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The Year of

2012 Annual Report MISSION: PPFF’s mission is to promote Message from the DCNR Message from PPFF and support the natural The YEAR of Living Playfully and cultural resources of Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti Chairman Rob Wonderling ’s state parks and forests through One of my favorite photos in my office at DCNR Play Your Way! Thoughts on 2012 and Living Playfully is of a group of young children on a hike at Kings From vintage games like capture the flag, bug leadership in recreation, Gap Environmental Education Center. The boy and beetle races, scavenger hunts, and burlap education, conservation, “A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend and girl in the forefront are staring wide-eyed, sack races to more modern disc golf, KanJam, and and volunteerism. on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order mouths gaping at something up high. We don’t 24-hour birder competitions, our state parks and to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.” see what they are looking at, but we can feel their forests provide so many scenic places for low cost, VISION: ~ Albert Einstein amazement, their sense of wonder at nature. good times outdoors. That photo symbolizes to me what we all work for at DCNR and If you got the gear—grab a bow, bike, boat, or bamboo pole and PPFF will build the Many of you who know me recall that I am a fan of Albert Einstein. What I’ve PPFF each day. We protect these lands and enhance our facilities so head out to your favorite spot or check out what may become your always admired about Einstein was his, some might say, split personality. Here constituent voice for We Moved! these children and many generations to come can stand in awe of NEW favorite spot. If you like to paint, write, read, or sing opera was a man considered to be the very embodiment of braininess and yet he is often Pennsylvania’s state parks their natural resources. (….the latter I attempted rather poorly at photographed in a zany pose. The quote here calls to the deepest part of why we Certainly worth noting and forests to ensure the Growing up, my family spent many hot summer days picnicking years ago), then play that way in our parks and forests. do the work we do at the Foundation—to build upon the legacy of conservation in in 2012 is our change at Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro state parks and I carried on the tradition The list of ways to play is as endless as our mountains and long term sustainability of Pennsylvania while paying forward conservation, recreation, and passion for the in real estate! with my three kids, tent camping at Ricketts Glen and spending days our imagination. Hopefully, your visit will inspire you to join the these public lands for the outdoors to future generations. Like Einstein, we tackle our mission with a playful exploring Frances Slocum. State parks provided an affordable family hundreds of volunteer friends, contributors, and public servants benefit of present and attitude—much like we have tackled this 2012 annual report. While the Foundation’s outing or vacation, and I was grateful these natural playgrounds who spend their time, energy, and resources to make these public Life is too short to be serious all of the time—and research shows that the more future generations. staff, board, and members were in my backyard. lands even more accessible – and FUN – for everyone. The hours time spent outdoors, the more time spent with family and friends, and the more time are all right at home in My connections to our state forest system came a little later in life expended each year to clear and invasive species, build docks, spent in nature all contribute to longevity and better health. So why not be less when my environmental career work in northeastern Pennsylvania boat launches, and bird houses or organize park and forest community serious? Why not take your lunch at a picnic table in a state park or state forest, every state park and forest, got me involved with conserving lands which became part of the events make Pennsylvania parks and forests among the best in our Table of Contents or spend a Saturday with a child skipping stones on a lake? we do need a hollow tree Lackawanna State Forest. I was sad it took me so long to discover the nation. Page 2 thoughts on 2012 Who best depicts childhood better than Dr. Seuss? Throughout the report you to collect our mail and bounty and beauty of our state forests, and now make every effort to On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Parks We Moved! will find quotes from Dr. Seuss that we believe sum up simple life lessons we might answer our phone! inform our citizens of the values of Pennsylvania’s 2.2 million acres and Forests Foundation, thank you for your interest and commitment Page 3 DCNR Secretary’s Message all carry with us. We also surveyed our board for their favorite memories of play… of forest land. to our most treasured natural assets, and thank you for giving all of and share some of these with you, as well. Much was accomplished in 2012, our In May, we moved our Chairman’s Message I now find myself in the humbling position of leading the agency us the opportunity to play in our own “Pennsylvania Way.” Year of Living Playfully, …while playing! Enjoy the following pages, and check in office from downtown Page 4 playing with Partners charged with protecting those lands. It goes without saying that the with us on our website, social media, or email to find out