PHILIPSBURG, PA — Pennsylvanians can now more easily sign up for volunteer work in state parks and forests through a new statewide system designed to streamline access and expand participation in maintaining public lands.
What This Means for You
- Easier Sign-Up Process: A new online system simplifies how residents find and join volunteer opportunities.
- Rewards for Participation: Volunteers can earn incentives like free camping and cabin stays for service hours.
- More Ways to Get Involved: Opportunities range from trail maintenance to environmental education across the state.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources launched the updated Conservation Volunteer system Tuesday, introducing a centralized platform that standardizes registration, tracks service hours automatically, and connects users with opportunities across 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland.
How the System Works
The new platform modernizes the state’s volunteer coordination by allowing individuals and groups to sign up online, log hours, and track progress toward service milestones.
Officials said the system also automates recognition and rewards, offering incentives such as free camping or cabin stays as volunteers reach certain benchmarks.
Volunteer work includes maintaining trails, supporting campgrounds, improving park facilities, and assisting with conservation and education efforts.
“This new system makes it easier than ever for people to get involved, give back, and connect with the outdoors,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
Supporting Parks and Outdoor Economy
State officials said volunteers play a key role in maintaining public lands, contributing more than 56,000 hours across over 3,300 projects in state parks during 2025 alone.
The announcement comes as Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation sector continues to grow, reaching a $20.4 billion economic impact and supporting more than 177,000 jobs, according to state data.
Officials said expanding volunteer participation helps maintain trails, facilities, and natural resources while supporting tourism and outdoor recreation.
Volunteer Roles and Incentives
The program offers a range of volunteer opportunities, including trail repair, campground maintenance, tree planting, and community education.
Participants can earn rewards based on hours served, including free overnight stays in state parks or forests and other recognition milestones.
Local organizations, including the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation and the Keystone Trails Association, highlighted the role volunteers play in sustaining public lands and supporting conservation efforts.
Next Steps
The Conservation Volunteer system is now live statewide, with additional resources and sign-up information available through DCNR’s website.
Officials said the launch is part of a broader effort to modernize state services and increase public engagement in maintaining Pennsylvania’s parks and forests.
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