Submitted photo
From left, Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish, Seth Cassell, the 18th state forester of Pennsylvania, and Mifflin County Commissioner Noah Wise, pose for a photo with a proclamation honoring Rothrock on Wednesday.

MCVEYTOWN — Earth Day was fitting for a tribute to the “Father of Forestry” in Pennsylvania.

Citizens and local officials gathered on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock.

“Rothrock devoted his life to the study, stewardship, and restoration of Pennsylvania’s forests, and while many recognize the name, not all know why he is important,” said Jenny Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau.

Rothrock transformed a landscape devastated by widespread clear-cutting into thriving, sustainably managed woodlands.

To honor Rothrock and his contributions, Mifflin County Commissioners Kevin Kodish and Noah Wise presented Landis of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, and Seth Cassell, the 18th state forester of Pennsylvania and director of the Bureau of Forestry, with a proclamation at a ceremony held at the Rothrock Memorial Monument.

Rothrock, a Mifflin County native, was born in McVeytown, where he later studied botany and earned a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Although the Civil War interrupted his studies, he did go on to work as a botanist and physician.

“Rothrock had a lasting impact on conservation in the Commonwealth,” said Landis.

“A true Renaissance figure, Rothrock was a conservationist, botanist, physician, forester, educator, author, pioneer, and soldier. His vision and leadership laid the foundation for sustainable forestry and natural resource management in Pennsylvania, and his contributions continue to benefit generations today,” added Landis.

In 1895, Rothrock became the first commissioner of the Bureau of Forestry, helping to shape Pennsylvania’s forest conservation practices at a critical time in the state’s history.

“In recognition of Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania, born in McVeytown, Pennsylvania, on April 9, 1839, Dr. Rothrock served as the first President of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association. And in 1895, (he) was appointed Pennsylvania’s first commissioner of forestry, leading efforts to establish state forest reservations, forestry education, and tree nurseries that laid the foundation for modern forest management in the Commonwealth. And through his advocacy, leadership, and teaching, Dr. Rothrock instilled a conservation ethic that improved watersheds, protected wildlife habitat, encouraged sustainable timber management, and ensured public access to Pennsylvania’s forests for recreation and enjoyment; and in honor of his visionary work and enduring legacy,” said Kodish as he read from the proclamation.

Because of Rothrock’s accomplishments, the last full week of April each year has been designated as Dr. J.T. Rothrock Memorial Conservation Week.

Kodish added that Rothrock week encourages citizens to reflect on the importance of natural resource conservation and the stewardship of forests, water, and wildlife.

“April 22, Earth Day, provides a meaningful occasion to celebrate Dr. Rothrock’s contributions, inspire renewed care for our forests and natural resources, and promote activities that protect ecosystems for future generations,” said Kodish.

“Now, therefore, we, the Mifflin County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April 19 to 25, 2026, as Rothrock week in Mifflin County, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock and encourage all citizens to participate in conservation-minded activities that uphold his vision of healthy forests, clean water, and a sustainable environment,” said Kodish.

Cassell stated, “It is an honor to be here where forestry really got its start in Pennsylvania.”

“What he did didn’t just start the forestry and conservation movement across Pennsylvania but the nation, which is something special,” added Cassell.

Cassell noted that he always found it interesting that Rothrock, an adventurer, sailed the Chesapeake and went on expeditions in Alaska and the West, but he always found his home here in McVeytown, where he wanted to make the forest a better place and devoted his life to that.

As the ceremony came to a close, Landis shared that it is meant to serve as both a tribute and an opportunity to further share Rothrock’s story with residents and visitors alike.

The visitors bureau gathered information about Rothrock’s story, which is available on its website at jrvvisitors.com.