DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and State Forester Seth Cassell mark opening of new center alongside Sen. Lisa Baker, Sen. Rosemary Brown, others.
WILKES-BARRE — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) this week dedicated the new $14 million Delaware State Forest Resource Management Center in Pike County — a major investment that expands public access to Delaware State Forest and the Commonwealth’s commitment to sustainable operations, modern infrastructure, and community engagement.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and State Forester Seth Cassell marked the opening of the new center alongside Sen. Lisa Baker, Sen. Rosemary Brown, Rep. Tarah Probst, Pike County Commissioner Matt Osterberg, Monroe County Commissioner John Christy, and local leaders.
“The new Delaware State Forest Resource Management Center will serve as both a hub for forest management and a welcoming point for visitors exploring the natural beauty of this region,” said Secretary Dunn. “This project demonstrates our vision for modern, sustainable facilities that meet the needs of our staff and the public.”
Located along State Route 402, the 9,600-square-foot center includes a 6,500-square-foot storage building and modern amenities for both staff and visitors — including two conference rooms, restrooms, and electric vehicle charging stations. Its wood-paneled interior showcases 14 Pennsylvania-grown wood species, celebrating the Commonwealth’s rich natural heritage. Interpretive exhibits highlighting forest management and conservation will be installed in the coming months.
The center has earned LEED Silver Certification for its sustainable design and construction, incorporating features that reduce environmental impact and promote energy efficiency — from low-flow water fixtures and native landscaping to biomass heating, daylight-optimized design, and dark sky–compliant lighting. More than half of construction waste was recycled or diverted from landfills, and the facility’s high-performance systems will reduce energy use for years to come.
The surrounding landscape features native wildflower meadows and connects directly to the Thunder Swamp Trail, offering new parking and improved trail access for hikers. The trail system spans 26 miles through southern Pike County, showcasing wetlands, streams, and forest management practices across the Pocono Plateau.
Beyond recreation, the facility also enhances public safety and emergency response, serving as a potential staging area and Incident Command Post for wildfires, winter storms, and other emergencies.
The Delaware State Forest Resource Management Center reflects the Bureau of Forestry’s vision for a new generation of resource management facilities that support staff operations, conservation research, and public engagement. This effort aligns with DCNR’s Forests for All – A Plan for Pennsylvania’s Forests and People, a long-term strategy to protect and enhance Pennsylvania’s forests while ensuring all residents can connect with these natural resources.
Apple Tree Access in Exeter Township to close temporarily for improvements
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) this week announced that the Apple Tree Access — which provides fishing and boating access to the Susquehanna River in Exeter Township — will be temporarily closed from Nov. 17-21.
During this time, improvements will be made to the parking area.
While work is being completed at the Apple Tree Access, anglers and boaters should plan accordingly to find alternate access to the Susquehanna River by using the PFBC’s West Falls Access Upstream.
The PFBC thanks the public for their patience and understanding as these improvements are completed.
2026 PA Farm Show asks Pennsylvanians: ‘Oh, Say, Can You Sing?’
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding this week invited Pennsylvania singers to enter — “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” — an annual star-spangled sing-off to compete for a chance to sing live at the 2026 PA Farm Show — the Pennsylvania State Fair.
Each morning from Jan. 10-17, the 2026 Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Contest winners may also be invited to sing during Farm Show special events and competitions.
“Our 2026 Farm Show theme is Growing A Nation,” Secretary Redding said. “There is no better way to start each day of the Pennsylvania Farm Show than with a reminder that our democracy was born in Pennsylvania and our country grown from the very soil of our Commonwealth.”
The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages — both individuals and groups. Contestants can enter by emailing a YouTube link to a video of themselves singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” without instrumental accompaniment, to — [email protected].
Entries can be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 24, 2025.
Finalists will be posted for fan votes by Facebook reactions (likes, loves, wows, etc.) from November 26 through December 2, at 11:59 p.m. on the Farm Show Facebook page. There will be 12 finalists announced on Facebook, then notified by email which day they are scheduled to sing.
Winners will be provided a free parking pass for the day and must be present at the Farm Show Complex by 7:30 a.m. on the day they are selected to sing. A winner will sing live at 8 a.m. each day of the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, from January 10-17, 2026.
Full contest rules and instructions are available at — farmshow.pa.gov — and on the Farm Show Facebook page, along with more information about the 2026 PA Farm Show.
Join North Branch Land Trust for ‘Nature Trivia Night’ on Tuesday, Nov. 18
Enjoy a night with North Branch Land Trust and Environmental Education Coordinator Leah Malarkey on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the American Legion Post 781 in Mountain Top.
Attendees will test their Pennsylvania nature knowledge for a chance to win prizes. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Family and friends are encouraged to attend, and all knowledge levels are invited.
This event is free to attend for all — donations are encouraged as they support more events like this in the future.
Event Details:
Date & Time: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: American Legion Post 781, 1550 Henry Dr, Mountain Top
Activity: Nature Trivia Night hosted by NBLT
Cost: Free; Donations encouraged.
