Tina Englert is a member of the Friends of Nolde Forest and was honored as the DCNR 2019 Volunteer of the Year.

Tina grew up in Berks County and now lives close to Nolde Forest, where she enjoys hiking, trail running, and taking in nature.

“Nature photography is my special love,” Tina says, “so taking pictures of plants, insects, and whatever else I can catch with my lens is how I spend most of my time outside!”

She and her husband wanted to give back to the park that they loved to visit.

Her first experience volunteering was with the trail crew; and working on trails is still her favorite activity.

“We have evolved into a small, tight-knit crew that works well together, and we accomplish so much during our work sessions,” says Tina.

In addition to trail work, she assists with maintenance tasks like painting kiosks and signposts, and invasive plant removal.

Tina also serves as treasurer and co-chair of the garden committee for the Friends group.

She also assists her husband with stream testing at two sites in the park, which includes photographing macroinvertebrates that they find in the stream.

“I am very interested in plants and have several ongoing projects that involve photographing different species, documenting when/where they were observed, etc.,” Tina says. “I have some plans with the education specialists to really delve into those plant projects more formally in 2021.”

Tina says she has fun volunteering and encourages others to give back not only because of the wonderful people you will meet, but for the rewarding experience as well.

Almost every time she is out volunteering, Tina says someone will stop and say, “thank you,” and ask about her work.

“Volunteering is a place where teamwork truly exists,” she says. “We share the same love of the park, and the desire to keep it safe and beautiful -- and we can all rely on each other to help out and achieve those goals.” 

[Visit DCNR’s Conservation Volunteers webpage to learn more about volunteer opportunities.]

Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or conservation that we should feature? Contact DCNR by sending email to: ra-resource@pa.gov to nominate someone.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

(Reprinted from the Nov. 25 DCNR Resource newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

Related Articles - DCNR:

-- DCNR Good Natured Blog: Making Progress On Streamside Forests; 2021 Buffer Summit March 10-11

-- DCNR Highlights $400,000 Investment To Improve Recreation, Help Restore Codorus Creek In York County; New Grant Round Opening Soon

-- DCNR Grant Workshop For Next Grant Round, Outdoor Recreation Plan Webinar Recordings Available

-- November 25 DCNR Resource Newsletter

[Posted: November 26, 2020]

11/30/2020