State officials joined youth conservation workers at Neshaminy State Park on Wednesday to plant 250 trees in Eagles Forest to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Advertisements
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker participated in the event in Bensalem Township alongside members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.
Credit: PA Internet News Service
Funding for Wednesday’s planting was provided by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation through two streams: sales from New Trail Brewing’s Replenish Beer and a donation drive by People First Federal Credit Union tied to members switching to paperless statements.
“Together, we’re growing a healthier Eagles Forest—one that will provide habitat, beauty, and inspiration for generations of Pennsylvanians,” said Marci Mowery, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation’s president.
Advertisements
As part of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps’ expansion through $5 million in additional funding, the state launched the Philadelphia American Sign Language Inclusion Crew through a collaboration between the state, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, CorpsTHAT, and the Philadelphia School for the Deaf.
“Like the trees we are planting today, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is our way to invest in the future of conservation in the Commonwealth,” Dunn said. “I’m proud to be here with our Southeastern Pennsylvania crewmembers, as well as our new Philly-based American Sign Language Inclusion Crew.”
Advertisements
The Outdoor Corps has provided paid conservation experience and job training to more than 1,500 people aged 15 to 25 since its creation under Dunn’s tenure.
Modeled after the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, the program recruits from underserved communities to diversify the natural resource protection workforce.
“The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps gives young people the opportunity to build real skills, gain meaningful work experience, and explore careers that make a difference in their communities,” Walker said.
Advertisements
The site of Wednesday’s event, Eagles Forest, was established in 2007 when the Philadelphia Eagles football team planted hundreds of trees and shrubs at Neshaminy State Park as part of its “Go Green” environmental footprint program.
“Seeing this space continue to grow while planting the next generation of trees during our nation’s 250th anniversary is a full-circle moment,” said Norman Vossschulte, vice president of fan experience and sustainability for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Advertisements
The Outdoor Corps runs two primary tracks: six-week summer youth crews (ages 15-18) in cities across the state, including ASL-specific crews in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and a new college crew in State College, and 10-month adult crews (ages 18-25) operating in nine regional hubs, plus statewide cultural resource and residential trail crews.
Entering the 2026 season, participants have improved 5,272 acres of land, managed 1,065 miles of trails, improved 50 miles of waterways, completed 7,633 structure upgrades, planted 18,970 native trees and shrubs, collected 30,959 data points, and earned 1,105 certifications.
Advertisements
Student Conservation Association President and CEO Lidia Soto-Harmon noted that many program alumni have advanced to careers with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, DCNR, and SCA.
“Planting 250 trees in Eagles Forest alongside our incredible partners at the PA DCNR isn’t just a tribute to our country’s past, it’s a living commitment to our future,” Soto-Harmon said.
