Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
September 9, 2026
|
|
|
|
Closing Trail Gaps to Strengthen Pennsylvania’s Trail Network |
|
|
|
September is Trails Month in Pennsylvania, a time to celebrate the thousands of miles of trails that connect our communities, parks, and forests. It is also an opportunity to highlight the important work happening statewide to close trail gaps and strengthen the Commonwealth’s growing trail network.
Trail gaps are short missing segments between completed sections of trail. They can be places where a route stops abruptly, becomes unsafe or inaccessible, or fails to connect communities, parks, or forest lands. Closing these gaps is one of the most effective ways to improve Pennsylvania’s trail system, making it safer, more connected, and easier for residents and visitors to enjoy.
|
|
|
|
| DCNR Honors Rangers, Civilian Who Helped Save Mountain Biker’s Life at Swatara State Park |
DCNR Ranger Ellen Secor and Ranger Emily McCoy, along with civilian Sean Nam, each received Secretarial Citations acknowledging their quick action during a cardiac emergency that helped save a fellow park visitor’s life.
|
|
|
|
| New $7.5 Million Visitor Center Dedicated at Marsh Creek State Park |
The new visitor center showcases the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ commitment to sustainable design and public access on the Commonwealth’s public lands.
|
|
|
|
|
Old Stone House Transferred to DCNR, Jennings Environmental Education Center in Butler County |
The Old Stone House, a reconstructed 1820s-era tavern turned museum and Butler County landmark in Brady Township, is now under the management of Jennings Environmental Education Center and will open to the public after necessary renovations.
|
|
|
|
Trails Month, much like every other month, is a great time to value and appreciate Pennsylvania’s many trails.
By taking the time to practice responsible outdoor ethics, we can ensure that Pennsylvania's trail systems remain premier outdoor recreation destinations for generations to come.
Practice these Leave No Trace principles while enjoying the trails:
|
- Plan ahead and prepare -- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you visit and prepare for extreme weather.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces -- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. Good campsites are found, not made.
-
Dispose of waste properly -- Pack it in, pack it out. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
- Leave what you find -- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
-
Minimize campfire impacts -- Use a lightweight stove for cooking. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Respect wildlife -- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
-
Be considerate of other visitors -- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
|
|
|
|
With more than 14,000 miles of trails of all types in the Commonwealth, there's no better way to celebrate Trails Month than by exploring the trails at your favorite state parks and forests!
Check out some upcoming events to help you explore your (next) favorite trail:
|
|
|
|
Mark your calendars! Walk In Penn’s Woods events are happening on Sunday, October 4!
Join DCNR forestry staff for guided hikes and learn more about the history, land use, trees, plants, and animals that shape Pennsylvania’s forests.
Learn more or find a hike near you on our calendar of events.
|
|
|
| Josh Shapiro, Governor | Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
www.pa.gov/dcnr
|
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
400 Market St. | Harrisburg, PA 17105 US
|
|
|
|
This email was sent to dhess@paenvironmentnews.com.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
|
| |
|
|
