PENNSYLVANIA PARKS AND FORESTS FOUNDATION’S PHOTO TOUR

PENNSYLVANIA PARKS AND FORESTS FOUNDATION’S PHOTO TOUR TO MAKE STOP AT SINNEMAHONING STATE PARK

Austin, PA – The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation’s (PPFF), photo tour will be on display at Sinnemahoning State Park from April 3 through May 8, 2016.

The photos displayed were chosen from more than 350 photographs entered by both amateur and professional photographers. The twenty four photos in the display include those awarded 1st and 2nd place by popular vote and a critics’ choice in 6 categories, including Capture the Season, Friends & Family Fun, Young Photographers, Black & White, Nature Up Close and Historical Gems. Also included in the photo display are 2 Best In Show photos, awarded by overall popular vote and critics’ choice. All photos are taken in a Pennsylvania state park or forest. Many of the prize-winning photographs were taken right here in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Jennifer Ingram won First Place in the Nature Up Close category with her photo of an elk titled, “This Spot Is Taken”, taken in Elk State Forest. Jennifer commented, “Living in the PA Wilds, it’s not uncommon to see elk on a daily basis. This bull seemed so content resting in the ferns, enjoying the sunshine. After the cold temperatures last winter, I could relate!”

Makayla Whaling earned Second Place in the Young Photographers category with her colorful and up-close photo titled, “Yes, Grasshopper”, taken while walking along the creek at Sinnemahoning State Park. Makayla says, “Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests offer a variety of recreational and educational activities. I truly believe that there is something for everyone! I love being outdoors; and the parks and forests provide the perfect opportunities.”

Other winners from the Pennsylvania Wilds area included: Scott Hafer, Ole Bull State Park, Best in Show – People’s Choice; H. Bumper Bauer, Cook Forest State Park, Capture the Season – Critic’s Choice; Phyllis Terchanik, Cook Forest State Park, First Place – Friends and Family Fun; and Diane Lynch, Bald Eagle State Park, Critic’s Choice – Friends and Family Fun.

The 2016 PPFF Through the Seasons photo contest is underway, now until September 13, 2016. Details are on the PPFF website, paparksandforests.org/get-involved/photo-contest. The categories include some popular categories from past contests, as well as new ones, such as Fur, Feather, Fins & Scales and My Parks & Forests.

About the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Founded in 1999, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation supports 120 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities and donations through its 40 chapters. The mission of the foundation is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests through public engagement in volunteerism, recreation and conservation. paparksandforests.org @PaPFF