Claire Jantz is a founding member and Chair of the Friends of Michaux State Forest, working with DCNR to protect more than 85,500 acres of public land.

She was awarded the 2020 Spirit of South Mountain Award, given for her work that has made a big impact in advancing a positive and sustainable future for the South Mountain landscape.

As a professor in the Geography-Earth Science Department at Shippensburg University she teaches introduction to sustainability, urban geography, biogeography, and land use.

Claire works to ensure her students understand the importance and significance of public lands -- for people, flora and fauna, and healthy ecosystems.

“I also want them to see that successful conservation is a collaborative process and requires people from different perspectives working together towards a common goal,” Claire says -- something she does regularly.

Claire also serves on multiple South Mountain Partnership committees, the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy board, is a supporter of the Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Council; and is a member of the Rotary Club of Shippensburg, Borough of Shippensburg Zoning Hearing Board, and Shade Tree Commission.

Living close to the forest, it’s easy for Claire to head into the woods to hike and bike.

Trips to Michaux, and a connection to the area’s history, culture, scenic beauty, and its role in supporting globally important ecosystems has become an important part of her life.

Claire wanted to give back to this public resource and answered the call from the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation to form a Friends Group.

“I personally love doing anything related to outreach and education, so I’ve really enjoyed organizing and attending our “Hike through…” programs where we learn from local experts about different aspects of the forest,” Claire says. “I am also really excited that we will soon be launching a volunteer stewardship program.”

Members take on a wide variety of tasks with much time devoted to picking up litter and holding organized litter pickups.

Other projects include sign painting, building habitat boxes, and helping to maintain the shooting range.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Claire says. “We have learned so much about the forest from the rangers and other DCNR staff, and from other Friends Group members, it has made me appreciate Michaux State Forest even more.”

Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or conservation that we should feature? Contact DCNR by sending an 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 March 31 DCNR Resource newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

Related Article:

-- South Mountain Partnership Recognizes Dr. Claire Jantz With Spirit Of South Mountain Award

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR Blog: Support Tree Planting Along Streams And In Communities

-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Announces Haiku Poetry Contest On Natural Preservation To Honor PA Environmental Rights Amendment

-- Brodhead Watershed Assn.: State Game Land Forests - Essential Services Courtesy Of Mother Nature, Game Commission In Monroe County

-- March 31 DCNR Resource Newsletter

[Posted: March 31, 2021]

4/5/2021