The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) held its 16th Annual Awards Banquet and celebrated 11 award recipients for their outstanding stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state natural assets. The event was held at Little Buffalo State Park in Newport, PA on May 13, 2025. The winner of the 2025 Young Volunteer Award, sponsored by Charles & Susan Davidson and George & Kristie Asimos, is Mikayla Traini.
The annual event brought together individuals, businesses, and organizations from across the state, including Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
“Pennsylvania state parks and forests wonderful places to visit because the community of support that help these special places run,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “That community ranges from the outstanding volunteers and Friends Groups to the amazing staff that give tirelessly to make public lands welcoming for all. I am grateful for the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation for being a tremendous partner and for prioritizing these awards to help honor the exemplary work of those who support public lands.”
“We honor those who have gone above and beyond to conserve the resources so essential to life and those who help connect people to these assets,” stated Tina Molski, Chairwoman of the PPFF Board. “Their leadership, hard work, and passion remind us that it takes a dedicated community to steward the wild and wonderful places we love.”
“The annual banquet is more than a celebration of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests—it’s a tribute to the organizations, individuals, and businesses dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation,” said Marci Mowery, President of PPFF. “We commend their tireless efforts and commitment to making Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and play.”
“I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to the sponsors who made the award banquet possible. Their generous support brings this annual celebration to life. To view the banquet program and a complete list of sponsors, visit the Foundation’s website at https://ppff.events/2025AwardsProgram.”
The Young Volunteer Award recognizes a significant contribution to a park or forest by a person under the age of 25 through volunteer hours, a significant project, an innovative idea, or more.
Mikayla began her career with DCNR in the summer of 2023 as an intern at Marsh Creek State Park, where her dedication led to an extended internship and later positions as a park resource ranger at French Creek and an environmental educator at Colonel Denning State Park. During her time at Marsh Creek, she successfully applied for a competitive $20,000 Hearts of STIHL grant to fund a trail paving project that will greatly improve accessibility and safety by creating a new trail parallel to the park’s main roadway, reducing pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and easing traffic congestion.
The grant, awarded in September 2024, was praised by the STIHL representative as one of the best applications ever received, especially notable because it was written by an intern. Mikayla’s initiative and commitment have made a lasting impact on Marsh Creek State Park, enhancing visitor safety and experience while exemplifying the spirit of environmental stewardship supported by the Hearts of STIHL program, which funds sustainability, conservation, and education projects in state parks across the nation.
The event also held a silent auction where the proceeds will go towards funding accessible equipment and opportunities in PA state parks and forests to help ensure outdoor access for everyone.
All 2025 PPFF Award Winners:
Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Dwight Lewis Lumber Co./Lewis Lumber Products
Joseph E. Ibberson Government Award: Chris Kemmerer
President’s Award: Steve Stroman
Chair’s Award: Keith Russell
Forest of the Year Award: Loyalsock State Forest
Park of the Year Award: Hills Creek State Park Complex
Volunteerism Award (Individual): Charles Pinardi
Volunteerism Award (Group): Eastern PA Climbers Alliance
Education Award (Individual): Allen Dieterich-Ward
Improvement Award (Individual): Paul Yost
Young Volunteer Award: Mikayla Traini