This week's masthead selection was probably one of the easiest in a while. Photographer Brian Hare and Nockamixon State Park are generally an unbeatable combination and he certainly did himself proud this week with this capture of the Super Blood Wolf Moon Extravaganza. Click for the whole big dark sky shot. 

Bill and I saw it, too, although we didn't even attempt to photograph it. Absolutely gorgeous clear sky which for us was an incredible coup. We are entertaining the thought that our astronomical phenomenon jinx may be broken. Stay tuned for the next meteor shower and "we'll see."

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of note

The long-awaited study on the report of maintenance needs in the parks and forests is set for official public release on Monday afternoon at the Main Capitol Rotunda. Everyone is invited to come out at 1:00 PM and hear some of the findings of the study and the planned next steps in the conversation that must now begin if the problems are going to be solved. Copies of the report will then be distributed to each member of the General Assembly; if you can help ferry those copies up and down the Capitol halls volunteers would be most welcome. Email Marci and let her know if you can help.

Because, really, you are AT LEAST as capable and engaged as 4-year old Charlie Comi of Stow, OH. Charlie's a superhero, though, so it might be a lot to live up to!

If you want to flex those volunteer muscles, another opportunity comes in the form of the first formation meeting for the potential Friends of Michaux PPFF chapter. It is scheduled for next Wednesday evening - that's the 30th - at the Norlo Park Community Center in Fayetteville. More details and directions are on our event calendar.

Neighbor Larry the Snow Bunny reminded me to point out that sledding is a sanctioned state park activity with more information readily available on the Where to Sled in State Parks page of the DCNR website. We all become big kids in a good fluffy snow and that's true of no one I know more than Larry. And maybe Friends of Big Pocono John!

At work and play in the parks and forests

North

Come on out tomorrow morning for the FRIENDS OF LYMAN RUN's Winter Adventure Hike (#2) beginning at 9:00 AM. It may be a snowshoe; it may be a hike. Fun will be had!

South

Sunday afternoon's hike at KINGS GAP ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER features lichens. I like lichens!

East

On Saturday morning set out for an Eagle Watch with LACKAWANNA STATE PARK. Registration is required for a seat in the van heading out to the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers so call right away.

West

Take a nice LONG hike with the Butler Wampum Chapter of the North Country Trail Association at MORAINE STATE PARK on Sunday afternoon. Great cobweb shaker offer!

No matter what region of the commonwealth you want to visit, our website Events and the DCNR Calendar of Events are great sources for things to see and do. Bookmark them!

Picture of the week

Hearty congratulations to the great folks of the 327-mile Mid State Trail, named the Trail of the Year this week. Celebrating their 50th year in 2019, the Mid State Trail Association does a wonderful job maintaining "Pennsylvania's Wildest Trail." And, yes, most of it is just like this.

Take five for trivia

I do hope your astronomical phenomenon jinx was also on hiatus late Sunday night because if you missed that total blood moon eclipse, you won't have another chance to see one here in North America until May 16, 2022. (Travel to Asia or Australia and catch one a year earlier.) As an additional trivia fact, a partial lunar eclipse (not visible in North America, alas) will take place on July 16th this year. That is, space fans, the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11, the first mission to land on the moon. 

In amphibian news this week, legislation was once again introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate to designate an official state amphibian and Clean Water Ambassador (especially like that part). What amphibian is it?

Send in your answer and we'll enter your correct response into our monthly prize drawing. All correct answers each week will go into the hat and at the end of the month we'll draw one lucky winner. The more correct answers you submit in a month (up to four or the occasional five depending on the month), the more chances you'll have to win.

In closing

Tuesday is Plan For Vacation Day. Make sure a state park or forest is in the itinerary!

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The official registration and financial information of PPFF may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll-free within Pennsylvania, to 800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation is a proud member of EarthShare and is a Gold GuideStar Participant.