11th Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area

Lisa Tremper Hanover

For the past 11 years, we have celebrated the beauty of the Schuylkill River region through an art event that has evolved and grown into the annual Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area exhibit we hold each fall. So, it's always an exciting day for our staff when the art work arrives and the judge selects the winners.

On Sept. 2, a total of 112 pieces of art and photography were delivered to the Montgomery County Community College West Campus Gallery in Pottstown.  Dozens of talented artists came from all across the Schuylkill River Corridor to submit original pieces in a wide range of mediums and styles.

The following day, the show was juried by this year's judge Lisa Tremper Hanover, Director & CEO, of the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown. She selected 82 works to remain in the show, and chose three winning entries and two honorable mentions. A staff choice award was also determined by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area staff for a work that represented the Schuylkill River, in honor of the Schuylkill as PA's 2014 River of the Year. Visit our website to learn more about the art show.

2014 Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area winners:

Best of Show: Haying Day, Pastel, by Susan Williamson

2nd Place: Blue Barrow Against a White Barn, watercolor, Nancy Durkin Green

3rd Place: Allegheny Aqueduct, photograph by David Thomas

Honorable Mention: Dawn on Lauer's Run, oil, by Russell Slocum

Honorable Mention: Window Light at Hopewell Furnace, photograph, by Ginnie Lodge

Staff Choice: Fog in Woods, Riverfront Park, by Mary Kosar

Visit the 11th Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area Art Show & Sale from September 16 through October 17 at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus Gallery, 16 W. High St., Pottstown. Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Governor's Visit to the Schuylkill River Heritage Area

Gov. Tom Corbett paddled on the Schuylkill River on Sunday August 17 and stopped in Pottstown for a visit that included a tour of our River of Revolutions Interpretive Center and a press conference at Riverfront Park, along the Schuylkill River Trail outside our office. Below are some photos from his visit.

The Governor spent the morning paddling on the Schuylkill. He kayaked about 10 miles, from Union Twp. in Berks Co. to North Coventry. in Chester Co.

After lunch at the Manatawny Still Works in Pottstown, he arrived at the Schuylkill River Heritage Area Headquarters and was greeted by our Executive Director Kurt Zwikl and DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti

Gov. Corbett and Sec. Ferretti were given a guided tour of our River of the Revolutions Interpretive Ctr. by Kurt Zwikl

Kurt showed Corbett & Ferretti a map of the Heritage Area

Gov. Corbett viewed our touch screen monitors about the Three Revolutions

 

Gov. Corbett took a peek through our binoculars for a hawk's eye view 

After the tour, the governor presented Kurt with four oak saplings from the Governor's Mansion to be planted along the Schuylkill River

During the press conference, Kurt presented the governor with a poster commemorating the Schuylkill as PA's 2014 River of the Year.

10 Reasons to Sign Up for our Pedaling through Our National Parks Bike Ride

This September we will host the third ride in our Schuylkill River Bike Tour Series. Like our two previous rides, it will incorporate a unique mix of cycling and history.

Pedaling through Our National Parks is a two-day event (Sat. Sept. 20 & Sun. Sept. 21) that takes cyclists along the Schuylkill River Trail to three area National Parks: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Valley Forge National Historical Park, and Independence National Historical Park. Here are a few reasons you might want to sign up for it. But keep in mind: Thursday, Sept. 18 is the last day to register! Click here for details or to register.

1. It's unique: Sure, there are plenty of event rides in the area, but ours is different. You stand to learn a lot by participating. You'll ride about 30 miles a day, and you'll exercise your brain by taking ranger-led tours of three National Parks. We have some pretty fascinating local history. This is your opportunity to pedal right into it.

2. We take care of the details: We not only make the day educational and fun, we also make it easy! Well, as easy as 30 miles on a bike can be. We will serve breakfast and lunch, have snacks and drinks at rest stops, and we'll have a well-ma
rked route with ride support the entire way.  At the end of each day, we'll shuttle you and your bike back to your car. All you have to do is show up with a bike, helmet, and water bottle. And, oh yeah, don't forget your adventurous spirit!

