The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is committed to sustainability and climate action.
In recognition of the summer season, DCNR is sharing simple actions visitors can take to reduce their environmental impact and support a more sustainable summer.
DCNR welcomes millions of visitors to 125 state parks each summer, and with increased recreation comes increased waste. Warmer months often lead to more trash due to family gatherings, outdoor adventures, and vacations.
Visitors can help reduce this impact by bringing reusable water bottles, which can be filled at bottle‑filling stations or water foundations, along with reusable containers for food to cut down on single‑use packaging.
Taking home what you bring, packing in and packing out, helps prevent littering and supports recycling, as most visitors have better recycling options at home than what’s available in rural park settings.
Engaging kids in fun activities like litter bingo or a scavenger hunt, where they collect small pieces of trash for proper disposal later, teaches responsible habits while helping keep parks clean and beautiful.
Beyond reducing waste, visitors can also make their trip to Pennsylvania’s state parks more sustainable by being mindful of their energy use.
Many campsites and cabins offer electrical amenities, and small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Turn off lights when leaving a room, raise the thermostat if no one is inside, and choose energy‑efficient outdoor lighting such as solar‑powered options.
Keeping doors closed, unplugging chargers or devices when not in use, and avoiding unnecessary electricity use all help reduce energy consumption and support a greener outdoor experience.
DCNR offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, from kayaking on quiet lakes to hiking miles of scenic forest trails, ensuring everyone can enjoy their public lands.
While exploring, visitors can make their adventures more sustainable by staying on designated trails to protect sensitive habitats, respecting wildlife by keeping a safe distance, and following Leave No Trace principles to minimize impacts on natural resources.
DCNR continues to invest in recreation that conserves Pennsylvania’s landscapes, reduces environmental impacts, and ensures that everyone has access to healthy outdoor spaces for generations to come.
By taking a few simple steps, reducing waste, conserving energy, and recreating responsibly, visitors can play an active role in conserving Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.
Every action, big or small, helps safeguard natural resources and strengthens our shared commitment to a healthier environment.
Together, we can make this a truly sustainable summer and preserve these treasured places for those who visit today and those who will visit in the future.
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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.
[Posted: May 13, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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