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Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests: A Place and an Experience for Everyone | |
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No matter how cold and long the winter of 2013 may have been (and at this reading, it's not truly over yet), we're betting that the little face above (from the Rothrock State Forest Facebook page, a treasure trove of wonderful pictures) will renew your spirit and give you some hope that spring is just around the corner. That's our goal this issue - to reduce your stress with a taste of the outdoors. And it's a proven fact that there is a correlation between time spent outside and a calmer, more rational approach to life. Google it if you don't believe me. Go ahead. I'll wait. I have a few moments of patience for you because I just came inside from a walk. It wasn't a long one but I discovered a long time ago that with 15 minutes up from the desk and out the door I can handle what comes back in with a little better humor than before I took the break. And your Google search will probably uncover the same information - from sources as diverse as Men's Health and Huffington Post, Athleta and AARP, National Wildlife Federation and Britain's Economic & Social Research Council (the source of much of the information cited by all the others). Our own members are tributes to the benefits of remaining active all through their lives. Check out our most recent newsletter for their stories. Don't let all that hard research work go to waste. If you're skeptical, there's only one thing you can do. Get outside and try to prove them wrong! ~Pam Metzger, Membership Coordinator Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation EXPLORE Pennsylvania's State Parks and ForestsThere's a special kind of "pressure" when a forest or park bears the name of an environmental legend. What if your namesake was the generally accepted Father of Pennsylvania Forestry? Luckily, at Rothrock State Forest, they're up to the challenge!
Eight wild and natural areas can be found within the Rothrock (second only to Bald Eagle's ten and tied with Sproul) and long distance hiking is a treat here with 42 miles of the 326-mile Mid-State Trail and 16 of the 70+ Standing Stone Trail traversing the district's borders. Not only that, but 100 miles of trail (and 190 miles of road) make the Rothrock a premiere mountain bike mecca. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) named the Cooper's Gap Ride one of its four Epic Rides of 2013 (along with one in Park City, UT; Mackenzie River, OR; and Davos, Switzerland) where it joins their Roth Rock Ride as a classic of the sport. Assistant State Forester (and former Rothrock District Forester) Jason Albright says the loop trail in the Alan Seeger Natural Area (pictured here) "is a must-see. While a short hike - around a mile, on flat easy ground - the trail traverses an old growth forest and Stone Creek. There is an adjacent state forest picnic area with pavilions and charcoal grills, so it's a perfect family excursion." Foundation President Marci Mowery likes to claim the Rothrock as "probably" her favorite forest. As a PSU grad, she knows that whenever she's headed to State College for a meeting, she can easily access Bear Meadows Natural Area from Route 322, take a good brisk hike and feel really good about a stop at the Creamery for a "small" cone.
EXPLORE VolunteerismSaluting the Best of the Best With the 8th annual Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation awards banquet barely a month away (May 6), our excitement level is high! Every year we are privileged to bring together dedicated and seemingly tireless volunteers and staff for a huge pat on the back and this year's crop of award winners is no different. As spring arrives, there are plenty of opportunities to make your own mark on our public lands. The DCNR Calendar of Events and the Foundation's Volunteer Opportunities (and Events) calendar are up-to-the minute sources of projects hosted in the parks and forests by DCNR staff and our friends groups. With Earth Day just around the corner, try customizing your search for your favorite park or forest, or just click on Earth Day in the Select Activity dropdown box of the DCNR calendar. Although there will undoubtedly be more events scheduled, as of this writing you'll find Earth Day activities taking place at:
EXPLORE Another VoiceArthritis and Stress (Editor's Note: We didn't have to stray far from home to find "Another Voice" for this issue.) May is Arthritis Awareness (and Action) Month and if you're among the 52.5 million Americans who suffer from this painful and often debilitating disease you don't really need the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or the Arthritis Foundation to make you "aware" of it! But what you may not fully understand (especially if like a lot of us you tend to tune out your doctor's voice when she's telling you something you really don't want to hear) is that even though it hurts, one of the best things you can do when you suffer from arthritis is to keep moving.
