Trevor Nordquist is a graduate student at Slippery Rock University whose quest to discover Pennsylvania brought him to every one of Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks.
“I never appreciated Pennsylvania until I left,” Trevor says. “I lived in Colorado for a short time and saw a lot of that state, but never explored Pennsylvania in the same way; and I felt that because I’m not sure what my future holds, that I needed to see as much of the state as possible -- so I set out to see every state park.”
It took him a little more than 300 days, but he did just that. The thing that slowed him down the most was the stay at-home order, brought on by COVID-19 earlier this year.
“I think the most surprising thing was the amount of beauty that Pennsylvania has,” Trevor says of his time visiting the parks. “I never expected to see all of the beautiful sights that I did. I was extremely impressed of my home state.”
Trevor couldn’t pick just one park he would like to re-visit; however, he would love to return to the PA Wilds and explore the parks in that area more.
Each state park is different. They are shaped by the local landscape and cater to different needs of their communities. After visiting each one of the state parks, Trevor has seen how important the role of state parks is.
“They provide outdoor activity for everyone. There’s hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, disc golf, picnicking, etc.,” Trevor says. “I think no matter what one’s interests are, there is something for everyone. Pennsylvania also does an amazing job at making the parks accessible to everyone because there are so many state parks. It’s impossible to be bored when exploring the outdoors, especially in a state park.”
While Trevor is currently focusing on school, he would love to visit all state parks in other states someday.
“I think state parks are often overlooked, but I’m still deciding and planning my next adventure,” he says.
What advice does someone who’s visited every Pennsylvania state park have?
“I advise everyone to take a bag with you and pick up any leftover trash that you see around the parks,” Trevor says. “Explore Pennsylvania because we live in such an amazing state that often gets overlooked. We’ve got so much to see here and it’s all so close. By just visiting a handful of parks you’re doing yourself a service because you’re disconnecting from the crazy world and experiencing what the environment has to offer.”
Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or conservation that we should feature? Contact DCNR at ra-resource@pa.gov to nominate someone.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Photo: Nordquist on Lake Marburg at Codorus State Park in York County.)
(Reprinted from the Sept. 2 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)
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[Posted: Sept. 2, 2020] PA Environment Digest
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