With membership now topping 125, the Friends of Beltzville marked Earth Day with a celebration at Beltzville State Park that mixed lake cleanup efforts, yoga on the beach, and family-friendly activities aimed at protecting the outdoors.

Scuba divers kicked off the day by cleaning up the lake, including 14-year-old Mia Kerns and her father, Dan, who have been diving together for four years. The pair first tried caving, but decided it wasn’t for them.

“They didn’t enjoy the tight space,” organizers said.

The American Academy of Water Rescue Dogs also took to the lake to support the divers. Newfoundland dogs Ade and Nicholas, along with Motas, a golden doodle, demonstrated the skills they’ve been trained for in water rescue.

Visitors also had the chance to meet 1-year-old Nixie, a Newfoundland, during a meet-and-greet that highlighted how the dogs assist in emergency situations.

George and Kate Abraham, who own two Newfoundlands, said they volunteer at the park every summer weekend with their dogs and have made more than a dozen rescues.

The “Newfies,” as they are often called, wear life jackets equipped with five handles, allowing them to pull up to 50 times their weight or tow multiple swimmers in a “daisy chain,” with one person holding onto the next.

Perfect spring weather set the scene for a yoga warm-up on the beach, led by instructor Theresa Moore.

“It’s a gift and a way of life, body, mind and socially,” Moore said.

“I love the outdoors and yoga is a gentle stretch and great for the body,” added Sue Perich.

Donations collected during yoga were returned to the park. Organizers said yoga sessions will continue beginning Memorial Day along the Sawmill Trail at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

Anna Kemmerer, who joined Friends of Beltzville two months ago, said she wanted to give back to a place her family has enjoyed for years.

“Our family used the park for years and I want to help make it a better place,” Kemmerer said.

Kemmerer said her family spends time boating, kayaking, biking and hiking at Beltzville. Her son, Chris Kemmerer, is now the education and interpretive section chief for all Pennsylvania state parks.

Inside the park’s Education Interpretive Center, the smell of fresh popcorn drew visitors in as Friends volunteers offered free bananas, oranges, protein bars and popcorn. Eco arts projects were also for sale, including Mason jars turned into candle holders and crafts made from recycled books, magazines and face masks.

Dog treats and water were available for the many pets that joined the day’s activities.

Children also participated in a lollipop hunt, with treats hidden in the ground and around the amphitheater.

Among those attending was Mark Campbell, who said he came to check out the park after purchasing a pontoon boat. He brought his children, Saige, 11, and Ford, 8, along with their Great Dane-lab mix.

Ford jokingly said the dog is “49 years old” in dog years.

Before the hike, master gardener Diane Giffles led the group to the pollinator garden maintained by the Friends group. Giffles explained a project is ongoing where invasive species were removed and new trees planted, each marked with identifying tags. Park educator Rob Bergstresser also joined the walk.

Friends of Beltzville Chairperson Diane Szwajkowski said the event was a reminder of the importance of protecting natural spaces.

“Earth Day reminds us that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful to everyone who stepped up to care for our park and planet, including our dedicated park staff, whose behind the scenes work and coordination helped make the event possible this year,” Szwajkowski said.