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Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces.

Featured Project: Outdoor Ambassador Pilot Program Helps Outdoor Professionals Connect with Visitors
a group of Outdoor Ambassadors from Pocono Forests and Waters gathers for a photo
A group of Outdoor Ambassadors from the Laurel Highlands gathers for a photo
Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway, with a $19 billion outdoor recreation industry and nearly 72 million people living within a four-hour drive.
Now, thanks to a new pilot program, outdoor professionals in two regions of the state are better equipped than ever to support visitors to Pennsylvania’s public lands.
The Outdoor Ambassador Program is a collaboration between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and Cycle Forward.
Funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, the program provides online and in-person training to professionals working in outdoor spaces and members of the hospitality industry.
For the pilot, the program focused on two of Pennsylvania’s conservation landscapes: Pocono Forests and Waters and the Laurel Highlands.
The training included both general information on interacting with visitors as well as region-specific education on area attractions.
The goal? Help visitors have more enjoyable and enriching experiences in the outdoors, including by learning about places they might not otherwise hear about.
Participants first completed an online component, then came together for three days of in-person training and site visits.
In all, about 50 people took part in the pilot course. Attendees represented the outdoor sector including state park and forest frontline workers, local outfitters and businesses, conservation district staff, and more.
Attendee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s an inspiring, hands-on initiative that connects passionate individuals to the heart of Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces,” wrote one participant. “An absolute must for anyone working in or advocating for the outdoors.”
While the pilot year of the program has concluded, those interested in taking the online portion of the training may do so for both the Laurel Highlands and Pocono Forests and Waters.

Featured Project: New Nature Center Creates Space for Outdoor Education in Franklin County
exterior of the Nature Center at Furnace Run Park
Interior of the Nature Center at Furnace Run Park
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently attended a ribbon cutting for the new Nature Center at Furnace Run Park, located in Southampton Township, Franklin County.
The nature center was built on a 226-acre parcel that the township purchased with help from a DCNR grant in 2018. After the property was acquired, Southampton Township did a Master Site Development Plan and saw the need for a nature-based space for the community.
Furnace Run Park offers something unique in the Shippensburg area. While other parks are focused on sports and playgrounds, this site provides a quieter, more natural experience.
“The Nature Center is the foundation of the park,” said Maria Misner, the project manager and a Southampton Township employee. “It is centrally located to provide parking and access to almost all the trails within the park and access to Michaux State Forest.”
The $2.62 million project was made possible through strong partnerships and a mix of local and state funding. In addition to DCNR’s $250,000 grant, the remaining funding came from a Franklin County Impact grant and Southampton Township.
DCNR grant funds came from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
The Furnace Run Park Nature Center is more than a recreation success. It’s a powerful example of how community-driven projects, supported by thoughtful funding and partnerships, can have lasting impact.

Registration Open for 2025 Urban Exchange
Registration is open for the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society 2025 Urban Exchange.
The Urban Exchange brings together regional, urban, and suburban parks and recreation professionals to address issues around the role of parks for neighborhoods and communities.
This in-person learning and networking event will take place on Monday, September 8 at the Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh.
Registration is open through Monday, September 1.

Ashley Rebert Promoted to Chief of the Community Parks and Conservation Division
Ashley Rebert and family pose outside with mountains in the background
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) congratulates Ashley Rebert on her promotion to Chief of the Community Parks and Conservation Division.
Ashley previously served as Chief of the Land Conservation and Stewardship Section, where she oversaw land acquisition grants and grant stewardship.
Ashley has worked at DCNR since 2008. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, gardening, cooking, and splashing around in the Yellow Breeches Creek.

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