By Beth Kaszuba
A chance to commune with nature. Trails we traverse to get fit. Lots of space for cooped-up kids to blow off steam. Whatever your reason for visiting, state and local parks offer us a lot.
So why not give back while you boost your mental and physical health? Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is always looking for volunteers to maintain state parks.
If you’re into hiking, you can help create and maintain trails, improve wildlife habitats or clean and stabilize stream banks.
Handy or have a green thumb? Volunteers are also needed to plant flowers, repair footbridges, make recreation areas more accessible and install park signs, among other tasks.
Serious about conservation — and social, too? Join a “friends group” or create one with like-minded buddies.