“Our” Forest… Become a volunteer

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Become a volunteer to help preserve Cook Forest State Park for future generations.  The Friends of Cook Forest is always looking for volunteers interested in helping with a variety of park projects and programs. We work with Cook Forest State Park management and staff to sponsor many events throughout the year making the Cook Forest experience even more enjoyable for you and your family, friends and all park visitors.​

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • Trail Stewardship: Monitor and maintain trail conditions, as well as planning and assisting in the restoration of existing trails, their signage and educational qualities.
  • Habitat Enhancement: Remove invasive plants, in addition to planting vegetation that will improve the habitat of natural native forest species.
  • Education and Recreation: Program host, lead hikes, assist with special events and seminars.
  • Additional: Administrative tasks, grant writing, public relations, fundraising and more!

Volunteer application:

Become a Conservation Volunteer: Please complete the volunteer application to become a conservation volunteer.  Volunteers are treated as employees of DCNR for purposes of automotive and general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.  Additional information is available on the DCNR web site at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cons/, at the Cook Forest State Park Office or at any state park/forest office location where you would like to volunteer. 

    Add me to the volunteer list!

Logging Volunteer Hours in the Conservation Volunteers Tracking System 

It is important for volunteers to regularly enter their volunteer hours in the Conservation Volunteers Tracking System. This ensures that both DCNR and FOCF can be eligible for grant funding for future projects. Also, the mileage associated with your volunteer activities may be tax deductible. Log in to the tracking system here. You will need to register to be a Conservation Volunteer before using the tracking system. You can create an account here.

If you don’t have the time, or ability, to help out, but would like to join the Friends of Cook Forest or support our efforts financially, please visit our Membership Page at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.
The Friends of Cook Forest is a chapter of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). PPFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to PPFF are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The official registration of PPFF may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within PA 1-800-732-0999.  ​Registration does not imply endorsement.