One of my resolutions for this new year was to concentrate on topics for this weekly introduction that focus on SOMETHING besides the weather. But it's hard not to give it a mention this week especially when a glimpse at the State Parks Facebook page showcases lovely winter shots such as the masthead - the Spillway at PYMATUNING STATE PARK in absolute stillness. Darlene Herbster's shot can be viewed in full here. Stay warm, y'all!

It's a big day for reasons far removed from the weather in any event. Today marks the retirement of the District Forester in the William Penn State Forest. One Joe Frassetta bids a fond farewell to his daily commute from Camp Hill which is something we know he will not miss even as he will miss the rewards of working in the state's most populated forest district. Thanks for your great work, Joe, and best wishes; new adventures await! (And for President Marci, too; regular readers know Joe is her Consort!)

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of note

Congratulations are in order for the residents surrounding the Clarion River, Pennsylvania's 2019 River of the Year. As if it wasn't enough that the river is to be featured in the coming year on a "Forever" stamp from the Postal Service, the celebration will be heightened with this ROY designation. Hmmmm, a Wilds paddle anyone?

On a smaller but no less significant scale, DCNR announced also the addition of 407 acres to Pinchot State Forest, near Wilkes-Barre providing additional protection for the Seven Tubs Nature Area and a six-mile section of the ever-growing Delaware & Lehigh Trail. Hmmm, a Lehigh Valley pedal anyone?

And the evidence continues to mount in favor of natural resource protection and the economic significance of healthy public lands. A newly-released study from Penn State and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania demonstrates that visits to our state forests support over 5,000 jobs and contribute $721.4 million to Pennsylvania's economy each year.

Speaking of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, an additional study underway there concerns broadband access in the rural pockets of the state. Check out the project and help document just what we're up against in the hinterlands at: http://www.rural.palegislature.us/grants_broadband_test.html. I couldn't do my job for PPFF from Confluence (or here in the southern branch of the Western PA Office) without reliable internet, a phrase not always associated with what's available in said Turkeyfoot Valley!

If you haven't checked in with the Bureau of Forestry's Forest Fridays on the Facebook page in a while, we recommend making it a part of your regular routine. Last week's was a great reminder about ways to incorporate the winter outdoors into your health and fitness plan.

At work and play in the parks and forests

Once again this week be cognizant of the need to cancel and/or postpone any of the listed activities. By Sunday night it should all have calmed down enough that we may all enjoy the Total Lunar Full Super Blood Moon Eclipse Extravaganza beginning at about 10:30 EST and continuing into the wee hours. Bundle up and hope for clear skies! The good people of Space.com link you to some viewing/teaching guides prepared by the DEDICATED staff and scientists of NASA.

North

Hopes are very high that the annual Winterfest at HILLS CREEK STATE PARK can go on as scheduled tomorrow. It's a full day of activities that will be absolutely super if there's snow but not too much frigidity! Warren County Winterfest at CHAPMAN STATE PARK is going on even as I write this.

South

As noted last week, SnowFest at GREENWOOD FURNACE STATE PARK is also on the schedule for tomorrow including the YMCA's annual (brrrrrr) Polar Plunge and the Friends' SnowFest 5-miler.

East

Sunday provides the opportunity for a Full Moon Towpath Trek at DELAWARE CANAL STATE PARK. Registration is required.

West

Should Winter Storm Harper turn into the Thing They Are Predicting, this might be a good weekend to head on up to PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK for one of the many programs at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. TREC always has indoor fun for the whole family.

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

A few weeks ago I shared a photo of the view from the Hopewell Fire Tower in WILLIAM PENN STATE FOREST/FRENCH CREEK STATE PARK. Here's the little cabin at the base. More my speed!

Take five for trivia

Thanks for taking a moment last week to look at the history of the Cattell Cabin. Those who did learned that Henry S. Cattell, who owned the land on which BIG POCONO STATE PARK is now located, understood how much people loved That View and so he built a little cabin there and left it open and unlocked so anyone who wanted to come up and enjoy it had shelter. Generous, no?

This week, tell me when you'll have your next chance for a total lunar eclipse if you miss Sunday/Monday?

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 is a proud member of EarthShare and is a Gold GuideStar Participant.