(The Center Square) – Pennsylvanians looking for a healthy start to 2025 are invited to join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on a First Day Hike.
The agency is organizing over 70 guided hikes at 46 of its state parks and one forest district. The hikes are part of a national initiative of the National Association of State Park Directors across all 50 states.
“This year, we’re encouraging everyone to connect with our public lands — whether that means discovering programs at our state parks, exploring new outdoor activities, or uncovering the rich history preserved within our landscapes. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection and exploration,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn.
The agency is required to create a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Program, or SCORP, every five years informed by several public surveys. Among the 8,000 responses to this year’s surveys, the connection between mental health and the outdoors was a primary focus.
There was bipartisan support for increasing permanent funding for the parks. $112 million of the state’s budget last year went to support state park and forest infrastructure. DCNR recently celebrated $10 million in grants supporting trail projects.