Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker joined regional Pennsylvania Outdoor
Corps members at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem to plant 250 trees in Eagles Forest honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, DCNR has expanded conservation efforts in the Commonwealth by strengthening the Outdoor Corps workforce development initiative. The Governor secured $5 million in his second budget to enhance and grow the program, increasing job training for more young people.
The investment supports hiring additional staff and restructuring the program into a regional model to improve efficiency, expand recruitment, and strengthen community partnerships. Part of the Corps’ expansion has included the creation of the all-new Philadelphia American Sign Language Inclusion Crew, DCNR’s strong collaboration with L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), CorpsTHAT and the Philadelphia School for the Deaf.
“Like the trees we are planted today, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is our way to invest in the future of conservation in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary Dunn. “I’m proud to be here with our Southeastern Pennsylvania crewmembers, as well as our new Philly-based American Sign Language Inclusion Crew—both of which are strong examples of what we can do when we prioritize increasing access to workforce
opportunities in natural spaces. Thank you to Governor Shapiro and our partner agency, the Department of Labor & Industry, for supporting this important conservation
workforce development program.”
Since its creation, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps has offered hands-on conservation job training to more than 1,500 young people ages 15 to 25 — building skills, supporting career readiness, and improving public lands across the Commonwealth. Launched under Secretary Dunn’s tenure, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps provides paid conservation work experience, hands-on job training, and career
readiness skills.
The program is jointly run by DCNR and the Student Conservation Association (SCA), with critical support from L&I and private philanthropic partners.
“The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps gives young people the opportunity to build real skills, gain meaningful work experience, and explore careers that make a difference in their communities,” said Secretary Walker. “Programs like this help prepare the next generation of Pennsylvania’s workforce while opening doors to careers in conservation, public service, and the skilled trades. We’re proud to partner with DCNR to create
opportunities that benefit both young Pennsylvanians and the Commonwealth.”
Eagles Forest is part of the Philadelphia Eagles football team’s “Go Green”
program, which focuses on offsetting the Eagles organization’s environmental impact
and gets fans interested in conserving natural resources.
During 2007, the Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the Eagles Forest at Neshaminy State Park by planting hundreds of trees and shrubs. Together, the Eagles and the DCNR are laying the cornerstone for a
healthy forest and healthy habitat.
“Since planting the first trees at Eagles Forest in 2007, we’ve remained committed to finding impactful ways to reduce our environmental footprint,” said Norman
Vossschulte, Vice President of Fan Experience and Sustainability, Philadelphia
Eagles.
“Seeing this space continue to grow while planting the next generation of trees during our nation’s 250th anniversary is a full-circle moment and a powerful reminder that the investments we make today can benefit our environment for years to come. We’re proud to team up with the DCNR to support conservation across the region.”
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, the non-profit partner for state park and forests, provided funding for today’s tree planting through two streams: New Trail Brewing Replenish Beer, which provided a portion of funds for each case sold, and People First Federal Credit Union, which makes a donation to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation for tree planting for every credit union member who converts
from paper to electronic statements.
Recent Comments