What is Friends of Cook Forest...
Does Cook Forest State Park hold a special place in your heart? Friends of Cook Forest (FOCF) is a group of hard-working, dedicated volunteers working to support, protect, and enhance Cook Forest. We love Cook Forest and the great outdoors and are committed to the betterment of Cook Forest State Park for the enjoyment of everyone today and future generations.
Every year members and friends of FOCF provide hundreds of volunteer hours working to improve and enhance Cook Forest by assisting with trail stewardship, habitat enhancement, education, recreation, administrative tasks, grant writing, public relations, fundraising and more!
The Friends of Cook Forest is a chapter of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). PPFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to develop resources which complement the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
Every year members and friends of FOCF provide hundreds of volunteer hours working to improve and enhance Cook Forest by assisting with trail stewardship, habitat enhancement, education, recreation, administrative tasks, grant writing, public relations, fundraising and more!
The Friends of Cook Forest is a chapter of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). PPFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to develop resources which complement the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
OUR MISSION…
To continue the legacy of preservation and conservation of Cook Forest State Park.
OUR HISTORY…
The Friends of Cook Forest is a nonprofit organization formed in 2014 and managed by volunteers to promote and support Cook Forest State Park. This formation provided already active park volunteers additional ways to contribute to the conservation and preservation of Cook Forest and its resources. We continue to welcome new members and volunteers in assisting with projects that make a difference in Cook Forest State Park and and invite them to participate in the many fun and educational events as well! (see more below)
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The "Friends of" PA State Parks were founded by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF). Many, but not all of the Pennsylvania State Parks have a "Friends" group. The Friends of Cook Forest was originally formed in 2008 as the Friends of Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Parks, encompassing the Cook Forest-Clear Creek State Park Complex. It became difficult for the small group to fill the needs for both parks and shortly dissolved.
By 2014, a group of five dedicated park enthusiasts/volunteers reformed the group, as Friends Cook Forest. This group included:
Eric Patton, Chair
Mike McMurray, Vice Chair
Johanna Patton, Secretary
Deb Adams, Treasurer
Jody Fesco, Board Member
This group of five individuals grew the Friends of Cook Forest into the thriving volunteer organization it is today - and it continues to grow with the support of dedicated volunteers, the community, local businesses and of course the management and staff of Cook Forest State Park.
To see if there is a "Friends" group at a PA State Park near you, check the PPFF website: Friends Groups. If there isn't one, there are resources available to help you start one!
By 2014, a group of five dedicated park enthusiasts/volunteers reformed the group, as Friends Cook Forest. This group included:
Eric Patton, Chair
Mike McMurray, Vice Chair
Johanna Patton, Secretary
Deb Adams, Treasurer
Jody Fesco, Board Member
This group of five individuals grew the Friends of Cook Forest into the thriving volunteer organization it is today - and it continues to grow with the support of dedicated volunteers, the community, local businesses and of course the management and staff of Cook Forest State Park.
To see if there is a "Friends" group at a PA State Park near you, check the PPFF website: Friends Groups. If there isn't one, there are resources available to help you start one!