3. We have lunch programs too: On day one we promise a delicious lunch at our Schuylkill River River of Revolutions Interpretive Center. On day two, there's another satisfying lunch along the trail, with a program about the Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail.
Heritage Area headquarters, where you'll have a chance to tour our

4. You're in for a nice ride: The majority of the ride is along the Schuylkill River Trail (although there are a few on-road and urban sections). So, it's scenic, mostly flat (with a few hills), and often shade covered. Overall, it's a lovely ride.




5. You don't have to ride both days: Think 60 miles in two days is too much for you? You can choose to register for only one day. The only trouble with that may be choosing which day!

6. We guarantee discovery: Chances are you've never visited all three National Parks in our area. Or if you have, it's been a while. This is a great way to discover or re-discover those parks, and to find out how to travel to them via bike!

Hopewell Furnace

7. You'll visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: Hopewell is definitely one of this region's hidden gems. We start out the first day of the ride with tours of this Iron Plantation. It is so well preserved you will feel like you are stepping back into the 19th Century.

Valley Forge

8. You'll experience Valley Forge: This park is renowned for it's recreation trails as well as it's history. You'll get a taste of both on day one when we pedal into Valley Forge and learn about it's history from a park ranger before hopping on a shuttle and heading back to Hopewell.

Independence

9. This may be the best way to see Independence: Here's your chance to get a tour of Independence Hall without having to wait on long lines or make reservations. We will have rangers ready to take us on a tour as the cyclists ride in.







10. It's enjoyable for all experience levels: Whether you are an avid rider or a novice, this is a ride that is doable and that offers a variety of experiences that will make it worthwhile.

Visit our website to learn more. Or Click Here to register.

Highlights from the 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn

The 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn was a terrific celebration of the Schuylkill River as Pennsylvania's 2014 River of the Year. It was a week filled with fun, friendship and learning and some really great presentations on various Schuylkill River related topics. Oh yeah, and paddling. Lots of paddling (112 miles, to be exact!). Overall, it was an amazing week. Here are some of the highlights.

Friday June 6

Sojourners always have the option to check in at Schuylkill Haven Island Park and camp out there the evening before the event begins. This year, we wanted to do something a little special, so we had restored steam Locomotive 113 on site for people to climb aboard or just look at and learn more about. It was an impressive site, and the anthracite coal fired engine is an important piece of Schuylkill County's history.

Day 1, Saturday June 7:  

The Launch

Sojourners launched from Schuylkill Haven and paddled to Port Clinton, on a picture perfect Saturday. Watching over 100 kayaks launch on their 112-mile journey is always an impressive site.

The Chutes!

Programs at lunch and evening stops focused on the Schuylkill River. At Saturday's lunch, Schuylkill Headwaters Assn. Director Bill Reichert discussed abandoned mine drainage cleanup efforts that have improved the river's headwaters.  After lunch, sojourners took an exhilarating paddle through "The Chutes."

Day 2, Sunday June 8: 

As they paddled from Port Clinton to Muhlenberg Township, sojourners had a rare opportunity to create a formation for an aerial photo (above). This stunning photograph was taken by our board member Ted Danforth and the formation was organized by our board President Carl Raring. It captures  the beauty of the river and the amazing, colorful effect created by 100 kayaks. At lunch, Haley Sheeler, long popular with sojourners, entertained with her original music, and we were fortunate to have Glenn Wenrich of the Berks County Heritage Center speak about the Schuylkill Canal. Sojourners then paddled to the beautiful Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp., where they set up camp (below) and heard an informative presentation about paddling from  Sojourn Outfitter Doug Chapman, owner of Take it Outdoors Adventure Group.

