Pennsylvania Forestry Association: Spring Recap and Upcoming Summer Events

By Matt Sampson, Pennsylvania Forestry Association President

The Pennsylvania Forestry Association (PFA) has spent a busy spring and is looking forward to a full slate of summer fun. Here's a look at some spring activities:

Planting Ramble—The Tree Planting Ramble was held April 19 and 20 in Sproul State Forest. Friday’s weather was a bit “iffy,” but dedicated volunteers had a great day in the field. In fact, the Friday crew did such a great job, the Saturday crew was able to finish the planting by lunch. It was great fun, and we appreciate everyone’s participation. Consider joining us next year!

Pennsylvania Parks & Forest Foundation (PPFF) Award—On May 14, a group of old and new PFA officers accepted the 2024 Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award from our good friends and forest partners at PPFF. We are truly humbled to receive this award alongside so many incredible award recipients at the ceremony. You can see all the good work PPFF is doing to engage and assist in the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests at https://paparksandforests.org.

As you read this article, we are well on our way to summer, and I trust you are enjoying the time outdoors, gardening, boating, hiking, campfires or whatever says SUMMER to you! I hope that you, along with family and friends, can enjoy some of the unique opportunities that Pennsylvania has to offer. Below are just a few ideas for forestry fun and education...emphasis on the FUN!

Ned Smith Center—Our most recent issue of Pennsylvania Forests magazine highlights the 20^th anniversary of the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art located in Millersburg, PA. While the center is focused on Ned Smith and wildlife art, it has so much more to offer on exploring and understanding our natural world. A day or two at the center is guaranteed to excite nature lovers of every age with hikes, exhibits, classes, or just a tranquil place to relax and contemplate. This place is special; take time for a visit, you will thank me later! (Find out more at https://nedsmithcenter.org.)

WoodMobile—The Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council has a full summer schedule planned for their “Wood Show on Wheels,” the WoodMobile. This 34-foot-long traveling exhibit provides an interactive experience about Pennsylvania’s forests, the wood products industry, and forest health. Take a minute to find out when it will be near you at https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Business_Industry/HardwoodDevelopmentCouncil/Woodmobile/Pages/default.aspxor search for “Pennsylvania WoodMobile schedule.”

Ag Progress Days—August 13-15, PFA will again have a booth at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days. Showcasing the latest and greatest in agriculture (and forestry) from around the state and the world, this event draws thousands and features educational programs, current research, and the latest innovations in agriculture. Over 400 exhibitors from across North America will be on hand to educate and demonstrate. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy at no cost for admission. Stop by our booth and say hello! (Learn more at https://agsci.psu.edu/apd.)

I hope to see you out and about this summer, ‘til then stay cool under the canopy of Penn’s Woods!

For more information about PFA, visit their website at www.paforestry.org or call 800-835-8065.