It has always been a policy of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to work with and be a contributing asset to the communities in which it dwells. The Turnpike has worked with a variety of non-profit groups providing opportunities for local organizations to beautify and enhance those communities in which they live. Pennsylvania Turnpike Executive Director, John T. Durbin notes, "As good neighbors, the Pennsylvania Turnpike continues to look at environmental projects that are advantageous to both the Turnpike and the surrounding communities."
         One such project the Turnpike participated in this past fall took place on "Make a Difference Day," held on October 26, 1996. PA CleanWays, a nonprofit organization that fights illegal dumping and littering, was the main organizer of a tree planting project along the Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass in Westmoreland County.

Jeannette High School students, PA CleanWays volunteers, along with local Cub Scout packs and Webelos dens from Irwin and Delmont planted 312 trees along the bypass. This was the project they chose to help "make a difference" in their community.          1996 marked the third year in a row the Pennsylvania Turnpike was able to work with PA CleanWays to enhance and support the environment, planting a total of 1,462 trees along the bypass.          In another project in Lackawanna County at the Clarks Summit Interchange, Exit 39 on the Northeast Extension, the

Pennsylvania Turnpike sought again to enhance the environment and aid the local community. Turnpike employees worked with South Abington Township to landscape the property along the entrance ramp of the Interchange.
         Turnpike maintenance workers enlarged the Township's ball park by repositioning the park's fence onto Turnpike property. Norway Spruce trees were then planted beside the entrance ramp by both Turnpike maintenance employees and Abington Township volunteers. Abington Township now maintains the property.
         John Durbin notes the benefits to the Township, the Turnpike and the environment when he states, "South Abington Township presented an ecologically sound idea. We are happy to help the Township beautify the site and safeguard nature's delicate balance."
         Also this past fall, Pennsylvania Turnpike Property Management employees worked out a special arrangement with the Boy Scouts of America to lease a plot of land for a camp site in Lawrence County. Approximately 80 acres of land near the Beaver Valley Expressway (Turnpike 60), will be used for a wilderness camp site. The land will provide a true wilderness experience where troops will learn to "rough it" in the woods.
         Michael Creagh, Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, has this to say: "We're very excited about having a new area for the children to explore. It will indeed be a new adventure for the kids, as none of them have ever been there before."
         The site, located on Route 18, will primarily serve scout troops from Lawrence, Butler and Armstrong Counties, but is open to all boy scout troops.
         The Pennsylvania Turnpike is always eager to join in projects that benefit Pennsylvania and its communities, and so are its employees. An excellent example of this is Eric Swift, an accountant at the West Regional office in New Stanton. Eric became involved with Junior Achievement of Southwest Pennsylvania, Inc. over two years ago. Junior Achievement strives to prepare school students to be responsible and aware citizens, to understand business and economics in order to prepare for the work force.
         Eric decided to get involved with Junior Achievement because they encourage young people to begin thinking of their future as a direct result of staying in school. He taught the program, "The Economics of Staying in School" at two different middle schools in Allegheny County.
         "It was a wonderful experience and I encourage anyone interested in kids, anyone interested in our future to consider donating a few hours of their time to such a worthwhile cause," Eric commented.
         "The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is proud to support local communities and organizations," Durbin concluded. "We're proud to be a part of those communities, and proud to be a part of Pennsylvania history."