how we keep bringing Harrisburg to Camp Hill. DCNR staff are top-notch professionals who make the job of secretary Page 5 Remembering Maurice Goddard play to you in the great outdoors. much easier. But the work we do and decisions we make are challenging Page 6 Fun With Stuff Yours in the Outdoors, Our new address is: and have lasting impact. I assure you, I will do everything I can to Page 8 Fun in the Neighborhood Marci 1845 Market Street, continue the fine legacy of this agency. Page 12 play “at Work” Suite 202, We will continue to rely heavily on our partnership with PPFF Page 14 playing with Friends Camp Hill, PA 17011 to raise funds for needed infrastructure and programs and garner Page 16 Winning is Fun - “Think left and think right appreciation of our parks and forests. I applaud PPFF’s constant 2012 Awards Banquet efforts to seek out new and innovative sources of funding for our Page 18 You Make it Fun and think low and think high. Cover Photos Credits: public lands with its creative campaigns and promotions, friends groups, and volunteer coordination. Page 19 Financial Overview (top to bottom) Colleen Rhoades, Oh, the thinks you can think up We must nurture our young to appreciate the wonders of nature. Page 20 Board of Directors Erin Ruggles, John Rush, if only you try!” Jennifer Esken We must make it easy for everyone to find time to play in the outdoors. and Staff We must always be reminded of the wide eyes and open mouths, for Volunteers and supporters do their part for parks and forests across Pennsylvania. ~ Dr. Seuss, (main) Matt McKeehan (back) Colleen Rhoades they will see and speak for the future of our lands. Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! 2 • 2012 PPFF Annual Report 2012 PPFF Annual Report • 3 Photo credit: Pam Metzger RK Mellon Foundation “State parks and forests provide local opportunities for respite Helps on Two Fronts “You have brains Playing with Partners in your head. and recreation in both economic upswings and downturns...” The RK Mellon Foundation funded a two-part western Pennsylvania You have feet initiative. First, Mellon agreed to help in your shoes. grow our friends groups in western 2012 was The Year of Living Playfully — Guardians of Play You can steer yourself Pennsylvania by introducing us to So How Fun WAS it? The draft 2012-13 budget for the state was not, in our minds, play friendly. It zeroed out the Bayer Center for Nonprofit any direction you choose. the line item for revenue from the Keystone Recreation, Parks, and Conservation Fund to Management. Working with Bayer, Right up front we wanted to shout out loud that fun isn’t JUST for kids. the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The proposed $30 million budget we conducted a comprehensive We learned from everyone - PhDs and 8-year-old checkers champions – when it You’re on your own. elimination for the 2012-2013 fiscal year would have eliminated critical financial support for survey of our chapters to better comes to play, we gotta have it. Play is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, as it And you know what you know. major maintenance and improvements in state parks and forests, as well as investments in understand the needs of each group. keeps us fit, stimulates the brain, decreases stress, builds trust and social skills, community recreation. Training modules in five areas were produces learning, and builds memory. Play has also been found to decrease violence And YOU are the one Along with our conservation partners, Foundation President Marci Mowery walked the by developing skills to cope with stress. We spent the year offering ideas, hosting events, developed: fundraising, advocacy, who’ll decide where to go...” halls of the capitol in support of the fund’s restoration. It was (and is!) a simple message with and partnering with PA communities to literally turn over every stone and find the an essential fact: state parks and forests offer respite and recreation, providing health and volunteer management, board fun in our state parks and forests. From all accounts – we played hard, had fun, and ~ Dr. Seuss, economic benefits in both economic upswings and downturns. It is not an expense, but a development, and technology. jammed more good times into one year then we ever thought possible! Oh, the Places You’ll Go! priceless investment. Members of the Bayer team visited In the end, our collective voices were heard, and through our cooperative efforts and our western Pennsylvania chapters, strong leadership by members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Fund was preserved. providing them with tools and practical The Foundation would like to express our gratitude to leadership and supporters for protecting advice. The materials are available What are Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Forests Worth…. Accessible Recreation this critical investment. Long live play! A Year Remembering Maurice Goddard for all to use on our website under A Million Memories We received a grant from September 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Friends Training tab. Dominion Foundation to As a fan of our state land system, you already know that parks and forests improve health, Maurice K. (“Doc”) Goddard, recognized by many as the Father purchase two adaptive The second part of the grant looked clean air and water, increase property values, improve quality of life and are economic of Pennsylvania’s state parks. The Foundation, a key partner in the and gear for Region 2 state parks. at new ways to think about