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Recreation for all.

Featured Project: Clarion County Park Opens New Inclusive Playground
play equipment at Clarion County Park
more play equipment at Clarion County Park
Clarion County Park in Paint Township has a new inclusive playground thanks in part to a DCNR grant.
“This new playground is all inclusive to help better serve the needs of children within the community,” said Clarion County Commissioner Wayne Brosius.
This is the first DCNR-funded inclusive playground built in Clarion County. Funding came from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
Alongside the new playground, DCNR helped the county add a pavilion, fencing, and ADA access.
Funding projects that rehabilitate existing parks and improve access for all, especially inclusive playgrounds, are high priorities for DCNR. Clarion County’s new playground will provide its users with a sense of inclusion, belonging, empathy, and acceptance, no matter their ability.

Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week Event Registration Open

Public land managers: are you looking to expand your list of supporters, volunteers, members, patrons, and stewards?
Then consider hosting an event as part of Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week.
Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week is a statewide initiative to strengthen volunteer activities, engage visitors, and raise awareness of stewardship of cultural and natural resources.
This year’s Healthy Lands Week runs from Saturday, September 28 through Sunday, October 6.
Events can be anything that gets people out to experience Pennsylvania’s resources. Stewardship is the core purpose, but events can offer any opportunity that helps people appreciate Pennsylvania’s outdoors.
Add your event to the Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week calendar so it can be included in promotional efforts.

Featured Project: Pendle Hill Hosts Educational Event on Sustainable Practices
People gather for an educational event at Pendle Hill
Pendle Hill, a Quaker retreat and conference center in Wallingford, recently held a free nature walk as part of its DCNR grant-funded activities.
A recipient of DCNR’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, Pendle Hill’s funding supports the removal of hazardous, invasive trees and replanting with native species. They hosted the nature walk as an educational component of that work.
More than 50 nature enthusiasts participated, some from as far away as Doylestown and New Jersey. Attendees learned about Pendle Hill’s arboretum and sustainable practices.
Friends’ Central Science Teacher and Researcher John Gruber led the walk along with Pendle Hill staff member and arborist Lloyd Guindon.
“We were delighted to invite new friends and neighbors into our learning ecosystem,” said Frances Kreimer, Pendle Hill’s Director of Education. “We are so glad to have the resources to host these events for the community.”
A winter walk is planned for February. Visit the Pendle Hill website for more information about its programs.

DCNR Wishes Drew Gilchrist Happy Retirement!
Drew Gilchrist portrait
On August 23, Drew Gilchrist will retire from DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation after 12 years of service.
Drew first began his career as a preserve manager for Natural Lands. In DCNR, he has served as a regional advisor in southeast Pennsylvania, especially Chester and Montgomery counties.
Drew has worked on many recreation and conservation projects through the years and helped protect countless acres of land.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation,” Drew said. “One of the highlights of my career as an advisor was meeting the clients for the first time, taking a spark of an idea and helping grow it into a successful project.”
Drew has been an integral part of the bureau’s regional services team. He is an exceptional mentor and collaborator to staff and partners alike.
We thank Drew for all his hard work and dedication, and we wish him a happy and long retirement!

Regional Advisor Map Updated
The DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation has updated its regional advisor map to reflect recent staff changes. Be sure to check out the map for the latest contact information.
In the southeast, those in Montgomery and Chester counties should now contact Danielle Guttman. Those in northwest counties should temporarily contact Adam Mattis as we work to fill a vacancy.
DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation regional advisor contact information map

Tara DeVore Joins Bureau of Recreation and Conservation

Tara DeVore portrait
The DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation welcomes Tara DeVore to the Community Parks and Recreation Section.
Tara previously worked as a state park manager at Bald Eagle State Park. She also held positions at Moraine State Park and Delaware Canal State Park. She has a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Penn State.
Tara is a dog mom to Greta, an almost 4-year-old Australian Shepard. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, kayaking, biking, traveling, and sailing.

Dates to Remember
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Infographic promoting open registration for DCNR's annual grant workshop
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