Many thanks to everyone for your well wishes. Good news! On Wednesday I finally tested negative for the dreaded coronavirus. Two weeks from first positive. I do feel good again - still a bit tired and there's an occasional barking cough but it feels as though we can now move on.

I just love this week's masthead, taken by Chris Calhoun at Kettle Creek State Park. I spend an inordinate amount of time down in Florida and here in the Turkeyfoot Valley stalking mergansers. I try very hard to sneak up on them as they swim placidly along but they do not permit close inspection. At least not by me. And here Chris managed to get all of his ducks in a row. (Check out Chris's Book of Faces for lots of fun wildlife shots and good companion quotes as well.)

Brian and Board member Mary Soderberg were out at the SECA (State Employees Combined Appeal) event yesterday. Governor Wolf and Secretary Dunn dropped by for a cheery hello. If you're a state employee, please consider designating PPFF for receipt of your annual workplace giving pledge. Find us at #9200-0046.

Speaking of beer, New Trail Brewing's latest IPA is called "Replenish" and its sole purpose is to replenish Pennsylvania's forests! Join Marci at the launch party for fun and games of all sorts. Take home some brew and a tree!

Last week I asked if the elk gentleman we included in the photos is as in charge as he is large. And the answer is no, he is NOT (in spite of what he might believe). Certainly during the rut the ladies defer to his manly comportment. However, once that time passes, the elk herd returns to form as a matriarchal "society" managed by a single dominant female, usually the oldest and largest of the females.

This week we look ahead just a bit to next Wednesday, September 13th and Doc Goddard's 110th birthday. Many who know his story recall that Doc was the first Secretary of the Department of Environmental Resources, appointed by Governor Milton Shapp to head the newly-formed department in 1971 following his years of service as Secretary of the predecessor Department of Forests & Waters. While it may not seem unusual for someone to transition as head of one agency into leading the new one, Doc's appointment was unusual for one very important reason. What might that have been?

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.

Our "two weeks out" look ahead brings us to National Public Lands Day and the beginning of Healthy Lands Week. The HLW website is light on events - to be expected this first "soft launch" year - and indeed the parks and forests calendar has begun to slow down. DIY your celebration of everything that makes our public lands your "go-to" for health and well-being! And if you give a little back with a trash pick-up or a trail clearing? So much the better!

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

Blue boxes locate events; green photographs and news.

Read all about it.