Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
March 11, 2026
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Women Shaping Pennsylvania’s Forests: From Mira Lloyd Dock to Today’s Community Forestry Leaders |
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From Mira Lloyd Dock’s pioneering leadership to the work of today’s Community Forestry Specialists, women have shaped Pennsylvania’s landscapes for more than a century. Their efforts—past and present—demonstrate how conservation is strengthened by diverse voices, partnerships, and a shared belief in the power of trees to transform places and lives.
As Pennsylvania celebrates Women’s History Month, the legacy of women in forestry continues to grow across the Commonwealth’s forests, cities, communities, and beyond.
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| Pine Creek Rail Trail Selected as Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year |
The Pine Creek Rail Trail attracts more than 44,000 visitors annually, generating more than $5 million in local economic impact in support of the Commonwealth’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry.
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| More Than $900,000 Invested in 114 Pennsylvania Volunteer Fire Companies |
The funding, administered by DCNR and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, helps local fire companies purchase critical wildfire suppression equipment, protective gear, communications tools, and training.
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Every day, we withdraw groundwater from wells and springs to meet our household, agricultural, and industrial needs.
In recognition of Groundwater Awareness Week, here are a few tips from the National Ground Water Association to help protect our most valuable natural resource:
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Go native -- Use native plants in your landscape. They look great and don’t need much water or fertilizer. Also choose grass varieties for your lawn that are adapted for your region’s climate, reducing the need for extensive watering or chemical applications.
- Reduce chemical use -- Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard and make sure to dispose of them properly -- don’t dump them on the ground!
- Manage waste -- Properly dispose of potentially toxic substances like unused chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other substances. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collections or sites -- contact your county or municipality to find one near you.
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Don’t let it run -- Shut off the water when you brush your teeth or while shaving, and don’t let water run while waiting for it to get cold. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead.
- Fix the drip -- Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away or install water conserving models.
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Wash smarter -- Limit yourself to just a five-minute shower and challenge your family members to do the same! Also, make sure to only run full loads in the dish and clothes washers.
- Water wisely -- Water the lawn and plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when they truly need it. Make sure you, your family, and your neighbors obey any watering restrictions during dry periods.
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Reduce, reuse, and recycle -- Reduce the amount of “stuff” you use and reuse what you can. Recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and other materials.
- Natural alternatives -- Use all natural/nontoxic household cleaners whenever possible. Materials such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar make great cleaning products, are inexpensive, and are environmentally friendly.
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Learn and do more! -- Get involved in water education! Learn more about groundwater and share your knowledge with others.
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Spring is almost here! Experience the season at an upcoming event at your favorite state park or forest.
Here are some opportunities to learn about amphibians, migrating birds, and more:
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One of the surest signs that spring is just around the corner is the emergence of salamanders!
With recent daytime temperatures getting above 50 degrees and some steady rain, the conditions were right to spot this spotted salamander in Tuscarora Forest District.
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Josh Shapiro, Governor | Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
www.pa.gov/dcnr
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