And so comes April. As predicted at the beginning of last month, March was a little confused about its place in the calendar. But Spring, doggone it, has sprung. Just ask the humble fisherfolk as Bill likes to call them. They're a big focus this week as our look at Clean Water and Forested Ecosystems flows on. 

Either there's a lot of fuzz on his camera lens or photographer Loe Jutz snapped a few flurries on his March 27th visit to Chimney Rocks. Click to the original over on the Book of Faces.

As you know, the quest to direct American Rescue Plan funds toward park and forest infrastructure and maintenance is a key issue for PPFF and our Chapters right now. Marci was able to join DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn and others at Shawnee State Park on Wednesday to talk about this vital proposal.

Johnstown's WJAC-TV was on hand to hear the Secretary (and Marci).

Had some goodies filter in through the inbox this week with an eye to spring. As you go out and about, you'll probably note that your favorite trail is a little muddier even than usual for spring. Between the rain and snow, sunny days and colder nights, trail surfaces are a little challenged. The folks at Michigan State Parks shared this reminder on helping to keep the trails in good shape for everyone: 

Using muddy trails can leave ruts, uneven tire tracks and footprints, contribute to erosion and inadvertently widen trails.

Try to avoid muddy trails altogether; however, if you encounter a muddy section, please keep the following in mind:

• If bike riding, dismount and tiptoe down the center, not to the sides, which widens the trail.
• If hiking, go right through the center of the trail, rather than travelling around the mud and widening the trail.
• Travel with your horse through the center of the trail so trail widening doesn't occur.

The hard-working volunteers who are responsible for going out and repairing mud damage will thank you!

Get started with Trekking Poles:

• 10 Reasons for Trekking Polls - from Gear Lab
• How to Choose and Use Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs - from REI
• Making Decorated Hiking Sticks with Kids - from Run Wild My Child

A photo (from Calvin Dziewulski) that begs to be a special addition - and a jigsaw puzzle! He shared lovely photos in general from his visit to one of his favorite places, Wolf Rocks (in Forbes State Forest) but this one especially is a knock-out.

Last week's untrue statement about the bluebird is that the male is the nest builder. He brings construction materials to the site but the female puts them together so (c) was the untrue statement. My favorite is that the males are ventriloquists and sing with their mouths closed. A pretty neat trick for a guy with such a pretty little song.

Congratulations to Rick from Indiana, this month's random winner.

Let's kick off April with a nod to the anglers with a two parter. When is trout opening day? When does the regular trout season end?

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.

Just as a reminder, we look a couple of weeks ahead here in our Calendar listings to give you a chance to plan. Earth Day is coming!

Be sure to bookmark the DCNR Calendar of Events and PPFF's Events calendar so that you don't miss a thing. 

{Sunday is Find a Rainbow Day.}

Leonard Harrison State Park
Photo by Matthew Stevens/High on the Mountain Photography

This wonderful shot is only one of a few captured that day by Matthew.