food tourism engines for the commonwealth. But, we asked ourselves, do people who don’t Goddard Legacy Project, celebrated Doc’s life and accomplishments. Emily Borcz, regional educator, service. The proposed approach spend time in the outdoors know it as well? And how do we enlist their support for these We hosted a Goddard Challenge – PPFF’s very own version of the was sponsored by PPFF to attend develops partnerships with culinary great assets? classic Bingo game. Players visited Goddard-centric sites across the an American Association arts programs in local trade schools, With a grant from the Heinz Endowments, we were able to procure the services of commonwealth, filling a row, column or diagonal on the card with Train the Trainer program in colleges, and community colleges; Payton Communications and KrisP Communications, consultants with years of practical items—from parks started under Goddard’s tenure to viewing the adaptive kayaking. This was first explores local food sources; and experience in reaching the public. We launched a messaging campaign to help us better documentary. in a series of purchases and (Winner of the Goddard Challenge was the team of develops sustainable business models. explain the value of state parks and forests. Another Foundation- trainings initiated by PPFF to Mary and Jack Bowser, pictured at far left.) The multi-faceted program included a review sponsored event was the metric century bike ride (100 km or 62 miles) make state parks and forests A feasibility study was completed, of our materials, focus groups, message from Pinchot to Codorus State Parks. more accessible to all. and we are currently gathering development, plans (social media, public A birthday party included many local conservation organizations, additional data so we can better relations, elected officials, volunteer recruitment, showings of the documentary, the passage of state House and Senate The dedicated team of Mary and Jack Bowser filled understand this potential new way corporate development), as well as training their entire challenge card by visiting every one resolutions recognizing Goddard’s accomplishments, a presentation to materials for outreach, volunteer recruitment, of looking at food service. Watch of the Goddard parks in the span of three weeks, the Capitol Preservation Committee, and articles in the press. for more in the coming year! and more. The consultants then hit the road putting over 2,000 miles on their car and smiles The celebration was a wonderful mix of conservation organizations, with us to share the newly gained knowledge on the faces of PPFF staff as their photographs The metric century ride participants endured recreation groups and government agencies—just the kind of coalition with our chapters. The materials are available came in to the office. unseasonably cold weather and appreciated building and “everybody has a voice” gathering that Doc would have loved. for all to use on our website under the the support of our sponsors. Friends Training tab. 4 • 2012 PPFF Annual Report 2012 PPFF Annual Report • 5 Photo credit: Emily Borcz “Play equipment is a welcomed Fun with Stuff A Scary-good Idea— Partnering with DCNR sight for families Gets a Boost with a Foundation visiting state TAKING TECHNOLOGY OUTSIDE — Now that’s FUN Managed Account What if we told you that the adventures on your video games and computers can be experienced (hold on to your hat!) The Boo Crew at Pymatuning State Park hosts and annual parks. And off of your couch, out of your house, and (wait for it…) in the parks and forests near your home! There was fun to event each year. The Halloween Spooktacular attracts hundreds once they look be had and last year kids of all ages had a blast with these ways to find, navigate and access the adventures in our of campers and visitors for hayrides, crafts, costume contests, state parks and forests. games, and a dance. The events raised $14,000, plus an additional We continue to work in cooperation with DCNR on projects and explore ways $1,000 donated by PNC Financial and Charitable Trusts. The Bureau of around, I hope Popularity of the Passport in which we can best assist. Some of the ways we have helped this year: continued to grow in 2012 State Parks provided a matching $15,000 grant and their new playground they explore This 135-page passport, developed through was underway! • The 2012 welcome kit, printed free of charge for DCNR through a grant from Chesapeake Energy, includes The new playground at Jamestown Campground replaced the outdated a partnership with PPFF and Good Solutions Group the natural maps, a history of the state’s park and forest wooden structure at the campground beach. Future fundraising goals of the system, a brief description and most memorable Boo Crew include expansion of the playground with the purchase a climbing • The upcoming printing of the 2013 map through Parks by Nature feature of each state park and forest, and surroundings… wall, an additional slide, and new swings. along with the State Forest Public Use Map additional online resources. According to park management, the Halloween event at Pymatuning benefits the small creek, not only the playground build, but the Bureau of State Parks and the surrounding Governor Tom Corbett has • Presented at park managers’ meetings, and coordinated and recruited community in numerous ways as well. The Jamestown Campground has his very own PASSPORT stamped. speakers for a breakout session the tree and practically sold out of campsites each event weekend and, as a result, the

