First an apology for leaving you alone last week. All Bill and I wanted to do was ride a new (to us) bike trail and hadn't really planned on spending a week in Gainesville and having two stents planted in his heart. But the alternative to that was a whole lot worse. Too bad; it really does seem like a nice trail, too. Maybe next year!

So back in the saddle. Let's catch up!

(The photo above from Prince Gallitzin on March 7 would have been last week's masthead anyway.) 

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of note

Drop by the State Museum of Pennsylvania this afternoon at 5:30 for Third in the Burg, the third Friday of the month cultural event in Harrisburg. This month features our own Marci with an introduction to Mira Lloyd Dock and Gifford Pinchot, some hands-on tree identification with Weiser State Forest, and everyone's favorite bear. No, not Yogi. Smokey, of course! Free admission, free refreshments, and a look at the newly renovated Mammal Hall.

The weather just seems to be playing havoc with plans to launch the new Friends of Worlds End. Marci can tell you it really does feel like the edge of the universe when there's snow falling so enthusiastically in those beautiful Endless Mountains. Another meeting (and the official group launch) WILL take place once Spring really has sprung.

Likewise, the to-be-formed Friends of Rothrock will have their second meeting on April 24 in State College at the Centre Region Council of Governments. Details for these and other volunteer opportunities are found on our Events calendar.

Ditto that for the next step of our 2017 photo contest Gallery Showcase - coming at the end of the month to Shawnee State Park. An opening reception/ribbon-cutting is on for March 29 at 4:30 and the gallery will be on display through May 1.

Register Now - Walk May 19!

At work and play in the parks and forests

Saturday's the official day for the "wearing of the green;" here's hoping there's a little bit of spring like green in your neighborhood as well. 

North

Even if the prospect of spring still seems a bit far off, the idea of planting your garden may be just the ticket for shaking off the late winter blahs. Hop on over to Sinnemahoning State Park for Planning Your Butterfly Garden tomorrow afternoon and start dreaming of future fritillaries. 

South

How about a little hike for your Saturday? They are "Going for the Green" at Greenwood Furnace with Park Manager Mike and a moderate level hike; and "Searching for the Green" at Kings Gap with a shorter trek. 

East

It's a special day for the Friends of Nolde Forest tomorrow with the annual redware pottery show and sale by Nolde Forest Pottery in the mansion. 

West

Care to go on an Eagle Watch first thing tomorrow morning? Cook Forest is the starting point; a drive along the Clarion River starts at 8:30 AM.

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

Once again this week, I'm following the lead of the Pennsylvania State Parks Facebook page in including this photo from R.B. Yes, That's Its Name Winter State Park. Brrr.

Take five for trivia

Two weeks ago we were discussing the now-extinct eastern mountain lion and the "last hope" for the species. That hope was dashed when a big cat was struck and killed by a vehicle in Connecticut in 2011 - and nevertheless was not an eastern mountain lion at all but was actually traced back to its origins in South Dakota. Amazingly, that same cat had been tracked in Wisconsin and Minnesota previously. Amazing, and so sad.

You may recall that we are in the early stages of planning for a celebration of the 125th anniversary of Pennsylvania's state parks and state forests (and it's not too late to become one of our 125 New Voices membership campaign and get yourself a cool new Happy Camper sticker). Well, this week's question is a vocabulary quiz. One hundred years is a centennial. What is a 125 year anniversary?

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.

In closing

Photo from the Naturalist's Notebook, a wonderful Facebook page for spending time.
Pamelia Markwood, coast of Maine.

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.