The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation will host a virtual meeting to explore the idea of a Friends Group at Locust Lake/Tuscarora state parks.

Join park Manager Nicholas Sulzer and foundation President Marci Mowery for an informal discussion on needs at the parks, what a friends group is, and how to get involved.

The meeting will be held via Zoom at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Located a few miles apart in Schuylkill County, both parks offer a wide range of recreational activities for everyone to enjoy. Locust Lake State Park hosts camping, varying difficulties in hiking trails, biking trails and fishing. Tuscarora State Park is home to a scenic picnic area, several camping cottages, fishing, swimming and boating.

A friends group consists of motivated people and organizations in the community that understand the value and benefits of a state park or forest and share a common goal with DCNR in making that park or forest the best in the commonwealth.

The goals of a friends group are unique, crafted to fit the needs of the park or forest and the talent and interests of the friends group. At the meeting, the group will explore the needs of Locust Lake and Tuscarora state parks, discuss the ideas of the potential friend’s group members, and decide on the next steps.

“The role of volunteers in our state parks and forests is an important one,” Mowery said. “Working alongside park staff, they can help to make improvements, host events, raise funds and share knowledge.”

“I am excited to gauge the interest in volunteers from around our community to establish a friends group,” Sulzer said. “I think Tuscarora and Locust Lake would both benefit greatly from the extra bit of care a friends group can help provide.”

Preregistration is required. Please email Pmetzger@paparksandforests.org to attend the meeting.

To learn more about friends groups visit https://paparksandforests.org/friends-groups.