Moraine Preservation Fund provides services to the park and community thanks to the generous support of our members, and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers. We'd like to especially thank our boat captains and mates for keeping Nautical Nature "sailing!"
Captains: Mike Brady, Howard Graham, Ray D'Angelo, Mark Draskovich, Paul Kaczmarek, Bill Moutz, Leo Sestini, Marlene Tomasic, Ed Unks & Dick Weber.
Mates: Carol Bickel, Joanne Kapp, Sarah Stevenson, Kay Thompson & Dorothy Weisberg.
Want to join them? Sign up now!
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Ron Boltey, President - A 20 year career banker, Ron currently works for Northwest Savings Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Clarion University as well as a Master's degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University. As a lifelong resident of Butler County and an avid outdoorsman, Ron immediately appreciated the efforts of MPF both for Moraine State Park as well as the community. He could see the determination of this organization to contribute to the long-term preservation and conservation of Moraine State Park's pristine attractions as well as entertain and educate its visitors. He is honored to serve on its Board.
Mary Alice Cobbet, Secretary - Mary Alice Cobbett is a Slippery Rock University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and a Masters in Education. She worked as a Spanish teacher and Reading Specialist at Gateway School District in Monroeville. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, she lived four years in Central and South America. Currently she is an instructor/facilitator for the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Slippery Rock University and a member of Earlybird Toastmasters in Butler. She and her family were involved in the reintroduction of the osprey at Lake Arthur. Her goal is to expand volunteer opportunities and community involvement.
Jack Cohen, Treasurer - As executive director of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Jack oversees operations for its 200 members. In addition to promoting tourism, he serves on the County Park Board, and has been on the Cranberry Twp. Park Board since 1994. He is also a member of the Cranberry Sunrise Rotary. Butler County has so much to offer visitors, but as Jack says, "We need members like Moraine Preservation Fund to help us tell compelling stories to attract them. Undoubtedly, Moraine State Park has a lot to offer visitors, mostly due to the volunteer efforts of Moraine Preservation Fund. I am honored to be a board member and consider it a priority to share the group’s important environmental messages."
John E. Hutchison, Jr., Vice-President - From an early age as an Eagle Scout, John has had an appreciation for nature and a strong conviction for environmental conservation. He attended Penn State University and holds an Associate Degree in Architectural Technology, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Structural Design and Building Construction and Graduate Level course study in Environmental Management. He has held various Engineering Project Management, Environmental Management and Technical Sales positions during a 27 year career in the Steel Industry. He has worked closely with the New York State Adirondack Park Agency over the past 6 years to design a conservation-minded, low-density residential housing development offering rural forest home-sites in harmony with the natural resources of the Adirondack Park. He is an historic preservationist and craftsman, who currently builds and restores award-winning classic wooden sail boats as a hobby.
Heather Jerry - Heather has been a member of MPF since 1993. She has been on the Board of Directors since 1996, holding positions of Treasurer, Vice President and President in recent years. She is currently employed by Marshall Township as the Parks and Recreation Director. She is usually accompanied by her son Chance and daughter Coleen. In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys nature, and camping with her husband Jim and their children. Heather holds a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State University.
Jack Oris - Jack is the owner of Oris Vending which he established in 2005. Jack comes to the MPF with small business experience as well as being the co-chairman of the Washington’s Trail that travels through Moraine State Park along the North Country Trail. He designed the signs you see along the road and in the park. He also was selected to serve on the Rivers of Steel steering committee to incorporate Butler County into the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, which Butler has been accepted into. Jack is currently on the steering committee for the Butler Area Multi-Municipal Plan which includes Butler City, Butler Twp., Penn Twp., Summit Twp., and East Butler Borough. A plan is being formulated to improve BAMM participant’s parks, roads, housing and downtown redevelopment and overall quality of life.
Ruth Roperti - Ruth Roperti has been involved with Moraine Preservation Fund for over 17 years. She first became involved with planning environmental education programs offered aboard Nautical Nature and on shore at the park. Shortly after joining MPF, she became a board member, and has served on the board multiple times during her 17 years here. Ruth continues to direct the school field studies. She was an elementary teacher in the Riverside School District for 37 years, and now teaches graduate courses for teachers. She is currently the president of the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, a statewide professional environmental education organization.
Elizabeth Wilson - Elizabeth is a Registered Nurse and has been a member of Moraine Preservation for 8 years. She has served as past President and Vice President on the Board of Directors and co-chaired the education and species preservation committees. She is a current member of the Board of Directors for the Bartramian Audubon Society, serving as the Education Committee Chairperson. Her involvement and experiences with environmental organizations and Scouting have enabled Elizabeth to educate and inspire all people to discover, experience, and connect with nature. Her dedication and enthusiasm is evident. Elizabeth lives on a dairy farm in Portersville with her husband David and five children.

