Pennsylvania's state parks and forests belong to everyone — and so does the work of protecting them. Since 2016, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps has brought together more than 1,600 young Pennsylvanians to restore trails, rebuild infrastructure, and strengthen the public lands their communities depend on. For many, it's a first job. For others, it's the start of a career. For all of them, it's the beginning of something bigger than themselves.
Modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, PA Outdoor Corps was founded on a simple idea: that young Pennsylvanians, given the right opportunity, can build meaningful careers while restoring the lands their communities depend on. The Corps is built for all Pennsylvanians — regardless of background, experience, or where they're starting from.
Stay Connected with the PA Outdoor Corps
Contact us at RA-NROUTDOORCORPS@pa.gov or by following us on social media.
Featured Projects
Asbury Woods: Greenway Boardwalk Improvement Project
The Greenway Trail is one of the park’s premier trails traversing a wetland area and connecting to the Nature Center. It is used by visitors for hiking, running, and biking. The previous boardwalk was over 10 years old and most of the boards were rotted and warped. The Meadville Adult Crew constructed over 200 feet of new boardwalk to replace the previous structure.
Point State Park: Flood Cleanup
In April 2024, Point State Park was impacted by two major flooding events. The Pittsburgh and Meadville Adult Crews assisted with clean up efforts after the water levels receded. The crews worked with state park and forestry staff to remove flood debris and sediment from the park’s iconic fountain and along the wharfs. They also worked to open the Great Allegheny Passage and Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
Big Elk Creek State Park: Riparian Buffer
The 2024 Norristown Adult Crew worked with Alliance for the Bay to complete a riparian buffer at Big Elk Creek State Park. The crew completed site layout and planting of containerized seedlings to assist with large reforestation project, and have continued to monitor and tend to the trees in the years since.
State Parks and Forests: Cemetery Restoration
The Cultural Resource Crew and many of our adult and youth crews have worked to restore the many historic cemeteries located in PA State Park and Forests. They’ve removed brush from the cemeteries and cleaned, repaired, and poured new bases for grave markers.
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center: Accessible Garden Path
Multiple youth crews in south central PA have worked to create universal accessibility to the garden, a prominent park feature, at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center. The crews laid brick pavers to enhance the existing pathways in the garden so more park visitors are able to enjoy the space.
- Asbury Woods Greenway Boardwalk Improvement Project
- Point State Park Flood Cleanup
- Big Elk Creek State Park Riparian Buffer
- State Parks and Forests Cemetery Restoration
- Kings Gap Environmental Education Center Accessible Garden Path
Partner & Land Manager Services
The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps does more than improve state parks — they support public lands across the entire Commonwealth!
If you own and operate public lands in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible to nominate projects for the next season through the Corps’ Public Partnerships Program. Contact us for more information: RA-NROUTDOORCORPS@pa.gov.