Friends of Beltzville State Park membership has increased to 55 people. The group is dedicated to the enhancement and conservation of the 3,000-acre park.

Diane Szwajkowski, chair of the group since its inception in 2015, said, “The group has grown over the years with many new members joining during COVID and within the last year. I believe people want to get outdoors and do good work in our state park. The friends group supports the park in many ways: trail maintenance, pollinator garden, fall fest and ‘Leave No Trace’ education.”

The friends group is involved in activities throughout the park, including roadside and waterside cleanup and handing out trash bags at the park entrance during the busy season. Since 2021 signs on the turnpike and Route 80 indicate when the park is at capacity as it’s a favorite warm-weather destination.

The group organizes “first day” hikes and spring and fall hikes, which are open to the public.

Nineteen members are part of a weekly walking group, hiking different trails to enjoy the outdoors together and brainstorm. Some friends are responsible for maintaining one of the 10 trails. If there are any downed trees, two members who are “sawyers” are notified to remove it. There is extensive training through the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation to become a sawyer.

Articles regarding the outdoors, nature and the environment are shared and discussed at a weekly reading group.

An arts and crafts group just started. Some of the projects made may be sold at park events as a form of fundraising. The group also holds “pop-ups” at several annual park events, selling Beltzville hats, T-shirts and other fundraising items.

Board member Debbie DeBeauclair built a “Little Library” that was placed at the park. Here park guests can borrow or leave a book. The library is registered with the Little Free Library organization.

A pollination garden is maintained by the members. Gardener and board member Diane Giffles oversees the maintenance of a pollination garden. She said the garden “has plants enjoyed by pollinators, is an observation area of pollinators at work and provides an opportunity to talk about its benefits.”

The second annual Fall Fest will be held in October. Stations include scarecrow making, painting and learning about “leave no trace.” There will be live music, food and Beltzville products for sale.

A weekly story time and craft will be held at 10 a.m. every other Wednesday at the EIC. This is open to the public and geared toward preschoolers. As kids are finished with school, different age groups will be included.

Friends of Beltzville continues to grow strong. More people are volunteering to help preserve and enhance this beautiful local state park. Get out and walk one of the 10 trails, swim or boat in Beltzville Lake, have a picnic or attend an event and see for yourself!

For a calendar of park events go to DCNR.Pa.gov.