This award recognizes a significant contribution to a park or forest by a person under the age of 25. The contribution could be in volunteer hours, a significant project, an innovative idea, or more.

Angelica Brill spent the summer of 2021 as a PPFF intern, learning Leave No Trace principles, educating at events, researching the plants used by Freedom Seekers in the journey north, and compiling the most comprehensive list to date of apps for use in the outdoors, which you can find here.

She stepped up when she was needed to fill in other responsibilities at the office and impressed PPFF staff with her desire to meet new people to expand her knowledge of conservation careers. With the blog program in its early stage, she expanded the base of content providers. While interning at PPFF, Angelica also held a virtual internship with the Citizens Climate Lobby, where she applied her knowledge through education, outreach, and advocacy.

Angelica came to PPFF with a host of experiences, having served as a resident assistant, an undergraduate teaching assistant, and dual majors. She balanced these pursuits with leadership in several on-campus clubs, while also pursuing her passion in the world of equestrian sports.

When PPFF had a part-time position open in 2022 to assist in a research project, PPFF reached back out to her to see if she was available. Since November, she has helped PPFF analyze data related to a research project on the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. Her work with Dr. Andrew Mowen, the primary researcher, helped her to obtain her goal of admission to and acceptance in graduate school at Penn State, in the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program.

This award is sponsored by: