DCNR Unveils New Volunteer System, Honors Black Moshannon State Park

Pennsylvania's Black Moshannon State Park recognized as 'State Park of the Year' for its community engagement and volunteer efforts.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:53pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a park ranger's hat repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the celebratory energy of the volunteer efforts at Black Moshannon State Park.The vibrant volunteer spirit at Black Moshannon State Park is celebrated through a pop art-inspired illustration of a park ranger's iconic hat.Moshannon Today

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has launched a new online volunteer system to make it easier for people to get involved with state forests and parks. At a recent event, DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn and other officials visited Black Moshannon State Park to promote the new volunteer platform and announce that the park has been named the 'State Park of the Year' by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation.

Why it matters

Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing Pennsylvania's state parks, providing valuable assistance to park staff and improving the visitor experience. The new online system aims to streamline the volunteer process and encourage more community engagement. The 'State Park of the Year' award recognizes Black Moshannon's exemplary efforts in leveraging volunteers to benefit both the park and its visitors.

The details

According to the DCNR, Black Moshannon State Park benefited from over 56,000 volunteer hours across more than 3,300 individual projects in 2025. DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn praised the volunteers, saying they have 'guided people from everything from how to set up their tent, to helping them with issues and problems while camping, to telling them where the best pizza in the area is.' Black Moshannon's park manager, Mathias Weinzen, echoed Dunn's sentiments, stating that 'What truly makes this park special are the individuals and groups who consistently work to improve the park in many different facets.'

  • The new online volunteer system was unveiled at the recent event.
  • Black Moshannon State Park was named the 'State Park of the Year' for 2025.

The players

Cindy Dunn

Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Mathias Weinzen

The park manager of Black Moshannon State Park.

Marci Mowery

The president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation, which awarded Black Moshannon State Park the 'State Park of the Year' title.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation

A non-profit organization that supports and advocates for Pennsylvania's state parks and forests.

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What they’re saying

“They've guided people from everything from how to set up their tent, to helping them with issues and problems while camping, to telling them where the best pizza in the area is.”

— Cindy Dunn, DCNR Secretary

“What truly makes this park special are the individuals and groups who consistently work to improve the park in many different facets.”

— Mathias Weinzen, Black Moshannon State Park Manager

What’s next

An official award ceremony recognizing Black Moshannon State Park as the 'State Park of the Year' is expected to take place in May.

The takeaway

The DCNR's new online volunteer system and the recognition of Black Moshannon State Park as the 'State Park of the Year' highlight the vital role that volunteers play in maintaining and enhancing Pennsylvania's outdoor spaces. This initiative aims to make it easier for community members to get involved and contribute to the stewardship of their local state parks.