shared use trail network in this jewel of Fulton and Bedford counties.

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Karen Rosenberger, Chair

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Friends of Black Moshannon

According to local tradition, American Indians called this watershed “Moss-Hanne,” meaning “moose stream,” thus the origin of the park’s name. Appropriately, the “black” in the park name describes the tea-colored waters. The 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake is fed by clear springs and small streams which flow through the bogs that stretch in most directions from its shores. As the clear water flows through sphagnum moss and other wetland plants, it becomes colored by plant tannins. In a sense, the bog vegetation acts like a giant teabag to color the water.

For more than 25 years, the Friends of Black Moshannon have been hosting a huge Summer Festival, and other great activities.

Contact

Website
Chair: Terry Harrison

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Friends of Caledonia

The Lincoln Highway, Gettysburg, the Forest Fire Museum, golf, the Totem Pole Playhouse, the Appalachian Trail, a fabulous arts and crafts fair. For a little park (just a little over 1,100) acres, there’s an awful lot “to” Caledonia. And the Friends would be forgiven if they had as much trouble telling which end is up as you might when looking at the trees’ reflections in the lake!

So why not give them a hand?

Contact

Website (coming soon)
Facebook
Karen Moose, Chair

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Friends of Canoe Creek

We are a group of individuals who care deeply for Canoe Creek State Park and took our desire to help the park to the next level. Our Friends organization formed in the fall of 2013 as a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. We promote the educational and recreational opportunities in Canoe Creek State Park by connecting the community to the Park through our programs and events.  

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George Letcher, Chair

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Friends of Colonel Denning

Colonel Denning State Park, established in 1936, is a 273-acre Pennsylvania state park in Lower Mifflin Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania in the United States. This little gem of a state park boasts a small campground, lake, five miles of hiking trails (with access to the 105-mile long Tuscarora Trail), and the delightful gazebo in this picture. (Thank you to photographer Doug Clifford.)

The busy Friends of Colonel Denning provide firewood and ice to the park’s campers and have used that money for many projects in the park. Join in and make change happen!

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Steve Burd, Chair

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Friends of Cook Forest

The Clarion River and the Forest Cathedral are the stars of the show here, and the Friends take full advantage of the natural wonders of their park. In fact, their first priority will be an all out assault on the woolly adelgids that threaten the beautiful hemlocks of the Forest.

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Website

Carl Harting, Chair

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Friends of Cowans Gap

This beautiful little park in Fulton County’s Allen Valley is a summer home away from home for generations of families. It’s lovely in any season and the Friends of Cowans Gap like to make sure that something’s always jumping!

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Barb Rotz, Secretary

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Friends of Davis Hollow Cabin

The Davis Hollow Cabin, located within Moraine State Park, is one of two historic facilities along the North Country Trail. The Friends of Davis Hollow Cabin manage and maintain the cabin, devoting their time and energy in order to preserve the cabin’s history for future generations to enjoy.  For information on renting the Davis Hollow Cabin for an event or overnight stay, please call 724-575-0471.

Contact

Diane Winston, Chair
Website
Facebook

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Friends of Goddard

Named for the father of Pennsylvania’s state park system, Goddard is a perfect place for biking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. It’s also close to hunting opportunities at Gamelands 270 and hands-on learning at the McKeever Environmental Education Center.

Founded in 2002, the Friends of Goddard (or FRoGs) assist the park in many ways: They raise funds for special projects, help coordinate cleanups, and organize the annual Pioneer Frolic during the last weekend in June. (The Frolic is a two-day colonial festival complete with reenactments, live music, children’s games, crafts, food, and more.) The FRoGs’ accomplishments include outreach activities at Venango County’s annual Earth Day event and donation of a shelter for the park’s 12-mile paved bike trail.

Contact

Website
Rudy Troples, Chapter Chair

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Friends of Greenwood Furnace

The Friends Group is a local chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. We advocate for PA State Parks and for community involvement. We promote outdoor recreation opportunities, heritage conservation and environmental quality in our State Parks, State Forests and surrounding community.

Our group helps support three beautiful state parks located in Northern Huntingdon County about 10 miles south of State College, Pennsylvania. All three parks are managed as one unit from the main office located at Greenwood Furnace State Park.

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Mike Rubano, Chair

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Friends of Kings Gap

The Friends of Kings Gap is organized to encourage community involvement and enjoyment of Kings Gap State Park. Its intent is to support, assist, and promote the park’s activities, and to help maintain the park’s natural and historical resources on South Mountain.

