This gathering celebrated more than 30 adventurers who successfully completed the “Seen Them All” Challenge, offering comradery, education, and connection with other finishers.
The “Seen Them All” Challenge is an exciting journey that takes participants through all 124 Pennsylvania state parks and 20 state forest districts, showcasing the diversity of natural landscapes, history, conservation, and recreational opportunities.
Finishers were welcomed by the Foundation and Jeffrey Johns, Cowans Gap State Park’s Park Manager, learned about the history from Outdoor Educator Evann McLucas, and had options to take group hikes around the lake.
Also in attendance was John Norbeck, Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forestry with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, who talked about his own experiences seeing all of the state parks and forests and the potential additions in the near future.
“Thank you to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation for creating this great initiative to highlight outdoor enthusiasts up for the challenge of enjoying our state’s 124 state parks and 20 state forest districts,” DCNR Deputy Secretary John Norbeck said. “Pennsylvania’s public lands are open year-round and we welcome all visitors, whether visiting for a day or enjoying the “Seen Them All” Challenge.”
While reminiscing about their journeys, many shared their favorite stops and tips for accomplishing the challenge.
PPFF took the opportunity to gather their advice, including recording some of their experiences for a future mini-series episodes of the Think Outside Podcast with PA Parks and Forests Foundation.
Joe Brosky recapped the start of his journey in an interview for the Podcast.
"On Donna's first day of retirement, my wife, we decided to go to one of our favorite parts of the Laurel Hill State Park. I had been retired for a year, but it was our first day together when both of us were retired. When we went into the office, we spotted the PA Parks and Forests Foundation Passport, and we said, "That's it! That’s the adventure we’re looking for" and we drew a line through our working days and decided to do the “Seen them All” challenge."
Joe continued, "Donna thought we could do it in about 5 years. It was May 31, 2018. We had decided Point State Park, which was added to the system in 1974, would be our last one to mark off our list. We both had grown up in Pittsburgh, and we had begun dating in 1975. And, almost 5 years to the day, we completed all of them on June 1 at Point State Park."
He continued to talk about their experiences and about the "Adventures in Penn's Wood" book he wrote.
Many of those who have finished the challenge kept track with the PA Parks and Forests Passport.
While physically small, this guide is packed full of information looking to get people outside to explore the Commonwealth.
The first half of the Passport talks about conservation, history, smaller themed challenges, and how to get involved supporting your local parks and forests.
The second half features a brief overview of every state park and forest district and offers a space for a unique stamp from each location.
“It was an exciting day, gathering with park and forest enthusiasts,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Foundation. “What stood out for me most was the instant rapport the ‘challengers’ had with one another, their shared passion for these places creating immediate bonds.’
The Challenge is open to everyone—residents and non-residents—and there are no age requirements.
You can find details by visiting the Seen Them All webpage or tune into the podcast.
The first of four episodes in the Think Outside Podcast with PPFF’s mini-series launches on Monday, October 20, 2025, with new episodes every two weeks.
You can listen on your favorite streaming platform or at www.ThinkOutsidePodcast.org.
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation supports 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities, and donations through its 45+ chapters. The mission of the foundation is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.
Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.
Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.
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.
Related Articles This Week:
-- DCNR Announces Expansion Of Overnight Glamping Options In 8 State Parks, Reserve Now For Spring 2026
-- DCNR Now Accepting Nominations For Pennsylvania's 2026 River Of The Year [PaEN]
-- DCNR Grants News: Land Conservation Expands Fall Foliage Viewing; Trail Of Year Nominations; Federally-Funded Park Projects
-- DCNR Oct. 9 to 15 Fall Foliage Report Finds Warm Weather Seems To Stall Foliage Transition
-- DCNR Names Shawn Kulick Assistant Park Manager For Laurel Hill State Parks Complex In Southwest PA
-- Western PA Conservancy Now Accepting Application For Canoe Access Grants Thru Nov. 17 [PaEN]
-- Dept. Of Health Invests $380,000 In 11 Communities To Improve Walking, Biking Networks To Boost Physical Activity
-- Penn State Extension Hosts Dec. 18 Webinar On Fireflies In Pennsylvania [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension Hosts 7-Part Online Tree Tenders Training Starting Jan. 14 To Feb. 25 [PaEN]
-- Governor’s Advisory Council For Hunting, Fishing & Conservation Seeking Candidates For Game Commission Board
-- Governor’s Advisory Council For Hunting, Fishing & Conservation Seeks Candidates For Fish & Boat Commission Board
NewsClips:
-- Warren Times Editorial: Tourism Growth Is Impressive
-- PennLive: 3 PA Hikes Give You A Great Bird’s-Eye View Of Fall Foliage
-- The Derrick: Drought Prompts Venango County Burning Advisory; Rain In Forecast This Week
-- Tribune-Democrat: Windber Approves ATVs On Borough Streets
-- Williamsport Sun - Reflections In Nature: Berries Of Mountain Ash Tree Add Beauty To The Forest
-- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader/AP: At America’s National Parks The Arc Of History Bens Toward President’s Revisionism
-- PennLive Letter: President’s Attempt To Erase Slavery From National Parks Reveals His True Colors - By Don Spangler, Mechanicsburg
[Posted: October 16, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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