Black History is Conservation History

Published: Feb. 17, 2017, 3:56 p.m.

The history of Pennsylvania's public lands is closely intertwined with African American history. Before they were state parks and forests, many of these areas were crisscrossed with Underground Railroad routes, and dotted with abolitionist strongholds and communities of freed slaves. This month, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is honoring that legacy and recognizing some of the Black Pennsylvanians who've played a role in preserving it. But spokeswoman Chris Novak says DCNR still has work to do when it comes to diversifying its workforce.