This October marks 25 years that the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation has been a tireless advocate for the preservation, enhancement and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s incredible outdoor spaces.

Since its founding in 1999, PPFF has become a cornerstone of conservation, volunteerism and public engagement. For 25 years, the Foundation has connected Pennsylvanians to the natural beauty and rich heritage of the state’s parks and forests.

Pictured is 8 people holding a ribbon and scissors. They are standing in front of a stand of trees on a mulched path with a new gravel path that leads to the new campsite behind them.

L to R: Park Mngr. Ken Bisbee, Sen. Pat Stefano, DCNR Dep. Sec. John Norbeck, PPFF Pres. Marci Mowery, Linda McKenna Boxx (Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation), Ann Nemanic (GO Laurel Highlands), Thursa Crouse (Rep Ryan Warner), and Bryan Perry (GAP Conservancy)

PPFF was established with a clear mission: to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s parks and forests through public engagement, education, and service. What started as a small nonprofit with a big vision has since blossomed into a vital organization that supports the needs of 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forests.

While I have been associated with PPFF for only a short amount of time, I have seen first hand the incredible work they do for our public lands. The Foundation’s work extends far beyond simply maintaining trails and facilities—PPFF actively promotes environmental education, advocates for sustainable policies and fosters community partnerships that ensure the future of our green spaces for generations to come.

dan pierce and christian alexandersen faced off over purple lizard maps

Dan Pierce and Christian Alexandersen faced off over purple lizard maps at the 2023 PPFF Annual Awards Banquet Auction

Simply put, Pennsylvania’s parks and forests could not exist in their current state without the amazing work of the PPFF. The Foundation’s efforts enhance every aspects of our one-of-a-kind public lands.

At the heart of the Foundation’s success are the passionate volunteers and donors who dedicate their time and resources to preserving Pennsylvania’s outdoor treasures. With over 45 volunteer chapters across the Commonwealth, PPFF has mobilized thousands of individuals to plant trees, remove invasive species, rebuild trails and protect habitats.

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Volunteer work at Laurel Ridge State Park.

These hands-on efforts have enhanced the natural beauty of our parks and forests while fostering a deep connection between people and the land. The Foundation’s tireless work is what helped me fall in love with our parks and forests and something that’s made me want to spend my life protecting our public lands.

You cannot chart the success of our wonderful parks and forests without acknowledging the Herculean efforts of the Foundation, it’s staff, board members, Friends groups and volunteers PPFF has played a pivotal role in numerous high-impact projects that have left a lasting mark on Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces.

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From restoring vital ecosystems to improving accessibility for visitors of all abilities, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.

PPFF is dedicated to making outdoor spaces more inclusive is evident with countless initiatives and programs that have enhanced access to miles of multi-use trails and created adaptive access for visitors with disabilities. These efforts reflect the Foundation’s belief that Pennsylvania’s parks and forests belong to everyone, and that all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, should have the opportunity to experience the joys of nature.

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A wheelchair user utilizes the new accessible transfer into and out of a kayak.

As PPFF celebrates its silver anniversary, it remains focused on the future. The challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and increasing demand for recreational spaces are real, but the Foundation is ready to tackle them head-on.

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Children participate in an educational program at a local state park where transportation was funded by PPFF.

With its committed volunteers, partners and supporters, PPFF continues to build on its legacy of stewardship while embracing innovative solutions to protect Pennsylvania’s parks and forests for future generations.

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I’m so excited that the next 25 years will bring new opportunities to expand PPFF’s mission, from promoting sustainable practices to fostering greater community engagement. PPFF is well-positioned to ensure that Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces remain thriving, resilient and accessible to everyone.

As we reflect on the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation’s remarkable achievements over the past 25 years, I invite you to celebrate this milestone by getting involved. Whether through volunteering, donating or simply exploring one of our many state parks and forests, your support will help PPFF continue its mission for the next quarter-century and beyond.

2023 08 25 Board Infrastructure Tour with others at Pine Grove Furnace SP

Board Infrastructure Tour with Community Partners at Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Congratulations to the PPFF for 25 years of conservation, community and connection to the great outdoors—and to many more years of protecting and enjoying Pennsylvania’s natural wonders.

Christian Alexandersen 2022

Written by Christian Alexandersen

Christian Alexandersen ran one mile in each of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and has been sharing his passion for public lands with us since 2021. Christian is the host of the Hemlocks to Hellbenders Podcast – which highlights our state parks, forests and great outdoors. You can listen wherever podcasts are found, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

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PPFF Celebrates 25 Years!