News of note
We missed last week because Marci and I were up at the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail with the videographer for the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards to gather footage for that awards banquet in May. Work is beginning on the new firewood shelter prototype and all will be in readiness for our National Trails Day event and work day. Are you planning to join us? Find out more and RSVP so we have tools and food for everyone, please.
Again, on a sad note, conservation lost a champion this past week with the passing of Karen Light. Karen, an active Audubon member and former leader in the Quittapahilla Audubon Society, was always happy to share her natural history knowledge with enthusiasts of all ages.
A member of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, she was one of the founding leaders of the Friends of Swatara State Park, a place that held a special place in her heart. Karen’s passion for our natural world will be missed by many.
PPFF and our friends at the Pennsylvania Recreation & Parks Society hosted a legislative breakfast this past Wednesday to talk about the importance of state parks and forests (and funding them). We were excited by the turnout and the conversations!
A clarity of vision takes two paths in this issue of Take Five: First, we are hoping for clear skies overnight Saturday into Sunday for visibility of the Lyrid meteor shower. Then, think "virtual reality" and the vision provided by virtual reality goggles recently used by a landscape architecture doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University. Researcher Payam Tabrizian wanted to test subjects' feeling of safety and serenity in a variety of treed settings. As Tabriazian says, using virtual reality will allow urban planners to test different designs and improvements to parks and greenspace without ever cutting or planting a tree.
Finally, celebrate J.T. Rothrock Memorial Conservation Week beginning on Sunday with a visit to your favorite state forest. It might well have been one of his as well! #RothrockWeek
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