Visitors to French Creek State Park and Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center in Berks County will now find free menstrual products available, thanks to a new initiative launched by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
Announced Tuesday at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in Cumberland County, the program provides complimentary menstrual products in park offices, visitor centers, and environmental education centers at 68 state parks across the Commonwealth. Both French Creek and Nolde Forest are among the participating sites.
The initiative, unveiled by DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn alongside First Lady Lori Shapiro, aims to remove barriers for parkgoers and promote equitable access to Pennsylvania’s public lands. It also coincides with Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global effort to raise awareness around menstrual equity and period poverty.
“No one should have to cut an outdoor adventure short because of their period,” said Secretary Dunn. “We are committed to creating inclusive, welcoming outdoor spaces — and that means meeting people’s basic needs without stigma or barriers.”
Bilingual signage in English and Spanish will help visitors locate where the products are stocked.
First Lady Shapiro, who has prioritized menstrual equity through school visits and community engagement, praised the young women across Pennsylvania who have spoken out on the issue. “Thanks to them speaking up, Pennsylvania has taken some major steps to ensure more women have access to basic hygiene supplies,” she said.
The statewide effort builds on the Shapiro Administration’s previous work to provide menstrual products in public schools. Last year, $3 million was allocated for K-12 schools, and the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes continued funding.
