September 13, 2022 would have been Maurice K. Goddard’s 110th birthday. To mark that milestone, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation invites you to get outdoors and volunteer in a state park or forest near you to thank Goddard for his significant conservation legacy.

Goddard served under a record five Pennsylvania governors as Secretary of Forests and Waters and as the founding Secretary of the Department of Environmental Resources (predecessor to DEP).

In those roles, he not only championed the ‘park within 25-mile of every resident goal’ but also implemented a watershed-scale approach to water management, created dedicated funding sources for natural resource conservation (the Oil and Gas Fund, Project 70 and Project 500 bond initiatives), and was instrumental in forming the Delaware River Basin Commission and Susquehanna River Basin Commission, among many other accomplishments.

“Earlier this year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of M.K. Goddard State Park and Doc Goddard’s legacy, which continues to shape the efforts of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We remain committed to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Pennsylvania, building on the example Goddard set over his landmark tenure.”

Like PPFF promotes through its videos and social media channels today, Goddard recognized back then the vital role parks and forests play in human health and the economy.

He also championed the free admission program that makes access to state parks and forests affordable to all Pennsylvanians.

PPFF continues to promote the benefits of this free access and free parking that made our state parks the destination for more than 47 million visitors in 2021, supporting local businesses in the process.

Today, PPFF and its supporters continue to build on Goddard’s legacy by building and supporting friends groups and their volunteers who help maintain parks and forests, which in turn protects water and air quality and contributes to our quality of life.

To date, there are 47 friends groups across Pennsylvania that participate in tree plantings, trail maintenance projects, litter cleanups, event organizing, leading educational programs, and much more.

 You can learn more about these groups and how to volunteer online.

Secretary Dunn also said, “As we celebrate Doc Goddard’s vision and honor his birthday on September 13, I encourage Pennsylvanians to get outside for exercise and peace of mind, and to also seek out conservation cause to support, whether that is picking up trash at a local park, planting a tree, or becoming a member of a state park or forest friends group.”

“I cherish what our state parks and forests provide all of us in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Friends of M.K. Goddard State Park volunteer, Fran Bires. “These beautiful natural places give us solitude, recreation of all kinds, and an opportunity to connect with the natural world. Because of what parks and forests gives me, I feel a need to give back in the form of volunteering, supporting and nurturing these places. Our friends group works closely with the park manager and assists with the needs of the park, whether it’s purchasing playground equipment, maintaining a multi-purpose trail, or projects that deal directly with conservation and education. If you use our state parks and forests, but have never got more involved, think about joining a friends group or volunteering in another way.”

Healthy Lands Week

In addition to volunteer opportunities being organized by PPFF’s friends groups, other ways to volunteer can be found at the Health Lands Week webpage.

September 24 – October 2, 2022, marks the inaugural PA Healthy Lands Week, which is a statewide initiative created to introduce newcomers to the idea of volunteering to help improve our public lands while being active and getting some healthy outdoor recreation.

Participating in PA Healthy Lands Week is an easy yet powerful way to honor Goddard’s legacy while doing good for the planet and your health.

“Maurice Goddard devoted his life to making Pennsylvania a better place for all,” said Marci Mowery, President of PPFF. “You can continue to build on his legacy by volunteering within a state park or forest, becoming a member of PPFF, and being a voice for these precious public lands.”

For more information on programs, initiatives, special events and how you can get involved, visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,  Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter or tune in to their YouTube Channel.  Click Here to become a member of the Foundation.

The Foundation and their 48 chapters mobilize 65,000 volunteers annually to steward YOUR state parks and forests.

Related Articles - Heritage:

-- DEP To Host Sept. 13 Virtual Roundtable To Celebrate The 60th Anniversary Of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring Publication  [PaEN]

-- We Remember Sept. 11, 2001 - DEP Responds To A National Tragedy  [PaEN]

Related Articles This Week:

-- Gov. Wolf Announces $90 Million Investment In More Than 330 Projects To Improve Recreation, Conserve Natural Resources; Special Fall DCNR Grant Round Now Open  [PaEN]

-- Exceptional Value Water Quality Designation, State Forest Land, River Honors Were Not Enough To Protect Loyalsock Creek From Natural Gas Drilling & Pipelines In Lycoming County - By Friends Of The 'Sock   [PaEN]

-- DCNR: Statewide ‘Walk With A Doc’ Campaign Promotes Health And Nature

-- DCNR Blog: Ending At The Beginning - Loop Trails

-- DCNR Hosts Nov. 3 Statewide Grant Workshop For Recreation & Conservation Projects; Special Fall Grant Round  [PaEN]

-- WeConservePA Hosts 2-Part Grant Writing Workshop Nov. 9 & 16  [PaEN]

[Posted: September 9, 2022]

9/12/2022