Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
November 5, 2025
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A Century of the Appalachian Trail — And What It Means for Pennsylvania Communities |
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In 1925, delegates gathered in Washington, D.C., to create what would become one of America’s greatest outdoor legacies -- the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). One hundred years later, the 2,190-mile trail is a living corridor of recreation, conservation, and community connection.
The A.T. draws millions of visitors annually to the path that travels through 14 states.
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| Shapiro Administration Closes Fifth Major Trail Gap with Completion of Pine Creek Rail Trail Connection to Wellsboro |
The completion of the project connects the Pine Creek Rail Trail to Wellsboro, making it a regional trail destination.
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$882,000 Available to Help Volunteer Fire Companies Protect Rural Communities from Wildfires |
Volunteer fire companies can apply for grants through December 31.
DCNR provides training and equips fire wardens to assist wildland fire protection in communities across the Commonwealth.
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| New Delaware State Forest Resource Management Center Expands Access to Pennsylvania’s Public Lands |
A new hub for forest stewardship and community connection showcases the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ commitment to sustainable design and public access in Pennsylvania’s state forests.
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With colder temperatures arriving, it’s a good time to learn how you stay cozy while cutting costs and conserving energy this fall and winter.
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Take advantage of heat from the sun by opening curtains on the south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home; and plant deciduous trees on the south facing side of the home.
- Cover drafty windows with plastic, install insulating drapes or shades, or install window attachments to improve energy performance.
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Adjust the temperature by turning the thermostat back when you are not home or asleep; but make sure the temperature is comfortable for pets!
- Find and seal leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
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Maintain your heating systems with routine service and replacement, including cleaning and maintenance of wood and pellet burning heaters.
- Reduce heat loss from fireplaces by keeping the damper closed unless a fire is burning, checking the seal on the damper, and adding caulking around the fireplace hearth.
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Lower water costs by keeping the temperature of the water heater to the warm setting; and reduce hot water use by fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, insulating accessible hot water lines, and purchasing an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher and clothes washer. Simply wrapping a water heater blanket around your water heater can also save energy.
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As the cool autumn air settles in and winter draws near, Pennsylvania state parks become ideal spots to observe a variety of bird species finishing their migrations or preparing to stay through the colder months.
Explore some of the upcoming birding events happening at state parks:
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Visiting a park or forest during hunting season? Don't forget to wear bright orange and keep pets leashed. You can help increase your dog’s visibility with a bright orange vest, collar, or leash too.
Still Open. Still Awesome. And safe for you and your four-legged friends, too.
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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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