Get Involved

125 Years of Stewardship and Conservation

In 2018, the state parks and forests both celebrate a significant milestone. A bill signed in 1893 formed the PA Forestry Commission, tasked with the control of forest fires and to establish a forest reserve system. The system began with the purchase of 7,500 acres in Clinton County to be used to “furnish timber, protect the water supply of Young Woman’s Creek, and to provide recreation for citizens.”

Our first state Park, Valley Forge, was also established in 1893, recognizing the importance of putting aside places of cultural and natural significant for the benefit of all – recognition that we truly do live in a Commonwealth.

Celebrate this important quasquicentennial with Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, our chapters, and other great outdoor partners. On this page and our events calendar you’ll find fun ways to join in, including our campaign to add 125 new voices to our roster of supporters. Join today and put yourself on the list.

A colorful and interesting take on the 125th anniversary can be found on the website for Pennsylvania’s Conservation Heritage and the story map, “125 Years of Preservation and Investment.” Read more about Pennsylvania’s 125 years of stewardship and conservation in this downloadable fact sheet, excerpted from the Spring 2018 Penn’s Stewards newsletter. The online magazine Keystone Edge included a look at the significance of the celebration in their May 31 issue.

For more information and to take part, check out the 125th Anniversary Events on our calendar and following documents: