The Pennsylvania Tourism Office is out with the Happy Traveler Guide, a resource to inspire travelers to pursue their happiness in Pennsylvania, including:

-- Tips for spectacular outdoor adventures;

-- Must eats;

-- Fascinating historical artifacts and architecture; and

-- Hidden gems throughout the Commonwealth.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, this year’s feature story pays homage to Pennsylvania’s titans of conservation who have worked to conserve the state’s natural beauty.

Pennsylvania is home to 86,000 miles of rivers, 185 rail-trails, 121 state parks, and 2.2 million acres of state forests.

Featured on the cover is Grey Towers in Pike County, the former home of America’s first forester, Gifford Pinchot. Included in the places to visit that highlight Pennsylvanians important to conservation are:

-- Rothrock State Forest, named for the Joseph T. Rothrock, known as the father of Pennsylvania forestry

-- Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park, connected to Mira Lloyd Dock and the City Beautiful movement

-- Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County

-- Rachel Carson Homestead National Historic Site near Pittsburgh, the birthplace of Rachel Carson, the inspiration for the global environmental movement

-- Maurice K. Goddard State Park, named for the man whose vision was a state park within 25 miles of every Pennsylvanian.

[Learn more about Pennsylvania’s conservation history by visiting the Conservation Heritage Project website.  Learn more about Earth Day by visiting the Earth Day 50 PA website.]

The Happy Traveler is available digitally at the Visit PA website or in print by calling 1-800-VISIT-PA.

Travelers are encouraged to explore Happy Traveler content across Visit PA’s social media platforms and share photos of their favorite Pennsylvania adventures using the hashtag #PAHappySnaps.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

(Reprinted from the Feb. 5 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

NewsClips:

Click Here To Catch Up On All PA Environment & Energy NewsClips

Related Articles - Land Conservation - Forests - Recreation:

Growing Greener Coalition: Tremendous Backlog Of Environmental Infrastructure Needs Demand Much Higher Levels Of Investment By State

DCNR Good Natured Blog: Recreation That's Accessible For All

All Tobacco, Vaping, E-Cigarettes Now Banned At Playgrounds In State Parks

South Mountain Partnership Announces Spirit Of South Mountain Award Winner, Mini-Grant Recipients

Wooden Shipping Pallets Slightly More Sustainable Than Plastic

Feb. 5 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

Feb. 7 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

Western PA Conservancy Preserves Forested Area, Scenic Views In Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland County

Merrill W. Linn Land & Waterways Conservancy Preserves Meadow Lane Farm In Snyder County

Colcom Revolving Fund For Local Land Trusts By Western PA Conservancy

PALTA: Authorities, Conservation Groups Eligible For Conservation Easement Assistance Grants

National Rails-To-Trails Conservancy Awards 2 Grants For Pennsylvania Projects

Still Time To Sign Up For PA Master Naturalist Spring Training In Delaware, Montour Counties

Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness Host Winter Backpack Trip On March 7-8 In Warren County

Trout Unlimited Delaware River Fly Tri, A Test Of Fitness And Fishing At The Delaware Water Gap May 16

Register Now: June 14 French Creek Iron Tour - Cycling For Open Space & Trails In Chester County

Interns Wanted: Western PA Conservancy - Last Call To Apply For Summer Internship Positions

Interns Wanted: Allegheny Land Trust Hamm Conservation & Stewardship Intern Positions

[Posted: February 5, 2020]

2/10/2020