Day 3, Monday June 9:   

Crazy Hat Day

Kelly's Rapids

Monday of the sojourn is always one of the most popular days of this seven day adventure. Two reasons for that: Kelly's Rapids, just outside of Reading, and Crazy Hat Day!. This year, sojourners also learned about the Berks Conservancy at lunch, and about the restoration of shad to the watershed during the evening program. As a bonus, Josh Tryninewski released 20,000 baby shad into Allegheny Creek at the start of his presentation. Yeah, they were pretty tiny ("two eyes and a wiggle," according to Josh.)

Day 4, Tuesday June 10: 

Sojourners paddled from Gibraltar to Pottstown. They lunched at Morlatton Village, where they heard a presentation

about the restoration of Fricks Lock Village, a former canal town. Afterward paddlers got back on the water and spotted a bald eagle as they traveled to Pottstown's Riverfront Park. There, Secretary of DCNR Ellen Ferretti read a proclamation recognizing the Schuylkill as PA's River of the Year. Other speakers included a representative from State Rep. Mark Painter's office, Chester County Commissioner Terrance Farrell, and a panel of watershed partners who spoke about their efforts to clean and protect the Schuylkill and its tributaries.

Day 5, Wednesday June 11:  

Sojourners capped off one of the longest paddling days (17.8 miles) with a
rare opportunity to lock through the restored Lock 60, the only operating lock remaining of the former Schuylkill Navigation System.  At lunch they were
welcomed at Royersford's Victory Park with a cake. From there, they were accompanied to Lock 60 by several Montgomery County officials including Commissioner Leslie Richards and Planning Director Jody Horton. The evening was highlighted by an enthusiastic presentation from the Norristown Dragon Boat Club.

Day 6, Thursday June 12: 

The Sojourn stopped at Valley Forge National Historical Park for lunch, where Nancy Stoner of the EPA spoke briefly about a clarification about the Clean Water Act, and park representative Deirdre Gibson talked about the new pedestrian bridge being built over the river. A big hit with sojourners was the Norristown Boat Club which accompanied us for part of the trip and allowed some kayakers to take a turn in the Dragon Boat. In the evening, Sarah Clark Stuart of the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia discussed the network of trails in the Greater Philadelphia area, known as The Circuit.

Day 7, Friday June 13:  

The 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn ended as always at Boathouse Row. Paddlers stopped for lunch at the historic Philadelphia Canoe Club before finishing their journey at Lloyd Hall. Overall, we had 64 people make the full trip, 100 kayaks (the most allowed) on the water every day except Thursday and Friday (86 & 95), and paddlers from 10 states and France attending. Many of our participants return year after year. They tell us they can't wait for the 17th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn!

Sojourn under the Manayunk Bridge by Ted Danforth

Why Not Sign Up for A Mid-Week Day of the Schuylkill River Sojourn?

Photo by Jeremy Quant

It's happened again. Only a week after we opened up registration for individual days on the annual Schuylkill River Sojourn the first three days of the seven-day guided canoe/kayak tour (June 7-13) have already sold out. Sure, everybody wants to paddle on the weekend. But, to keep things safe we allow only 100 boats per day. That means we wind up turning people away on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, while, often, Tuesday through Friday don't completely fill up. If you are one of those who hesitated a bit too long to get on the sojourn's weekend days, don't despair! Tuesday through Friday offer plenty of fun paddling opportunities. Here's a day-by-day guide to the sojourn's mid-week days. All have openings so you can sign up for one or all four!

As always the sojourn will begin in Schuylkill Haven and end at Philadelphia's Boathouse Row with participants paddling 14-18 miles per day. The program theme is Schuylkill River: PA's 2014 River of the Year.

Click here to register

 Tuesday June 10. (13.9 miles: Gibraltar to Pottstown) (Updated May 2: We're sorry, this date is now filled!)

