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.
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:
125th Anniversary Fun and Action
- 125 Facts About State Parks and Forests
- Ways to Celebrate the Quasiquicentennial
- Activities for Car, Camp, or Classroom (for the Young and Young at Heart)
- Having a get together? Five different sets of double-sided trivia cards (duplicated six times on a page) will challenge your guests! (Set 1, Set 2, Set 3, Set 4, Set 5)
- Take Action on Behalf of Your State Parks and Forests
- Sample Email or Letter to Legislator in Support of Parks and Forests (.pdf or Word document)
- Phone Script with Legislator in Support of Parks and Forests (.pdf or Word document)
Promotional Materials
- Promotional poster (send to website for more info)
- Logo (.jpg)
- Press Release Template (.pdf or Word document)
- Press Release Template for PPFF Chapters (.pdf or Word document)
- Handbook for PPFF Chapters