Bureau has collected an estimated $30,000 more in camping revenues. • Coordinated speakers for education staff training as it relates to accessibility perhaps a game The Boo Crew • Wrote, edited and distributed a bimonthly e-zine (Explore) in cooperation of hide and raised funds for this new playground at the with DCNR seek.” You’re Online? We’re Online! Jamestown Campground We’ve become a popular spot as part of the online community, • Coordinated and hosted two training sessions in accessible recreation ~ Gary, kind of like that house on the block where everyone goes for the best for PPFF staff, friends groups, state park staff and state forest staff Halloween candy. In addition to our well-traveled website, look for us at: Board Member • Fridays with Pam – a popular, upbeat weekly eBlast • Wrote successful grants for projects in state parks and forests • Out and About in PA – our online blog providing a venue for sharing ideas, experiences, and thoughts (as well as several unsuccessful ones) “Look at me! • Explore! - a bimonthly eZine with over 90,000 readers • Managed a variety of accounts that enable parks and forests to Look at me! • PPFF on Facebook – we have 2500 new friends! • Penn’s Stewards – our newsletter published 3X/year accept private donations

Look at me NOW! • We’re on Pinterest, Twitter, and now have interesting and Photo credit: Ryan Borcz It is fun to have fun but educational clips on YouTube • Resources and materials are always readily available—fact sheets, “I have a two year old daughter, so watching her enjoy her times at the playground you have to know how.” newsletters, videos, photo galleries, press releases, and more are a click away. We expanded our Training section to include materials ~ Dr. Seuss, not only brings me joy, but allows me to relive some of my playtimes through her.” available for any non-profit group to use. Also new on the website, The Cat in the Hat our Wish List identifies projects in state parks and forests we hope to ~ Ryan, DCNR 6 • 2012 PPFF Annual Report accomplish. If you haven’t seen the Wish List, it’s worth checking out! 2012 PPFF Annual Report • 7 In July, we held a We’re EVERYWHERE! Take Five (Lines) Cinquain Every year, the Foundation strives to not only visit every park and forest, but to engage local poetry contest. Fun in the Neighborhood communities, civic clubs, and youth groups by attending events and engaging in discussions about our public lands. A sampling of the places you could find us in 2012 include: What’s a cinquain? It’s a L ocally: very simple, very structured, Fun in the Neighborhood — and across the state! We promoted memberships and awareness of PPFF at baseball games in five-line poem. And, yes, LHarrisburgOC (Senators)A andLLY York (Revolution). In fact, at the Senators’ We love our partners and friends in the community. Our shared interests carry us toward the next great idea. Community Organization Day, the Foundation was invited to set up winning included chocolate! We are truly grateful to our many community allies and can’t wait to add more good times, good ideas, and good works. And the first place winner was an informational table, throw out the first pitch, promote on their radio broadcast, and participate in a pre-game interview. (poetic drumroll, please)… A ren’t Chocolate and FUN Actually the Same Word? This year was the start of a beautiful relationship with the Hershey Company. O ther local events: Stephanie Miller of Cinco de Mayo clean up They generously provided a supply of Take Five bars for us to use in promoting in • The “Bee Local” Festival at the Harrisburg with this our work and everything that’s fun about Taking Five in the Outdoors. Fredericksen Library in Camp Hill Our launch was on Cinco de Mayo, with five volunteer and friends evocative entry: • The dedication of an historic marker events at Ohiopyle, Swatara, Greenwood Furnace, and Ridley Creek, and for Ralph Abele . Streams were cleaned, trees were planted, Cabins roadway trash eliminated, and trails cleared—or perhaps you could say Rustic-Homey flushed, as Foundation President Marci Mowery removed an entire porcelain toilet from the at Swatara State Park. Warming-Welcoming-Sharing In early June, we launched our Take Five in the Outdoors photo contest. Incorporating our popular Dogs in the Outdoors Making Memories for Life photo contest (with doggie prizes provided by As part of the “Bee