PENN’S STEWARDS

News from the Parks and Forests Foundation

The Legacy of Pennsylvania’s Pyramids Fall 2006 hen visitors come today to a State Park like Greenwood piedmont region surrounding his colony of Philadelphia, and with W Furnace, they find an environment lush with green, the air lush forests and vast mineral wealth that would propel his “Holy scented with the smell of pine trees, and a myriad of animals and Experiment” to an industrial titan. plants. Many believe they are in a land untouched by the industrial press of the 19th century. Everywhere else, they may have heard, Early settlers found rich iron ore deposits in Pennsylvania, but did the land was stripped and plundered, but here is a “pristine island not immediately exploit them. It wouldn’t be until 1716, that Tho- of wilderness” that somehow escaped that destruction. But as visi- mas Rutter built the first forge about 40 miles from Philadelphia, tors walk around, they see old stone structures and odd-looking along the . Four years later, he erected Pennsyl- glassy rocks, and that stone pyramid…what’s that all about? vania’s first blast furnace, the Colebrookdale Furnace, a short dis- tance away. Both works were located in what today is Berks Others come, curious about that stone pyra- County. Soon, ironworks were being estab- mid—tucked away in a corner of the Green- lished throughout Pennsylvania and other wood Furnace State Park. They may have had colonies, much to the dismay of the English a grandparent who brought them as a child, Ironmasters. The English wanted the colonies and told them of when they lived here. Lived to supply raw material to their ironworks in here? In a state park? You mean this was once England, and then for the American colonists a town? to purchase their finished products. But the colonists wanted no part of that. In a sense, both types of visitors are curious about a forgotten chapter in the history of By the time of the American Revolution, Pennsylvania, when these stone “pyramids”— Pennsylvania had a thriving iron industry, iron furnaces—belched fire and smoke, when numbering over 70 furnaces and forges. But the forests surrounding them were stripped the furnaces were tied to the land. For a fur- and gone, and when out of this seemingly nace or forge to operate successfully, it had wanton environmental destruction, the seeds to be near its raw materials. A furnace of forest conservation were sown. It is the needed several thousand acres of forested story of an industry that was dependent on the One of “Pennsylvania’s Pyramids”—all that remains land within close proximity to the furnace. forests, so much so, that they developed meth- of stack #2 charcoal furnace at Greenwood Furnace The same went for iron ore and limestone. State Park. Photo: Greenwood Furnace State Park ods to sustain and re-grow that forest, not for Forges had to be near furnaces, to process the reasons we seek today, but for their own economic survival. the bars of pig iron into bars, which were then sent to nearby rolling That industry was charcoal iron, and it was king in Pennsylvania and slitting mills. for over a century and a half. As new settlers pushed ever westward, ironworks naturally fol- Pennsylvania Iron Beginnings lowed them. By 1762, the industry had jumped the . It paused briefly during the struggle for independence before Ironmaking in the New World did not begin in Pennsylvania. In exploding, so that by 1800 more than 90 additional ironworks had fact, it would be almost a century after the first ironworks in the been built as far west as Pittsburgh. colonies before the industry began here. The first furnace in Amer- ica was in Falling Creek, Virginia in 1619. Shortly after the furnace began producing iron, the works were attacked and destroyed dur- The Juniata Iron Region ing the Powhatan uprising in 1622. Twenty-four years later, the In the late 1760s, reports of high quality iron ores in the Juniata Saugus ironworks was built near Boston. It became the first com- River basin filtered back to the eastern ironmasters. In 1767, the mercially successful ironworks in the American Colonies. Other Juniata Iron Company formed and did an extensive survey of the works were soon built, and a small but thriving iron industry valley, and reported that all the ingredients necessary for iron pro- greeted the 18th century. duction were present. But plans for utilizing them were put on hold by the coming war. It would not be until 1786 that the first furnace William Penn was an entrepreneur with vision, and was blessed – Bedford – was built in the valley at present-day Orbisonia, in with perhaps the best spot along much of the Atlantic coastline for —Continued on Page 6 a deep-sea port. He was also blessed with rich farmland in the Page 2 From the President—Marci Mowery

utumn, a time when Over 20,000 visitors stopped by our exhibit President A nature begins her and children received an educational coloring preparation for the winter book. (Visitors can look for us the Expo again Marci Mowery that lay ahead. Pennsyl- in March 2007.) We launched our state park

vania is a beautiful place tag program—a commemorative pin that fea- Board of Directors to be during all seasons, tures artwork by David Lenker of the Pine but I am especially fond Grove Iron Furnace. These tags are now avail- Chair of autumn, with its soft able at parks across the Commonwealth. A Linda McKenna Boxx evening light, the Harvest special edition tag of the PA Wilds was un- Chairman, Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation Moon, and the palette of colors on the land- veiled in August, see related story in this news- scape—orange, yellow, red and green. letter (pg. 7). Vice Chair Hank Barnette As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, PPFF partnered with the Keystone Trails Asso- Chairman Emeritus, Bethlehem Steel autumn is also a time for reflection. I want ciation to cosponsor two weekends. to take a few minutes to share with you some Hikers, both young and old, collectively logged Secretary reflections from the past year. in hundreds of miles while learning about for- Brian Clark est ecosystems, forest history, and witnessing Buchanan Ingersol Like a well-watered tree, the number of chap- the beauty of our natural areas in Pennsylvania. Treasurer ters that make up PPFF have grown from eight Evening presentations at both events were both to sixteen groups. These chapters, or friends Robert Griffith lively and educational. Look for these week- groups, provide an amazing service to the parks ends, and more, to be repeated next summer. Director, PA Recreation and Park Society and forests that they represent. They have hosted numerous events attracting thousands of Partnerships are important to PPFF and we Peter S. Duncan people and engaging them in outdoor recrea- worked with other conservation organization to Former Secretary, PA DER tion, education, and the arts; purchased needed bring Walkin’ Jim Stoltz to central Pennsyl- William C. Forrey equipment for educational programming; and vania to celebrate, through a multi-media pres- RBA Group made improvements to trails, gardens, and entation, all that is wild in America.

