TreeVitalize allows homeowners to have their tree plantings count toward statewide goal Pennsylvanians who plant a tree at their home or business can help the commonwealth reach its goal of putting one million trees in the ground statewide by 2012. Citizens can register up to three trees on the TreeVitalize Web site at www.treevitalize.net. “The TreeVitalize program is working with metropolitan communities across the state on tree plantings, and we’d also like to be able to count the new trees that homeowners plant on their properties,” DCNR Acting Secretary John Quigley said. “Together, we can plant a million trees to help us clean our air and water, make our communities more attractive and increase our property values.” When visiting the TreeVitalize Web site, choose the icon on the left that says “Have you planted a tree?” From there, residents are asked to fill out a simple form with their contact information, type of tree and when it was planted. Read more... DCNR seeking student applicants for Environmental Careers Camps DCNR acting Secretary John H. Quigley recently invited Pennsylvania high school students who are interested in pursuing environmental careers to apply for DCNR’s summer residential camps. Read more... Sustainable landscapes bridge the divide between human needs and natural resource protection Over 160 people gathered in the impressive marble rotunda of Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School (MHS) on April 1 for The Sustainable Landscapes Conference. Read more... Foundation announces winners of the 2009 state park and forest awards The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation announced the recipients of the 2009 state park and forests awards recently which recognize eight groups, facilities and individuals for exemplary service, programs and work to protect and enhance our state park and forest system. Read more... Also in the News Moshannon State Forest officer receives wildfire prevention award Paul E. Hense, a forest patrolman with the Moshannon State Forest District, has been named the 2009 recipient of the Arthur N. Creelman Award for his success in spreading the wildfire prevention message across the state. This award is presented each year by the Bureau of Forestry in honor of the late Arthur Creelman, former chief of the bureau's Division of Forest Fire Protection. A resident of Punxsutawney, where he is known for volunteer fire company and community service, Hense is a spirited wildfire prevention spokesman in parades, school visits, county fairs and many other public events. He also has volunteered to create and staff a wildfire prevention display at the State Fire Expo in Harrisburg for a number of years. Wild Resource Conservation Program video earns awards The most recent full-length documentary produced by DCNR’s Wild Resource Conservation Program and Commonwealth Media has received two prestigious film awards. Fungi: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Treasures was snagged a Finalists Certificate from The New York Festivals International Film & Video Awards competition. Other winners in this category included films produced by the Discovery Channel, ESPN, and HBO. The second award is a 2009 Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award, which will be presented in Florida later this month. For more information on WRCP and/or to view more videos, visit here. Invasive weed poised to strike Pa. from the south An introduced species of wavyleaf basketgrass (WLBG) is threatening to cross the Mason-Dixon line into Pennsylvania soon—and may already be here. The noxious weed was found in Maryland in 1996, and has since been documented in several locations in Maryland and Virginia. While no occurrences have been documented, there is a good possibility it has already encroached into Pennsylvania. The species, Oplismenus hirtellus subspp. undulatifolius, is native to southern Europe and southeastern Asia. It is a low-lying, trailing perennial grass, branching and rooting at nodes along creeping stems called stolons. It also reproduces from seeds, which are sticky and may adhere to clothing, animals, or other surfaces for dispersal. The state of Maryland has developed a task force for early-detection and rapid response with the hopes of completely eradicating or significantly slowing the spread of WLBG. The noxious weed team in Pennsylvania is going to do surveys along the Appalachian Trail near the Maryland border this summer for the species. For more information about WLBG, visit here. (Editor’s note: Special thanks to Bureau of Forestry Botonist Carrie Leigh Gilbert.) Park Spotlight Oil Creek State Park Some could easily argue that the course of human history was forever altered along a picturesque stream in southern Venango County. Read more... Upcoming Events Saturday Morning Birding Walk at Hills Creek State Park April 25, 2009, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Members of the Tiadaghton Audubon Society will lead Saturday Morning Birding Walks at Hills Creek State Park in April and May. Walks will likely feature the many varieties of water and woodland birds that live in or migrate through Hills Creek. The Bald Eagles have also returned, and you may have the opportunity to watch them or the Ospreys that feed at the lake. Bring your binoculars and wear your walking shoes. Meet at the park office. For more information, call (570) 724-4246. Susquehannock State Forest to hold Forest Management and Habitat Tour April 26, 2009. Departing Ole Bull State Park at 9:00 a.m., the goal of the second annual tour is to exchange information, foster a better relationship with those that use the state forest, and provide participants with a better understanding of the complexity of sustainable forest and wildlife management in North Central Pennsylvania. For more information, contact the district office (814) 274-3600. 2009 National Association of Recreation Resource Planners’ Conference April 27-May 1, 2009. Held at the Hilton Gateway Center, in downtown Pittsburgh across from Point State Park. NARRP's 29th annual conference is the premiere opportunity for professional development and networking with leaders in the recreation resource planning profession. NARRP offers current topics that respond to our members’ interests, educational field workshops, state-of-the-art training opportunities, and a forum for exchange of timely information and ideas. The 2009 Conference will be particularly relevant since park and open space lands are potential venues for economic stimulus projects in a slowing economy—projects that can address infrastructure needs. Early bird registration is until March 13 ($325/Members, $425/Non-members). After that, registration is $425/Members, $525/Non-members. (Students for full conference: $150; One-Day Registration: $175/day.) For more information and/or to register, visit here. PPFF to host annual awards banquet May 5, 2009. Held at the Harrisburg Country Club, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation will hold its 3rd annual awards banquet. Those interested are encouaraged to join PPFF recognize the outstanding and exemplary work being done by both volunteers and staff at state parks and forests. Invitations will be mailed, so to get on the mailing list, contact Marci Mowery at (717) 236-7644. Venture Outdoors Festival at Point State Park May 16, 2009. Held 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Venture Outdoors kicks off the summer season with their new line of Family and Community Programs. This event features free beginner-friendly outdoor activities all day long including climbing, boating, fishing, biking, dragon boating, yoga and more! For more information, visit here.		April 22, 2009 Top Stories TreeVitalize allows homeowners to have their tree plantings count toward statewide goal DCNR seeking student applicants for Environmental Careers Camps Sustainable landscapes bridge the divide between human needs and natural resource protection Foundation announces winners of the 2009 state park and forest awards More News... Also in the News Moshannon State Forest officer receives wildfire prevention award Wild Resource Conservation Program video earns awards Invasive weed poised to strike Pa. from the south Oil Creek State Park Some could easily argue that the course of human history was forever altered along a picturesque stream in southern Venango County. Read more... Featured Events: Saturday Morning Birding Walk at Hills Creek State Park More Events...

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