Local” Festival, Proving baseball’s unrivaled popularity – Marci’s cell phone the Frederickson Library created Shelter canine outfitter, RuffWear), photographers submitted their best pictures in the categories was set ablaze with messages from friends and family reporting, a PPFF exhibit promoting our “I saw you on the MEGATRON at the game!” of Appreciation of Beauty, Kids in the Outdoors, work and our public lands. Outdoor Recreation, and Volunteers in Action (as well as Dogs in the Outdoors) for a chance A cross the state: Park Manager to win a carton of Take Five bars, state park Supporting the Wilkes Barre YMCA’s KAZ (Keystone Active Zone) Passport program, designed to introduce Mike Mumau gift cards, or a RuffWear packable water bowl ApeopleC of allROSS ages to the wonders of local outdoorthe resources. ByS providingT prizes,A Tthe FoundationE at the Laurel or dog bed. helped promote participation and was included as sponsors on the 30,000 program posters distributed in Highlands schools and locations through Luzerne County and on the KAZ passports, their website, and press releases. Trail bridge dedication. A n Affinity for BUSINESS “You were not born New in 2012 is our Affinity Membership Program! O ther statewide events We joined or ORGANIZED: Businesses across the Commonwealth have agreed • Civilian Conservation Corps Festival at Promised Land State Park PPFF invited guests to visit the new Wildlife Center to just fit in, to provide a discount to PPFF members, • The Elk Watch in at Sinnemahoning State Park for a private, recognizing that their continued success is behind-the-scenes look at the elk • ’s Venture Outdoors Festival you were born irrevocably tied to the support of park and forest throughout the PA Wilds. to stand out!” users. Thank them with your business! Erin Ruggles - • The PA Parks and Recreation Society’s annual meeting State Park ~ Dr. Seuss, For a listing of all of our affinity members, • Eastern Mountain Sports Lancaster store spring and fall Club Days visit paparksandforests.org/benefits.html (Higher! Push me higher!) The Cat in the Hat • The dedication of the new Hiking Trail bridge It’s noteworthy that 2012 was a year of preparation and while you will hear more about projects over the completed in the 2013 Annual Report, you don’t have to wait! Log on to the website as a • National Trails Day (trail maintenance at Rose Trail) 8 • 2012 PPFF Annual Report member and learn how to be a part of what’s happening right now. www.PaParksAndForests.org • Numerous Earth Day and National Night Out events 2012 PPFF Annual Report • 9 The Foundation has an active intern program. In 2012, More Fun in the Neighborhood continued intern Gus Frederick assisted with our plans to identify the need for playgrounds in state parks as well as At EDUCATIONAL EVENTS: The Foundation works I n the NewS: performed outreach. ED• Visiting schoolsUC to promoteA careersTI in volunteerismONA L to protect the Keystone IFoundationN TH goings-on poppedE up NEin media reportingW statewideS last year—at least 40 times, at and conservation Fund, which provides last count. For a complete listing of headlines about the many ways we kept our mission front • Presenting to students in the Geography-Earth Science funding for projects and center, visit our website at: www.PaParksandForests.org/press.html. such as preservation Department of Shippensburg University of the historic buildings • Exhibiting at the Capital Region Internship/Co-op Fair at Greenwood Furnace PPFF President Marci Mowery joins members of the • Providing feedback to future conservation leaders at a State Park. Cumberland Valley Club performing Resume Boot Camp, Shippensburg University maintenance on Pole Steeple Trail in . • Partnering with the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary to host an evening camp at Pinchot State Park for the Nativity School of Harrisburg. This three-hour program included four stations— disc golf, outdoor cooking, lashing, and nature studies. The middle school boys rotated through each station and had a chance to try their hand at the various events. • Presenting to the Lebanon Valley Hiking Club; at the PPFF partnered with Pennsylvania Association for Environmental Educators Harrisburg Keystone Rotary for a three hour annual conference, and at Penn State-Fayette outing with PA youth. • Participation in the Pennsylvania Heritage Society’s Holiday Marketplace

