Greetings on a cloudy Friday here in the Turkeyfoot Valley. Labor Day brings most of the tourist season to a close here in Confluence and it was a quiet week it's true.

Not, however, in the photo contest email box. It was our original plan to open the one-week voting period on 9/17 but apparently the last weekend submissions are so numerous that it's going to take Amanda, intern Casey, and a volunteer or two a little more time to sort everything into their proper categories. Voting will begin now on Monday, 9/24 at noon and continue through 10/1. Not to worry - we'll post and blast when the voting booths are open. Thank you to all the photographers sharing their talents. I can't wait to see all of the entries myself!

This week's masthead is from a few year's ago - Upper Lake at Promised Land State Park by Judy Posusney. Scouting the Book of Faces and it jumped out - seems it was past time for a sunrise/sunset picture. 

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of note

While you're waiting for our Parks and Forests Through the Seasons photo contest to open for voting, consider submitting photos or otherwise participating in the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau's quarterly photo contest. This quarter focuses on Scenic Beauty and the photos must be taken in PAGO's territory, i.e., Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest, or Jefferson county.

Have you ever paid a visit to Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve in Adams County? This delightful environmental education center near Gettysburg provides an array of programs for local schools and community members alike and now, thanks to their generosity and the assistance of The Conservation Fund, 560 acres of their property (including 10 miles of trails already developed) have been added to Michaux State Forest. Read more about it, and plan to pay a visit (perhaps this fall when you're in Adams for apple festivities).

We always say that the Friends of Prince Gallitzin know how to throw a celebration and last weekend was one of their great campground extravaganzas that prove the point. Camper Appreciation Weekend is the Friends' chance to thank you to all the folks who come out to Crooked Run (some year after year) and make the summers there so memorable for everyone.

Among those who bring the campground to life each year is Chaplain Dave Flumerfelt who, for 15 years now, has not only conducted Sunday morning worship services but also hosts children's activities such as movie nights, karaoke, and Dance Dance Revolution competitions. The Friends also distributed 36 prizes worth over $500 to 36 lucky campers, including gift certificates from local restaurants Penny Wrens, Josie’s, Hubcaps Pizza, and Pirates Cove Pub and Grill.  The camp store at Crooked Run donated several loads of firewood as well as other items and clothing from the store. Long-time previous camper Dottie Coffman created and donated a wonderful basket full of goodies. Makes you want to reserve a site for next year, doesn't it?

I had a lovely visit with the Friends of Buchanan State Forest this week. This group has plenty of trail work on the docket for the balance of 2018 (and planning in place for 2019) so if that's your specialty (or you just have a hankering to get involved with a friendly bunch), be in touch with Chair Karen Rosenberger. You will be welcome!

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

East

The Friends of Varden present their annual Varden Conservation Day on Saturday. Come out for some food and fun and learn about the unbeatable partnership between private philanthropy and public stewardship.

West

Sunday provides your opportunity Paddle the Point with Point State Park staff. A morning and afternoon session each require pre-registration.

North

The Friends of Mount Pisgah invite active and retired military personnel and their family to the annual Patriots in the Park on Saturday afternoon. Canoe, kayak, fish, geocache, bow and arrow instruction - all free, all instruction included. And lunch!

South

A postponed Music on the Beach at Whipple Dam takes place on Saturday evening. Come out and enjoy the music of Eric Ian Farmer presented by the Friends of Greenwood Furnace.

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

Couldn't resist this one from the Friends of Ohiopyle, post Music in the Mountains. We've all been there, little sweetie!

By the way, in the event you did not see this on the PPFF Facebook page, there are 10 locations along Lake Erie where it is currently unsafe for your dog to swim. Find out more here.

Take five for trivia

To close out August, we asked what state first officially recognized the Labor Day holiday - and that would be Oregon.

Congratulations to Lori D as our August winner.

To kick off September, we'll test how well you've been paying attention over the years. The birthday of what notable figure in Pennsylvania parks and forests history will be celebrated next Wednesday?

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.

September is Trails Month, and Pennsylvania is a trail leader only getting better. Find out more on DCNR's Good Natured Blog.

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.