Good heavens. This is not the kind of graphic a girl likes to see first thing in the morning:

Looks like for the most part Pennsylvania is going to get fewer impacts from Florence than we received last week from Gordon, so that's a positive. The ground is saturated as you know so we will consider ourselves very lucky indeed to miss the 40 inches of rain being forecast for the Carolina coast. Please send every good thought you can spare to our friends down south - including the actual Friends of North Carolina State Parks, our sister foundation in the Tar Heel State.

Our masthead this week in honor of Trails Month comes from the good people of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Facebook group where Ben McMillen says, "Good night, everyone." PPFF Marci and friend Meredith are set to hike a bit of the LHHT on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday so while the forecast calls for a little wet, it could certainly have been much worse.

Enjoy the sunshine this weekend, everyone!

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of note

This week we introduce the Saga of Silas and Lily, intrepid father and daughter who have now hiked all 18 miles of trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park together. Beginning when Lily was four (she's now six), the two know that being outdoors - together - is very special indeed. (Oh, and we're pretty tickled about the smiles and the tee-shirt!) Thanks to the York Daily Record for the great story and video (from which this still was captured).

Prior to undertaking their LHHT adventure, on Saturday Marci and Meredith will be at a #ForceofNature women's camping event at Ohiopyle with our friends from REI. (There are still a few slots left if you'd like to join in.) Marci will show the documentary on Mira Lloyd Dock (herself an early and inspiring force of nature).

On a sad note, we just received word that flooding has seriously damaged Salt Springs State Park. This sweet little northern tier park, managed entirely by an independent friends group (the Friends of Salt Springs), needs some love - monetary love, that is. A GoFundMe page has been established to collect donations for the restoration of the park.

Rain. It certainly seems to have become the focus of conversation and head-shaking this year. Did I read in the Harrisburg newspaper that there were four rain-free weekends all summer? Still our outdoor lives have to go on or we'll all just go stir crazy, am I right? Bob Frye, outdoor writer and leader of some repute, shares his expertise through his Everybody Adventures blog, including some Keys to Successfully Camping in the Rain. (Hmmm, perhaps Marci and Meredith will need to pay heed.)

As a reminder, the Foundation will celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2019 - and host our 13th annual awards banquet. If you like planning events with dazzle and little bit of fun, contact Beth Artz by email or by telephone (717.236.7644) to join our planning committee.

At work and play in the parks and forests

North

Another great Dutch Oven Cooking Class happens Saturday night, hosted by the Friends of Lyman Run. Let's cook up some soup! The Friends do ask for registration and a $5 donation that goes toward this and other great programs. Details on the listing!

South

With a definite chill in the air this week, Campfire Tales at Cowans Gap tonight fills the bill nicely.

Beginning fisherfolk are inviting to Fishing 101 at French Creek on Saturday. this is a no-foolin', no judgment opportunity for those over the age of 10 to learn a lifetime pastime. 

West

Fall migration is underway for birds and butterflies. Ohiopyle and Audubon are joining forces to take you to the Allegheny Front for a Hawk Watch on Saturday. Meet at the Visitors Center and spend a great day on top the mountain.

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

Well, isn't he just a beauty? This comes from the Game Commission's webcam on State Game Lands 311 which will be online through the end of October.

Take five for trivia

We are gratified. You HAVE been paying attention. We celebrated the birthday this week of Maurice K. Goddard, the Father of Pennsylvania's State Parks.

Following the established theme this week, name two tips for a successful rainy day (night) camping adventure. And, no, "staying home" is not acceptable!

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.

So true - and nearly every one of PPFF's 40 chapters tends to at least one trail that could use your care! #PATrailsMonth

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.