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Friends of the Wissahickon

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Saturday Stewardship with David Bower

Thomas Mansion 6245 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meeting at Thomas Mansion Would you like to be part of keeping Wissahickon Valley Park beautiful and sustainable? Then join long-time steward of the Wissahickon and the FOW Volunteer of the Year (2019), David Bower, on a variety of stewardship projects! No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Volunteer service Days are excellent, easy ways to help us take care of Wissahickon Valley Park. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and long pants, and bring a water bottle with you. For more information contact David Bower, [email protected].

THE WISSAHICKON WATERSHED THEN & NOW WITH STAN KOZAKOWSKI, DEBBIE HOELLEIN, AND JIM MCCLORY

Meet at Johnson Street and Lincoln Drive Join Debbie, Jim, & Stan as they explore the Monoshone Creek, one of the critical tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. This tributary played a vital role in the economic and political history of Philadelphia but also was part of the dangerous pollution of the city’s drinking water. From the lessons of the past, learn how your daily activities can both harm and protect our precious natural resources. We will be joined by local historian, David Bower at Historic Rittenhouse Town, to learn more about the rich history of this historic gem and how

The Wissahickon in June with Andi Wingert and Debbie Hoellein

Blue Bell Hill Park 798 W Walnut Ln, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at Blue Bell Hill Park Experience the Wissahickon in June with Andi, Debbie, and Jim. We last did this hike in January when we had beautiful vistas because the leaves were down. This time we will have beautiful flora and hopefully will hear if not see some pretty birds. Our 3.5-4 mile hike will bring us to the East Falls trail on the other side of Lincoln Drive where we will visit the McKinney Quarry. Expect some steep and rocky climbs and descents. Children 12 years and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult, but please, no dogs

Bells Mill Clean-up

Meeting at Forbidden Drive & Bells Mill Road This Saturday, we’re setting our sights on Bells Mill Road and it’s parallel tributary. Bells Mill is the only road that runs through the park and crosses Forbidden Drive. Due to the high volume of traffic on this road, it’s often littered with trash. Come help us make a difference in this highly used section of the park. We have a full road closure planned for this event. No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Volunteer service Days are excellent, easy ways

Love Your Wissahickon Fest

Forbidden Drive at Bells Mill Road Directly following our Bells Mill Clean-Up service day, we’re ready to celebrate all things Wissahickon! Stop by to learn more about the park and ways you can help keep it clean and beautiful; we’ll have games, a community art project, mini Trail Ambassador talks, prizes, and much more! This is a free event and perfect for families. No need to register – just stop by!

Tuesday Stewardship

Meeting at Valley Green Inn. Do you love Wissahickon Valley Park? Would you like to play a direct role in keeping this special place clean and accessible for generations to come? Then join us for Devil’s Pool Litter Clean-ups on Tuesday mornings this summer! No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Volunteer service Days are excellent, easy ways to help us take care of Wissahickon Valley Park. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and long pants, and bring a water bottle with you. Detailed information will be included in your

Devil’s Pool Cleanup

Valley Green Inn 701 Valley Green Ct, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Devil’s Pool is one of the most beautiful locations in the park, and also one of the most popular. The high use of this spot often means an excess of litter left behind that pollutes our waterways. Come out and help us keep this special place clean! No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Volunteer service Days are excellent, easy ways to help us take care of Wissahickon Valley Park. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and long pants, and bring a water bottle with you. Detailed information and the

AWE: A Watershed Experience with Margaret Kinnevy and Amy Yuter

Meet at the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Ave. The properties of water have fascinated scientists for centuries. Margaret and Amy will guide you on a Sunday morning stroll along both sides of the creek between Harpers Meadow and Bells Mill Road. You will discover the transcendent beauty of water in all its forms in the forest. Amy will offer you an opportunity to be like water and share how this behavior is used by park volunteers. While this walk is relatively flat, we might encounter some rocky, rugged sections that may be wet and slippery. Please wear sturdy