Bruce Heggenstaller buildings. They also tackled some daunting V.P. of Operations, Woolrich, Inc. projects, such as the Greenwood Furnace pavil- As we move ahead, I would like to offer a ion you can read about in this newsletter (pg. 4- heartfelt thank you to you, our supporters, and Wendy McLean to the individuals who are giving their time and Lentz Law 5). I commend these volunteers and am thankful for the work that they do to make Pennsylvania energy in our parks and forests—the friends Raphael J. Musto a better place to live. groups, the volunteers, and the staff. I also State Senator, 14th District want to thank Paul Fagley for being our guest

As a tree grows, it also becomes more visible. writer for this edition of Penn’s Stewards. Tom Norris Former CEO of PH Glatfelter The Foundation’s visibility continues to expand, Have a wonderful fall and winter season. as readers and supporters log onto our website Michael Nutter (www.PaParksAndForests.org), read our news- Philadelphia City Councilman Yours in the outdoors—— letter, or pick up our literature at an event or Marci Mowery John C. Oliver, III kiosk. We were a co-sponsor (along with Former Secretary, PA DCNR DCNR) of the 2006 Garden Expo in Harrisburg.

Rob Wonderling State Senator, 24th District

Ex-Officio Thank You Cliff Jones Michael DiBerardinis Secretary, PA DCNR Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is

The newsletter is published by the announcing the establishment of a land acquisi- PA Parks & Forests Foundation. tion fund in honor of former board member To be added to the mailing list, or Cliff Jones. As a founding member of PPFF, to comment, contact Marci Mowery Cliff advocated strongly for the protection of at [email protected]. land near state parks and forests and orches- trated several key acquisitions. Cliff retired Editing, layout, writing and design: Ellen Zeph—[email protected] from the board this year and we fellow board members wished to recognize his invaluable PA Parks and Forests service in a way meaningful to him. Foundation 105 N. Front Street, #305 Cliff’s strong and steady hand helped shape Harrisburg, PA 17101 PPFF through its formative stage. As its first (717)236-7644 chairman, I looked to Cliff often for advice and www.PaParksAndForests.org Cliff Jones helped found the —Continued on Page 3 PA Parks and Forests Foundation President’s Picks Page 3

The President’s Picks column features a place or groups is located. For more information, visit point of interest you may want to explore. the website: www.atatrail.org President’s Pick—Recipe s summer turns to fall, my thoughts turn to Venison Stew A bicycling. While there are many opportuni- ties for all types of bicycling in our park and 3 pounds of venison in bite-sized cubes forest system, as well as bicycle touring between 4 T flour locations, one of my more frequently traveled 2 t seasoned salt (I like McCormick’s “Season All”) paths is on the Great Allegheny Passage, a net- 6-8 T butter 2 c burgundy work of seven connected rails-to-trails located in ½ c dry white wine southwestern Pennsylvania. 2 c beef bouillon 6 carrots, sliced Here is a brief quote taken from the book “A 6 stalks of celery, with leaves Passage Through Time and Mountains,” pub- 2 medium onions, chopped lished by the Allegheny Trail Association in 2 cloves of garlic, pressed 2002: 3-4 bay leaves “The Passage has witnessed the evolution of 2 T snipped parsley transportation, from footpaths and canals to rail- ½ t chives Bicyclists enjoy the early fall roads and superhighways, and the region's trans- ¼ t thyme at formation from pristine forests to bare hills and salt and pepper to taste Photo: Bill Metzger blazing industrial sites to once again clean ½ cup barley, optional 1 pound of mushrooms, sliced streams and new forests. 2-3 medium potatoes, diced

