A Gallery of DCNR Story Maps

Story Maps serve as virtual visits to the wide variety of Pennsylvania natural wonders, recreational amenities, and conservation-focused points of interest. By combining intelligent web maps that incorporate text, photos, and interactive map-related functions, story maps will take you to places you may never get to see, or inspire you to visit in the near future. Take a journey around Pennsylvania with the story maps listed below.

  

Shale Gas Monitoring

This story map is intended to provide a current snapshot of the shale gas monitoring program for PA State Forest lands. New information will be added as it becomes available, with most information updated on an annual basis.
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Exploring Pennsylvania's Top Ten Trail Gaps

The intent of the top ten trail gaps is to establish the top priority trail projects for Pennsylvania and to raise public awareness of the need for funding and interagency cooperation to complete these gaps. These were selected as the top ten trail gaps out of 38 nominations submitted by trail partners throughout the commonwealth.
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25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks

Pennsylvania actually has 124 must-see state parks, but the 25 listed here are some of the best examples of the commonwealth's significant natural and historic resources.
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A Tour of Old Growth Forests

Located primarily in north-central Pennsylvania, the 20 sites on the auto tour of old growth forests represent many different ecosystems, not only deep classic "big tree" forests.
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Explore the Pennsylvania Wilds Region

Visit these key destinations and DCNR sites that highlight the outstanding natural assets and recreational resources the region has to offer.
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Explore the Pennsylvania DCNR's High Performance Facilities

DCNR's high performance facilities include building, site, infrastructure and solar array projects. These types of sustainable facilities focus on what is often called the 'triple bottom line' which refers to people, planet, and profit. They provide healthier environments for visitors and personnel plus increased staff satisfaction and productivity. They help efficiently conserve energy and natural resources, and they provide fiscal benefits via decreased utility and site maintenance costs.
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Explore Pennsylvania's National Natural Landmarks

While each Pennsylvania state park and state forest has its own special features, seven of the 124 state parks, and five of the 20 state forests contain unique areas with the federal designation of National Natural Landmark. Visit these DCNR National Natural Landmarks to see some of the best examples of biological and geologic features.
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30 Outstanding Geologic Features in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Geological Survey published two reports showcasing 514 outstanding scenic geologic features in our state, such as mountain views, waterfalls and erosional remnants. We’ve provided directions to 30 of our favorites along with brief remarks that link to more complete descriptions of the geology.
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Pennsylvania Waterfalls

Among the many natural wonders in Pennsylvania are an abundance of waterfalls. Fortunately, the best of the best are protected on public lands accessible to all. Put these 'must-see' state park and forest waterfalls on your travel list.
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Notable Design and Architecture

Buildings, dams and bridges aren't usually the head turners in parks and forests, but these notable locations are worthy of a second look for their design beauty and functionality.
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PA Green Community Parks

The DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation is a strong proponent of green/sustainable parks, trails, recreation facilities and conservation areas. The sites identified on this map represent a selection of community parks across Pennsylvania that have incorporated best practices in green and sustainable design, operations and maintenance. The map also lists parks that have been nominated and selected for the annual DCNR/PRPS Green Park Award.
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Growing Greener and Keystone Grants

DCNR provides grant funding for local conservation and recreation projects with funding from a variety of sources. This map shows some of the many project examples of the two most significant sources: Growing Greener and Keystone.
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Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Viewing Locations

Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation -- or perhaps in the world. Check out some of the best locations to take in the fall foliage.
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Winter Activities in Pennsylvania's State Parks and Forests

A whole new world of recreation opens up in the winter in Pennsylvania's parks and forests. Visit these parks and forests to see where to cross country ski, snowmobile, ice fish, ice skate, sled, ski or ice boat.
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