Family Mindful Hike with FOW and Hike+Heal

Cedars House 200 W Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at the Cedar’s House  We’ve learned so much from our Wellness Consultant, Brandi Aulston especially that healing and wellness aren’t linear, it’s a continued investment in ourselves. We’re happy to invite you to a family-friendly hike led by Brandi and her organization, Hike+Heal where you can focus on you and your loved one’s wellness. This hike is a great chance to connect with the outdoors and your community! Together we’ll engage in interactive exercises, reflect and practice mindfulness and experience the beauty of the Wissahickon in the heat of summer. Brandi Aulston, MHA/MHE founder of Hike+Heal Wellness LLC, is a

Over, Under, Around and Through the Wissahickon Watershed with Lisa Donahue and Jon McCabe

Mt. Airy Avenue trailhead, W. Mt Airy Avenue and Mt. AIry TErrace, Philadelphia, PA, 19119, United States

Mt Airy Ave Trailhead An exciting hike through some of the most interesting and historically significant areas of the park. We will visit the wildlife at the frog pond, discuss industrial history at Glen Fern, visit the unique habitat for snakes and other wildlife, and cross the stunning Fingerspan bridge. Along the way, hikers will learn about the park’s crucial role as a watershed, and how the size, shape, and vegetation of the surrounding land directly impacts the amount of water flowing into the creek. We will discuss challenges such as land erosion damage, pollutants, and the complicated relationship with

Volunteer Service In Houston Meadow

Houston Playground 900 Grakyn Ln, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meeting at the Houston Playgound Over the past two years, FOW has worked with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs in the wooded ravine of Houston Meadow. These plants not only provide necessary habitat to our wildlife, but also helps with erosion control. On this Saturday, we’ll be completing the important task of maintaining these plantings by removing invasive vines, fixing deer browse protection fencing, and more! No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Volunteer service Days are excellent, easy ways to help us

ATC 2023 Virtual Warm-Up Information Event

Get your sneakers laced up because we’re getting ready for the 2023 All Trails Challenge! Join our virtual ATC Warm-Up to learn all of the how-to’s to have a successful event, including: tracking your hikes, setting up your fundraising page, tips for getting donors, sharing updates with friends and family, how to reach all 50 miles and more. Sign up here!

The Wissahickon as a Watershed, then & now, with Stan Kozakowski, Debbie Hoellein, and Jim McClory

Meet at Johnson Street and Lincoln Drive Join Debbie, Jim, & Stan as they explore the Monoshone Creek, one of the critical tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. This tributary played a vital role in the economic and political history of Philadelphia but also was part of the dangerous pollution of the city’s drinking water. From the lessons of the past, learn how your daily activities can both harm and protect our precious natural resources. We will be joined by local historian, David Bower at Historic Rittenhouse Town, to learn more about the rich history of this historic gem and how

Volunteer Clean-Up Day, Historic Rittenhouse Town

Historic Rittenhouse Town 208 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meeting at Historic Rittenhouse Town Would you like to be part of keeping Wissahickon Valley Park beautiful and sustainable? Then join us for a variety of stewardship projects on this morning! We’ll be cutting back invasive plants, removing litter from the park, and more! No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Volunteer service Days are excellent, easy ways to help us take care of Wissahickon Valley Park. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and long pants, and bring a water bottle with you. Detailed information and the specific meeting location

The Wissahickon in August with Debbie Hoellein, Andi Wingert & Jim McClory

Meet at Arrow Athletic Field Parking Lot, Magdalena Street and Walnut Lane Join Andi, Jim, and Debbie as we hike the Wissahickon in August. We last did this hike in February when the temperature was in the mid 40s and some plants were just starting to bud. Now instead of vistas, we will have lots of native and non-native plants to observe. And we will need to see Toleration up close instead of from across the creek. We expect to hear birds, although it will be more difficult to see them. Besides visiting one of the 3 statues in Wissahickon

All Trails Challenge Launch Party

Wissahickon Brewing Company 3705 W School House Ln, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Celebrate the start of the 2023 All Trails Challenge (ATC) season at Wissahickon Brewing Co! Take the challenge to explore all 50 miles of Wissahickon trails and get a free beer on us. We’ll answer any questions you have, give hiking suggestions, AND have a few prizes for the winners of our Wissahickon-themed quizzo, hosted by Shawn Green, and the winner of Wingspan, hosted by Troy Bynum.

