Our mission: To inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.



Now there's a small item of good news. It seems that along with a nice relaxing stroll in the outdoors, 30 minutes of reading every day has been found to add years to your life. Reading books is better than reading newspapers or magazines or even, I hesitate to say, fascinating eblasts from compelling nonprofits. For a life-long reader such as myself, this is welcome information indeed.

Of course, the sad truth is that the study came out last September and I haven't had time before now to read about it!

Here's hoping that you have a chance to curl up with a good book sometime very soon. Maybe in one of these wonderful cabins at Clear Creek State Park, whose photograph comes courtesy of Reader Dr. Dennis.

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator


News of note

Header

As promised, here are the 2017 PPFF Award Winners, as always a distinguished and inspiring bunch:

  • Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: Paul Felton, who at 97 is still planting trees and leading hikes
  • Joseph Ibberson Government Award: Maryann Haladay-Bierly, long-time educator with the Bureau of State Parks
  • President's Award: Graffiti Busters, a unique partnership among the Bureau of Forestry, PPFF, Shippensburg University and many others
  • Forest of the Year: Weiser State Forest
  • Park of the Year: Shawnee State Park
  • Volunteer, Education: Friends of Mt. Pisgah
  • Volunteer, Improvement: Boy Scout Troop 345
  • Volunteer, Volunteerism: Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve
  • Young Volunteer: Katie Gustafson, a junior at Slippery Rock University who gave 120 hours to reroute two sections of the Adams Run Trail in Chapman State Park while holding down a full time job

Congratulations to all our winners.

The critics' choice winners of the middle school poster and high school/college anti-graffiti video contests have been chosen and the videos are being uploaded to our YouTube channel for People's Choice voting. Ah, technology. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the official announcement of when upload problems are solved and the videos are posted.

Sponsorships (ranging from $100 to $1,000) are actively sought for the May 20 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. Let us help you promote your business's or organization's support for a happier, healthier Pennsylvania!


At work and play in the parks and forests

Header

Well. Winter is making itself very scarce, isn't it? So be sure to keep an eye on all available calendars and Facebook pages for relevant details of snow-dependent activities.

North

All weekend - the Warren County Winterfest at Chapman State Park; tomorrow only - Winterfest at Hills Creek State Park is a no-go but a bit of hiking will still take place. (And barring some weird freak snowstorm this week, the Winter Festival at Lyman Run State Park for next weekend is already called off. Again, there'll be a hike!)

South

At Prince Gallitzin they already know there won't be snow for a planned snowshoe outing. So it's a Saturday Surprise Hike instead!

East

There are a lot of snowy looking activities in the east region for Saturday and that's not promising. So how about a Friday Family Film this evening at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. It's "The Magic of the Snowy Owl." That works!

West

One of the park system's most popular volunteer days takes place tomorrow at Jennings Environmental Education Center. Prairie Improvement Day requires pre-registration so click quickly!

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

Header

It is a picture of a couple of weeks ago from Pymatuning State Park. Little blue beauties.


Take five for trivia

Header

Last week we asked for the identity of a mystery man commemorated with the naming of a central Pennsylvania state park. Our masthead was a clue - "Colonel Denning." As many of you discovered, William Denning's bio is sketchy which is hardly surprising given that he lived and fought during the Revolution. And while he was never a colonel at all, Denning is credited with development of an iron cannon (he was a blacksmith) that made use of available materials in the crafting of weaponry during his assignment to Washingtonburg (now Carlisle).

The Allegheny River was named River of the Year, as we know. In what county does it rise?

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

Header




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.

  

This email was sent to bent2453@gmail.com. If you are having trouble viewing this email, you may also view it online. To opt out of all communications, click here.
Forward email. .
Email Marketing By