Spring is now more than just "in the air;" it is actually upon us. We hope you were able to get out and enjoy the worm moon on Wednesday night. Admittedly I had no idea there was such a thing as a "worm moon," but it seems that is one of several names for March's full moon because earthworms tend to come to the surface now. So it does now make a little more sense that on the second Saturday in April the little town just north of our snowbird home hosts a "worm gruntin' festival." The idea is apparently to stomp around, make the earth quake, and bring the worms to the surface (whereupon they become bait). And allow Sopchoppy to raise all kinds of money for all kinds of worthy local projects.

But while it is now spring, I decided to go "counter-intuitive" with this week's masthead and feature "a foggy day at Sunset Rocks" in the Michaux State Forest. The new Friends of Michaux took another step toward reality this week and it seemed appropriate to pay tribute to the folks who are joining together to make this group happen. Thanks to Candee and Tom of the C&O Canal Adventures blog, photographers here.

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of Note

You did it! Thanks to the great young men and women of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps supplying the labor and PPFF friends and supporters kicking in on the funding, a new picnic pavilion graces the Jamestown campground area. Pavilion #3 is a beauty complete with ADA accessible picnic tables. It's still just a little chilly up there but picnic time is coming! (Check out our Facebook page for additional photos, including the view from #3.)

I think I mentioned at the beginning of the year that we kicked off our 20th anniversary year with the fond hope for at least as much cake as we enjoyed last year during the 125th anniversary year for our state parks and forests. I find it hard to believe that we made it all the way to nearly the end of March before our first cake! But there it finally was, at last Saturday's PPFF Friends group retreat hosted by the Friends of Buchanan State Forest. By all accounts, it was delicious and well worth the wait. Thanks to Rob Shaw of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace, baker and provider!

This 20th anniversary year includes, as you know, our campaign to bring attention to the many infrastructure and maintenance needs in our state parks and forests. To this end, President Marci provided testimony this week to the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee and we joined with the Pennsylvania Recreation & Parks Society to host a legislative breakfast for several state senators, representatives, and staffers taking the opportunity to discuss funding for our community parks as well as the state parks and forests. To become involved in the "Preserving the Legacy" campaign or to find out more, visit our website and click on the Preserving the Legacy button right there on the home page.

I consider myself an amateur (VERY amateur) bird-watcher. But I have to plead guilty to a certain amount of "plant blindness" as defined in DCNR's Good Natured blog this week. Oh, sure. I see the plants but I don't always SEE them. Fortunately, a new network of native plant conservationists has taken root (pun intended) to work collaboratively toward conservation of our native plant species. Dubbed the Pennsylvania Plant Conservation Network, the group will hold its first public meeting on April 26. Find out more at the link.

At Work and Play in the State Parks and Forests

NORTH	SOUTH
Winter Adventure Hike #4 with the Friends of Lyman Run steps off tomorrow morning, bright and early at 9:00 AM.	Families (especially those with children ages 4 to 7) will enjoy Exploring the Senses at KINGS GAP ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER tomorrow afternoon.
EAST	WEST
Do frogs slog? Would you? Find out tomorrow evening at JACOBSBURG ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER.	A Moonlight Ski (or hike) at KOOSER STATE PARK is a wonderful way to welcome spring. Tomorrow evening!

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Are you technologically inclined? The Friends of Pinchot are looking for someone to manage their membership database. Fundraiser/event-planner types are also welcome. Capital City volunteers, this is for you! Contact Friends Chair Mary Beth Zeigler 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

Oh, boy! We have another video this week and this one is close to a lot of hearts in Pennsylvania - spring peepers as captured in the wildflower reserve at Raccoon Creek State Park by Lori Pepka. There is no doubt now where we are in the calendar.

Take Five for Trivia

Who knew that there are 49 different species of trillium throughout the world, 39 of which are native to the United States. Seeing one of each species is a quest I could definitely endorse.

This week, let's stick to native species trivia and give a little love to our humble friend, the earthworm. How many species of these wrigglers are native to the United States?

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

Today has been designated World Water Day by the United Nations.

It doesn't get much more basic than that.

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.