1 c sour cream “The Great Allegheny Passage crosses the Ma- 2 t paprika son Dixon Line and the Eastern Continental Di- vide and cuts through spectacular water gaps and In a paper bag, shake together venison, flour and gorges. It passes the sites of long-cold iron fur- seasoned salt until venison is coated (I find it best naces and coke ovens and an active steel mill, of to do in small batches). Melt butter in Dutch oven over medium heat; brown venison in small batches worked-out coal mines and working dairy farms. until all is browned. Don’t overcook. Add Bur- This abandoned railroad corridor invites travel gundy, white wine, and bouillon; bring to a slow on gentle grades, sweeping curves and viaducts, boil. Add carrots, celery, onions, garlic, bay bridges and tunnels that take you through the leaves, parsley, chives, thyme, salt and pepper and mountains, not over them.” barley. Cover and simmer for one hour. Add mushrooms and potatoes and simmer 20 minutes Ohiopyle Low Bridge, rebuilt by DCNR in This 125 mile trail currently runs from Boston more, until potatoes are tender. Stir in sour cream 2000 to replace the old railroad bridge (near McKeesport, Pennsylvania) to Frostburg, and paprika; simmer ten more minutes. The stew Photo: Bill Metzger Maryland. The crushed limestone surface makes can be made ahead and reheated. Serves 8-10. for easy navigation for both hikers and bicy- Adapted from the Pennsylvania Game Cookbook clists. Some portions of the trail are open to equestrians. Soon, the trail will link from Pitts- Have a good camping or backpacking recipe to burgh to Cumberland Maryland, where it will share? If you do, send it our way and we’ll link with the 184.5-mile C & O Canal. The Great include it in a future newsletter. Email: Allegheny Passage passes through Ohiopyle [email protected] State Park, where one of our newest friends Cliff Jones—continued from page 2 Clifford L. Jones Land assurance, knowing his sincere interest in making ment and retired as President of the Pennsyl- Acquisition Fund sure this fledgling organization achieved success. vania Chamber of Business and Industry. We thank Cliff for his service and wish him Contributions to the fund may be well. Cliff brought to the board a long history of ser- sent to the Pennsylvania Parks and vice, leadership and accomplishment, both to the —Linda McKenna Boxx Forests Foundation: Commonwealth and the environment. He served Chairman, PPFF six Governors in cabinet positions as Secretary of PPFF Commerce, Secretary of Labor and Industry, and 105 North Front Street Secretary of Environmental Resources. He also Suite 305 served as Chairman and member of the Pennsyl- Harrisburg, PA 17101 vania Public Utility Commission. He was Presi- dent of Pennsylvanian’s for Effective Govern- Page 4 Friends of Greenwood Furnace s PPFF chapters go, the Friends of of the region. Their interest leans towards A Greenwood Furnace are an unusual the rich culture and history that existed dur- Greenwood Furnace group. They don’t just volunteer their time ing the heyday of this iron-making region to help with one park—they help with three! and one of their goals is to bring that to life State Park Greenwood Furnace, along with Whipple through historical and cultural programs. Dam and Penn Roosevelt State Park form Located in northeastern Huntingdon one “complex”—meaning they are in close You Can Go Home Again County, Greenwood Furnace State proximity to each other and under the direc- Park encompasses 423 acres of beauti- tion of one Park Manager, Dan Bickel. In 1921, former residents of Greenwood Fur- ful rugged terrain, surrounded by nace returned to the land they once called 80,000 acres of the Rothrock State Dan, the Park Manager since 2004, knows home for an Old Home Days festival. Now, Forest. the value of having a Old Home Days friends group. Last is a two-day heri- year, Friends of tage festival join- Greenwood Furnace ing living history logged over 3300 programs with hours volunteering historic craft their time to support demonstrations the park’s various and live music to activities and pro- showcase what grams. That’s a lot of life would have time for a relatively been like back in small group whose the days of iron biggest challenge is making. The The dam on Greenwood Lake against a brilliant finding additional friends help or- fall foliage display ganize the August Photo: Greenwood Furnace State Park volunteers from the event that attracts sparsely populated Storyteller Jack Graham at Old Home Days heritage festival area. Photo: Greenwood Furnace State Park more than 2000 From 1834-1904, Greenwood Furnace visitors each year. was the site of a bustling iron-making Formed in 2001, Friends of Greenwood Fur- community. Today, visitors can take a nace grew out of the park’s community citi- Drawing on Community Resources walking tour of the now historic site zen advisory board, know as the “focus and see the remnants of just a few of group.” According to chapter spokesperson A creative partnership was formed when the the 127 buildings that grew up around Denson Groenendaal, forming a friends Friends teamed up with Huntingdon County the Greenwood charcoal furnaces. A group was an idea “whose time had come.” Arts Council for a program focusing on the blacksmith and wagon shop, grist mill, Initially, the group advised the park on its various folk arts from days gone by. The Art company store and meat house, along plans and initiatives. But the group evolved in the Park series brings authentic historic with several other buildings, are all as they began to see that they could play a crafts and musicians that were once practiced that remain of the village that thrived larger role in helping to enhance the park locally, back to the park. Funded through there for 70 years. through additional programs and projects. state and federal grants and private dona- They decided to become a chapter of the tions, local artisans and musicians come to The National Park Service designated Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation the park every weekend from May through the site as a Historic District in 1989. in 2003, allowing the group to raise funds to September to demonstrate their skills. In 1995 it was designated a Historic support the park. Landmark in recognition of the supe- Vision for the Future rior quality of iron that was produced Gone, But Not Forgotten With a new and large pavilion (see story on at Greenwood Furnaces, forever mark- pg. 5), the Friends are thinking about what’s ing the important role that Greenwood An area rich in history, Greenwood Furnace next. Along with continuing the Art in the iron played in the westward expansion State Park was the site of the Greenwood Park series, they’ve tossed around the idea of of our railroad system. Iron Furnaces and a thriving village that grew up around it for 70 years (1834-1904). establishing a folk art center at the park

Described as “a village that grew up around where classes would be held utilizing local Visitors can enjoy swimming or fish- an inferno,” the memory of this once bustling artisans. The park also needs a new amphi- ing on the six-acre Greenwood Lake, community is kept alive through the many theater and band shell to replace one that had created during the heyday of the iron- educational and interpretative programs that to be demolished recently due to its poor making community, or take in the are offered to the public. condition. many beautiful vistas while hiking along the miles of trails that traverse That’s where the Friends come in. In addi- The Friends of Greenwood State Park have the park and adjacent Rothrock State tion to maintaining trails, staffing the visitor certainly shown that a small group with en- Forest. There are ample opportunities center and gift shop, and selling firewood and ergy, creativity, and a grand vision can make for wildlife viewing including Wild ice during the camping season, they assist the exciting things happen in their favorite park. —Continued in box on page 5 park in producing programs which highlight —Continued on Page 5 the local traditions, history and craftsmanship Friends of Greenwood Furnace—continued Page 5

the Millers adopted the project of reassem- Everything Old Can Be New Again Greenwood Furnace State Park, cont. bling the pavilion this past spring. The Miller

hat do you do with large pavilion slated family has been holding annual family reun- Turkey, white-tailed deer, Ruffed W for demolition? Well, if you are the ions at Greenwood State Park since 1946 and Friends of Greenwood Furnace, you move it to Grouse and other small game. the park! Next time you visit Greenwood For bird watchers, ducks, herons and Furnace, you will see a large pavilion that Osprey are known to frequent the hasn’t been there very long. It was essentially lake.