And actively defending efforts to keep conservation alive: • Continued the protection of the Keystone Fund as a line item in Photo credit: Alicia Duke the state budget • Presented to Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council PPFF donors and their families were invited to a private elk tour • Co-sponsored a legislative cocktail reception with at Sinnamahoning State Park. the PA Recreation and Parks Society to meet with Here members of the group elected officials and promote the importance demonstrate the size of an elk. of the Keystone Recreation and Park fund • Partnered with Recreation Equipment Incorporated, , and for a National Trails Day work day

Assisting volunteers on the Rose Trail at The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is a proud member of the 10 • 2012 PPFF Annual Report Goat Hill Wild Plant Preserve for National Trails Day. 2012 PPFF Annual Report • 11 Growing Greener Coalition and a participating partner in iConservePA. “You’re off Matching Grants at Work to Great Places! Play “at WORK!” Matching grants provided by DCNR Community Conservation Program. Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting, The building of the new playground at Samuel Americorps – Our Young Conservationists at Work (and Play!) Making Play ACCESSIBLE With a grant from the Community Conservation and Partnership Program, PPFF reached out to Keystone So...get on your way!” Lewis State Park in memory of Leah Vogel. Evan Mongeau received a PPFF matching grant to build Our projects, events, and plans involve groups of good-hearted people sharing SMILES AmeriCorps for partnerships in two parks, Cook Forest and Moraine. The AmeriCorps volunteers benches at two state parks as part of his Eagle Project. ~ Dr. Seuss, labors of love. Here are some of the people, places, and events that showcase promoted volunteerism, built the volunteer database, and fostered relationships with local organizations. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! our commitment to Living Playfully. Quick stats: The AmeriCorps members provided five outreach programs-including presentations to a local senior center, with local scout groups and at Clarion University. They recruited 61 volunteers for more than 280 volunteer hours. This included one work day with college students at Cook Forest where the vol- Playgrounds unteers removed invasive species; several work days with school groups and scout groups at Moraine State In July 2012, the Foundation unveiled a new playground at Samuel Lewis Park, and two AmeriCorps work days. Through a partnership with PPFF and , a soup State Park, in memory of Leah Vogel. The Foundation, family, and friends and work day was developed to clean up the lakeshore at Moraine State Park. worked to raise funds for the playground in hopes that Leah’s love of the Our AmeriCorps volunteer Brittanie helped coordinate a new partnership program with the Butler outdoors may be passed on to other children. Veterans Administration Hospital and Muddy Creek Fishing Guides to provide fishing opportunities The Samuel Lewis State Park play area is the first fruit of the Leah Vogel for disabled veterans. Park staff and Muddy Creek Outfitters led guided pontoon fishing programs The Friends of received a Memorial Playground Fund, a larger effort on behalf of the Foundation to once in August and once in September for 2 hours each visit. The program will continue in 2013. matching grant to construct two small boat/ racks build playgrounds in state parks across the Commonwealth. The playground Muddy Creek Fishing Guides donate their time and equipment. and a mast hoist at Nockamixon Marina. includes equipment designed to facilitate play for children with limited mobility. Instead of a typical merry-go-round, the park offers an Omni Spinner designed for easy entrance from a wheelchair or walker. Other playground highlights include a wave slide, fire pole, and ladder. Many businesses and individuals helped to sponsor the Samuel Lewis Playground through personal donations and events, such as a 5K race, silent auction, bike wash, golf tournament, and sale of wrist bands. The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management authority, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Appell Jr., County Line Quarry, and a grant from the York County Community Through a grant from Recreation Equipment Incorporated and Foundation provided additional support for the project. funds from PPFF, the Friends of have started the construction of a new handicapped accessible amphitheater at Above: 2012 AmeriCorps Shawnee State Park (unfinished project.) volunteer Brittanie Smith “Playgrounds are Left: 2012 AmeriCorps The second Lace Up For Leah fun run not just for playing, volunteer Alyssa McGinniss occurred at Samuel Lewis State Park recruited volunteers for the to raise funds for playgrounds in state annual Cook Forest French parks and forests. While the racers ran but for exploring, & Indian War Encampment. in two directions (oops), the staff ran Pictured (l to r) are to catch up. It was running for all! growing and Laura Isacco, Kiyomi Know, Photo credit: Jason McCullough, ArcelorMittal making memories.” and Melia White New playground equipment was erected in the Quaker Race Day Use Area. The project was made possible by the Friends ~ Dan, of Pinchot State Park, leftover funds from the former Pinchot Interest Group, a grant from ArcelorMittal - Steelton Plant, Bureau of Forestry a grant from PPFF, and funds from two memorial gifts. 12 • 2012 PPFF Annual Report 2012 PPFF Annual Report • 13 Friends Chapters Playing Cherry Springs Dark Sky Association Friends of Friends of Friends of Photo credit: Pat Putz Friends of Black Moshannon State Park Friends of With FRIENDS Friends of Colonel Denning State Park Friends of Pinchot State Park Friends of and Friends of Pine Grove Furnace No one plays nicer than PPFF’s Friends Groups. Because they care Promised Land State Park State Park and they can, these dedicated volunteers make our parks and forests Friends of Goddard State Park Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park better to use and visit. In 2012, we added Friends of White Clay Creek Friends of Greenwood Furnace Friends of BIG POCONO Eagle Scout Nathan Wise KINGS GAP Colebrook Road concert — NOCKAMIXON The Friends of Nockamixon Everyone enjoys the Fall preserve to our friends network – so we welcome them to the group. Friends of Keystone State Park Friends of Ryerson Station State Park designed a “vista wheel” for park visitors Nothing says summer like Music on the Mountain are adamant about building (and rebuilding) trails Harvest Festival with the Friends of Shikellamy This brief list of numbers translates into hundreds of astounding Friends of Kings Gap Environmental Friends of Shawnee State Park stories. Small groups of dedicated conservationists - our Volunteer Friends Education Center Friends of Groups - move mountains. In 2012, Friends Groups in PA accomplished: Friends of Laurel Hill State Park Friends of the State Line Serpentine • 407 service projects Friends of Barrens • 130 special events Friends of Friends of Swatara State Park • Raised $245,805 to fund targeted needs Friends of Mont Alto Friends of • 2,815 Volunteers donated 43,586 hours of their time Photo credit: Pam Metzger Friends of Mt. Pisgah State Park Friends of • The value of these donated hours is $942,854 Friends of Nockamixon State Park Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve Clearly, these tireless volunteers believe that the whole is greater Friends of Nolde Forest Environmental Friends of than the sum of the parts! We congratulate their success and admire the Education Center Laurel Mountain Volunteers BLACK MOSHANNON 2012 was the dedication and tenacity they bring to their goals. LAUREL HILL Keystone Trails Association’s Code OHIOPYLE Friends of Ohiopyle know that gathering SWATARA The Friends of Swatara are hard Friends’ 27th annual Summer Fest. Orange trail care crew worked on Hemlock Trail for a delicious meal is a great way to thank their volunteers at work building and improving trails TRAININ G FRIENDS In 2012, in addition to eastern western Pennsylvania friends retreats, we also hosted trainings with individual friends groups. Staff made visits to all chapters and assisted with issues as diverse as event insurance to music industry questions. We provided monthly Photo credit: DCNR

