Photo by Pam Metzger

Unicoi State Park (Georgia)

The hardest part of coming back from long away is just coming back! We had a wonderfully inspiring gathering with our colleagues from several different states - each configured a little differently, each with a slightly different focus to their mission, but all with a passionate commitment to their public lands. We learned a lot, not the least of which was TL/DR. Well, perhaps it IS the least of it all. Too long. Didn't read. 

I do TRY not to ... And this week I'll keep it brief in deference to both the sentiment and the sheer volume of "stuff" to wade through!

You would definitely feel right at home in the mountains of northern Georgia. The masthead is Unicoi Lake at the state park where our meeting was held. 

Healthy Lands Week starts tomorrow and we hope you have found an event or two that intrigues you. There are volunteer trail maintenance events, garden clean-ups, general beautification and spruce-up opportunities, festivals and celebrations, and to wrap up the week, of course, Walks in Penn's Woods. 

A few individual WIPW events are listed on the Healthy Lands Week website along with a general listing containing a link to the PA Forestry Association's "find a walk" calendar listing. It seems as though I am adding a new event or two every day so be sure and check back as the week progresses to see what you might have missed.

Naturally, you can "design your own adventure." The idea is to appreciate and steward the places that benefit us all - so take a trash bag on your outdoor excursions and report any major maintenance concerns you discover to the appropriate managing agency.

We'll all be the better for your concern!

Looking off into the second week of October for our "look ahead."

Put a bookmark on the PPFF Events calendar and DCNR Calendar of Events so you never miss an announcement.

When last we spoke I sent you off to learn something interesting about M.K. Goddard, the father of Pennsylvania's state parks. That he served under five governors was a popular - and pretty amazing - fact!

This week? Rivers! The 4th Sunday in September is World Rivers Day saluting a resource that is as vital to our health as it is beautiful. For purposes of this quiz, let us harken back to the selection of the North Branch of the Susquehanna as PA River of the Year. This might be an easy one - but where do the North and West Branches of the SusQ come together?

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.

The pumpkin spicers have been pushing the envelope but Fall arrives this weekend for real.

"[T]he autumnal equinox is a moment when energies seem to ramp up and slow down rather erratically. Our minds seek some semblance of balance as we transition into a different season of life, work, and learning about ourselves and others. You might choose to take up new endeavors at this time, and opportunities may seem to arise all around you. Likewise, outdated ways of being that you experienced in years past or even in recent summer months seem to fall away, and you may find yourself in a state of mental fluctuation as you navigate yourself, relationships, responsibilities, and the not-so-simple act of being alive."

Emily Ridout; Yoga Journal; September 18, 2021

Photo: Nate Croasmun, Moraine State Park
(one last jigsaw puzzle)