Biking the Circuit Trail Waterways in September with Lisa Kleiman & Jean McWilliams

Regal United Artists Parking Lot 3720 Main St, Manayunk, United States

Regal UA Regal Parking Lot (3720 Main St, Manayunk, PA 19127) Join us for a late summer bike ride along three waterways that link trails in the Wissahickon Valley Park to the Schuylkill River Trail, all part of the vast Circuit Trail Network. We will meet in Manayunk at the Regal Cinema Lot on Main Street and will head toward Wissahickon Valley Park. We will hook onto the Wissahickon Bike Path and ride along Wissahickon Creek up to Historic Rittenhouse Town, and will then head to Forbidden Drive, where we will ride for a short period of time to view

National Public Lands Day Service

Meeting at Harvey Street Trailhead Come out to celebrate National Public Lands Day with us! Each year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers come together across the United States on the fourth Saturday in September to assist with various projects designed to restore and enhance public parks, forests, waterways and more. This Saturday, we’ll be celebrating with a variety of trail work, invasive plant removal, and litter removal at Harvey Street. No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and long pants, and bring a water

Sunday Stewardship with David Bower

Thomas Mansion 6245 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meeting at Thomas Mansion. Would you like to be part of keeping Wissahickon Valley Park beautiful and sustainable? Then join long-time steward of the Wissahickon and the FOW Volunteer of the Year (2019), David Bower, on a variety of stewardship projects! No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Volunteer service Days are excellent, easy ways to help us take care of Wissahickon Valley Park. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and long pants, and bring a water bottle with you. Detailed information and the specific meeting location will be sent

Introduction to Photography: Wildlife Edition with Troy Bynum

Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House) 300 West Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at Wissahickon Environmental Center (The Treehouse) If you’ve seen our #wildlifewednesday posts on Facebook or Instagram, you know that the Wissahickon is home to endless wild beauty worth capturing. Meet Troy Bynum, the man behind our weekly wildlife posts, and learn how to use manual settings on your camera like a professional at our Introduction to Photography Workshop: Wildlife Edition. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this is an opportunity to brush up on your familiarity with aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and Exposure Compensation to take your photos to the next level. We’ll start at the Wissahickon

The Wissahickon as a Watershed: The Anatomy of a Vital Waterway with Stan Kozakowski, Debbie Hoellein & Jim McClory

Northwestern Avenue Kiosk

Northwestern Avenue Kiosk Join Debbie, Jim, and Stan on a 2 1/2 mile exploration of the anatomy of one of the Philadelphia Region’s vital waterways. We will see why the flow of the Wissahickon is unlike almost all other waterways in the Northeastern US; understand the different parts of a stream or river, including where different insects and fish might be found and why; and what you can do to help conserve this regional treasure. And we will even show you where people bring their love letters to the Wissahickon. Participants are welcome to bring letters, poems, pictures, and other

Biking the Circuit Trail Waterways in September with Lisa Kleiman & Jean McWilliams

Regal United Artists Parking Lot 3720 Main St, Manayunk, United States

Regal UA Regal Parking Lot (3720 Main St, Manayunk, PA 19127) Join us for a late summer bike ride along three waterways that link trails in the Wissahickon Valley Park to the Schuylkill River Trail, all part of the vast Circuit Trail Network. We will meet in Manayunk at the Regal Cinema Lot on Main Street and will head toward Wissahickon Valley Park. We will hook onto the Wissahickon Bike Path and ride along Wissahickon Creek up to Historic Rittenhouse Town, and will then head to Forbidden Drive, where we will ride for a short period of time to view

