Fall definitely fell yesterday. I was driving home last evening through a pile of leaves and looking out the window today it doesn't seem like there is much left on our neighborhood trees. What a wind. At least all the trees are upright.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back Sunday morning (like you need me to tell you).

Enjoy this picture of the lake at Tobyhanna State Park from Andrew Szewczyk on an unofficial Book of Faces for the park. Click to the beautiful original. 

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of Note

It was a WILD week, we must say because (although I hate to repeat it) you'll recall that after four years Outreach Amanda has decided to leave us at the end of the year. Check out the job description and other requirements and let us know of your interest (or share with someone who would be a good fit).

Now Andreja, our Office Coordinator, has likewise given her notice. She is a dynamo and a half but even she has realized that the combination of the job, three very young and adorable children, and an active and large church community to support as pastor's wife, means a very stretched-thin Andreja. Find her position description here and, again, let us know if you know a good fit. She'll be leaving us sooner rather than later!

Also, don't forget to complete our survey for next year's focus through the SurveyMonkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FutureinOurHands. We might randomly pick a response to win a prize, you just NEVER know with us.

My day yesterday was rainy but fun. A two-fer of celebrations as it were: first, with the Allegheny County Master Gardeners at Point State Park to check out the results of a one-year grant from EQT Foundation to begin the restoration of the native gardens that curve through the park.

Then in the afternoon, I got to be on the receiving end of the classic Big Check from Energy Transfer. The money will support a long-planned interpretive project at Raccoon Creek State Park focusing on the history of this lovely little spot in Beaver County. Watch for a ribbon-cutting/unveiling when the project is complete!

At Work and Play in the State Parks and Forests

Bundle up!

NORTH	SOUTH
Love this - Bagpipes and the Bridge at KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK tomorrow afternoon.	Restoration of the American Chestnut is, as I've said here before, the work of the angels. Find out more about it at CODORUS STATE PARK tomorrow morning.
EAST	WEST
Good advice - Get Your Tail on the Trail at LACKWANNA STATE PARK tomorrow afternoon. One of a series of such excursions!	A BRISK walk at PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK is on tap tomorrow morning with a Fall Dog Walk.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The first Saturday of EVERY month is a trail day at RIDLEY CREEK STATE PARK with the Friends of Ridley Creek. They do a smashing job at this quiet oasis in the midst of suburbia. Why not join in? You just might find this to be your perfect introduction to a new group of friends!

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

As soon as I saw this photo, I knew it would be a POW. Wish I'd been there! Click to the original of Jeffrey Constantino at Beam Rocks.

Take Five for Trivia

October trivia concluded with a salute to bats and the fact that a little brown bat can catch 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour. Munch away, little dudes!

Congratulations to Richard from State College, our random October winner.

To kick off November, I note from Amanda's calendar of upcoming "special days" that next Thursday is Stress Awareness Day. Are any of us NOT aware of stress??! No, I thought not. HOWEVER, we have learned - I think - that time in the outdoors is a great way to counteract the negative effects of the stress we often feel. I would love to see a photo of your favorite play/way to bring the tension down a notch. Post to our Take Five/Readers Pix Google photo album. 

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

Cold temperatures will at least mean more clear skies!

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.