Meanwhile, in "close encounters of the park kind," this week's masthead comes from a Tuesday visit to the Creekside Trail at Nescopeck by Valarie. 

Cue the Twilight Zone music - Marci, Joe, and Phoebe were on the Creekside Trail on Tuesday! 

Here, a rosy-cheeked Joe inspects a mossy rock along the trail. 

Congrats to Prez Marci for graduating from the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership with her Level One Certification. Perhaps we will see some Mindful Outdoor Experiences (think forest bathing) events on the calendar for next year!

As it is, one of her Already Great Ideas  - the virtual book club - wraps up 2023 next week with a classic - Aldo Leopold's "Sand County Almanac." Join in on Wednesday at noon.

And we're happy to say the book club continues in 2024! Zoom in on the last Wednesday each month at noon.

As a "woman of a certain age," I feel a special kinship with Anne Lamott through her essays in the Washington Post. I can recall having read a novel or two of hers in years past but like so much of what I remember, I don't really remember. 

Ms. Lamott's most recent essay struck a special chord speaking as it does in the gentlest of Lamott ways about the joys of getting outside and, yes, volunteerism. 

You've probably seen them all over social media. 

Purple Lizard Maps' new Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation map is a comprehensive gem of a product sure to help you locate your new favorite place or activity.

We are proud to be a sponsor of the map (look for the logo and the QR code) AND to have it available in our online store. 

And speaking of the store - we still have a few 2024 State Park Calendars available. Get yours before they're gone!

Bureau of Forestry botanist Chris Firestone has a timely entry in DCNR's most recent Good Natured blog post. Red in the Winter Woods takes a look at the berries and bushes you'll find brightening a snowy landscape this season.