tidbits of learning through our online newsletter. Photo credit: Pam Karhan Photo credit: Shreenivasan Manievannan

CHERRY SPRINGS Cherry Springs’ annual LYMAN RUN The Friends of Lyman Run salute Youth PARKER DAM October at Parker Dam PRINCE GALLITZIN Kids, bikes and the Friends of Prince Gallitzin WEISER Multi-use trails are the specialty of the star parties bring seasoned astronomers to the park.PlayingFishing Derby winner Hunter Becks for his big fish means Fall Festival fun were a winning combination with the dedication of a new playground Friends of Weiser, where everybody gets along With “Unless someone like you FRIENDS YELLOW cares a whole awful lot, CREEK

Photo credit: Ted Prindle Ted Photo credit: Puddle duck boats?

Nothing is going to get better. Photo credit: Jared McGary Hang out with the Photo credit: Stephanie Miller COLONEL It’s not.” Friends of Yellow DENNING Creek and learn The Friends of Colonel Denning ~ Dr. Seuss, to build ‘em offered a series of outdoor concerts The Lorax and sail ‘em 14 • 2012 PPFF Annual Report MILTON The Friends of Milton continue to PINCHOT Beautiful new benches line the RYERSON STATION and other outdoor 2012 PPFF Annual Report • 15 expand hiking opportunities on the island lake at thanks to the Friends pursuits are saluted annually at Outdoor Heritage Day (A gorgeousfallscenereflectedonthewater.) People’s Choice Critics’ Choice by Critics’Choice. Foundation’s Facebookpageand chosen bypopularvoteonthe Contest. Thecontestwinnerswere Take FiveintheOutdoorsPhoto into theFoundation’sSummer2012 Many beautifulphotoswere entered More W Larry Laird -WhippleDam StatePark (A fawnpeeksfrom beneathhermother.) Tom Dorsey-OilCreek StatePark 16 •2012 PPFFAnnual Report inning BEST BEST isF in in un S S HOW HOW ! WI NN B A 2012 on May1,2012. of Harrisburg Country Club held atthe A at oursixthannual award winners to allofthe Congratulations Congratulationswinning-est of winner all.” you can dowithyou can that ball, And the things magical W AN wards will makewill youthe There are games fun to bedone! ARDS ~ Dr. Seuss, Oh, thePlaces QU to bewon. “There is You’ll Go! I N E T

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Kinzua BridgeStatePark) Energy; JimReinsburrow, Kinzua BridgeStatePark; Talisman Energy: Amy Gilbert,Talisman Manager; LisaWalker, Franklin L.Kury Jason Heasley,Kinzua Denise Sickon,Yellow Y State ParkManager; P P ear Woolrich, Inc.: Kinzua C ark Yellow Creek resident sponsored by sponsored by sponsored by Franklin L.Kury, Bridge StatePark Philadelphia Creek StatePark; liff K Marci Mowery) Chamber of Marci Mowery) PPFF President PPFF President PPFF President Kenneth Bisbee, Marci Mowery; Commerce: the Greater The Honorable eystone State Park State Park A (Left toright: (Left toright: (Left toright: Yellow Creek A A L