“recycled” with the help of the Friends. For those planning an extended stay, there are 51 tent and trailer campsites Denson Groenendaal, spokesperson for the within the park (most with electricity), Friends, says it was evident for quite some picnic tables and eight picnic pavil- time that the park needed a large pavilion that ions available for gatherings. The would hold 100 or more people. The question beach and beach building at Green- was, how could they help achieve that goal? wood Lake both have handicap Denson, a historic preservation consultant, had accessibility as do a number of the helped park manager Dan Bickel with site Pavilion ribbon-cutting August 5, 2006. Pictured from pavilions. left to right: Gary Smith, Regional Park Manager; selection and preliminary plans for the pavil- Denson Groenendaal, Friends Group spokesperson; ion. He stumbled upon the pavilion while Terry Miller (with scissors); Dan Bickel, Park Manager; While you are there, stop in at the searching for potential corporate donors for and Daryl Shrine, Park Maintenance Supervisor Visitor Center to see exhibits about the project. Photo: Greenwood Furnace State Park the historical significance of the park or browse in the gift shop for histori- they have furnace-era ties to Greenwood. They cal items including charcoal made on donated their time (over 700 hours), skills and site, pottery and metal work from new materials to reconstruct the pavilion. local artisans, children’s nature books, Massive timbers were added to match the look field guides, music, videos and other of the pavilion to the existing Civilian Conser- memorabilia. Your purchases support vation Corp architecture that already exists at Pennsylvania State Parks.

Greenwood Furnace. Here’s How You Can Help

The Pavilion awaits it’s new home at Greenwood Furnace State Park Photo: Denson Groenendaal If you are interested in making local history come alive while protecting the cultural and natural resources of While meeting with Bill Dancy, owner of J.M. the area you can help by: Young Construction, Denson learned that the relatively new, custom-designed pavilion was ♦ Becoming a Friend – Volunteer slated for demolition at a local retirement your time and expertise! community. Mr. Dancy offered the pavilion to the park if they would be willing to remove it ♦ Supporting the Friends by from the site. One freezing day last winter, making a financial contribution Park staff and members of the Pennsylvania The Pavilion at it’s new home. The Miller Family was Conservation Corps carefully disassembled instrumental in helping to reconstruct the pavilion To Make a Contribution: for the park Photo: Greenwood Furnace State Park the pavilion and Jeff Young, Inc. of Belleville, Make checks payable to PA Parks and generously donated the crane and transporta- The finished 40’ x 40’ pavilion seats 100 Forests Foundation (include a notation tion services to move the large structure. people, features electrical outlets, lights, a that the funds are to support Green-

large cooking grill and food service area, and wood Furnace State Park) and mail to:

The final step of reassembling the pavilion running water. The Miller family, Greenwood involved Bob Miller, who owns a welding Furnace State Park staff, PPFF, as well as Greenwood Furnace State Park business in State College, and his brother friends and members of the community, 15795 Greenwood Road Terry, who is in home construction in New helped to dedicate the “new” pavilion on Huntingdon, PA 16652-5831 York state. Along with other family members, August 5, 2006. (814) 667-1800

For more information about how you can help, contact the park at the phone number above, or email: [email protected]

visitPaParks.com – visit the calendar On The Move: Disassembling the pavilion required the careful removal of the large beams and pie-shaped sec- of events page for more information tions of the roof. Once dismantled, the sections were loaded onto a trailer for the trip to the park. Photos: Denson Groenendaal on upcoming activities at the park. Page 6 Pennsylvania’s Pyramids—Continued from Page 1

Huntingdon County. By the end of the War of deposits of iron ore were discovered in the 1812, the Juniata Region had become the lead- Great Lakes region. Pittsburgh boomed from ing iron-producing center in the state, and its a small, isolated iron-processing city into a iron was rapidly gaining a reputation for being massive inferno, as furnaces were built in the equal and often superior to the finest iron in the city. They were followed by Bessemer works, Iron and Steel in PA world. By 1828, Juniata Ironmasters were mak- and later still by more modern production ing nearly half of the iron produced in Pennsyl- methods. But what about charcoal iron? In the vania, which equated to one-fifth of the nation’s latter half of the 19th century, the amount of Ask someone today to think production. charcoal iron produced steadily increased about the iron and steel industries nationally, but became a footnote in the iron of Pennsylvania, and immedi- Since Juniata Ironmasters found they could get and steel industry, eclipsed by Big Steel. In ately the large urban centers of a better price in the west, they built rolling mills Pennsylvania, the east and west were primarily production—Allentown, Bethle- in Pittsburgh to process their iron. At peak, over fueled with coal or coke. Only in the center of hem, Steelton, Johnstown, and 40% of the iron processed in Pittsburgh came the state, particularly in the Juniata Valley, did Pittsburgh—come to mind. These charcoal iron still thrive. As an industry, here cities’ very names are synony- was the last bastion of charcoal iron in the mous with steel. America’s in- state, and here is where charcoal iron managed dustrial might was forged in to survive into the first couple of decades of these places, in the sweat, soot, the 20th century. The last charcoal iron in smoke, and showers of fiery Pennsylvania was made at Eagle Furnace, at sparks day and night. The late Curtin, Centre County, in 1921. th th 19 and early 20 centuries saw unprecedented growth, keeping Pennsylvania as the leader of Managing the Lands steel production until its demise Charcoal furnaces were indelibly tied to their beginning in the 1970s. lands, not only for the village and operation area, but also to provide for its needs. For the most part, charcoal furnaces owned their own However, these places were dis- timberlands, ore mines, and stone quarries. connected from the places where Greenwood Furnace Stack #2 as it looked in 1902. The timberlands could be vast. An average their raw materials were gath- Photo: Greenwood Furnace State Park sized furnace needed a minimum of one acre ered. The steel companies largely of forest land for each day it operated. To sus- purchased their raw materials form the Juniata Valley. Years later, these mills tain a supply of charcoal indefinitely, furnaces from suppliers. For instance, iron became the foundation of the Pittsburgh steel industries. needed at least 8 to 10,000 acres of forested ore from the Great Lakes came in land available. huge ships on the river. Railroads

