Camp Hill, PA –The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the only non-profit whose mission is Pennsylvania’s state parks and forest, recognized the outstanding service, programs, and exemplary work being done in state parks and forests with the announcement of its 2017 award winners.
“To be able to recognize this dedication and to thank those involved for their hard work at our annual banquet is a yearly highlight for us,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “We applaud the dedication of both staff and volunteers in making our park and forest system one of the best in the nation.”
This year’s winners will be honored at the 11th annual banquet on Wednesday May 10, 2017 at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill. Sponsorships for awards are still available. For more information and to register for the awards banquet go to PPFF’s website at paparksandforests.org
Award Winners:
Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Paul Felton
This top honor recognizes an outstanding contribution to the protection and/or enhancement to the park and forest system in Pennsylvania.
President’s Award: The Graffiti Busters
This award recognizes outstanding citizens or businesses that have made an impact in protecting open space, conservation, outdoor recreation, or volunteerism.
Joe Ibberson Government Award: Maryann Haladay-Bierly
This award is given to a person or department at any level of government to recognize their work in the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state park and forest system.
Park of the Year: Shawnee State Park
This award recognizes a park for exemplary or innovative work in customer service, education, programming, recreation, stewardship of the natural, cultural, or historic assets, and/or accommodation of special needs of visitors.
Forest of the Year: Weiser State Forest
This award recognizes a forest district for innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and recreation.
Improvement Award: Boy Scout Troop 345
This award goes to an individual or group who has completed capital improvement projects that benefited the park or forest, and/or users, provided ongoing maintenance or improvements to trails, buildings, etc. or innovatively protected the natural or cultural heritage of the park or forest.
Education Award: Friends of Mount Pisgah
This award recognizes a group or individual who provides ongoing educational support or programming, provides a stewardship message through events and programs, and/or organizes events that support a park and/or gateway community.
Volunteerism Award: Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve
This award recognizes a volunteer who is actively engaged in a wide range of projects, having logged a significant number of hours in a park or forest, or has developed an innovative volunteer program.
Young Volunteer Award: Katie Gustafson, Chapman State Park
This award is designed to show appreciation of a significant contribution to a park or forest by a person under the age of 25.