Greetings, everyone, and welcome to another year in Pennsylvania's state parks and forests! It was nice having a little break at the end of the year and now we're coming back re-energized and ready to work. Oh, and have a little fun as well.

If you've been around, you know that PPFF likes to adopt a "theme" each year and build a lot of our messaging around that idea or event or goal. You remember that in 2021 we concentrated on the 50th anniversary of the Environmental Rights Amendment and last year clean water and forested ecosystems. This year's theme was actually suggested by the "Reflections" category in last year's photo contest. We had several different interpretations in pictures of what that means and it occurred to us that it makes a wonderful subject for meditation this year. 

We plan to reflect on a lot of questions, show reflection images of Pennsylvania's beautiful scenery, and reflect some of your ideas back to you. We think it will be interesting. Suggestions welcome! 

Speaking of the photo contest, the rules for 2023 have been posted and the inbox is ready to accept your submissions. And, yes, Reflections are key!

The first masthead of the year features a photo that was irresistible the moment I saw it. Nicholette & Brian renovated a Camper Van and are on the road to see what they see. I hope to see THEM as they are inspiring and basically the perfect reflection of our mantra to ensure a place and an experience for everyone in Pennsylvania's state parks and forests!

Thank you to everyone who made a donation or renewed your membership! Your support enables our work to advocate for, complete projects and to steward state parks and forests possible!

Tomorrow is the first Saturday of the month so it's worth noting for sure that it's the first National Play Outside Day of the year. It's not "official" by anyone, just a great idea dreamed up by some friends who noticed that it just seemed like people weren't going outside as much as they once did.

They said, "If we don't make it a priority and plan it, it's easy to get caught up in our day-to-day lives and not enjoy the beautiful world right in our backyard." So. Make it a priority. Plan it. 

And check out this TED Talk from Dr. Stuart Brown on why you should build some play into life for yourself, your kids, your friends!

Welcome back to another year of trivia as well. 

Congratulations to Janelle W. for her selection as trivia winner for December. 

To begin a new year with a new fun attitude, name two ways that play is beneficial - no matter your age!

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.

Photo by Kings Gap Environmental Education Center