PA Conservation Heritage Project

05/08/2026

Hello Followers!

Due to some issues, we had to relaunch a new page. Please follow us at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578433809059

Welcome to the new PA Conservation Heritage Project page.
A collaboration of state and non-profit partners, building awareness of Pennsylvania's rich Conservation Heritage through research and education.
https://paconservationheritage.org/

12/23/2025

What conservation heritage stories would you like to learn more about? Comment below.

12/18/2025

Mira Lloyd Dock is often considered the Mother of Forestry in Pennsylvania. Grab yourself a warm cocoa and and a blanket, and learn more about her in the documentary found on our website. Mira's birthday was December 25, so what better time to celebrate her legacy!

12/04/2025

What does a career spent in state parks look like? Read our most recent story about the first female field park manager, Mary Hirst.

Mary Hirst August 13, 1960 - Share Mary Herrold Hirst was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania (Pa) on August 13, 1960. She was raised in Milesburg, Pa. In elementary school, Mary and her friends formed an Ecology Club focused on environmental issues and natural resource protection. They enjoyed the clu...

11/14/2025

https://www.bayjournal.com/columns/chesapeake_born/the-birth-of-an-idea-clean-environment-as-fundamental-right/article_958c50e0-97bb-4648-8990-f9c9e61d335b.html

In 1971, a young Pennsylvania legislator named Franklin Kury did something vitally important for his state and the Chesapeake Bay to which it drains. He would wait 42 years to

11/13/2025

Catch a glimpse of Pa history through these video shorts:

Welcome to PA History 2 Go, a series of videos presented by the commission with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Pennsylvania H...

10/28/2025

What signs of history do you find when enjoying the outdoors in Pennsylvania?

An abandoned millstone rests along the banks of Slippery Rock Creek, a quiet reminder of the rich history of McConnells Mill State Park. The first mill in this valley was built by Daniel Kennedy in 1852, but it was destroyed by fire in 1868. A new mill was later constructed on the site where it still stands today. This spot, just past Kildoo Falls, is believed to mark the location of the original mill. Here, you can still see several grinding wheels, scattered timbers, a crumbling cut-stone wall, and holes carved into a large boulder—remnants that once supported the structure of the old mill, or possibly the dam.

Plant petunias and question everything!

10/24/2025

What is a docent, you ask? Learn more in this short video.

A Healthy Lands Week Lunch & Learn will introduce you to volunteer opportunities with Pennsylvania's museumsA Healthy Lands Week Lunch & Learn will introduce...

10/24/2025

A big part of Pennsylvania's history relates to the iron making industry. We can see remnants of the industry across the state, including remnants from charcoal making, a key ingredient in the iron making process. Here, the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park walk you through the process of turning trees to charcoal.

09/25/2025

Our new podcast episodes explores the various battles that have scarred Pennsylvanias public lands - from the French and Indian War to the Civil War.

Historian Brady J. Crytzer walks us through the incredible history we can explore in our Commonwealth.

Even if you’re not a history nerd, this episode will serve as a gateway to understanding what made Pennsylvania so critical in early American history.

Check out our newest episode on your favorite podcasting platform or by visiting our website!