Chester County park ranger Jessa Goodeaux has been selected to serve on the NextGen Advisory Council, a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Council members assist DCNR with ensuring that all Pennsylvanians, especially the next generation, can connect to public lands, natural resources, recreation, and conservation. Goodeaux noted that her goals include increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for young veterans and women.

Goodeaux embarked on a career in parks and recreation after witnessing the role that open spaces had on the public's well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. She believes her life's purpose is to serve others - as both a Chester County park ranger and an Army Reserve officer.

The DCNR launched the NextGen Advisory Council in 2022 to increase public participation and expand its diversity of perspectives and engagement opportunities to help to inform department programs and operations.