Contact

Website
Facebook
Jane Conley, Chair

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Friends of Laurel Hill

The Friends of Laurel Hill State Park Complex, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, is a non-profit volunteer organization composed of members who share a love for the parks and are motivated to share their time and talent and help provide our neighbors with easy access to outdoor recreation and educational programs that are family friendly, low cost, environmentally sustainable, and fun.  Why not join in?

Contact

Website
Facebook
Deb Simko, Secretary

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Friends of Little Buffalo

Little Buffalo State Park is among Pennsylvania’s most historic gems. It actually has a designated historic district right on its grounds! Little wonder then that the Friends of Little Buffalo are determined to make some history of their own with support for the arts and history among their very first goals. Along with a general donation to the group with their Big Blue Button, click here to specifically donate to their new playground initiative.

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Mike Weaver, Chair

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Friends of Lyman Run

If you looked up “Lyman Run” in the Pennsylvania recreational dictionary, it would say “built for relaxation.” The 45-acre lake for fishing, six miles of perfect-for-strolling hiking trails, a quiet campground and a warm sand beach invite visitors to get comfortable.  The Friends of Lyman Run also know how to throw a party!

Next on the agenda, a new playground. Click the red button to donate to this effort (and the blue one for general support).

Contact

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Maxine Harrison, Chair

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Friends of Michaux

Over 85,000 acres of hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and hunting; beautiful streams and a reservoir – lots of fun. The Friends of Michaux, formed in the Spring of 2019, are ready to make this southern Pennsylvania recreational paradise your go-to getaway.

Contact

Don Horn, Chair
Website
Facebook

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Friends of Milton

The “Friends” is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to Milton State Park.  The “Friends” an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Park and Forest Foundation, is working in collaboration with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to create a legacy of good stewardship to preserve the island’s unique natural habitats while enhancing and diversifying recreation facilities.  The Friends welcomes the assistance of others who seek to improve and enjoy this great regional resource.

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Paul Yost, Chair

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Friends of Mont Alto

The Friends of Mont Alto have an historic gem on their hands – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the park and furnace lands, which became Pennsylvania’s first state forest park in 1902. The next year the Commonwealth’s first professional forester began training foresters at the Mont Alto Forestry Academy, which became today’s Mont Alto Campus of the Pennsylvania State University.

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Frank Mong, Chair

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Friends of Mt. Pisgah

It is the mission of the Friends of Mt. Pisgah State Park to promote and enhance the facilities at Mt Pisgah for the enjoyment of the public that utilizes the facility. To assist the Park, its staff and management in ways not provided for by the State. And further to be a public voice for the Park should it become necessary.

We are friends and neighbors from all walks of life who all have one thing in common. We all enjoy the beautiful landscape of Mt. Pisgah St. Park and want to presereve it for all to enjoy for many generations.

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Calvin Baxter, Chair

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Friends of Nockamixon

The Friends of Nockamixon State Park was formed in November 2011. This formation was to provide volunteers at the park additional facets by which to contribute to conservation and recreation. A big project underway for the Friends is installation of a Board-Safe accessible dock for universal kayak access. Donate to the effort to make sure the lake is for everyone!

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Dawn Kline, Chair

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Friends of Nolde Forest

“Environmental Education” is in the name and environmental education is the game! There’s always something going on at the former home of textile baron Jacob Nolde and the mansion constructed by his son, Hans. From book clubs to mansion tours, fun runs to pottery shows, the Friends of Nolde Forest will teach you a thing or two if you’re not careful!

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Website

Jennifer Stinson, Chair

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Friends of Oil Creek

Friends of Oil Creek State Park was formed to provide the already active volunteers of Oil Creek State Park (OCSP) additional facets through which to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the land and waters of the Commonwealth within the park and to encourage Oil Region residents and others to support the parks mission. The park is located in northwestern Pennsylvania between Titusville to the north, and Oil City four miles to the south. The main entrance to the park is off of PA 8, one mile north of the Borough of Rouseville.

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Jen McAlevy, Chair

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Friends of Ole Bull

What do Norway and Potter County, Pennsylvania have in common? A big dark forest and a violinist named Ole Bornemann Bull who saw a good bit of his native land in the forests of northern Pennsylvania. He formed a colony there in the 1850s and, while the colony failed and the invited settlers moved farther west, the remnants of Ole’s dream of a pleasant, peaceful land remains. The Friends of Ole Bull formed to support activities and events at this wonderful park. Join them!

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Gay Siarkowski, Chair

Friends of Parker Dam

The stated mission of the Friends of Parker Dam is to enhance the well-being of Parker Dam State Park, to provide educational and recreational activities for the young and old, and to encourage commitment to and participation in the most worthy ideals of conservation.
Part of that mission is to educate all of Pennsylvania and the surrounding states on just exactly what a “woodhick” is.  Don’t know? You’d better pay them a visit!

