We have been on the receiving end of two - count them, TWO - flawlessly beautiful nearly rain-free days here in the Turkeyfoot Valley. We hardly know how to act. Hope you've been enjoying similar sunshine, with a glorious last weekend of August (what?) ahead!

Please do take at least five this weekend to enjoy it. I certainly plan to because today is just a little crazy.

This week's masthead is serpentine aster by David Stang, as shared by the Bureau of Forestry in last week's Forest Fridays post on the Flowers of Fall. A special shout-out goes to the Friends of the State Line Serpentine Barrens, who steward the special places where the aster blooms. All you native plant specialists, this could be your group!

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of note

Next week the photo gallery will shift to Parker Dam State Park, with an opening reception Wednesday evening at 5:00 PM. Refreshments will be served so come on out to the park and say hello.

Have you ever heard of the Land and Water Conservation Fund? This federal program has provided substantial, backbone funding for the places we all love across the United States - and it is in danger of lapsing come September 30. A moving editorial by Navy veteran (and mother) Arielle Griffin, appeared in Wednesday's Philadelphia Inquirer.

For additional information on the Fund and the programs it has supported - including just a few of the many completed here in Pennsylvania - visit the website for the Land & Water Conservation Fund Coalition at LWCFCoalition.com.

On Monday evening, Representative Thomas Murt will host a forum on lyme disease at Hatboro Community Church. More information is available on Representative Murt's Facebook page. 

At work and play in the parks and forests

So. Yes. Last weekend of August. And Labor Day looms. It's madness!

And I'll have to leave you to your own devices today - as in to visit our website Events and the DCNR Calendar of Events to check up on the activities of the week. I am behind the eight ball today. Please forgive me!

Picture of the week

This week's photo is from the Hiking & Backpacking Pennsylvania Facebook page by David Kipp. No location given, but I just couldn't resist. Click to the original - the colors are just lovely!

Take five for trivia

Lots of people know that Sand Bridge State Park - at three acres - is Pennsylvania's smallest state park. How about a picnic this weekend?

In the meantime, name two projects in Pennsylvania state parks or forests that were funded by the LWCF.

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.

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.