News of note
Neighbor Larry shared a blurb from the November issue of "Powder" magazine (as he dreams of ski vacations past and yet to come) that was very much in line with our "In Closing" last week on the benefits of outdoor winter exercise. The article in question is entitled "The Quiet Place: A search for silence in a world with too much noise" and relates the adventure of the magazine's executive editor Matt Hansen as he followed ski backwoods guide Beau Fredland through the mountains near his home in Cooke City, MT.
"Scientists have now shown that there are very real benefits to that connection [health and nature]. Time in nature lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure, and reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes. Studies at the University of Utah and Stanford have proven that we are healthier, and better at being human (i.e. less distracted, more present), when we are outside and unfettered from technology. Researchers have also concluded that simply spending time beneath a forest canopy generates calmness, rejuvenation and restorative benefits. Since the 1980s, the Japanese have incorporated 'forest bathing' as a cornerstone of national medicine. In the U.S., doctors have started to prescribe the outdoors as part of a healthy lifestyle through initiatives like Parks Rx, a program developed through the Institute at the Golden Gate in partnership with the National Park Service to encourage parks and green space as a form of health care."
If it's anything to do with skiing, I would tend to listen to Neighbor Larry who has himself "followed backwoods ski guides in the pre-dawn darkness in the U.S., Canada, all of the alpine countries of Europe, and the Andes in Argentina." So while "Powder" magazine does not share much of its content online, the article seems as though it might be one worth seeking out at your local library or bookstore. And PPFF has a fact sheet about forest bathing available on our website under Get Outdoors (check out the Download a Fact Sheet dropdown) and, if you are lucky enough to live in the Steel City, it seems the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is aparticipant in the Parks RX concept.
Thank you! We reached our goal of 125 new members in the 125th anniversary year. Congratulations to Portland Street Rudy who now wears Member #2018-125. A Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests Passport is on its way to him with our gratitude.
We aren't opposed to making the goal 250 new members for the year! But you'll have to hurry!
Another goal is pressing this month - ongoing efforts to put an accessible dock got a tremendous booth with the award of a $10,000 challenge grant from a local foundation. That means that all dollars raised before the end of the year will be matched by the foundation dollar for dollar up to $10,000! To receive $20,000 of the $50,000 needed would give the project a boost, would it not? Click to donate or, if you know a potential additional sponsor along the lines of a local social or service organization, please pass this along! There's a link right on our home page that tells the whole story. (http://bit.ly/LittleBuffDock)