Sojourners rest at Morlatton Village

If you have never done the sojourn before, and want to test out a day, this is the day to try.  It's an easy paddling day, featuring a lot of beautiful scenery. Paddlers in this area have reported seeing bald eagles and other interesting wildlife. Another reason to consider Tuesday? We have great programming planned. The lunch stop is at Historic Morlatton Village, a beautiful and historic setting where this year there will be a presentation on the restoration of Frick's Lock Village, a canal town turned ghost town. And the evening stop, at Riverfront Park in Pottstown, includes arguably the best dinner on the trip, catered by Bause Catering. The evening program will feature a special River of the Year panel presentation by six watershed conservancies who will discuss efforts to protect the river and tributaries.

Wednesday June 11. (17.8 miles: Pottstown to Mont Clare Lock 60) One of the major highlights of the weeklong sojourn happens on this day, which ends at the restored Lock 60 on the former Schuylkill Canal. Sojourners end the day by "locking through" the lock (see photo on left). This is such a cool experience, it's worth doing Wednesday for that alone. But, there's also some nice scenery and an enjoyable lunch setting  at Victory Park, in Royersford, where the Borough officials welcome sojourners with a delicious cake.  In the evening, paddlers can camp out near the canal, eat spaghetti dinner at nearby St. Micheal's Pavilion, and listen to a presentation on Dragon Boating.

Thursday June 12. (14 miles: Mont Clare to West Conshohocken) This is a great day to paddle for several reasons. For one thing, this year, we will be accompanied for part of the trip by a dragon boat. For another, the river features a nice mix of scenery through this area. Paddlers begin the day in the canal and make their way into the river and through some wooded areas. For the first time, the sojourn lunch will be at Valley Forge National Historic Park, where the program will be on a new pedestrian bridge being built across the river.  Later in the day sojourners encounter some interesting bridges and urban settings. At dinner, in West Conshohocken, they'll hear about the network of trails in the Philadelphia area known as The Circuit.

Friday June 13 (16 miles: West Conshohocken to Philadelphia). This may be the final day, but it's also one of the best days of the sojourn! Sojourners love having the opportunity to paddle with the Philadelphia skyline as their backdrop and alongside the iconic Boathouse Row. If you need another reason to paddle on Friday, lunch is at the historic Philadelphia Canoe Club, where you eat surrounded by some amazing antique boats. You'll also hear a presentation on the Schuylkill River Boardwalk, an amazing project that extends the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia by  The final takeout is Lloyd Hall on Boathouse Row, but before that the sojourners always organize for everyone's favorite sojourn photo, the Sojourn Salute (see photo below).

Ten Reasons to Sign Up for the 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn

Registration for the 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn is now open! If you've always wanted to do at least one day on the sojourn, let this be the year you do! This 112-mile, seven day guided canoe/kayak tour takes place from Saturday June 7 to Friday June 13. You don't have to do the full trip. You can do as little as one day, if you'd like. But keep in mind that the first three days fill up quickly, so if you want to paddle on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, register early! Click here to register.

Still not sure whether to sign up? Here are 10  reasons why we think you should.

1. The Schuylkill is Pennsylvania's 2014 River of the Year: If you paddle on the sojourn this year, you will be paddling on the River of the Year. How cool is that? The River of the Year logo is our program theme, so all our lunch and dinner presentations will focus on the some aspect of the river. And, the awesome logo on the left? That will be featured on the sojourn T-shirt. It was designed by Laura Mikowychok Smith, winner of our River of the Year logo design contest.





2. We make it easy for you: No really, we do. We give you breakfast, lunch, dinner and a place to camp. We shuttle your gear and take you and your boat back to the car. We provide water and Gatoradeat all stops, and on long paddling stretches, we have breaks.  Our guides and safety people have been doing this for 16 years. If you're a novice, they'll give you pointers to make sure you have a great time.

3. You can leave your worries behind: Seriously, this is a fun experience. You are out in nature, on the water, surrounded by friendly people in colorful kayaks. You don't have to think about the route, worry about where you'll stop, or even wonder what to do about dinner. You can just relax and enjoy the day.