transported bituminous coal from Change Lets look at Greenwood Furnace as an exam- distant mines to the steel mills to This expansion of the charcoal iron industry ple of this practice. Allowing for seasonal be made into coke for fuel. This came at a cost. Penn’s Woods were falling to shut-downs, the furnace worked about 330 was Big Steel, a far cry from the the woodsman’s axe at an ever-increasing rate days per year, which meant about 350 acres days of small rural ironworks in to make charcoal for the burgeoning iron indus- per year were cut, with allowances. Once that early America, as represented at try. Ironworks often succumbed to the loss of acreage was cut, the stumps and roots of the places like Greenwood Furnace harvestable timber for charcoal. To keep the hardwoods would re-sprout, and soon the land State Park. industry going, a new fuel would be needed; would be growing again. In about 30 years, but unlike the soft coals of the British Isles, so the theory goes, enough wood volume America’ coal was hard, and it would take would have re-grown that the furnace could some time for ironmasters to figure out how to cut again. In fact, historical accounts of Green- use it. But change was coming from various wood Furnace mention this 30-year rotation. sources.

Taking our 350 acres per year, that works out Transportation systems, heretofore limited to to 3,500 acres per decade, times three decades, wagons on turnpikes, were being replaced with and you can see that 10,000 acres is a conser- canals and later railroads that could haul more vative estimate. Deeds show that the company products farther, faster, and cheaper. Ironworks owned almost 40,000 acres in a ten-mile ra- would no longer have to find fuel, ore, and dius of Greenwood Furnace. So, while little limestone near their works. actual proof exists to prove the Greenwood In the east, anthracite coal quickly supplanted Furnace company managed their lands by charcoal as the dominant fuel in the 1840s. the references available, it is apparent they A decade later, coke, made from the bituminous did practice rudimentary sustainable yield coals of southwestern Pennsylvania, began fuel- ing furnaces and forges in the west. Immense —Continued on Page 7 Pennsylvania’s Pyramids—Continued from Page 6 Page 7

Valley and throughout the central region forestry. And this was before the science of forestry was born, when there were no of Pennsylvania. Much of this land was Support YOUR State Parks— trained foresters to guide them, when once owned by charcoal iron furnaces. For concepts of ecosystems, watershed protec- instance, about 40% of the Rothrock State Purchase a State Park Tag Forest was once timber lands of Green- wood Furnace. Another block at Trough The 2006 State Park tags are being sold at Creek State Park (site of the Paradise Fur- select state parks and state parks friends nace) was once charcoal lands. It is prob- groups. Visit our website for locations— able that two-thirds to three-quarters of PaParksAndForests.org was also charcoal

lands.

During the active years of the State Forest

Reserve Commission, these lands were

acquired from various industries and re-

grown as our state forest. Many foresters

say that today, some of our most produc- Mountain Pass Cut at Greenwood Furnace tive forests were once the lands of old Photo: Greenwood Furnace State Park charcoal furnaces. Today those forests

yield benefits for us all. tion, wildlife habitats, and conservation This image of Pine Grove Furnace State were unknown. For the furnace, the moti- Park is what appears on the front of the vation was not to have a forest for the rea- Be sure to take a visit to one of the char- 2006 State Park tag. The original water- sons we want them today, rather, it was for coal furnaces open to the public today – color was donated by artist David Lenker. their own economic best interests. In fact, Hopewell Furnace NHS in Berks County, according to the Journals of the Charcoal Cornwall Furnace near Lebanon, and Cur- Iron Worker of America, published in the tin, near Milesburg in Centre County. Limited edition, signed and numbered 1880s, the industry promoted itself as the Also, stop by one of the state parks with prints of David Lenker’s original artwork ONLY one concerned with the repropaga- ironworks ruins – Caledonia, Pine Grove (above) are available for $55 plus ship- tion of forests in America. Furnace, Trough Creek, or Greenwood ping an handling. The print is 26”X20” Furnace to name a few, and learn about the and ready for framing. To purchase, visit Today heritage of charcoal iron and of our forests. the PPFF website: PaParksAndFor- ests.org or call the PPFF office, (717) Looking at a forestry map of Pennsylvania They go hand-in-hand, back then—and today. 236-7644. All proceeds go to support today, in addition to the large blocks of YOUR state parks! state and national forests in the northern Many thanks to Paul Fagley for writing tier counties (acquired mostly from lumber “The Legacy of PA’s Pyramids.” Paul companies), there are significant acres of is the Cultural Educator at Greenwood state forest land in and around the Juniata Furnace State Park.

