We hope you were out late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning for the "Final Full Moon of the Decade" at 12:12 AM on 12/12. Brrr. Another chilly but potentially dazzling astronomical phenomenon occurs this weekend with the Geminid meteor shower, said to promise quite the show even with a waning full moon to provide cover.

Marci was out at Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park for a chapter retreat and public meeting on Penn's Parks for All - hence, the masthead. Click to the original; let's watch and see who else posts photos!

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of Note

PPFF donations are joining with funds from Moraine Preservation Fund and 3MJC (the Moraine, McConnells Mill Jennings Commission) for updated signage at the historic McConnells Mill State Park gristmill. Here is a look at the first batch, with a large interpretive sign yet to come. 

Looking for a great holiday gift? Think "living!" Click the photo to find out more.

At Work and Play in the State Parks and Forests

Audubon's annual Christmas Bird Count begins this weekend and continues through January 5, so expect to see several opportunities over these next couple of weeks to take part in one of, if not THE, longest running citizen science projects going. 

NORTH	SOUTH
The annual Holiday Open House at SINNEMAHONING STATE PARK is always a festive seasonal stop. Saturday afternoon is your chance!	Spend the weekend at PRINCE GALLITZIN STATE PARK and you'll have three different activities to get your chill on! Try Holiday Nature Crafts tomorrow morning, then an orienteering course in the afternoon, followed by a Morning Bird Walk on Sunday before you head for home. I wish I had a cabin reservation!
EAST	WEST
Speaking of JACOBSBURG ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER, a Winter Wildlife Watch fills the bill on Saturday. Hot chocolate all day!	Winter Walks and Talks take center stage at RACCOON CREEK STATE PARK once a month this winter, starting this Sunday. Make regular plans to join!

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

Sorry that this week's first picture is a downer. If you're like me, seeing trees being cut is literally painful and, as Marci noted in her Facebook post following a tour of Fort Washington State Park this week, when we are talking about "infrastructure" needs and costs, that also includes the removal of trees that have become weak and dangerous from (as here) emerald ash borer infestation. The dangerous trees, brittle and weakened by the bugs' attack, are a loss both for their beauty and environmental benefits, and the cost to replace them is high and increasing.

The "flip side" of tree loss can be seen in POW #2 - three gorgeous custom Martin guitars crafted from trees downed by Superstorm Sandy at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in 2012. Read more about the guitars on LehighValley.com and let's make arrangements to head up to the Martin factory to see them in person!

Take Five for Trivia

So last week's question was kind of a "gotcha," I must admit. Yes, even I know that foxes ARE essentially "dogs" and, doggone it, Audubon Diane was NOT going to put up with any of my nonsense with her "kingdom, phylum, class, order ..." chart. Click it to study!

HOWEVER, it's all really "just" DNA because when it comes down to it, that little red fox has a lot in common with Emma the cat, too. They are both nocturnal with vertically oriented pupils to see better in the dark; they are essentially solitary, not pack, creatures; they stalk and pounce, walk on their toes, climb (and sleep in) trees, and have sensitive whiskers; and, well, they are just fascinating critters.

So credit goes to everyone who answered this week, "right" or "wrong."

This week we'll seek a DEFINITIVE answer to a question! What kind of mill is the McConnells Mill mill? (And how much wood can a woodchuck chuck ...)

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.