Chester County Commissioners recognize World Ranger Day

WEST CHESTER — An intense summer storm may have downed trees, branches and power lines across Chester County, but that didn’t stop the County’s park rangers from being honored with a proclamation from the Chester County Commissioners, recognizing World Ranger Day.

Instead of heading to the Commissioners’ public meeting in West Chester to accept the special proclamation this week, Park Rangers Michael Trzaska, Patrick Conlin, and Sissy Pavolic diverted to County parks and trails to assess conditions and help the Facilities’ Parks Maintenance team with the after-storm clean up.  Luckly, the three rangers, led by Michael Trzaska, could zoom in to the meeting to “receive” the proclamation.

While disappointed that the park rangers could not attend the meeting in person, the County Commissioners were pleased that technology allowed them to be present, albeit virtually.

“Our County Park Rangers patrol more than 4,000 acres of park land and more than 25 miles of trails; they look after our natural, historic, and recreational treasures; and they lead some fantastic free programs for all ages year-round,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Josh Maxwell.

“And they are some of the first on the scene to assess our parks and trails and ensure they are safe when mother nature throws storms our way.  While we would have liked to recognize them in person at our meeting, we were pleased that we could let them know via zoom, how much we appreciate them and the work they do.”

In addition to the proclamation, Chester County will mark World Ranger Day by illuminating the Historic Courthouse in green on the evening of July 31.

Chester County’s park rangers are responsible for enforcement of parks rules and regulations, natural resource management, emergency medical services, and general visitor services for the 1.5 million-plus visitors to the County’s seven parks and three regional trails each year. They also provide over 150 educational and volunteer programs on topics including local history, birding, native plant installation, fishing, archery, kayaking, and more.

For the first time, rangers from six counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland will gather at Warwick County Park on World Ranger Day this year – July 31 – for a morning of partnership and community outreach. The public is invited to join them from 10:00am to noon for “Touch a Truck” opportunities with a variety of ranger vehicles, a children’s scavenger hunt, pop-up archery and disc golf.

Rangers will also answer questions and talk about what it takes to be park ranger. No registration is necessary for this free program.

Originally Published: July 18, 2024 at 3:02 p.m.