Wednesday Stewardship with David Bower

Would you like to be part of keeping Wissahickon Valley Park beautiful and sustainable? Then join long-time steward of the Wissahickon and the FOW Volunteer of the Year (2019), David Bower, on a variety of stewardship projects on Wednesday mornings! Locations and tasks will vary week to week, and may include trash clean-ups, trail improvements, invasive plant removal, graffiti removal, and general park beautification. David’s many years of experience in the Wissahickon means you’ll learn a lot about the valley while also making a positive impact on it. No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you

Hybrid Valley Talk: Climate Change in our Watersheds with Marc Peipoch

Valley Green Inn 701 Valley Green Ct, Philadelphia, PA, United States

In-person event hosted at the Valley Green Inn River watersheds, like the Wissahickon, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Join FOW and Marc Peipoch as he discusses the implications of climate change on our watershed and what we can do in the meantime. Streams and rivers drain the land we inhabit and collect everything that occurs on it, including the developing impacts of climate change. Change is a natural feature of river ecosystems, but global warming is accelerating these changes and aquatic communities may not be able to keep up with this new pace. What can we

Impermanence: The Ever-Changing Wissahickon and the Universe with Stan Kozakowski & Michael Bridges

Historic Rittenhouse Town 208 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at Historic Rittenhouse Town Kiosk “Thanks to impermanence, everything is possible” – Thich Nhat Hanh “Contemplating impermanence helps us to touch freedom and happiness in the present moment.” – Hanh The Wissahickon is ever-changing. Fallen leaves give way to beautiful vistas. Mountain ranges erode into gorges and valleys with running water. Eroded stone becomes beautiful Wissahickon gems. Walk with us as we explore the peaceful Wissahickon Valley as fall gives way toward winter. Together we will contemplate and explore the meaning and impact of impermanence the physical, biological, emotional, and spiritual world in the park, in our lives, and

Love Your Park in the Wissahickon

Historic Rittenhouse Town 208 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meeting at the Historic Rittenhouse Town Love Your Park is an annual week-long celebration of the amazing parks we have in Philadelphia! On this Saturday, we’ll be performing a series of tasks in the Historic Rittenhouse Town area, including litter clean-up, trail work, and improvements to stormwater infrastructure. No experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools and instruction – you just need to show up! Volunteer service Days are excellent, easy ways to help us take care of Wissahickon Valley Park. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and long pants, and bring a water bottle with you. Detailed information and

Silent Sunset Cruise with Amy Yuter

Cedars House Café, Forbidden Drive just below Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at Cedar House Cafe Join us on a mindful and silent, moderate paced saunter – we’ll have moments to connect and share with other participants throughout our contemplative journey. Enjoy a full sensory experience as the sun begins to set on these beautiful trails. This walk is most appropriate for adults and youth 16 and older. Pace will be set by the group. Please feel free to bring a flashlight. Distance: ~2.5 miles Level: Moderate (some inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations.

Lincoln Drive Clean-Up

Historic Rittenhouse Town, 6035-6049 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia, 19144, United States

Meeting at Historic Rittenhouse Town We will be meeting near the kiosk on Rittenhouse Lane at Historic Rittenhouse Town. See this map for the specific meeting location and parking options. Please note that the road closure on Lincoln Drive (between Wissahickon Avenue and Ridge Avenue) will go into effect at 8:00am, so plan your travel accordingly. If you are driving, you will need to park on neighborhood streets and walk to the meeting location. Be sure to give yourself enough time to get to the meet-up location. Lincoln Drive is the only main road that runs right next to the creek within

Family-Friendly Mindful Hike with FOW and Hike+Heal

Houston Playground 900 Grakyn Ln, Philadelphia, PA, United States

November 19 @ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Meet at Houston Playground We’ve learned so much from our Wellness Consultant, Brandi Aulston, especially that healing and wellness aren’t linear; it’s a continued investment in ourselves. We’re happy to invite you to a family-friendly hike led by Brandi, the founder of Hike+Healwhere families can focus on their wellness. This hike is a great chance to connect with the outdoors and your community. All are welcome! Together, we’ll engage in interactive exercises, reflect, and practice mindfulness as we experience the beauty of the Wissahickon in crisp fall weather. We’ll begin at Houston