Tag Program Focuses Attention on PA Wilds

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foun- some of the most wild and scenic areas in This colored-pencil dation (PPFF) recently unveiled a special the northeastern . sketch of a bobcat limited edition tag promoting the Pennsyl- is depicted on the vania Wilds. The tag program was With a minimum donation of $5, support- PA Wilds tag. launched in March with the release of the ers receive the collector’s pin and descrip- Drawn by artist Pine Grove Furnace tag (see sidebar tive card with information about the pro- above.) Nelson Haas from gram. an original photo- graph of a McKean The PA Wilds tag is part of a special se- The PA Wilds tag is sponsored by ries that focus on unique regions of the County bobcat; Woolrich, long known for providing taken by Rocky state. The limited-edition tag is the 2nd to quality goods from their home base here be released in the tag program and features Holland of Eagle- in Pennsylvania. All proceeds benefit the Eye Photography in the image of a bobcat by Cameron County PA Wilds recreation programs and en- artist Nelson Haas. Kane, PA. hancement projects.

Nelson Haas is a retired State Trooper, The PA Wilds encompasses more than Where to Purchase Your Tag Viet Nam veteran, and an avid outdoors- 1.5 million acres of state forest and game man. He is a member of the Outdoor Writ- lands, 27 state parks, the Allegheny Tags are for sale at various locations. National Forest and hundreds of miles of For a complete list, visit our website: ers Association and writes a weekly column trails and waterways. This 12-county PaParksAndForests.org or call the PPFF for the Cameron County Echo. region of north central Pennsylvania boasts office (717) 236-7644. Page 8 Get Outdoors Pennsylvania: Taking State Park and Forest Visitation to a New Level —Brook Lenker, DCNR

he Department of Natural Resources been dedicated for the purchase of outdoor T (DCNR) “Get Outdoors PA” program recreation equipment for state parks. (GOPA) continues to grow. Over 500 GOPA programs—at 40 state parks and two forest Friends groups are in important partner in the districts—were conducted during the summer GOPA effort. For example, the Friends of of 2006 and 150 more programs are sched- lead special hikes and uled for the fall and winter. Kayaking, - a nature photography workshop as GOPA ing, and hiking have been quite popular and offerings. Friends groups can get involved by there is increasing interest in , conducting activities; sponsoring GOPA orienteering, and learning wilderness and events; and, connecting local outdoor recrea- outdoor skills. tion providers to the program. Each partici- pant with GOPA is bound to be inspired by Initiated in 2004, GOPA merges outdoor the experience and, in turn, a good candidate recreation and the interpretation of the natu- to volunteer in a park or join a friends group. ral environment into a statewide smorgasbord GOPA is a doorway for park and forest visi- of stewardship instilling, adventure-filled tors to become active stewards of the places activities. State park or state forest staff lead they enjoy. many activities but an increasing number are hosted by private or not-for-profit partners. To learn more about GOPA visit: www.getoutdoorspa.state.pa.us New promotional poster for the Get GOPA has also gotten a new look. Sporting a Outdoors PA program Photo: DCNR new logo, brochures and posters touting “Welcome to Pennsylvania…now get out!” are promoting the program and a new web- site has been developed highlighting pro- grams, partners, and a searchable calendar of events. As demand increases, funding has

Hiking with PPFF and KTA—Pam Metzger

he experts are always telling us that camping equipment, and an up-close-and- T walking is the best and purest form of personal encounter with our reptilian friends. exercise, and it was in that spirit that Penn- There’s nothing like being in the same room sylvania Parks & Forests Foundation and as a spitting cobra to make a hiker appreciate Keystone Trails Association joined forces to the comfort of a zipped tent. host Prowl the Sproul in July and Absorb the Forbes in August, two summer weekends An added bonus during both weekends were devoted to the art of putting one foot in front the knowledgeable guides, who not only of the other. Friday evenings were for get- shared their enthusiasm for our great Penn- REI equipment demonstration sylvania trail network, they also shared their was just one of the activities ting acquainted and choosing the perfect hikes for the next two days; Saturdays and knowledge of the local ecosystems, forestry offered Photo: Marci Mowery practices, and natural history. Sundays were for eating and hiking! Hikes ranged in length from four miles to nearly 19 “These weekends will be an annual event,” and were led at both events by foresters and stated PPFF President Marci Mowery. “By park rangers from the working with KTA, who are already recog- and / nized for their 50 years of devotion to Penn- complex. sylvania’s hiking trails, our friends groups

In addition to pancake breakfasts and camp- have a chance to reach out to new audiences fire camaraderie, unexpected fireworks dis- and expand their potential membership base.”

plays by Idlewild Park and thunderstorms by Mother Nature, the nearly 50 people who So watch your mailbox for the announcement attended each weekend were treated to, re- of next year’s visits to the Sproul and the spectively, a look back at the role of the Forbes (and another surprise or two as well). Campsite at the Absorb the Forbes weekend Civilian Conservation Corps in Pennsyl- These hiking weekends are Get Outdoors PA Photo: Jack Leasher vania, a sneak peek at the latest in hiking and endorsed events. An Evening Well Spent—Jim Hyland, Forest Page 9 Program Specialist, DCNR Bureau of Forestry

