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FOR TWENTY YEARS
Our Mission: Inspire Stewardship of Pennsylvania's State Parks and Forests
A Ray of Floral Sunshine
Photo by Annie Walczyk
How are you holding up? At the end of a decidedly odd week that's left a lot of us feeling off-kilter, we hope you can Take (at least) Five and ruminate on the positive and uplifting messages filtering into our inboxes and social media. The closure of every state park and forest has affected each of us in a different way - and the cancellation of every event through the end of April has left a lot of people disappointed.
But it is our belief that the message of these closures is that (1) the health and safety of each of us and all of us is paramount; and (2) you know - you KNOW - how important these places are to your health and well-being and when PPFF begins to again schedule visits to the parks and forests with the elected officials charged with distributing the funds that keep them operating you WILL be out there with us. No, money wouldn't keep them open now but money WILL keep them open when this has past.
Annie Walczyk's photo was posted to the Hiking & Backpacking PA Facebook page which is, in fact, where I got a lot of this week's pictures. I do not know where it was taken but it is such a hopeful image that I couldn't resist it.
Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator
Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation
From The President's Desk
In difficult times, carry something beautiful in your heart. - Blaise Pascal
Dear readers, thank you for taking the time to follow us as we all navigate this new landscape together. As the landscape continues to change, we will be here with and for you, doing what we can to make your day a little bit brighter and providing you with information as we receive it. We are working remotely and at reduced hours, but we will remain attuned to your needs, and those of parks and forests. Even as I write, I am finalizing comments on policies that could impact our favorite places.
As Pam mentioned, it became apparent just how important our parks and forests are to us when it appeared we would not have access to them. These special places are so important to our physical, mental and emotional health! Even if your schedule/childcare/location does not permit you to spend time in the parks/forests at this time, you may find some stress relief by holding an image of your favorite place in your heart.
And while you are holding your heart, please consider looking outside of your home to others in need: perhaps an elderly neighbor needs groceries when you make a run or consider donating blood, which is in critically short supply. Joe and I donated blood today and the staff was very conscientious with their safety protocol.
Helping others also helps us by giving us a “helper's high”: it releases endorphins which, in turn, improves mood and boosts self-esteem. And can't we all use a little boost right now?
Yours in the Outdoors,
News of Note
You will have noticed from DCNR's announcement of the closure of parks and forests that the outdoors spaces themselves ARE open for responsible use. The Department is placing its faith in the grown-ups among us to know how to behave and we are confident they will be rewarded for that faith.
If you are among those who miss going out hiking or the like but have challenges that make it more prudent to stay indoors and you are looking for other types of inspiration, please visit our Facebook page every once in a while and see what's cooking there. We're busily finding fun things to do to entertain the little ones (and yourself), including a reminder of the freebies you can find on our website (under Publications). One of those freebies is the Art in the Parks coloring book. Snap a picture of your finished product and send it in. We'll draw one at random for a gift from the prize closet!
I'm determined that periods of enforced quiet are going to be at least partially filled with some time back on my yoga mat - a practice that seems to be the first thing to "go" when things get hectic. What about you? What have you decided with be your outlet for creativity and peace? Weigh in - I'd love to share your ideas.
If your Facebook page is anything like mine, there's been a steady stream of ideas for ways to fill your time. One of the very coolest to pop up was a link to MasterClass.com, a website that allows you to learn from the very best in several creative fields. It is NOT free - but I was flattered as heck that the "expert" who popped up in my personalized ad for the thing was Misty Copeland of American Ballet Theater. Because for the briefest of moments back in, oh, 1968 or so I thought I should have been a dancer. (Although my goal was rather more inclined toward the corps in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" than prima ballerina at ABT.)
Maybe - just maybe - this is a time to find that thing you "always wanted to do" and do it!
The curveball that's been thrown at all of us will have impacts that few can even guess at this point although we are only too cognizant of the fact that a significant impact will be financial. Benevity, an online fundraising tool, has offered $300,000 match for donations made to non-profits over the course of the next few days. There are many non-profits working hard to keep things moving and provide services during this time of crisis. Visit Benevity.org and type in the name of the non-profit you wish to support and your $5 becomes $10, $10 becomes $20, etc.!
The Bonfire Tees shirt campaign rolls on for a few more days. Order your shirts directly from Bonfire and the shirts are produced and mailed directly to you from Bonfire.
Click each photo to see the original. Thanks to all the photographers and state park and forest fans who share their joy in these wonderful places. Share yours anywhere with #PPFFTakeFive.
Jeanne Morrison sent me this photo of their Valentine's Day visit to Kinzua Bridge State Park. Jeanne said, "It was two degrees at 7:00 PM. We had a wonderful time with the dusk walk." There's photographic proof that love keeps you warm!
Don't forget to look up! This wonderful shot by Garrett Talkington reminds us of the wonders right over our heads. Taken along the Susquehannock Trail "way up north."
Joe Covell and Miles shared a long hike along the Gerard Trail at Oil Creek State Park. Both enjoyed the view!
Meanwhile Janice Wells Annunziata and her granddaughter enjoyed a visit to the Rock Hill Pond Trail of the Delaware State Forest.
Strong. Capable. That's Misty Copeland with or without her toe shoes and Mira Lloyd Dock with or without her formidable hat.
In conjunction with Women's History Month, those of you looking for ways to challenge at-home youngsters might consider a viewing of the PAConservation Heritage documentary on Mira and her times.
An Educator's Guide on the website can foster dialogue about leadership in general - not just in conservation.
Where Are We?
Red boxes denote photo locations. Give a click to a bigger version.
Take Five for Trivia
Yes, the "Wild and Natural Areas" of the Moshannon State Forest are Quehanna Wild Area and Marion Brooks Natural Area. The foresters and their shiny tool cart will not be going in there for maintenance but you can visit them. I really intend to, dog gone it!
This week is a simple one and ties into my In Closing pic. What is your favorite conservation/outdoor/environmental book?
Send your answer to me and I'll enter you into the month's random drawing for a goodie from the prize closet if you answer correctly. Enter each week for more chances to win.
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.
Dear readers, thank you for taking the time to follow us as we all navigate this new landscape together. As the landscape continues to change, we will be here with and for you, doing what we can to make your day a little bit brighter and providing you with information as we receive it. We are working remotely and at reduced hours, but we will remain attuned to your needs, and those of parks and forests. Even as I write, I am finalizing comments on policies that could impact our favorite places.
If you are among those who miss going out hiking or the like but have challenges that make it more prudent to stay indoors and you are looking for other types of inspiration, please 
If your Facebook page is anything like mine, there's been a steady stream of ideas for ways to fill your time. One of the very coolest to pop up was a link to 
The 
Order your shirts directly from Bonfire and the shirts are produced and mailed directly to you from Bonfire. 