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Congratulations 2012 PPFF AnnualReport •17 A V A Marci Mowery) PPFF President Paul Mickle, (Left toright: Paul Mickle Utilities: PPL Electric sponsored by A Y Barrens) State LineSerpentine of theFriends Emery Abdel-Latif Jim Dudleyand Marci Mowery, PPFF President Henry Whitesel, Mike Bertram, (Left toright: B Line Serpentine Friends ofState I Bud Wills) Gwen Wills, Marci Mowery, PPFF President (Left toright: Gwen Wills B E mprovement ducation oung arrens ud and ward olunteer ward ward

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In every newsletter, eBlast, or blog, you may read about where we came from: YOU make it Fun! FINANCIAL Overview …landmark conservation work through the WPA’s Civilians Conservation Corps, fascinating histories of our state parks and From the Staff of the Foundation As of December 31st, 2012, our total assets and liabilities, forests, and the experiences of which includes funds from the 149 accounts managed by Dale Carnegie once said, “People rarely succeed unless they have 2012 Total Expenses the Foundation, were $1,090,492.00. our friends and volunteers fun at what they are doing.” Or to put it in the words of ice cream superstars (and widely-acknowledged Gurus of Fun) Ben and Jerry, …and where we are going: General “If it ain’t fun, why do it?” …strengthening our commitment Administration During our Year of Living Playfully, we reaffirmed our belief that play serves to a living legacy by offering Fundraising 2012 Total Income many valuable purposes, such as developing emotional, social, moral, physical opportunities such as Memorial and intellectual capacities. It builds friendships, promotes problem solving, and Marci and her family in 1973 at . (Left to right: Pap Pool, Other Special or Honorary Gifts. You can honor increases creativity. That’s why we spend so much time encouraging you to put Teen, sister Diane, Dad, Marci, Mom) Revenue Programs the memory of a special person as much joy and light-heartedness into each of your days that you can. or joyous occasion while supporting The staff and board of the Foundation approach the mission and vision of Program Investment our work in conservation, recreation, our organization with a playful attitude, knowing that the more fun we have, Tag Program Income education, and volunteerism in our the more likely we are to achieve our goals and develop creative ideas to tackle Fees state parks and forests. the challenges ahead of us. It’s a guiding principle for us - we take our work very seriously, but ourselves? Not so much. We encourage our Who we DO take seriously, is you—our members, volunteers, and donors. Your support—via monetary donation or time—not only motivates us on difficult Contributions members, partners days, it is a critical part of the successes you read about in the pages of this annual and friends to continue report. A complete list of donors is not included in our annual report to insure the Grants the legacy of conservation privacy of our supporters. We do genuinely and enthusiastically appreciate each of our state parks and contribution and hope you see your good works reflected on every page. forests for future generations through Thank you. Pam Metzger at Ohiopyle State Park a bequest or life back in 1963. income as well.

Jen Rehill has been enjoying kayaking in “A person’s a person, The allocations shown in the pie charts represent the Pennsylvania Parks and Pennsylvania state parks for years. Forests Foundation’s operating budget and do not include revenue raised by no matter how small.” friends groups and individual accounts (see page 14 for friends revenue). ~ Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who The complete audited financial statement for the year ending December 31st, 2012 Lisa Salvatore and her daughter is available by contacting the Foundation. Marina preparing for a picnic lunch at Pinchot State Park. Thank you to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program. “Never underestimate the value of every contribution - no matter how small!” 18 • 2012 PPFF Annual Report ~ Staff of PPFF 2012 PPFF Annual Report • 19 Board of Directors: 1845 Market Street, Suite 202 Chair Camp Hill, PA 17011 Rob Wonderling (717) 236-7644 Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce www.PaParksAndForests.org Vice Chairman William Forrey Retired, Bureau of State Parks Secretary Brian J. Clark Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney Treasurer Gary Smith Retired, DCNR

Directors David Argall, Pa Senate, 29th District George Asimos, Saul Ewing LLP Darla Cravotta, Allegheny County Executive Office Jim Fields, SAP America Maxine Harrison, Friends Representative Mark Longietti, Pa House, 7th District Andrew Mowen, Penn State University Joanne Raphael, PPL Corporation Barb Sexton, Chesapeake Energy

Honorary Members Linda McKenna Boxx John C. Oliver III

Advisory Board Hank Barnette

Staff: President Marci Mowery Bookkeeper Lisa Salvatore Membership/Volunteer Coordinator Pam Metzger Public Relations/Outreach Coordinator Jen Rehill