May 2008
I don’t just love open spaces,
I demand them
"Buy land, they're not making it anymore." Mark Twain’s words are more poignant than ever. Pennsylvania loses over 350 acres a day to development, but -- as of 2007 -- 82 land trusts and conservancies in the state have protected nearly half a million acres -- more than 750 square miles of our beloved commonwealth. These groups work tirelessly and can use our help. This May, spring into action by making a contribution to a local conservancy and consider donating land or placing an easement on your property. In some cases, such conservation measures offer significant tax benefits to the landowner. For a directory of PA land trusts, details on conservation options, and other information bound to expand our horizons, go here, the website of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association.
Listen for the frogs
Frogwatch USA needs you! This program of the National Wildlife Federation, in partnership with the US Geological Survey, relies on volunteers to collect information regarding frog and toad populations in neighborhoods across the nation. Volunteers are asked to visit their site, usually a nearby wetland, at least twice per week during the breeding season, but even a few visits per year provides useful information. Breeding season varies by species but spring and summer are a good time of year to lend an ear and listen for the vocalizations of our amphibious friends. Not ready to take the leap? Try it for a day by participating in Record the Ribbit on Saturday, May 3rd, and in as little as 20 minutes, you can help create a "snapshot" of the environmental health status of amphibians. Learn more here.
Ride your bike to work
What are you waiting for? May is National Bike Month and the League of American Bicyclists is promoting Bike-to-Work Week from May 12-16 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16. For a day, a week, a month, or maybe a commuting lifetime, ride a bike and make a statement for clean air, healthy lifestyles, and a cooler planet. Steer here for cycling tips, bike month events, and a path full of ways to pedal-off and celebrate.
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Congratulations to Mary Spila of Mechanicsburg, the winner of a monthly drawing from the SEEDS subscription list. Ms. Spila receives a copy of It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth Friendly Living.
Sign up if you received this e-mail from a friend and would like to add yourself to the Seeds mailing list.
iConservePA is a program of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Edward G. Rendell, Governor.
PAiCon of the month
Meet Susan from Glenshaw, outside of Pittsburgh. She’s our PAiCon of the month, who says “I don’t just plant flowers, I support pollinators.” Add to the conservation buzz by beecoming a PAiCon, too. In June, we’ll draw the name of one lucky iCon to win a two-night state park stay!
Did you know?
Pennsylvania contains more than 8,000 miles of recreation trails. From rail trails to water trails, there are trails for nearly every pursuit, especially hiking. They beckon for exploration during Pennsylvania Hiking Week, May 24 – May 31. Visit here this month for an expanding list of organized hikes happening on a trail near you.
Spotlight on…
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, or PPFF, is committed to conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural, scenic, and recreational areas of the commonwealth. They welcome your financial support and your time. Volunteer opportunities abound with state park and state forest friends groups affiliated with the foundation. Find out more here.
© 2007 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources