Restoring the Boardwalk

Recently, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps Wilkes-Barre Crew partnered with Lacawac Sanctuary to restore the boardwalk located along the western shore of Lake Lacawac off the Rhododendron Trail.

A favorite stop for many visitors, the boardwalk offers an up-close view of one of Pennsylvania’s most pristine glacial lakes while providing opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife.

Throughout the project, the crew worked to rebuild and restore the boardwalk, helping preserve one of Lacawac’s most scenic trail features. Their efforts will ensure visitors can continue to enjoy the boardwalk for years to come.

A Workforce for Conservation

The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is a workforce development program that provides young adults with paid opportunities to improve Pennsylvania’s public lands while gaining valuable job skills. Through hands-on conservation projects, participants develop leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship while making a lasting impact on the communities and natural areas they serve.

Meet the PA Outdoor Corps Wilkes-Barre Crew!

We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps Wilkes-Barre Crew for their time, hard work, and dedication to this project. Thank you for helping preserve the Lake Lacawac boardwalk and for making a lasting impact on our sanctuary and everyone who visits it.

Daniel Cavanaugh

PA Outdoor Corps Wilkes-Barre Project Leader

As the Wilkes-Barre PA Outdoor Corps Crew Leader, Daniel enjoys building trails, teaching conservation skills, and helping others discover a passion for the outdoors. His goal is to continue expanding his skills while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Eli Bauer

PA Outdoor Corps Crew Member

From camping and hiking with her family as a kid to guiding whitewater rafting trips as an adult, Eli has always felt at home outdoors.

Eli joined the PA Outdoor Corps because she hopes to build a career in our National Parks and saw the program as a great way to gain experience and open new doors. Looking ahead, Eli’s excited to explore careers centered around water resources and outdoor recreation while continuing to stay active, challenged, and connected to nature.

Stephen Franckiewicz

PA Outdoor Corps Crew Member

Birdwatcher. Photographer. Future environmental educator.

Stephen joined the PA Outdoor Corps to grow his conservation skills while pursuing his dream of inspiring others to appreciate the outdoors. Whether it’s teaching about wildlife or simply listening to birds in the forest, he believes nature has the power to connect and heal us all.

Fernando Rodriguez

PA Outdoor Corps Crew Member

Whether he’s caring for his garden or exploring the outdoors, Fernando has always appreciated the natural world.

His goal is to help restore native species and one day bring more conservation work back home to Puerto Rico. For Fernando, every new plant and animal he discovers is another reminder of why protecting these places matters.