Begin Anew.

It's been so long since I actually sat down to write a Fridays that I'm not sure I remember how it's done. I think I am supposed to tell you cool stuff about the state parks and forests, right? Well, then, let's do it.

Before we go, though, be sure to click through for a visit to the original of our masthead photograph this week: "A Beautiful Morning at the Lake" (Promised Land, that is) posted to the Book of Faces by Leo Joseph. You can almost hear the stillness.

~ Pam Metzger
Membership & Volunteer Coordinator

News of Note.

We can't thank everyone enough for your support over the last few weeks. November and December are for us, like many nonprofits, the time of year to do our fundraising push. From the annual appeal to #ExtraGive to Giving Tuesday, the level of support (both financial and moral) you've shown is really gratifying. That you agree we do good stuff with your contributions makes us smile and, of course, if you have ideas for other good stuff we are all ears. (And speaking of Smiles, you online shoppers might not know that the Amazon Smile program sends a few pennies from each purchase from the online giant right to us when you choose us as your nonprofit. And it doesn't cost you one bit extra to participate.)

In the rush of the last month, I never had the chance to go through the results of our survey on the state parks (and forests) wall calendar and your thoughts on how it should be constructed. So. One more week to complete our little quiz.

Also for your reading pleasure, this article from the Bay Journal on the Hammonds Rocks of the Michaux State Forest. It gives a thorough review of why saving them from graffiti is so important to us and a lot of other people.

Finally, the deadline looms for nominations for our annual volunteer awards. If you know a hard-working group or individual worthy of recognition please complete a nomination form as soon as possible.

Picture of the Week.

What a great story! Although not a state park or forest, the people of Central Park, Doylestown get a big PPFF thumbs up for their new Sensory Trail designed for kids with special needs. 

The Inside Track.

Another sweet Inside Track from Tom Schwarz:

The world would be a better place if it could be judged by the streams you sit near, sunsets that touch the soul, stars and planets that capture your imagination, and campfires that warm you. Tonight, the speckle of the stars, brilliance of Venus and Mars, was interrupted by the glow of an ember from yesterday's campfire. Porcupines were at work nearby, so their shredded handiwork was collected, and the ember was nurtured into a cozy and warm fire. It felt wonderful to rest my feet, tired by 21 miles of hiking today, in front of the warm flame. I need to thank the next porcupine I see.

At Work & Play in the Parks & Forests.

As December begins, we all know that so many of the activities on the schedule for the next few months will be weather dependent. Snowshoe events become hikes; hikes become cross-country ski excursions; winter festivals become rain celebrations; and sleigh rides become wagon rides. Just remember - there is no such thing as bad weather. Only bad clothes!

North.

Come on up to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and TREC the Halls this Saturday. There will be lots to do.

South.

At Little Buffalo, the Friends will be out getting their holiday trail ready for month's end Christmas Walk. They'll be there on Saturday and other dates as well. Cheerful elves needed!

East.

The best gifts are those that come from the heart and maybe your own hands. Come to Lackawanna State Park and try something Home Made for the Holidays.

West.

At Raccoon Creek the invitation has been issued to try an early winter overnight backpacking trip. It's not too cold yet! Why not?

No matter what region you're looking to visit, our website Calendar of Events, the DCNR Calendar of Events and the ever-expanding Get Outdoors PA calendar are all great sources for things to do and see.

Take Five for Trivia.

In the end we essentially had one November trivia question, didn't we? What Pennsylvania state park was named in honor of Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers who served in World War I and World War II? That would be Memorial Lake State Park. Mike P. takes the prize for November.

English is an endlessly fascinating and challenging language and I do love these, I'll admit. A group of porcupines is called a what?

Send in your answer and we'll enter your correct answer 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.

In closing.

Yes. It's December. It's getting colder. But come on! You gotta get out there.

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.