It's a brief Fridays again this week. I spent too much time on the road this week, although it was fun to be in Camp Hill for our open house on Wednesday night. Thanks to everyone who came out to say hello! Driving home was a bit of an adventure yesterday -  great to be standing in line at the grocery store when you hear the rain on the roof! So much rain the "connector" from civilization down into the Turkeyfoot Valley was covered in rocks and water so I needed to take a longer roundabout.

So the lesson for this week is definitely to be aware of "conditions" all across the commonwealth. Roads might be in shaky condition, beaches closed, trails and picnic areas a bit muddy, water just a little high. But the forecast down here is for a couple of decent days so outside we shall go!

The week's masthead is a few months old - another "stumbleupon" from May at Little Buffalo State Park. I just can't resist a night shot!

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of Note

A big thank you to Keystone RV Center in Greencastle. On the way home yesterday (BEFORE the rain), I met Mark Thomas, the Director of Marketing for Keystone, at Cowans Gap State Park where Mark presented PPFF with a check for $6,230 to be directed to campground improvements at the park. Keystone RV sets aside $10 from each unit sold and gives a quarterly donation to a project or charity close to their hearts. We are delighted to be a part of this generous program!

This morning, Marci joined Secretary Dunn, Senator Ward, and Representative Gleim for dedication of the new bath house at Colonel Denning State Park. The work is a testament to the important value of the Keystone Fund to the citizens of the Commonwealth. The Friends of Colonel Denning invite you to an informational meeting on July 22 at 6:00 PM in the park's Pavilion #1 to talk about the volunteers' role in other improvements to this lovely little park.

A lovely article on the Laurel Hill State Park CCC restoration project appears in the PA Historic Preservation blog.

Don't forget! Informational meeting for a new Friends of Trough Creek at 6:00 on Monday evening at the park's pavilion #1.

At Work and Play in the State Parks and Forests

A quick recap of the weekend ahead with some of PPFF's busy chapters:

The Friends of Caledonia host their annual Arts & Crafts Fair tomorrow from 9:00 to 5:00. Hop on in and find Marci and Joe (and Izzy, the Office Dog) with Joe's beautiful pottery.

The Friends of Cowans Gap host summer concert #2 on Saturday evening beginning at 6:00.

The Friends of Kings Gap's Sunday morning yoga series continues on the Cameron Mansion terrace. Ahhhh!

The Friends of Ohiopyle will be on the trails for the July work day (and quarterly meeting) tomorrow. Hop on in and find me wielding a tool of some kind or other.

The Friends of Pine Grove Furnace host another in their series of history tours on Sunday afternoon.

Finally, Luke Miney one of the Stewards of Penn's Woods who has signed on to care for Beam Rocks in the Forbes State Forest as part of his Ridge Runners experience on the LHHT, will be doing graffiti removal at the Rocks tomorrow morning beginning at 9:30 AM. Luke says to bring a snack, beverage, pair of heavy rubber gloves, safety glasses/googles, old clothing, and sturdy footwear and he will provide lunch. Contact Luke if you can join in.

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

It's a PPFF two-fer in this week's POW. Marci visited the Friends of Shikellamy for their meeting on Monday evening so was able to spend a little time at Kury Point, named to honor Franklin Kury (author of the Pennsylvania Environmental Rights Amendment and 2016 PPFF Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award winner). And Amanda placed the Showcase of Winners from the 2018 photo contest at Marsh Creek State Park for the month.

Take Five for Trivia

So, yes. We know that it's been pretty wet and silly outside so far this summer ... well, nearly all of 2019 if it comes to that. But the good news is that the most recent study by Smart People says that really ALL it takes to reap health benefits from the outdoors is two measly hours a week. Nearly all our readers agree that's not really enough so we can take some comfort in the fact that most of us are doing much better than the minimum. But if you've been letting Life Get In The Way, it's time to make some changes!

While you're at Marsh Creek checking out the photo gallery, you might also spend some time on what is truly a lovely lake. What is its watershed?

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

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.