Pennsylvania has natural beauty second to none. Much of that beauty is protected in public lands set aside for every citizen to enjoy. In our 116 state parks and 2.1 million acres of forest land, visitors can experience the best of what Pennsylvania has to offer: biking along pristine streams; picnicking near tree-lined lakes; hiking through forest cathedrals; searching for birds in protected natural areas; and countless other recreational and educational adventures. Imagine being able to say that you played a role in helping enhance our bountiful natural lands.

Well, you can. Through the Conservation Volunteer program at the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), you can don your work clothes and help build a trail, plant a flower garden, teach a group of students about wildlife, or welcome visitors to "your" campground.

Pennsylvania's public lands need your help. After all, these are your lands. With your help,
Pennsylvania's state parks and state forests will continue to provide benefits for many years to come.

Conservation Volunteers can help with:

• Trails/Wildlife habitat - creating or clearing hiking trails, improving wildlife habitat, and cleaning and stabilizing stream beds.
• Interpretation/Environmental Education - interpreting the interrelationships between people and their natural, cultural and historic environments by developing programs, assisting with visitor centers, conducting guided walks, presenting interpretive programs, and outdoor programs to school groups.
• Forest Fire Prevention - assisting with Smokey Bear appearances and presenting fire prevention programs in schools.
• Technical and Engineering - designing general engineering projects, maintaining technical specifications and catalogs, and developing computer databases.
• Campground hosts - serving as a "live-in" host at a state park campground or cabin colony by greeting and assisting campers and performing light maintenance.
• Maintenance - planting trees and flowers, repairing foot bridges, improving accessibility to recreational areas, installing park signs, and performing light maintenance work.
• Research - researching and writing the history of forests, state parks and heritage parks;
  developing checklists of flora and fauna; and studies and field mapping.

How To Get Involved

Becoming a Conservation Volunteer is easy. Simply contact your local state park or district forest office and ask for the Conservation Volunteer coordinator. Call 1-888-PA-PARKS - you'll be hooked up with an interesting and appropriate project in Pennsylvania's natural resources.

Have a group? We have a project for you. Hundreds of projects throughout the state are available for groups and individuals.

Submit an application. Become of Conservation Volunteer today. Roll up your sleeves and discover the rewards of volunteering in Pennsylvania's great outdoors!