Source: US State of Pennsylvania
February 25, 2025 – Reading, PA
Shapiro Administration Upgrades Education Hall at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center to Enhance Student and Visitor Experience
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited Berks County to celebrate the completion of a $436,000 renovation of C.H. McConnell Environmental Education Hall at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. This investment is part of the Shapiro Administration’s broader commitment to modernizing state parks and forests, with $120 million in infrastructure improvements completed since January 2023.
“Governor Shapiro is making strategic investments to improve our state parks and forests so they remain accessible, educational, and enjoyable for all Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary Dunn. “This renovation at Nolde Forest strengthens our commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement.”
Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 proposed budget builds on this momentum with $5 million in new funding to expand and improve state parks across Pennsylvania. This includes establishing the Commonwealth’s 125th state park at Laurel Caverns in Fayette County – the first subterranean state park – highlighting the stunning natural beauty of the caverns and further boosting tourism.
Speakers Include:
Brent Erb, DCNR Environmental Education Center Manager
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn
Dolores Portner, Direct Service Worker, John Paul II Center
Dr. Jaime Becker, Alvernia University
Dr. Jennifer Murray, Reading School District Superintendent
Berks County Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach
State Representative Jacklyn Rusnock
Senator Judith L. Schwank