I am very sorry I missed you last week. I had good intentions about getting a first Friday of December together to launch as soon as Bill and I arrived here in Winter Headquarters but it just didn't happen. Here are, though - back on track.

This week's masthead photo is by Shamsa Anwar called "Last Shades of Fall" at Canoe Creek. Shamsa's shot is a few weeks old but hard to resist. I couldn't help but notice also that three of our winning photos this year were shot at Canoe Creek. With 141 places (121 parks and 20 forests) to choose from, that's pretty stunning! So's the original.

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of note

The deadline for nominations in our annual search for the best of the best is fast approaching. If you know a volunteer - individual or group - who epitomizes the values of stewardship and dedication that PPFF strives to promote, nominate him/her/them soon!

Awards come TO us, too - or at least in this case to our President, Marci Mowery! The Pennsylvania Geographic Society recently honored her for her lifetime of dedication to geography and all that subject entails. For Marci,  "Geography plays a very important role in the work that we do as a Foundation to create a sense of place and connection to our state parks and forests, building stewards of this precious resource." We are proud!

There's something for everyone on your list at our little pop-up store at the office at 1845 Market Street in Camp Hill. Pottery by Inspired by Nature Pottery, who will make a donation to PPFF for each piece sold or a living gift from our website mean you won't lack for great gift ideas!

I'm not sure there are any PPFF water bottles left and on offer in that little pop-up store of ours but a nice water bottle makes a great gift to your giftee and to the environment. We've put an infographic on our website about the ways a reusable bottle is better than buying all those plastics. Tuck a copy into a water bottle (maybe with a PPFF membership form)! Click the little one there to the right to visit the website.

Lastly, a reminder that there are very simple ways to pass a little extra on to PPFF as you move through your daily life. My particular favorite is Amazon Smile. Read more about the program at the Amazon website. Note also that if you use PayPal they are offering a year end "Give Back" program to support thousands of charities including us. Visit their program page for more information.

At work and play in the parks and forests

It's still kind of quiet programmatically in our parks and forests, with the seasonal educators having taken leave of their posts and the focus turning to 2018. And that means First Day Hikes. It's amazing to see how this concept has taken off. Several of our friends groups and even more parks themselves are scheduling an event for January 1 (or in a few cases December 31). Check in often for the latest details on the DCNR Calendar. 

North

If you're quick like a bunny, hop on over to Bald Eagle State Park this afternoon for a Winter Healthy Hike at 2:00. This is a weekly series.

South

Sunday morning the perfect time for a gentle morning stroll at Prince Gallitzin in search of Winter Birds and Blossoms. 

East

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center invites you to a Holiday Open House tomorrow afternoon. The Friends of Kings Gap throw open the doors to Cameron Mansion on Sunday for their annual Holiday Open House event (featuring cello music and spectacular views).

West

Are you a dedicated DIY-er? Jennings Environmental Education Center invites you to put your skills to work for the bluebirds tomorrow morning. 

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

Whoa. Every day there are just stunning bird photos shared by friends, acquaintances, and total strangers on the Book of Faces and beyond. Every year it's a special treat when the snowy owls pay a visit to Presque Isle. To photographer Don McClelland I can only say, "Whoa."

Take five for trivia

You'll recall that we ended November with a tribute to the turkey who does indeed see in color - and ten times better than humans, in fact, with a 270 degree field of vision. How would Bill react if I could literally see behind me when he sneaks just one more piece of chocolate?

Congratulations to Ephrata Don, our randomly selected November winner.

I know I've short-changed you by a week with December entries, and I'm staying with bird trivia in honor of Mr. Owl. How far can his neck swivel?

Submit your answer for entry into our random monthly prize drawing. Each correct response per week goes into the hat and at the end of the month one lucky winner receives a PPFF goodie. The more weeks you enter, the better your chances!

Twitter and Instagram, too!

Baughman Rock Overlook. Ohiopyle State Park. Photo by Clare Kaczmarek.

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.