FOR TWENTY YEARS

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





The weather predictor folk (non-groundhog variety) said the snow would fall at the rate of one to two inches per hour on Wednesday. Friends from back home called that morning to say it was definitely doing just that. I truly did wish I was there - I do love that feeling of quiet and calm as the snow falls and you know there's nothing you can do but wait it out and then go out.

The masthead this week then comes from Laurel Mountain State Park ski area where they had eight inches of the white stuff in the storm and the slopes are just waiting for you!



Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator


News of note

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A screening of the film Expedition Chesapeake is scheduled for the evening of March 20 at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in downtown Harrisburg. Come and meet Jeff Corwin, the on-screen leader of this journey through the Chesapeake's watershed. (Note I didn't say "star" of the film - I think Jeff and the filmmakers would agree that the Bay itself is the real star!) This is the first giant screen film to focus on the Chesapeake and the first developed by the Whitaker Center so it's a BIG deal!

Click the photo to purchase tickets for the world premiere.


In the "help wanted" column, note that the Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania are on the look-out for a new Political Director. Details on the job requirements, etc. can be found at the CVP website.


Help Wanted, Part 2: DCNR is hiring seasonal workers for the state parks and forests. See the DCNR Facebook post for the hows and whos.



At work and play in the parks and forests

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As always with events this winter be sure and check with your park on the status of these events.

North

The Friends of Lyman Run invite you to another Winter Adventure Hike at LYMAN RUN STATE PARK tomorrow morning while very close by the Friends of Mount Pisgah host a Children's Story Hour in conjunction with the Bradford County Library at MOUNT PISGAH STATE PARK.

South

Saturday morning at KINGS GAP ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER provides a choice - sit inside and enjoy some hot drinks and bird observation (Birds and Beverages) or suit up and head out for a little volunteer trail work in the Pine Plantation (although given this week's weather, it wouldn't hurt to confirm that this one won't kick to its snow date on March 9.)

East

Come to NOLDE FOREST ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER on Saturday afternoon to learn the Beauty of Botany with Dr. Susan Munch in a hands-on (foots-on?) walk through potentially wet terrain.

West

Get up early and stay out late! LAUREL HILL STATE PARK and FORBES STATE FOREST combine to make Saturday a potentially full day of snowshoe hiking. First do a Rise & Shine Showshoe (registration required) in the Forbes. Then head over to Laurel Hill's Hemlock Trail for a Sunset Snowshoe. That's a beautiful day in the Laurel Highlands!

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

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We have another video this week - this from the folks at Visit Potter-Tioga Counties with tips on visiting the dark skies at CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK. It's on my list again this year, with fingers crossed!

Take five for trivia

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What is an irruption? In terms of the Great Backyard Bird Count, it is quite simply put, birds somewhere they normally aren't. In Marcus Schneck's article from PennLive cited elsewhere in last week's "Fridays," he noted that species like evening grosbeaks were being sighted much farther south than normal. In a follow-up posted yesterday, Marcus noted that Pennsylvania birders once again were in 4th place among all states for submissions to the GBBC filing 6,275 birding checklists!

Let us close out February with our own "Expedition Chesapeake." What Pennsylvania state parks and forests overlook or abut the Susquehanna as it wends its way through the Commonwealth?

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

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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 1% for the Planet and is a Gold GuideStar Participant.


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