Welcome to the 2024 banquet program, our first permanent online guide to the winners of this 15th annual awards presentation.
Isn’t saving paper a prominent factor of stewardship? Pixels not paper!
First, a sincere and hearty THANK YOU to our sponsors. This event does not happen without your support!
Event Sponsors:
AWARD WINNERS
Click the “down arrow” for each award to read more about our winners.
The Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award
Honors an outstanding contribution to the protection and enhancement of Pennsylvania’s park and forest system
Awarded to The Pennsylvania Forestry Association
Sponsored by Domtar
As the oldest state organization in the US dedicated to forest ecology, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association (“PFA”) has an unmatched commitment to stewardship, education, and sustainability. After all, its first president was the Father of Pennsylvania Forestry himself!
Continuing from Joseph Rothrock’s leadership to the present day, the PFA understands that the health of Penn’s Woods is intrinsically tied to the health of all its citizens.
On the first Sunday in October 2016, the PFA joined with Penn State to promote A Walk in Penn’s Woods combining the beauty of the forest in autumn with their mission to raise awareness of and appreciation for the forested lands that provide recreational opportunities, vital wildlife and bird habitat, and outstanding economic value to the Commonwealth and her citizens.
Working with both public forest stewards and the even larger cohort of private forest landowners, the PFA continues to educate and engage people in the enjoyment and conservation of Pennsylvania’s 17 million acres of forest.
The Joseph Ibberson Government Award
Given to a person or department at any level of government; recognizes their work in the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests
Awarded to Wayne Kober
Sponsored by KCI Technologies
Wayne was a young sophomore studying forestry at Penn State McKeesport on the very first Earth Day in 1970. Inspired by the events he witnessed that day and driven by memories of childhood days spent at Pymatuning Lake, he knew there was an opportunity to truly make a difference by switching his major later that year to a fledgling discipline called “Environmental Resource Management.” ERM was designed to train the professionals with both scientific and leadership skills necessary to overcome the environmental challenges embodied by Earth Day.
Well versed in that philosophy, a long career at the Department of Transportation followed Wayne’s graduation where the need to marry ever-growing transportation needs to a commitment to environmental stewardship was his guiding principle. He learned from best throughout his career from Maurice Goddard to Franklin Kury, Wayne listened, learned, and put their wisdom into practice.
Ten years more as a private consultant in the field was matched with a stint as President of the PA Association of Environmental Professionals. Eventually, his leadership in the PA Conservation Heritage Project – formed to answer the important question “Where will we find our future conservation leaders?” – means a continued ability to educate the public on conservation. We salute his role in creation of the Forest Heritage Museum at Caledonia State Park and designation of the James C. Nelson Wild Area (and work-in-progress Nelson Trail) at Tuscarora State Forest.
The Chair's Award
Recognizes outstanding citizens or businesses who made a special impact through innovation and creativity
Awarded to Barbara Barksdale
Sponsored by REI
How often does an individual’s desire to protect something of her family’s past turn into a larger movement? Such is the case with award winner Barbara Barksdale. We encourage everyone to read the blog post authored by PPFF’s Conservation Heritage intern, Martha Moon, on our News page for the full story. Here, suffice to say that Barbara’s passion for preserving the memory of her ancestors at Harrisburg’s Midland Cemetery has turned her into renowned leader in the historic preservation of cemeteries where Black Americans are interred across Pennsylvania.
The cemetery, already experiencing the effects of overgrowth and neglect, fell into disrepair until the early 1990s when Barbara and her young son first visited. By that time, Midland Cemetery was heavily wooded with overgrowth and many gravestones had shifted, were broken, or buried. Barbara founded the Friends of Midland in 1993 and has been ensuring its restoration and continued preservation since then. She celebrated its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in March 2023.
As Martha writes, “Historic preservation of sites such as the Midland Cemetery goes hand in hand with Pennsylvania’s conservation of land resources and the state’s rich cultural past tied to land utilization. Barbara’s work has been a template for national and international initiatives in historic cemetery preservation. She is a proponent of thorough and detailed documentation of such sites as to not be lost through human intervention or environmental factors, the legacy of the land is preserved. Not only should we value our natural resources and the land they lay on for what they are now, but their historical value too.”
The President's Award
Recognizes outstanding citizens or businesses who made an impact in protecting open space, conservation, outdoor recreation, or volunteerism
Awarded to Purple Lizard Maps
Sponsored by Stahl-Sheaffer Engineering
Outdoor enthusiasts across Pennsylvania (Virginia and West Virginia, too) know that if they need a reliable resource for locating the perfect trail all they have to do is follow the purple lizard. Boasting a comprehensive set of beautifully designed and executed all-weather maps and a companion digital app for use on the go, Purple Lizard products are fun to use and highly detailed.
Because the Lizards are also users of the places and activities featured in their maps, they also offer an engaging social media presence and a bit of expertise and a sense of shared secrets alongside the great tool. And, as a long-time supporter of 1% for the Planet, there’s a demonstrated commitment to sustainability.
All of which make PLM a great partner for recreation and conservation.
Park of the Year
Recognizes a park for exemplary or innovative work in customer service; education, programming, or recreation; stewardship of the natural, cultural, or historic assets; and/or accommodation of needs of visitors
Awarded to Neshaminy State Park
Sponsored by
Neshaminy is very popular with the residents of southeast Pennsylvania, resulting in a rich diversity of park users and always a lot going on!
