Historically, the definition of "friend" was a noun. A friend was a person, and someone felt an affection or shared a bond with that person. You could "befriend" a person, but you couldn't "friend" a person - at least, not until Facebook came along. Today, "friend" can also be used as a verb.

Two years ago, Beltzville State Park was sorely in need of a friend, in fact, the more friends the better. Although all our Pennsylvania State Parks become a hub in a community, often the community as a whole takes the park for granted - that it will always be there, and always remain the same.Beltzville State Park aficionado Diane Szwajkoski wanted to do something for the park. In July 2015, she set up a meeting with the park manager; through that, learned of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. PPFF's mission is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania's state parks and forests through public engagement in volunteerism, education and recreation.PPFF also oversees a Friends of State Parks initiative. Our state has 121 parks, and only 38 chapters of "Friends" groups. With the guidance of PPFF, and the support of Beltzville staff and members of the surrounding community, Friends of Beltzville State Park organized in July 2015."We live in a beautiful area, and Beltzville is a beautiful place - you can take those things for granted," Szwajkoski said. "My experience since getting involved with the group is that I have met so many friends - we feel we've helped create an educational hub and have also given back to the great outdoors."Friends of Beltsville State Park has been meeting each month since the group was established, using guidelines from PPFF (for more information, email friendsofbeltzvillestatepark@beltzvillestateparkfriends, or call 215-230-0654.) The mission statement of the group is "dedicated to the education, protection, preservation and enhancement of the park."Marci Mallory, president of PPFF, said that the organization really appreciates what the various "Friends" groups do for state parks."The passion that our friends have for our parks and forests, they are so engaged, and we share the enthusiasm," Mallory said. "They build on the legacy of those who came before us, and they are contributing to the next generation's enjoyment of the outdoors.""Friends" groups have amassed some impressive contributions: 1,730 service projects; more than $500,000 raised; an estimated $1.6 million in volunteer hours value; 66,000 donated volunteer hours; and 2,970 volunteers."Friends groups allow someone to give back to a park or forest that they love, and they are the icing on the cake," Mallory said. "They're the ones that can do the types of projects that improve on the visitor experience."Mallory said that there is a great variety of things volunteers can do. First, they can contact PPFF via the organization's website,

www.paparksandforests.org, or call 717-236-7644, and begin starting a Friends group at a park or forest that doesn't yet have one. The volunteer opportunities aren't just for physical labor; for example, volunteers may help with a newsletter, write press releases, help organize volunteers, seek donations, and support group activities by providing snacks and drinks.