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Justin CarnsChair

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Friends of Pinchot

Friends of Pinchot State Park was formed in 2009 by local volunteers. To preserve, protect and enhance the natural and recreational resources of Gifford Pinchot State Park for present and future generations.

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Twitter
Terry Christopher, Chair

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Friends of Pine Grove Furnace

The Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park was formed in 2010 to keep history alive and promote the educational and recreational programs of the park and surrounding areas through special events and trail development while protecting the park’s natural resources.

We support recreation, education and conservation at Pine Grove Furnace by helping to organize volunteers, maintaining hiking trails, removing invasive plant species and replacing them with natives, enhancing park educational displays, improving park infrastructure, and holding the annual Fall Furnace Fest in October.

Contact

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Andre Weltman, Chair

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Friends of Prince Gallitzin

The Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park will endeavor to preserve and enhance the natural and built resources, while promoting education and recreation for all visitors now and in the future.  We are a group of hard-working and dedicated volunteers who love the park and the great outdoors.  We are committed to betterment of the park for enjoyment of everyone. The Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park was formed in January 2007.  This formation  provided already active park volunteers additional facets by which to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the park and its resources.

Contact

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Joe Trentini, Chair

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Friends of R.B. Winter

While the park is known fondly as “Halfway Dam,” the Friends of R.B. Winter plan no halfway measures! All are welcome to join in.

Contact

Mary Marshall, Chair
Facebook
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Friends of Ridley Creek

Ridley Creek State Park is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania park located 2.5 miles west of Newtown Square, PA and 16 miles west of downtown Philadelphia. The park is 2,600 acres of streams, rolling hardwood forest and meadow.

  • There are 12 miles of hiking paths and and 5 miles of paved path for bicycling.
  • Picnicking and recreational facilities are spread throughout the park.
  • Fishing, sledding and a private riding stable are in the park.
  • Environmental education programs are available.
  • The Hunting Hill mansion (Park Headquarters) and its formal gardens are a tranquil and popular setting for meetings, receptions and weddings.

The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park is organized to increase and enhance the quality of everyone’s contact with Ridley Creek S.P. We are actively seeking members to help improve the Park financially and physically (by helping!). There are many programs and projects that may be possible with enough community support.

Contact

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Facebook

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Friends of Ryerson Station

The Friends of Ryerson Station State Park exists to promote the educational, recreational, cultural, and historical aspects of the park; to improve the park through volunteer opportunities; and to reconnect individuals and families with the outdoors.

Contact

Website (coming soon)
Facebook
Dan Wood, Chair

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Friends of Shawnee & Blue Knob

Friends of Shawnee & Blue Knob is a local chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation, the official 501(c)(3) non-profit partner of Pennsylvania’s State Parks and State Forests. The Friends of Shawnee & Blue Knob supports the PPFF mission locally by developing and/or supporting programs and events that celebrate the two parks of the Shawnee State Park Complex.  We hope to encourage more people to use these wonderful local resources.

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Tony Barr, Chair

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Friends of State Line Serpentine Barrens

The Friends of the State Line Serpentine Barrens (FSLSB) serve as educators and stewards to preserve the history and ensure sustainability of the globally rare state line serpentine barrens ecosystem. The FSLSB is an independent, nonprofit volunteer organization formed and managed by local volunteers. The Friends formed to provide one centralized organization to bridge the gap between the many stakeholders involved in the State Line Serpentine Barrens.

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Christopher Hoess, Chair

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Friends of Trough Creek & Warriors Path

Add attractions like Balanced Rock, Rainbow Falls, the Great Trough Creek Gorge, and the ice mine at Trough Creek State Park to the history and heritage of Warriors Path State Park and you have a winning combination these Friends are delighted to steward.

Contact:
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Website
Diane Mansberger, Secretary

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Friends of Tuscarora & Locust Lake

Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks are less than ten miles apart, joined by Locust Creek. A family friendly atmosphere is the hallmark of these parks and the Friends invite you to join in their quest to keep them beautiful. Check out the City Bonfires product being sold by the group. Pretty cool! (Or warm!)

Contact:

Facebook
Website
Sharon Gladski, Chair

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Friends of Varden

The area currently known as Varden has been home to eight generations to the Shaffer family, beginning with John Shaffer in 1786. It is believed that John Shaffer was born in Germany in 1745. He left there as a stowaway. At the time of the American Revolution, he was living with his family in Orange County, New York and served with the Hawthorne Regiment of the Orange County Militia.