“So what do ya wanna do, Dad? Got any \From the old railroad bridge near Ramsey, ideas?” It was the muggy evening of a blis- one of two spectacular creek crossings along tering August Friday, and my son was this section of trail, we spied a turtle slogging chomping at the bit. With my wife working through the mud, a school of suckers and a and my daughter at a sleepover, it was a per- Canada goose. fect opportunity to spend some quality time with my 12-year-old son. Where there were breaks in the shady can- opy, the views of the steep terrain remind us An air-conditioned movie theater or pizza of the wildness of this valley. The scattered, joint were tempting options tall white pines hint of the I was considering when he virgin forest that once ex- spoke up again. “How isted here until the expansion about a bike ride?” Before I of our country would nearly could utter anything nega- bring its demise. Thank- tive, his wide smile and high fully, it would grow back by brows had me moving to- way of visionary men, their ward the garage to get the sweat, and the hand of God. bikes. My mental images of pizza, popcorn, and cold Pepsi morphed into dripping Below the village of Water- sweat, flat tires, and a sore ville, the trail passes to the behind. east of English Island, where John English, one of the first Europeans in the valley, Railroad bridge near Cedar Run on By 6 p.m. we were saddled settled in the 1780s. He had the Pine Creek Trail is an amazing up and pedaling north along received the parcel of land as display of man’s handiwork the Pine Creek Rail-Trail, reward for his service in the Photo: Jim Hyland just a few miles north of Revolutionary War, and Jersey Shore. Our plan was managed to cobble a home Morning fog lifting out of the Pine to peddle the 12 miles to the out of the wilderness. His village of Waterville, grab a Creek valley near Cedar Run Photo: Jim Hyland children would later estab- snack at the general store, lish a town and tannery at and head back in a race with the setting sun. English Center. Passing by, I could not help Interested in visiting but imagine his , smoke puffing It only took a few minutes for me to realize from the chimney, and inside Mr. English the trail? that we had chosen an amazing way to spend busy repairing his rifle or cooking up some an evening. My son set the pace at about squirrel pie to the music of the wind and the This, the newest section of the 10mph, and our legs pumped in rhythm as we creek. Pine Creek Rail-Trail, is now pedaled side-by-side. The breeze in our faces accessible from Jersey Shore, Ly- was enhanced by pockets of cooler air spill- coming County, where a trailhead Following refreshments and a bit of rest at ing down the steep hillsides from the deep was recently completed. It is lo- Waterville, my son and I began a brisk pedal shade of the hemlocks and rhododendron cated along Railroad Street on the back down the trail, which now offered a upslope. west side of town. From Jersey different but equally gorgeous perspective. Shore, the trail follows Pine Creek In just under an hour we were back at our Wildlife was everywhere. Chipmunks darted for over 50 miles to a trailhead in vehicle. As anticipated, I was dripping with to and fro, with their wee little hind feet peel- Ansonia, Tioga County. Along the sweat and had a sore behind, but we had no ing-out in the fine limestone gravel. A wood way, the trail passes through some flat tires and were now both wide-smiled and turtle, laboring to lay her eggs in the soft of the finest scenery in the East, high-browed. What an enjoyable way to shoulder of the trail, watched cautiously as including the Pine Creek Gorge we rolled by. spend an evening! a.k.a the Grand Canyon of Pennsyl- vania. Contact the Tiadaghton Through a break in the trees, we watched a State Forest district office at (570) doe and her twin fawns sip in the shallows of 327-3450 or the Pine Creek, their reflections perfectly mir- district office at (570) 724-2868 for rored. More deer hurried across the trail and “Play is a vital part of life.” more information. into the fields. They joined others that were visible only by their summer-brown ears —Dinah Shore flicking above the golden rod.

Page 10 Goodbye Roger, Hello John

Goodbye Roger Fickes DCNR appoints new Director of DCNR said goodbye to Roger Fickes on Bureau of State Parks June 23. Fickes, who served the organiza- John Norbeck, a veteran of Maryland’s State tion for over thirty years, was Director of Forest and Park Service, was appointed di- State Parks since 1992. He began his career rector of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of State with the bureau in 1973 as a landscape archi- Parks. Norbeck, who began his new job on tect and moved up through the ranks, becom- June 12, served in a variety of public land ing chief of the Division of Scenic Rivers in management positions since starting employ- 1980. He was then appointed Pennsyl- ment in 1977 with Maryland’s Department of vania’s wetlands coordinator in 1988. Natural Resources State Forest Park Service. He has worked in field, regional, and central During his tenure as Director of State Parks, office roles as a ranger, assistant park man- PPFF President Marci Mowery presented Fickes further developed the bureau’s volun- ager, law enforcement chief, field operations Roger Fickes with the first Pine Grove teer program, launched an aggressive effort director, and, for the past 10 years, as park Furnace limited edition print at the farewell to provide disabled access in all state park regional administrator. picnic in June Photo: DCNR facilities, and led the implementation of a centralized call-in reservation system. He “I am truly excited and honored to be a part also encouraged legislation that provided of an organization that is dedicated to strong funds for facility maintenance and upgrades public service and wise stewardship of some and oversaw the allocation of those funds. of the finest parks and natural resources in the country,” Norbeck said. “Our system provides a variety of unique recreational and Named a Distinguished Alumnus of both educational opportunities for all of our citi- Penn State and Utah State, Fickes received zens. We will continue to build on the many numerous other state and national honors successes of the Bureau in our mission to recognizing both his conservation work and meet the needs of the citizenry, manage the public service efforts. Goodbye Roger, we natural resources entrusted to us, and be a wish you well! major player in economic development PPFF President Marci Mowery and State through eco-tourism.” Park Director John Norbeck in Kansas while attending the National Association We welcome John to Pennsylvania and look of State Park Directors annual conference forward to working with him in his new ca- pacity as Director of Pennsylvania State

Parks. Leave Your Firewood at Home!

Firewood brought into state parks from other areas may contain non-native insects and plant diseases. These diseases and pests could be accidentally spread threatening not only our park resources but the health of our Did You Know? forests.

Movement of any firewood from The non-native insects of interest include: an infested or quarantined area the emerald ash borer, sirex wood wasp, the is prohibited in accordance with the Asian longhorned beetle and the hemlock Pennsylvania Plant and Pest Act woolly adelgid. of 1992.

