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FOR TWENTY YEARS
Our Mission: Inspire Stewardship of Pennsylvania's State Parks and Forests
A Rock Solid Crop
Abram Shaffner - Hickory Run State Park
This has been one of those weeks where I met myself coming and going. Let's blame the autumnal equinox and a couple of 33 degree mornings. Not exactly ready for the shock of that one yet!
But we've also had some beautiful afternoons again, and the opportunity for some lovely bike rides.
Our masthead this week qualifies as Iconic - the Hickory Run State Park boulder field as photographed by Abram Shaffner. Abram is our newest known Seen 'Em All Challenge winner, completing his Pennsylvania State Parks & State Forests Passport with a visit to McConnells Mill State Park on September 19. Adventure awaits, you know.
Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator
Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation
News of Note
Got word yesterday that we've been accepted into the ExtraGive 2020 by the Lancaster County Community Foundation. So look for fun ways to mask up and come out and have some fun with us come 11/20/2020. (Assuming we don't get snowed out again this year.) 1-1-2-0-2-0-2-0. That's kind of an interesting number. Got ideas on how we could play with that?
This week saw our board and staff gathering virtually for our annual board retreat, coupled this year with a strategic planning session for the next five years of PPFF Life. Your surveys from this summer informed the goals we are setting and the different objectives we will be looking to check off.
Then yesterday we were joined by Gretchen Leslie of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to unveil the five year Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, the document that helps DCNR make those same planning decisions for expanding recreation in the commonwealth. Check out the story map that resulted from all of that input and consideration. It's a great look at Recreation for All, a philosophy PPFF VERY much supports!
This year's photo contest is still not quite ready to launch for voting but we are hopeful we can get it together next week. We are very sorry for the delay yet again. It almost seems par for the course in this frustrating year. The winners of last year's contest didn't get their touring showcase that is our usual practice but if you are in the Harrisburg area we are pleased to say that the 2019 winners WILL be showcased in the windows at Strawberry Square downtown. Do stop by and give them a look beginning next week and through October.
Thanks to writer Marcus Schneck and PennLive and the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources for the shout-out to PPFF and volunteers this week. But most of all, thank you to those volunteers! Mud, snow, noise - none of it stops them. (Please note: All of these pictures are from our archives.)
One of the early oaks in the neighborhood here is already starting to take on its fall colors.
Pictures of the Week
More bits from everywhere.
Patricia Anderson captured and shared some lovely images from her visit to Presque Isle State Park, including this shoreline idyll.
As counterpoint, Jeremiah Gadsby posted this from Elk State Forest, noting that while some love sunrise on a beach, he's partial to a foggy forest. Both have their charms, do they not?
Bill found this beautiful vintage post card of Cook Forest State Park and the Clarion River. Do give it a click for the full-size view.
It occurred to me that in all the madness that has been 2020 I never really gave the appropriate welcome to our newest chapter, the Friends of Ole Bull. Ole Bull has lots of friends really including the entire country of Norway who donated this lovely monument to the park in 2002.
Welcome, Friends of Ole Bull!
At Work and Play in the Parks and Forests
This weekend is National Public Lands Day so the emphasis here is on Giving Back. Your favorite public places need you. These are just a few of the state parks places you can make a difference (with no regard for geography).
National Public Lands Day
(Please note that many of these venues were asking for pre-registration for the volunteer events, so please give a call to the organizers to make sure there's room for you.)
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 pedal).
Take Five for Trivia
Did you find it as notable as I did that the last four research reports by the Joint Legislative Conservation Committee were all about coal and coal mining? It's true - the costs of remediation and recovery from the coal industry heyday (and continued innovative thinking about waste disposal) can never be far from the minds of anyone working on large-scale improvements to our land, air, and water.
On the subject of Ole Bull, what did he call the community he founded near the site of the present day state park?
Send your answer to me and I'll enter you into the month's random drawing for a goodie from the prize closet if you answer correctly. Enter each week for more chances to win.
Where Are We?
Places boxed in red are from photos; this week's calendar listings are green. Click it to see it bigger.
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.
OH, boy! It's officially time to activate the