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Amy Johnson
Email Amy

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Friends of Weiser (Haldeman/Greenland Tracts)

The Friends of Weiser organized in 2010 in order to ensure the future use of forest lands through the preservation of forest trails.  The trails at Weiser State Forest are multi-use meaning most trails are open to hikers, bikers, horses, hunters and hand gliders.  The group works in cooperation with the DCNR forestry personnel who approve all project improvements. Within the Weiser State Forest are some very rugged and secluded wooded areas. These areas can be reached by the 65 miles of roads which have been constructed for wildfire suppression and administrative use.
All State Forest Lands are open to the public for hunting, fishing and general recreation.
There are two small State Forest Picnic Areas located on the Haldeman State Forest Tract in Dauphin County. These picnic areas offer a secluded place to “get away from it all.”

Contact

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Jim Theurer, Chair

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Friends of Weiser (Roaring Creek Tract)

The Friends of Weiser (Roaring Creek Tract) were formed to design, build, and maintain a system of mountain bike trails while preserving, protecting, and promoting mountain bike access to diverse audiences and to promote sustainable riding opportunities. If your happiness goes around on two wheels, this might be the group for you!

Contact:

Shawn Krehel, Chair
Facebook
Website (coming soon)

Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve

A volunteer community service organization committed to supporting Pennsylvania’s White Clay Creek Preserve through improvement/maintenance projects, educational programs and fund raising efforts. Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve (PA) was chartered by a group of concerned citizens to support the Pennsylvania portion of the White Clay Creek Preserve in March 2012, and in 2019 they launched a subcommittee, London Tract Historical Committee, to address the historical structures within the park.

In 2021, a new campaign was launched to raise a $5,000 grant match to replace a washed out bridge on the Penn-Del Trail. Help them reach their goal with a donation to the campaign for matching funds.

The Friends is a local chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping all of Pennsylvania’s state parks, forests, and preserves.

Contact

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Scotty Crowder, Chair

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Friends of Worlds End

Formed in 2018, the Friends of Worlds End State Park will work to conserve, support, and protect their little corner of Heaven Along the Loyalsock. Why not join in?

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Dave Engle, Chair

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Friends of Yellow Creek

Yellow Creek State Park,  a state park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.  The centerpiece of the 3,000-acre park is Yellow Creek Lake, which covers 720 acres and is fed by two creeks.  On the south shore is a large swimming beach, and on the north shore are several public launch and picnic areas, as well as the Boy Scout Camp Seph Mack, and a number of cabins and yurts for rent. There visitors will find the McFeater’s Cove mooring area. Fisherman pursue “smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, yellow perch, bluegill and catfish.”  There are three public boat launches, and canoes, kayaks, and pontoon boats are available to rent from the marina during the warmer months. The park is also distinguished by an extensive network hiking and 18 miles of single-track mountain bike trails. These trails are developed, mapped, and maintained by volunteers including FOYC members in collaboration with the park. A waterproof map of the trails and the lake is available at the park office and area retailers.

Contact

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Ken Sherwood, Chair

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Lackawanna State Park Trail Care Crew

The Lackawanna State Park Trail Care Crew is an affiliate partner of the Foundation. Building and improving the trails of Lackawanna State Park is their mission; with twenty-something miles already under their boots and tires, their dreams are just beginning. Want to be a part of it? Join in!

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Joe Tierney, Chair

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Laurel Mountain Volunteers

Forbes is a big state forest and the Laurel Mountain Volunteers are a big and active group of enthusiastic stewards of the forest’s recreational amenities.

There are ten recreational groups that represent hundreds of members and over 100 non group affiliated volunteers who help to maintain a trail system that covers 22,000 acres of state forest land. At the beginning of each year, representatives of the various user groups meet to identify priorities and select project goals. They schedule four work days a year, starting in April and ending in October; however, some volunteers work throughout the year.

The majority of the work days consist of resurfacing or reinforcing sections of trails worn out from use and natural erosion; but they also clear brush, perform trash and litter pickups, clean culverts and ditches, install steps on steep trail sections, and blaze trails—which keeps the group very busy!

Contact

Ed Callahan, District Forester
Telephone: 814.629.6449

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Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail/Laurel Highlands Ultra

Seventy miles is a lot of trail – with a lot of challenges in maintenance and upkeep. The Foundation is proud to provide a means for the good people of the Laurel Highlands Ultra, the LHHT Ridge Runners maintenance crew, and all lovers of this “marquee path” (thanks Backpacker magazine) to provide some of the funds that keep the trail open. Removal of the bridge that takes the trail over the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 2010 and the detours and delays that resulted in use of the Trail prompted several groups to come together in appreciation of this terrific resource. The bridge is back open again (and is a beauty well worth visiting), but the maintenance needs don’t end.

 Contact

Website
Mike Mumau, Park Manager
Telephone: 814.445.7725

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