FOR TWENTY YEARS
Our Mission: Inspire Stewardship of
Pennsylvania's State Parks and Forests



The sky has been so beautiful here in Confluence this week that I have completely lost track of what might be happening across the rest of the Commonwealth. As a result I was surprised when Marci told me yesterday that there's flooding in Presque Isle and other places along the northern tier. So if you are still battling Mother Nature's wrath, good thoughts are sent your way. Come to Somerset County. We've dried out!

Masthead creature this week comes courtesy of the Moshannon State Forest. Didja know the youngster is called a "poult?"



Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of Note


In spite of your calls, letters, and emails on the budget as of the writing of this on Thursday (with a July 1 deadline approaching) it seems that we have lost nearly $16 million in funding from the Environmental Stewardship Fund as it is being diverted to operational costs for the Departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation & Natural Resources. On a good note, your calls and emails protected the Keystone Fund. THANK YOU for raising your voice once again in support of parks and forests.

By the way, the $1 billion need for infrastructure improvements and maintenance in those parks and forests has not gone away, nor has it been addressed by the budget process.

There are people who remain dedicated to Pennsylvania's environment and outdoors and it's always good to see them celebrated. The DCNR "Good Natured Pennsylvanians" is an encouraging feature of the biweekly "Resource" email sent out by the Department. Whenever you need a lift, you will probably find it there so sign up if you don't already receive it.

Along those lines, we were delighted to read that one of those dedicated volunteer folks has been honored in a unique and, perhaps, strange way. Craig Dunn, one of the founders of the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club, now has his very own parking lot!

Also on the reading list is the newsletter from the Bureau of Facility Design & Construction where we can always keep track of the exciting improvements we see in our public places. My favorite project in the newsletter is the renovation of Modern Cabin #1 at Prince Gallitzin State Park to now be fully accessible AND pet (dog)-friendly. I am looking forward to packing up Bill and borrowing a dog to head up there for a day or two. Alas, it's booked for the foreseeable future!

On the LESS selfish side, the other really exciting news is the commencement of a complete upgrade and renovation at the Yellow Creek State Park beach. Bear in mind that this does mean that the beach will be closed this season. Yellow Creek recommends nearby Prince Gallitzin or Keystone as alternatives.

Recently completed is the renovation of the bath house at the beach at Colonel Denning State Park which the park and the Friends of Colonel Denning will celebrate on Friday, July 12 with an official ribbon-cutting beginning at 10:00 AM. PPFF will be there!

At Work and Play in the State Parks and Forests


Wrapping up June and cruising into Independence Day. Expect some busy-ness!

NORTH SOUTH

It is always interesting to see what critters are sharing our world and the KETTLE CREEK STATE PARK Stream Study tomorrow afternoon will give you a glimpse at Summerson Run.

Speaking of Independence Day, the FRIENDS OF SHAWNEE salute the day (night) with their annual fireworks display on Saturday night. Preceded by a fireworks paddle (reserve a boat if you do not have one of your own) and filled with fun on the beach.






EAST
WEST
A great annual event set for Saturday is Mud Day at WORLDS END STATE PARK. The 6th annual. You got it. Get dirty!

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Thanks to the Friends of Prince Gallitzin, Glendale Lake now has its own pontoon boat (The Lady Glendale). She'll be out on Sunday afternoon; check with the park office for availability or the rest of the schedule.




UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
The Friends of Colonel Denning are celebrating their revamped bath house with a little renovation of their own. It's time to reinvigorate with some fresh blood and new volunteers. If Doubling Gap is "your special place," these folks are your type. They'll need some social media assistance, a treasurer type who loves to juggle the figures, and of course "boots on the ground" to cut firewood and maintain outdoor spaces. Along with the ribbon-cutting on July 12, the refreshed Friends will host a get acquainted evening on July 22 (and have volunteer days scheduled for 7/11, 7/27, 8/24 and 9/28. There's room for you. Click the button to contact acting Chair Cassandra to find out more.

These and other fun events and fulfilling volunteer opportunities can be found on the PPFF events calendar and DCNR Calendar of Events. Bookmark them and you'll never miss the boat (or hike or festival).



Picture of the Week


Here's a colorful shot from the Hiking & Backpacking Pennsylvania Facebook page by Chris Morley. Parker Dam State Park.

Take Five for Trivia


I made you dig for the answer to last week's trivia - on the Facebook page! Where Marci posted that she had paid a visit to Gallitzin State Forest where plans are under way for a September 16 (tentative) day of tree-planting with volunteer employees of REI and anyone else who'd like to come out and help green-up the place.

Our last inquiry for the month of June will ask you to stretch your wings as a news article about "Thunder Beings" or "Pèthakhuweyok" caught my eye. What is the living embodiment (perhaps) of these First Nations rulers of the sky, the thunder, the winds and the lightning?

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


Take Five for the Top Six!



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 (PPFF) is a proud member of Earth Share and 1% for the Planet and is a Gold GuideStar participant.


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