Things to Look Forward to at Pinchot
The friend’s group at Pinchot has been and continues to work hard at keeping the park as beautiful as possible. A sample of their projects include: redoing trail markers, monthly trail care routine, replacing the floating island(s), planting a wildflower meadow, and a new bathroom at the campground.
Interested in getting involved? Some of upcoming activities include, wildflower walks, a native plant sale, vernal pool walks, and various Earth Day activities. Wildflower walks is a friend’s hosted event in which attendees will have the opportunity to observe the wildflowers the park has to offer. The vernal pool walk isan opportunity for attendees to become acquainted with the nine vernal pools located in the park. And finally, the annual native plant sale is a friend’s hosted event in which visitors can purchase native plants to support improvements in the park.
Event dates can be found on the Friends of Pinchot Facebook page or at: https://friendsofpinchot.org/volunteer%5Cevents
Friends of Pinchot volunteers installed the new Education Learning Center benches | Photo by Friends of Pinchot
Ways to Enjoy Pinchot
There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of Gifford Pinchot State Park, but if you find yourself needing some suggestions or ideas on what to do, here are some popular activities. One of the best ways to enjoy Pichot is to engage with the 340-acre lake that resides in the park. Some popular activities at the lake include; swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Some common species of fish you may see while fishing or simply enjoying the water are; Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Catfish, Carp, and several others. If the water doesn’t pique your interest, check out the multiple hiking trails with nice views, opportunities to camp, mountain biking trails, two 18-hole disc golf courses, and many good spots for a nice picnic with a beautiful view.
For more information on Gifford Pinchot State Park visit: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/GiffordPinchotStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
If you would like to get involved in one of the 40+ Friend’s Groups across the commonwealth, visit the Chapter page at https://paparksandforests.org/friends-groups/current-chapters/
Written by Garrett Leonard, PPFF Intern
Feature photo: “A group of volunteers work on staining benches for later installation at Gifford Pinchot State Park | Photo by Friends of Pinchot”