Moraine State Park in Butler County attracts about 1.2 million visitors a year. Many are aware of the continental glaciers that made glacial lakes and deposited a moraine -- debris left when the glacier retreated -- north of the park.

Few, however, realize that the 16,725-acre park and its 3,225-acre Lake Arthur were built over an industrial area that once contained 422 oil and gas wells, strip mines, deep mines and farm land. In recognition of the reclamation efforts of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation has awarded Moraine State Park its 2008 Park of the Year Award.

"You sure wouldn't recognize it, the way it was then," said park manager Obie Derr. "We have an excellent team of employees ... and an active [Friends of the Park] group ... that take pride in what they do."

Other awards include:

• Keystone Legacy Award: Rose Chase who helped protect the Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens in Chester County.

• Government Award: Jerry Walls, retired CEO of the Lycoming Planning Commission.

• Forest of the Year: Tioga State Forest

• Friends Group Volunteerism Award: Mountaineer Search and Rescue, Elk State Forest.

• Friends Group Improvement Award: Friends of the Delaware Canal

• Friends Group Education Award: Friends of Laurel Hill State Park.

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is a nonprofit organization that coordinates donations and volunteer work in the commonwealth's 117 state parks.

Awards will be presented at a banquet May 6 at the Harrisburg County Club in Harrisburg. $40, reservations at 717-236-7644.