Forests of the Susquehanna River

Last weekend we explored the Susquehanna River near Holtwood, Pennsylvania. This is just one of many beautiful scenes we saw while traveling along the multiple “River Road” throughways around the Susquehanna.

Lunch at the Delaware Water Gap

After we enjoyed our time in the Poconos, we drove back home via the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area on the Pennsylvania side.

We traversed much of the area, leaving more to be explored next time. Our main stop was for le petit déjeuner along side a river. Since we forgot to stop at the information center, I’m not actually sure just what this branch is called… but I can only assume it is one of many creeks, rivers, and other waterways which feed the Delaware River.

There are several pictures to share from our luncheon, so I’ll just start your weekend with these two: the first image is somewhat the perspective we had when we first spotted the river from the road. Naturally, we were very excited to find a convenient place to park and munch and enjoy the water's voice.

The trees you see give you an idea of our setting. The river was lined with trees, rhododendrons, and shrubs, and the water was deliciously cold. After lunch, we just had to take turns soaking our feet in its sweet coolness!

Remember that today is the last day to make comments which will count towards Arboreality’s First Birthday donation to the American Forests Global ReLeaf effort.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2006

One of the great things about moving some place totally different is the thrill of seeing new places, meeting new people, and having new experiences. Moving from Washington to Pennsylvania has been a great adventure, and it’s really only just begun.

I started looking into Pennsylvania’s government and representatives as soon as we decided on moving. Admittedly, I still write to Washington State Senators Murray and Cantwell whenever I write to Pennsylvania Senators Specter and Santorum. I guess I still feel like I have their ear, being from Washington originally.

Here is something from Cantwell’s work that I hope you will all take a moment to read, and if interested, support:

Senator Maria Cantwell’s Websites:
http://www.cantwell.com/

http://cantwell.senate.gov/

From the office of Senator Maria Cantwell:

For the past six years the Bush administration has waged a war on the environment. Cloaked in Orwellian names such as "Clear Skies" and "Healthy Forests," George Bush has slowly undone thirty years of environmental protections. Just last winter the Senate Republicans launched a renewed attack on the Arctic national Wildlife Refuge.

Now George Bush has set his sights on our last, untouched forests. The Bush Administration has reversed existing protections and is opening over 58 million acres of untouched forests across the United States to development. Only by working together can we stop this destruction of this national treasure.

Last Thursday, I introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2006. This bill would block the Bush administration's attempts to open these 58 million acres of pristine, roadless forest by permanently protecting them against logging and road building. I need you to join me in this fight. This week, I will be asking my fellow senators to cosponsor the legislation and today I ask you to join me as a citizen co-sponsor of the Roadless Area Conservation Act.

Add your name as a citizen co-sponsor to this important legislation now.

Sincerely,

Maria Cantwell

There are many things you can do to help support this legislation. Here are just a few ideas:

- Sign online at Maria Cantwell's website to be a citizen co-sponsor of this legistlation

- Write to your congress women and men

- Share this information with others

- Visit our National Parks, and see for yourself just how beautiful, wondrous, and important America's wild places are for everyone.