The pain of the arthritis was one thing. But if you are like me, the thought of not being able to do the things that give me joy added another layer of pain to the diagnosis. And when those two pains joined into one big ball of misery, it caused stress. It wasn’t long at all before I noticed a correlation between the arthritis pain and my stress level. Actually, it was more like a vicious circle. The more stressed I became, the greater the pain. But I found that when I forced myself to do the things I enjoy—walking, biking, paddling, hiking, yoga—my pain reduced, as did my stress. It was a win-win. More and more researchers are finding this to be true for others as well. Check out the links below and you'll see how and why. My advice? Sleep well. Eat healthy foods. Control your stress. And, most importantly, get outdoors. Now if you can help me figure out how to avoid the bifocals the doctor tells me I need, I would be most grateful. ~ Marci Mowery, President
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
  
EXPLORE Trivia Focusing as we do on the positive effects of the outdoors on human mental and physical health, it seems only fitting that we devote so much of this month's issue of Explore to Joseph Rothrock. Rothrock is said to have been a sickly child, the son of a physician (his father) and a botanist (his mother) whose outdoor adventures made him a strong and energetic adult. While often cited as father of Pennsylvania forestry, Rothrock never considered himself a forester! He was a botanist, a physician and a tireless advocate for the trees. Along those lines, what publication begun by Rothrock in 1886 as Forest Leaves is still produced today? Send your answer to Pam Metzger at the Foundation. All correct responses are entered into our random prize drawing. Congratulations to Grace of Mahanoy City who correctly answered the trivia question in our last issue. The most popular mansion setting for weddings in the Pennsylvania state parks is the Hunting Hill Mansion (and its formal gardens) at Ridley Creek State Park.
EXPLORE Campfire Favorites Cherry Quinoa Porridge For a twist on traditional oatmeal, why not try quinoa? This supergrain is high in protein, gluten-free, and adds a nutty crunch to the bowl. The fresh or dried tart cherries in this mix contain anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant just made for fighting inflammation.
In a medium-sized saucepan, stir together first five ingredients and bring to boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat and simmer covered, 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Serve drizzled with honey if desired.
EXPLORE the Green Life A quick reminder that once again this year, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation invites you to participate in A Day in the Life of Pennsylvania's State Forests and A Day in the Life of Pennsylvania's State Parks. Beginning with the forests on April 12, the Saturday closest to Joseph Rothrock's 175th birthday (April 9), we'll gather photographs of all that is significant in our state forests on that one day. The same will go for our state parks on Saturday, May 24. Snap a picture on those two days and then share them with us at ppffnewsletter@pa.net. (Why not take along a trash bag and pack out any errant detritus you find in your explorations.) We'll post the photo submissions in a Facebook gallery for all the world to enjoy! In addition, we will begin accepting entries in the Foundation's annual Parks and Forests Through the Seasons photo contest in August but photos taken now are certainly eligible. They too can be sent to the newsletter email address but all the rules and other information is available on our website. The annual Great Pennsylvania Outdoor Challenge will offer some great photo ops. Be ready to sign up when this year's GPOC launches in May.
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation mission is to promote and support the natural and cultural resources of Pennsylvania's state parks and forests through leadership in recreation, education, conservation and volunteerism. Members and supporters are the voice for Pennsylvania's state parks and forests. Won't you join us?
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation members enjoy discounts and other special benefits from our Affinity Members, businesses who appreciate and support their neighboring state parks and state forests. Our newest member benefit is eligibility for membership in the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU). (Please note you must be a resident of Pennsylvania in order to apply for credit union membership.) Visit the Membership Benefits page of our website to find the Affinity Member businesses near your favorite park or forest and more information on the benefits of credit union membership. If you are a business owner who would like to participate in the Affinity program, please let us know. There is no cost to join! Explore comes to you courtesy of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation 1845 Market Street | Suite 202 | Camp Hill, PA 17011 | 717.236.7644     Thanks to our friends at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their assistance in the preparation of Explore!  Thanks also to the Department of Community and Economic Development (the folks at VisitPA) for their support. | ||||||||||
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There's a lot of history within the Rothrock's Seven Mountains. Its comeback from Dr. Rothrock's time when he feared that "Pennsylvania's highlands
will wash to the oceans" unless deforestation was reversed is remarkable. It's now a working forest which supplies a sustainable flow of products to local industry and is very much a part of the fabric of its surrounding communities, including State College and Belleville. 
Benjamin Rush State Park
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hands and knees, which came as a bit of a shock since I didn’t believe I was "old enough" for arthritis. Well, surprise! There is no age requirement for this particular gift! 
