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In Bloom and A-Buzz
MAY 9, 2014
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There's no better way to get the Great Pennsylvania Outdoor Challenge going than to celebrate the Flora and Fauna to be found in Pennsylvania's state parks and forests. As spring gets underway, the abundance of wildflower walks on the DCNR Calendar of Events (which you will see referenced quite frequently on our own GPOC Calendar), along with educational programs on the things that crawl, fly and otherwise roam our parks and forests, are perfect for celebrating the changing season and our changing attitudes.
A quick internet search reveals that at least any many people make spring resolutions as those who make New Year's resolutions - and they're more positive about their chances for success. One thing's for sure: what works for one of us will simply not work for us all. Curious about what might work for you? Here's a quiz from author Gretchen Rubin that just might help you figure out why it is that you do the things you do (and how to stop it)!
(And Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms!)
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Okay, so here's the good news about the search for Flora and Fauna. You definitely do NOT need to travel to the Galapagos Islands as did Prez Marci (yes, that's a PPFF tee shirt she's sporting) to find varied species. Pages 29 and 30 of the Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests Passport outline a few suggestions. You know that come September the PA Wilds is where you have to be for the show that is our elk herd. But Sinnemahoning State Park boasts a wonderful new Wildlife Center open year round. With its window on the world (and some marvelously creative exhibits), it's well worth the trip!
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PPFF On the Move
Although it's little to do with Wildflowers or Wildlife, PPFF is proud that we'll be appearing at a press event to celebrate the official dedication of the new accessible EZ Launch® at Point State Park on Thursday, May 14 at 11:00 AM.
A grant from the Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation made the dock construction possible. It will get a workout at the Venture Outdoors Festival at the Point come Saturday, May 17!
Come see us at either event!
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The Book of Faces
Do you Facebook? Love it or hate it (you'll get either point of view in the PPFF office), lots are devoted to it. Our PPFF page is growing in reach, and many state parks, forests and friends groups have found that it's a quick and easy way to tell the world what's beautiful, fun, frustrating and just plain "up to the minute" in their little corner of the commonwealth.
We've established a "closed group" on Facebook just for GPOC participants. We'll talk about the Challenge on our main page, but the group page is a way to connect with each other and with us. So if you've not established a Facebook account yet, maybe the time has come!
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Health Watch
In each week's Goal Tender we'll share health news you can use.
First up - National Women's Health Week (May 11 through May 17). The Office on Women's Health of the federal Department of Health & Human Services asks that we of the Double X Chromosome take the pledge to be well women. Your promise to yourself and to Uncle Sam might include a vow to get active or eat healthy.
Have you heard of the Nurses' Health Study? Now in its third generation, research by Harvard University since 1976 has provided a treasure-trove of information on the behaviors and other factors that affect women's health.
There are certainly more densely written study reports on the web and in journals but we think that the chart of Findings: Some Highlights tells much of what you need to know. And for our purposes, consider the following:
A little exercise is a wonderful thing. Let's go outside!
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