High attendance means capacity is reached multiple times each summer. Aging infrastructure, including a popular but problematic swimming pool, causes extra work. The maintenance crew works to stay ahead of fussy equipment and clean up; rangers are on their toes with traffic and crowd control; support staff works to keep smiles on visitor faces even when closures are required.
In spite of these significant challenges, this small number of hands consistently creates a welcoming and safe atmosphere for these many visitors, drawing people back time and again.
Forest of the Year
Recognizes a forest district for their innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and in providing opportunities for healthful, low-density recreation compatible with the integrity of forest ecosystems; customer service; and the effective use of volunteers
Awarded to William Penn State Forest
Sponsored by
Pennsylvania’s most urban forest district is home to strikingly diverse habitats. Goat Hill Wild Plant Sanctuary is the most ecologically significant tract within the entire State Forest system with two globally rare plants, 19 state-listed plants, two PA Endangered reptiles, and 14 state-listed insect species. If this parcel were the Forest’s only priority, the specialized skills needed would be task enough. But staff also stewards Little Tinicum Island in the Delaware, cares for several undeveloped forested parcels such as Gibraltar Hill, and works constantly to connect the culturally diverse citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania to their neighborhood public lands.
Volunteer Awards
Recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts for a special project for a state park or forest
Individual: Awarded to Margarita Caicedo
Sponsored by The Organic Snack Company/Kate’s Real Food
PPFF’s first Latina ambassador has worked tirelessly since coming on board to connect the Spanish-speaking community to Pennsylvania’s public lands. Margarita volunteers monthly on Spanish language radio programs focused on the outdoors, has spoken through webinars and media appearances on the important connections between the outdoors and health, and rarely turns down a request to attend an outdoor event to share her personal story of learning the value of being outdoors to her own life. She forges connections through the truth of her own experiences and the force of her own personality.
Awarded to Lackawanna State Park Trail Care Crew
Co-Sponsored by Art Communication Systems / Mountain Graphics
As the name implies, the LSPTCC is all about the trail system at Lackawanna. The 26 miles of existing trail (and adjoining lands of the Countryside Conservancy) are improved and restored through their efforts with comprehensive long-term plans for expanding the system. The Crew have purchased mowers, blowers, saws, and other tools and are experts in the trail construction arena. Heavy rains in December tried to wash out a bridge restored only hours before. It held then and remains in place even following this spring’s additional heavy rains.
Education Awards
Recognizes the planning and initiation of an outstanding program or ongoing event in a state park or forest
Individual: Awarded to Mike Teeter
Sponsored by Lawrence Walsh / The Parker House of Confluence
Is there a big event coming up? A chance to reach hundreds, if not thousands, of outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, beer lovers? If so, Mike (and his family) hop in the car, take PPFF materials and the Big Prize Wheel, and devote all needed hours to sharing his untiring enthusiasm for Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests. He sits in the hot sun, huddles under the tent in steady rain, and always offers a welcome to all who happen by. He helps thank PPFF donors by telephone, and is ever looking to share stories of how to create a well-lived life outdoors.
Group: Awarded to French & Indian War Encampment Officers’ Corps
Sponsored by Seneca Resources
2024 marks the 20th year of the Cook Forest French & Indian War Encampment, arguably the finest living history event in the PA State Park system, and the Officers’ Corps is the event’s key coordinating group. The event resembles a military operation drawing 200-300 high quality re-enactors portraying French, British, Colonial, and Woodland Indians. Most live hours away, but like the 6,000 to 8,000 visitors who attend annually they wouldn’t miss it. Cumulatively they often surpass 4,800 volunteer hours in creating outdoor connections to our historical and cultural resources drawing the public into an often-overlooked part of history that played a large role in forming our country.
Improvement Awards
Recognizes an effort which has resulted in the physical improvement of facilities
Individual: Awarded to Gary Kirk
Sponsored by The Asimos Family
For many years while the state budget was limited for maintenance staff at the Preserve Gary was the primary caretaker of the Preserve itself. He has spent countless hours clearing downed trees, maintaining sapling fields, creating signage, mowing trails, clearing drainage paths, leveling trails, and building trail bridges. He inspires others to join him in maintaining the trails, enforcing team safety protocols, and rewarding hard work with an annual pizza party. His community spirit, dedication, and character are superlative, and the Preserve would suffer without his leadership and sweat equity.
Group: Awarded to Friends of Michaux
Sponsored by an Anonymous Benefactor (thank you)
Hiking, mountain biking, climbing paddling, horses, ATVs—all modes of recreation can be enjoyed in the Michaux State Forest, and the Friends boast an equally impressive array of partnerships and volunteerism opportunities directed to each of these opportunities including an individually-focused trail stewardship program. Their trailer full of tools can be seen out with everyone from the South Central PA Climbers to the Susquehanna Area Mountain Bikers Association ensure a place for every volunteer and trail user in the Michaux.
Young Volunteer Award
Recognizes a significant contribution to a park or forest by a person under the age of 25 through volunteer hours, a significant project, an innovative idea, or more
Awarded to Hung Pham
Sponsored by Color & Culture
A junior at Susquehanna Township High School, Hung is a founding member of the Hiking and the Environment club started in Spring 2022. In addition to leading recycling efforts at the school, Hung created flyers and videos to advertise the new club and helped develop a list where the group could hike. His efforts grew the club from a few walkers every Monday to two vans of students visiting state parks and forests, finishing 2023 with a Ricketts Glen trip. Most students in the club had never been in the woods before and now they plan a group camping trip to Worlds End!