Over 800 different species of birds live in North America. Nearly half of those species can be seen right here in PA. From hawks to hummingbirds, warblers to waterfowl, you can find spot them on city streets, in suburban backyards, along trails and scenic drives, in state forests and parks, or in the beautiful Mon Valley.
Hospitals, schools, and social service institutions are on the front lines of the country's opioid epidemic, but what about parks? That was a question at the center of the latest PA Urban Parks & Recreation Exchange, which tackled safety, prevention and recovery.
An exciting partnership is working to breed, grow and release freshwater mussels into Philadelphia's Schuylkill River. Each one of these magical mollusks can filter up to 20 gallons of water per day, providing an essential service to our state's aquatic ecosystems.
Steve McKnight is part of a new generation of young professionals bringing fresh energy to the world of economic and community development. In this first installment of a new series, we follow him as he bikes around Blair County, forging connections and spreading the word about the region he loves.
In 1893, Pennsylvania was practically devoid of trees. In 2018, the state boasts 121 state parks encompassing nearly 300,000 acres and a state forest system comprised of 2.2 million acres in 48 counties. These natural assets are invaluable, whether you're talking about the Commonwealth's economy or its health.
Next time you book a stay in the mountains, you'll be helping to preserve the very natural landscape you've traveled to see. In this majestic region, environmentalists have joined forces with the vibrant tourism industry. Funds from hotel stays and drink purchases support conservation efforts, including the successful resurrection of the local bald eagle population. It’s a great way to justify your next vacation.
Packed with assets both natural and historic, Columbia in Lancaster County is a town in transition, rebounding after decades of struggle. Local residents and organizations have put a fresh focus on recreation and infrastructure, revamping downtown, luring a brewpub, launching a new river trail, and spotlighting the town's inherent charm. The key to Columbia's future is also the source of its past prosperity: the Susquehanna River.
An old reservoir in East Fairmount Park has been off-limits for decades. Now work is underway to transform this urban oasis into a site for environmental education and outdoor recreation.
The inaugural PA Urban Parks & Recreation Exchange, held in Allentown, spotlighted how Pennsylvania cities large and small can improve their communities through thoughtful design and increased access to parks and playgrounds.
In September, Reading hosted the 2017 PA Greenways and Trails Summit, an opportunity to celebrate and advocate for the state's growing network of trails. These assets not only help Pennsylvanians get out into nature, they also spur economic development in adjacent communities.