Saturday is indeed National Trails Day, and the kick off to National Trails MONTH. Visit the DCNR calendar of events for several opportunities to both enjoy a trail in your favorite park or forest or volunteer to maintain one (or two). 

Not included on that list is one of this year's gatherings of the Ridge Runners on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Once again, I am going to be delinquent in my duties as a Ridge Runner (they're going to ask for my t-shirt back) but if you can make it out, the plan is to meet at the Route 653 Trailhead at 9:00. 

And it being the first Saturday of the month, the Friends of Ridley Creek's trail crew will likewise be out for their monthly work day. 

The newest members of the Passport Hall of Fame are Joe and Donna Broskey, who completed the Seen 'Em All Challenge with their visit to Point State Park on May 21st. Joe wrote a wonderful tribute to Donna and the adventure: 

This quest began when my wife, Donna, joined me in retirement and we discovered that the Pennsylvania State Park System had a Passport similar to the National Park System Passport. The very day we found this Passport at the shop at Laurel Hill State Park, we were off on our journey through our beautiful and inspiring state parks and state forests. 

From the smallest to the largest, each was like a gift under our Christmas tree, just waiting to be opened. Some gifts were the overall scenery, some were the views, some were the history, some the wildflowers, some the water features, some the old growth forests that were like cathedrals, some were the perfect campsites for our tent, some were the tranquility that only wilderness isolation brings, some were meeting the friendly and interesting park employees and fellow visitors, and still others were the bike trails and cross- country ski trails. Along with these joys of nature, our road trips to reach the parks and forests enabled us to travel the entire state and see towns and cities we would have never reached in our lifetimes. 

To say the very least, this quest to reach our goal of exploring all 124 state parks and 20 state forests changed how we interact and think about both our natural environment and our relationship with each other. The joy of it all is a true blessing along with all the laughter along the way that filled our hearts with happiness. A huge thank you to all the people over the years that were and continue to be responsible for these wonderful gifts called our state parks and forests.

Joe said the plan before COVID and the ensuing Passport quest was an international hike every year after retirement and that plan resumes this September with Cornwall and Wales. And from here on out, their return visits to Pennsylvania's state parks will be weeklong camping trips with the kids and grandkids. 

Now THAT'S a plan! Congratulations, Joe and Donna. Please keep in touch!

May ended with mushrooms. How many named species are to be found at present? Over 10,000 - with mushroom experts believing there are actually millions yet to be discovered. Each one frillier and more colorful than the next, I think. I also think that the art of dyeing fabric with mushrooms is one of the most interesting things I have heard lately.

Congratulations to David V. of beautiful Clearfield County as our May trivia winner.

For the first Fridays in June, we'll go easy. What was named Pennsylvania's Trail of the Year for 2023 in January?

Enter each week to increase your chances of a fabulous prize at the end of the month when I'll draw one entry from all correct answers received during the month.