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FOR TWENTY YEARS
Our Mission: Inspire Stewardship of Pennsylvania's State Parks and Forests
The View from the Inn - Bald Eagle State Park
Dennis Woytek
Thanks to everyone who weighed in with positive feedback on the new look for Fridays. I think we're on the same wavelength here.
Dr. Dennis spent New Year's week at the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle (if memory serves, this might be a repeat visit for him at this time of year) and the masthead shot of the view of Foster Joseph Sayres Lake from the Inn reminds me yet again that we should also pay a return visit.
Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator
Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation
News of Note
The stats are in and yet again there were more people doing a First Day Hike than last year. And this doesn't even count all the folks who just independently took themselves and their lungs to a trail for a big ol' helping of fresh air!
Marci received a warm welcome from the Lancaster County Bird Club last night when she presented a program on exploring our state parks and forests. They asked a lot of important questions about the long-term care of our state parks and forests—something we can all agree needs a bit more financial support.
A new year for PPFF always begins with the addition of new board members and 2020 is no different. We are so pleased to announce the names of the folks who have agreed to join us for (at least) a three-year term on the board:
Bradley Jones, President and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, is an urban developer with a passion for positive change. Astute readers may note that our top annual award bears the name Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award - named for Brad's father, Cliff. Cliff was a founding light of PPFF and Brad is truly an apple that has not fallen far from the tree. We so look forward to his positive energy around the board table.
Also joining us is former State Representative Kate Harper who, observant readers may also remember, was the recipient of our Joseph Ibberson Government Award in 2018. Kate believes that things get done when people work together and it is that belief that will make her such a wonderful addition.
With all this talk of the annual awards, we do have news on that front to share as well. We have made the difficult decision to forego an annual awards banquet this year. 2020 is already shaping up to be incredibly busy. Between the Earth Day 50 anniversary and the crucial need to focus on the Protect Our Parks & Forests campaign, something had to give and I am afraid that the awards banquet was that "something." Still we do have a couple of ideas up our sleeves - and we welcome ideas on how to bring the banquet back again in 2021 in a bigger and better way.
Caring for the trails of Elk State Forest just got a little easier, thanks to your donations. This special rugged mower will allow the foresters to keep the trails open and ready for hikers.
Thanks to you - and to them!
The 5th Annual Nature of Nolde student art contest has concluded at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, culminating in a gala affair at the park on December 7. Check out all the winners and photos from the day by renowned central Pennsylvania photographer Blair Seitz at the website for sponsor Art Plus Gallery.
In celebration of Earth Day 50, PPFF has dubbed 2020, "The Year of the Tree." Did you know that the state parks and forests Needs List includes nearly $600,000 in tree plantings to replace those lost to invasive insects, disease, old age, and other causes. We're sharing information at #TreeTuesday throughout the year and, yes, will be concentrating fundraising efforts on the green and growing! Check out "The Future of Trees" from WHYY in Philadelphia.
Pictures of the Week
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.
You can't argue with a vista. Thanks to the folks at Elk State Forest for this shot of Square Timber Vista.
The Friends of Beltzville's chair is fondly known as Diane "Ski" because she's got enough additional consonants in her last name as to make it impossible to type. A day like this at the park definitely means "Ski!"
The magic of video and Ohiopyle Falls combine in a little video that defines winter in the Laurel Highlands.
Speaking of "iconic," the Canoe Creek State Park limestone kilns are photographed by just about every park visitor. And this shot from Jonny Hasson on the park's Facebook page is a wonderful addition to the gallery!
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).
Take Five for Trivia
Our salute to the state bird also revealed the two challenges to their survival. Habitat loss would seem to be a pretty obvious answer as more and more of the young forests they depend upon are lost. The surprising threat (to me at least) is West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes. To paraphrase the classic tune from Edwin Starr, "Mosquitoes. Bah. Good God, y'all. What are they good for? Absolutely nothing."
Okay. They're food for someone but still!
This week? Trees would seem to be the logical subject for our quiz question. Let's plant some for the sake of the grouse and ourselves because trees provide many benefits. Name just two.
Remember, correct answers are thrown into the pot for a random drawing at the end of each month so the more you play and answer correctly the more chances you have to score a bandana (usually) from the prize closet. Send your answer to me - the only deadline is before I write and send Fridays at the end of a month.
Places boxed in red are from photos and calendar listings; the white boxes illustrate the "upcoming" events. Although we definitely have some overlap this week. Click the map to make it larger and more legible.
In Closing
This photo from Janice Wells Annunziata was posted to the PA Wildlife and Outdoors Facebook page. She left her heart somewhere in Pike County!
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.
The stats are in and yet again there were more people doing a First Day Hike than last year. And this doesn't even count all the folks who just independently took themselves and their lungs to a trail for a big ol' helping of fresh air!
Also joining us is former State Representative Kate Harper who, observant readers may also remember, was the recipient of our Joseph Ibberson Government Award in 2018. Kate believes that things get done when people work together and it is that belief that will make her such a wonderful addition. 
Caring for the trails of Elk State Forest just got a little easier, thanks to your donations. This special rugged mower will allow the foresters to keep the trails open and ready for hikers.
In celebration of Earth Day 50, PPFF has dubbed 2020, "The Year of the Tree." Did you know that the state parks and forests Needs List includes nearly $600,000 in tree plantings to replace those lost to invasive insects, disease, old age, and other causes. We're sharing information at #TreeTuesday throughout the year and, yes, will be concentrating fundraising efforts on the green and growing! Check out 
