Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
April 8, 2026

As the first state park designation since 2022, Laurel Caverns State Park is now Pennsylvania’s 125th state park.

The park was donated to the Commonwealth by the Cale family, who opened the park in 1964 and created the Laurel Caverns Conservancy in 1986 to manage its operations.

The park will reopen to the public on Earth Day (April 22).

While DCNR is fortunate to employ top-notch maintenance crews across the state—including members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps—we simply wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission and care for 2.5 million acres of state parks and forests (plus the many local parks and trails funded by DCNR grants) without a robust network of conservation volunteers.

DCNR is excited to launch a new and improved conservation volunteer website where you can find volunteer opportunities across the state, get involved, and make a difference. We’ve made major updates, and this site is far more user friendly than the previous one. I encourage you to create an account (it’s quick and easy) and sign up for a volunteer activity in a park or forest you care about. With springtime upon us, there is no shortage of volunteer events on the calendar, and it’s the perfect time to get some sunshine and fresh air. 

Pennsylvanians can replace up to three invasive trees and shrubs with native species for free through the statewide Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program. 

DCNR began operating Point State Park’s iconic fountain a month earlier than its typical annual start up.

Spring has finally arrived, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by getting outside!

Explore upcoming events happening at state parks and forests across Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps crews recently visited the Memorial Lake State Park Complex to train in carpentry, habitat restoration, trail work, small engine operation, chainsaw skills, and more as they prepared for a summer of improving Pennsylvania’s public lands!

 Josh Shapiro, Governor | Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
www.pa.gov/dcnr