When infestation is discovered, sometimes drastic measures have to be taken to manage For more information, visit: infected trees. This can include the complete www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ Help protect Pennsylvania’s magnificent forest removal of trees in the immediate and sur- parks/beetlesadvisory.aspx resources by using local firewood when you rounding areas. visit our state parks www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/ Even if you are not in a quarantine area, it is non_native_invasives/ best to use local firewood. (Source: DCNR website-www.dcnr.state.pa.us) State Park and Forests Friends Page 11

PPFF CHAPTERS Linn Run State Park OTHER FRIENDS GROUPS Presque Isle Partnership Friends of Linn Run—Forbes State Steve McDermott, Director Forest (814) 838-5138 Black Moshannon State Park Doug Finger, Park Manager Friends of Caledonia [email protected] Friends of Black Moshannon (724) 238-6623 Edwin Bolt, President www.presqueisle.org State Park [email protected] (717) 352-2161 Chris Reese, Park Manager [email protected] Tom Ridge Center (814) 342-5960 Regional Science Consortium [email protected] Friends of Milton State Park Delaware Canal State Park Tom Deans, President Friends of the Delaware Canal Jerry Covert, Executive Director (570) 742-9684 Susan Taylor, Executive Director (814) 835-6975 Friends of Codorus State Park [email protected] (215) 862-2021 [email protected] Warren Werntz, Park Mgr. [email protected] www.RegSciConsort.com (717) 637-2816 M.K. Goddard State Park www.fodc.org Friends of Goddard State Park [email protected] Becky Piccolin, President www.friendsofcodorus.org Fort Washington State Park Friends of Prompton State Park (724) 253-4833 Friends of Fort Washington State Jim Parker, President Colonel Denning State Park [email protected] Park (570) 785-2866

Friends of Colonel Denning State Marylea Klauder [email protected] Park Nolde Forest Environmental Ed Ctr. (215) 884-2555 Judi Fasick, Treasurer Friends of Nolde Forest Pymatuning State Park (717) 567-2013 Dan Hewko, Center Manager Jennings Environmental Education Pymatuning Lake Association [email protected] Center (610) 796-3699 Dewey Forsythe, President 3MJ Comission (also serves McConnell’s [email protected] Denton Hill State Park Mill and ) (724) 927-2276

[email protected] Friends of Denton Hill State Park Ohiopyle State Park Noel Plummer, President www.pymatuninglake.com Molly Bovard, President Friends of Ohiopyle State Park (724) 368-8084

(215) 538-2222 Stacie Faust, Asst. Park Mgr. [email protected] [email protected] (724) 329-8591 McConnell’s Mill State Park Friends of Raccoon State Park [email protected] Greenwood Furnace Sate Park Friends of McConnell’s Mill Mark Christy, President www.friendsofohiopyle.org Friends of Greenwood Furnace (724) 899-2200 Doniele Andrus, President Denson Groenendaal (724) 284-5138 [email protected] (814) 667-2082 Friends of Oil Creek State Park [email protected] www.friendsofraccoon.com

Holly Best, Park Manager www.fmmsp.org Salt Springs State Park (814) 676-5915 Friends of Hickory Run Friends of Salt Springs State Park [email protected] Moraine State Park Rob and Sally Sayre Moraine Preservation Fund Bob Coy, President (610) 298-2439 Heather Jerry (570) 967-7275 [email protected] Friends of Ridley Creek State Park [email protected] [email protected] www.friendsofhickoryrun.org Tim Higgins, President www.friendsofsaltspringspark.org

(610) 355-9208 Keystone State Park [email protected] Friends of the Nescopeck Friends of Keystone State Park To learn more about www.friendsofrcsp.org Alan Gregory Pam McQuistian, Env. Ed Specialist (570) 788-1425 forming a friends group, (724) 668-2566 Ryerson Station State Park [email protected] contact Marci Mowery: [email protected] Friends of Ryerson Station State Park www.friendsofthenescopeck.org (717) 236-7644 Lisa Bennett, Treasurer – 3 groups: Friends of Laurel Hill State Park (724) 852-5278 [email protected] Friends of Tom Ridge Center Sue Bittner, Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] Ann DiTullio, Executive Director (814) 445-6085 or (814) 833-5049 [email protected] visit our website: [email protected] www.friendsoflhsp.org PaParksAndForests.org www.friendsofthetomridgecenter.org

PENN’S STEWARDS Newsletter of the Pennsylvania NON PROFIT ORG Parks and Forests Foundation U.S. POSTAGE PAID 105 N. Front Street, Suite 305 Harrisburg, PA 17101 HARRISBURG, PA (717) 236-7644 www.PaParksAndForests.org PERMIT #560

Support your PA State Parks— purchase a state park tag! See page 7 for more information.

Give a Gift that Lasts a Lifetime . . . and Beyond!

What better way to honor the memory of a loved This gift is from: one, mark a special milestone or celebrate a holi- Name:______day, than to make a gift to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation! Address:______

PPFF is the premier foundation supporting Pennsyl- City:______State:______Zip______vania’s parks and forests. Establishing friends groups, engaging people in outdoor recreation, Phone: (______) ______education and volunteerism are just a few of the ways your gift will help us to continue to build a culture of stewardship for our public lands. My gift is to recognize the following individual(s): ______For a gift of $25 or more, the recipient will receive This gift is given (please circle one): a letter stating the gift was made in their name in honor or memory of; a birthday gift; anniversary; (or to the family in memory of a loved one), along celebrating a holiday; or with a 2006 State Park pin. other______

To give a gift, make your check payable to PPFF The gift card should be sent to the following: and send along with the attached form to: Name:______

PPFF 105 North Front Street-Suite305 Address:______

Harrisburg, PA 17101 City______State______Zip______