4. You will learn something: We provide speakers at all lunch and evening stops. This year,  the  presentations will focus on a river-related issue or activity. For example, we have a dragon boat club  on Wednesday evening (they'll also join us in the water on Thursday and Friday);  a  new Schuylkill River Water Trail Guide presentation on Saturday; and a talk about the new Schuylkill River Boardwalk on Friday. For a full list of programs click here.

5. Every day is fun: People often ask us which is the best day to paddle on the sojourn. Truth? All the days are great! Saturday and Sunday are favored for their scenery (and also because they are weekend days!) Monday features a short section of white water called "Kelly's Rapids."  Tuesday is a nice, easy stretch ending at our headquarters, where we promise a great dinner! Wednesday ends with sojourners "locking through" the only watered lock remaining of the Schuylkill Canal. Thursday features a lunch stop at Valley Forge National Park (new this year). On Friday, the journey ends at Boat House Row, and we always get a photo of the sojourn against the Philly skyline.

 6. You don't have to be an expert paddler: Every year we have beginners sign up for the full trip. Our guides are particularly good at helping out newcomers.

7. You won't recognize the place: Think you know the Schuylkill River because you pass by it regularly? You will be surprised. Being on the river is a whole different experience. Only minutes away from highways and down towns, you'll feel sequestered in nature. It's not called the "Hidden River" for nothing.

8. You will make new friends: You are paddling beside 70 to 100 other fun-loving people. Of course you'll make new friends!

9. Your age doesn't matter: Octogenarians and elementary school children have paddled the full trip and loved it.



10. It only happens once a year: If you've always wanted to paddle on the sojourn, but don't do it this year, you'll have to wait all the way until June 2015 to get another chance!

We hope we've convinced you! If so, hurry: we only allow about 100 people on the water each day, so registration can fill up quickly for certain days. You can learn more about the sojourn on our website.
Or, if you're ready to join us for the 16th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, Register Here!

Schuylkill River Trail Spring Update (Updated April 17)

It's spring! The hard winter is mostly behind us (we hope). If you are planning to dust off your bike or lace up your running shoes this weekend, we have better news for you than we did two weeks ago when we reported that the trail was closed in parts and snow covered in others. Here's a new breakdown of the trail by section. Updated April 17, 2014

Schuylkill & Berks Counties: 
Condition: Passable. These sections of the trail are managed by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, where no winter maintenance is routinely performed. However, we have had a number of volunteers out cleaning parts of the trail, removing downed trees, picking up branches and other debris. It's safe to bike on these sections, but beware, the crush stone surface is still soft and has suffered some ruts from equine use. Recent heavy rains have likely left sticks and small branches along the path, so keep an eye out. Our trail maintenance coordinator suggests picking up any sticks or branches to ensure a smooth ride later on.

Chester County: 
Condition: Cleared for multi-use, including biking. A county park ranger has reported that the trail from Parkerford to Cromby (just outside of Phoenixville) is fine for biking, and there is no ice or mud. All branches and downed trees have been cleared. However, use caution as gravel is loose in a few sections where water hasn't completely drained away.

Montgomery County:
Condition: Passable for multi-use, including biking. This piece of the trail stretches from Phoenixville to Philadelphia and is now officially open. This is good news for trail users. Only a few weeks ago it was officially closed, considered too icy and debris strewn for travel. However, there are still some areas where cyclists should proceed with caution, looking out for larger sticks and other potential hazards. And please be advised that there is a temporary trail closure from Ford Street to Ross Street in Norristown is due to construction that needs to be done as part of the Lafayette Street extension project. This 1/2-mile section was closed on January 27 and will reopen for the weekends of April 26-27 and May 3-4, and will open permanently on May 10.will For more information on that project visit the Montgomery County website.

Philadelphia:
Condition: Cleared for multi-use. Most of the Philadelphia sections of the trail are plowed throughout the winter, so they are clear now and fine for biking. The Manayunk section, which isn't plowed, is also safe for cycling.