Reindeer Romp with Ted Apple & Eric Dahlberg

Valley Green Inn 701 Valley Green Ct, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at the Valley Green Inn A walk in the woods on Christmas Morning. Enjoy the beautiful views from the trails and get some exercise. This will be a moderate hike of around 4 miles on the Wissahickon Park’s trails. Children 12 and over and well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Winter in the park provides great views and a different experience that walking in the park during the spring, summer, and early fall. We will start at the Valley Green Inn. Distance: ~3.5 miles Level: Moderate (some inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes

The Wissahickon in December with Debbie Hoellein and Jim McClory

North Mt. Pleasant Place Trailhead

Meet at North Mt. Pleasant Place Trailhead Join Debbie and Jim as we hike the Wissahickon in December. When we last did this hike in May, we went looking for frogs, but in winter we expect them to be at the bottom of the pond. We’ll see what flora and fauna are visible in early winter. We’ll also be visiting some historical points of interest, walking through a work of art, and admiring some beautiful rocks. Expect some rocky ascents and descents on our 3.5-4 mile route. Children 12 years of age and older are welcome when accompanied by an

Step into the New Year with Ted Apple & Eric Dahlberg

Valley Green Inn 701 Valley Green Ct, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at Valley Green Inn A moderate hike to get the new year off to a great start. We will walk on trails with views of the Wissahickon Creek not possible during the spring, summer and early fall. Children 12 and over and well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. We will cover around four miles getting the new year off to a great start. Distance: ~3.5 miles Level: Moderate (some inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations. We ask all event attendees to

Friends of the Wissahickon Public Projects Meeting

Doran Hall, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 8000 Cherokee Street, Philadelphia, United States

In-person at Doran Hall, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia, PA 19118 Join Friends of the Wissahickon in person on Wednesday, January 31, for its Annual Public Projects Meeting to hear about the organization’s upcoming plans and projects to conserve our community’s treasured Wissahickon Valley Park. FOW’s Executive Director, Ruffian Tittmann will review last year’s improvements and the status of current and planned projects, including the Valley Green Run Restoration and Pedestrian Bridge Project. Director of Field Stewardship Shawn Green will share FOW’s volunteer achievements from 2023 as well as how to get involved in 2024. Capital Projects

Mid-Winter Walk with Mary Oliver led by Lisa Kleiman & Jean McWilliams

Cedars House Café, Forbidden Drive just below Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at Cedars House Cafe You are invited to join us on a mid-winter hike through the meadows and trails of the Wissahickon in the company of some of Mary Oliver’s most beautiful and light-filled poems that capture the wonders of the season. We will trek carefully along well-travelled trails, making stops from time to time to read verses by one of America’s beloved nature poets, celebrating snow, cold, owls, redbirds and snow geese. Our route will begin at Northwestern Avenue and include trails in and around Andorra Meadow as well as a possible stop at Cedars Café , if

Frogs & Fingerspan with Sheryl Neckritz & Lisa Kleiman

Meet at Hortter St. and Park Line Dr. How was the Fingerspan Bridge delivered to its remote sylvan location? And what is its connection to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel? Find out the answers to these and other intriguing questions on this end-of-winter hike. Other highlights along our route will include a frog pond, a statue of William Penn looking out over the valley, Climbers’ Rock, and the colonial-era Livezy House. Trail is often wet and muddy, and there is one easily navigated streamlet crossing. Distance: ~4 miles Level: Difficult (many inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes

Spring Equinox in the Wissahickon with Melinda Spink & Melvin Chappell

Houston Playground 900 Grakyn Ln, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Meet at Houston Playground Kiosk Spring is coming! Hike with us to celebrate the transition from winter to spring in the Wissahickon. We’ll talk about the Spring Equinox and what to expect in the Wissahickon now that it’s spring. Meet at Houston Playground trail kiosk. Distance: ~2.5 miles Level: Moderate (some inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations. If you or anyone in your household are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home. More information is at fow.org/covid-19. Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador Walks may be