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​Friends of Nolde Forest

​Founded in 2005, the Friends of Nolde Forest is a non-profit which supports the activities at the Nolde Forest
​Environmental Education Center.
Donate Now

DCNR Internship Opportunity

11/2/2024

 
Are you driven by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)? The DCNR is seeking an enthusiastic student eager to champion DEIB initiatives within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)! If you are passionate about public service and wish to acquire meaningful work experience that can pave the way for your future career after graduation, apply today!
Apply Here>

"She Looked to the Sky" by Frances Dean Nolde

4/21/2024

 
Only 30 copies left of Francie’s book "She Looked to the Sky", available at the  Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. All proceeds support The Friends of Nolde Forest.

Learn more about Nolde Forest and the family whose foresight helped preserve the forest for future generations, like us, by visiting her website: www.FrancieNoldeBooks.com. ​

​The book makes a wonderful gift for strong women in your family, and all those who hold a special place in their hearts for Nolde Forest
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Read the full article "Author Francie Nolde explores her complex relationship with her famous aviator mother" by The Harvard Press
READ THE ARTICLE >

Restoration underway for historic barn

4/14/2024

 
Thanks to the contributions of many, this Barn is being saved. It will remain as a feature of our community for years to come!
We’re pleased to report that Dave Horst and his crew continue to make great progress restoring the historic Nolde Forest PA bank barn!


​Once materials were delivered, including sand earlier in the week, and they spent several hours clearing rock and dirt from the worksite to make the area accessible.

They have made significant progress—stacking a wall section more than seven-feet high and four-feet wide, effectively tying it into what was an unsupported stone wall. They will allow their work to cure before intentionally tearing down sections of wall on both sides of today’s work to make strong again.

Dave continues to express how urgent this work is, as it was only a matter of time that far more stone, timbers, and roof would have come down.
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​Once the stone masonry work is complete they will move onto replacing numerous timbers. We’ve identified a half dozen 16-foot long timbers that have been safely stored in the rafters of the barn. The challenge will be getting them out.

If we rent the appropriate lift, Dave and his crew can operate it and retrieve the timbers in a day or two. The final item on the contract includes some minor exterior masonry work—which they will save for last.

​Dave has a keen eye and has additionally suggested minor drainage work around the barn to minimize continued foundation deterioration. 

Restoring the historic PA Barn

2/25/2024

 
Please join us as we raise the necessary funding to make critical structural repairs to the historic PA Bank Barn c. 1830 so that it may continue to remain as an important piece of the region’s rich legacy for generations to come.
​An investment in Nolde Forest is an investment in your future.

Nolde Forest is hiring a Semi-Skilled Laborer!

1/30/2024

 
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If you have a passion for working outdoors and want to help keep Nolde Forest looking its best for our visitors, apply below! 

Application closes February 13 at 11:59pm.
Apply Here>

When it Comes to Nature, When Do We Need Silence Vs. Sound?

1/25/2024

 
​Natural sounds and natural quiet are critical components of the natural environment. Natural quiet is vital for wildlife survival so that they can locate predators and prey and communicate. Similarly, humans benefit from the sounds of nature, which can promote and facilitate a variety of health benefits. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that when people reduce human-caused noise in natural areas, they can experience more wildlife, decrease stress while increasing opportunities for restorative health, and accommodate more visitors into a given protected area — without feeling as crowded.
Take the quiz >
Read the article >

Attention Professional Photographers...we LOVE that you love Nolde and want to capture this beautiful place with your clients however PLEASE remember permits are required.

10/24/2023

 
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Attention Professional Photographers: It is DCNR Policy that all individuals conducting business on state park property must acquire a permit. This includes photoshoots taking place at Nolde Forest. 

In order to obtain a photoshoot permit, please contact the park office during business hours. Permits take up to 4 weeks to process, so please plan ahead! Permits are good for a year, though photographers are required to call the office in advance of their photoshoot to schedule a date and time to make sure that there will be no conflicts with scheduled educational events or other permitted activities. (This is also to ensure that you don't tell your clients to meet you in a parking lot that is closed at the end of the day)

Individuals who conduct business without permits will be asked to immediately cease their operation and may be fined.

She Looked To The Sky by Frances Dean Nolde now available at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center!

1/24/2023

 
Can you imagine growing up in the Nolde Forest Mansion, and playing in the newly planted forest? Frances Dean Nolde is the youngest of the Nolde children and did just that! She’s written a book about her childhood and mother Frances Dean Wilcox Nolde — a remarkable woman, actress, pioneer pilot, and winner of an early transcontinental all-women's air race!

Francie’s book is for sale at the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, and all proceeds support The Friends of Nolde Forest. Learn more about Nolde Forest and the family whose foresight helped preserve the forest for future generations, like us, by visiting her website: www.FrancieNoldeBooks.com. ​The book makes a wonderful gift for strong women in your family, and all those who hold a special place in their hearts for Nolde Forest.

An Investment in Nolde Forest is an Investment in Our Children

12/5/2022

 
The Friends of Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center are currently undertaking a fundraising effort to support environmental education and preserve the natural, cultural and historic resources of the 725-acre Nolde Forest. The Friends of Nolde Forest, a non-for-profit, 501 C3 established in 2005 to support Nolde Forest, along with community support, have been instrumental in numerous projects that help make Nolde Forest a welcoming, safe, and accessible place for school students and families. Current fundraising initiatives are designed to make repairs to historic infrastructure including the 1830s Pennsylvania Bank Barn, support paid high school internship positions, and enhance outdoor teaching. The Friends of Nolde Forest have set their sights on raising $100,000 between now and February 1st, 2023.    

Center Manager Brent Erb said, “The Friends of Nolde Forest are instrumental in supporting the educational programming and operation of Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Fundraising events such as this are paramount to our continued successes as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s first environmental education center. The volunteerism efforts are truly remarkable! The Friends of Nolde Forest and volunteers demonstrate their dedication and support for this place that is beloved by school students and families from throughout our community.”

A reprioritization of our communities lifestyles and leisure activities, along with a renewed interest in both in-person and informal environmental education programming has led to increased interest in Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.

David Pray, a Friend of Nolde Forest and volunteer added, “This fund-raising campaign calls upon our community to help us support Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center’s mission of “providing opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serving as an outdoor classroom for environmental education for present and future generations. As we give thanks this holiday season, we humbly ask for your support. An investment in Nolde Forest is an investment in our children.”

For more information and to make donations through our secure site, please visit: www.paparksandforest.org
Checks can also be made payable to The Friends of Nolde Forest and mailing it to: Attn—Friends of Nolde Forest, 3025 New Holland Road, Reading, PA 19607

Membership Renewal 2023

11/28/2022

 
The Friends of Nolde would like to invite you to sign up or renew your membership for 2023.


There are 2 easy ways to do this:

1. Join online by following this link, filling in the information and adding "For Membership" in the comment box:

OR

2. Print, fill out and either mail or drop off the membership form below with a check or money order.

Thanks so much, and we look forward to spending time with you in the forest.

Donna Hey
Membership Committee
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​
​Friends of Nolde Forest  |  3025 New Holland Road  |  Reading, PA 19607  |  [email protected]

​©2025 Friends of Nolde Forest
​The Friends of Nolde Forest is a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.
  • Home
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  • FAQ