A Ride on the Colebrookdale Railroad

 The staff at the Schuylkill River Heritage Area recently spent a scenic fall morning riding the rails, taking a trip through stunning fall foliage on the Colebrookdale Railroad, from Boyertown to Pottstown.

Nathaniel Guest

This unique trip was organized by a member of our Board of Directors, Nathaniel Guest. Nathaniel has headed up an effort to establish a dedicated tourist railroad along  the route we rode yesterday morning, working through the Colebrook Railroad Preservation Trust. The trust hopes to have passenger trains running as early as next October, if they are able to secure funding to purchase a locomotive, that is.

We were invited to test out the 8.6 mile line because, as Nathaniel said "you just don't expect to see a rail line this scenic from Boyertown to Pottstown." And he was right. The tracks overlook some pretty spectacular views, with steep cliffs that drop down to flowing creeks. The bright orange,
red and yellow leaves were a bonus

The subtitle for the line is "The Secret Valley Line," which is appropriate, considering that it takes you through what is essentially a now hidden passageway that peeks at farms, back roads and wilderness.

Speeder

We rode in small rail cars known as "speeders." They weren't very fast, but were so named because they replaced old pump cars that were much slower. We learned that the drivers of the speeders own their own cars and take excursions on them. Who knew? Our driver, Hank, came from York to transport us along the Colebrookdale Line in the speeder shown on the left. This was only one of several speeders that made the trip yesterday, since they are small vehicles holding only one to three passengers and a driver.

In the end though, this was more than just a scenic tour on a cute speeder car. It was a train ride through some impressive history, taking us over old railroad bridges, past numerous gristmills and former iron forges and furnaces, and through Pine Forge, the site of the first iron works in Pennsylvania.

You can learn more about the Colebrookdale Railroad: The Secret Valley Line and efforts to establish a tourist railroad by visiting: www.colebrookdalerailroad.com.

Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grants

Slaughterhouse waste, Bridgeport

If you are like a lot of people, you probably think the Schuylkill River isn't all that clean. But the truth is, it's a lot cleaner than it used to be. There was a time--and it wasn't really all that long ago--when the river served as a dumping site for industrial waste and (disgustingly enough) untreated sewage. Just about anything anyone wanted to throw in it was game. Not only was the water filthy, but the channel was literally clogged with coal silt that washed into the river from mining operations.

A serious effort to save the river was undertaken in 1948, when the state of Pennsylvania authorized the Schuylkill Project, which dredged millions of tons of coal silt from the river. (You can read more about this in Chari Towne's book A River Again). Later, in the 1950s, sewer systems were built and laws were enacted that placed restrictions on what could be dumped in the water.

So now, raw sewage and chemicals aren't routinely being poured untreated into the river. That's good. But when it comes to polluting the Schuylkill, we're not out of the water yet, so to speak.

What are today's issues impacting the river? Stormwater run-off, acid mine drainage and agricultural contaminants.  Those are the three key areas targeted by the Schuylkill River Restoration Fund, which is administered by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. The fund has been around since 2006, and since that time it has collected more than $2 million for projects that help keep potential pollutants out of the river. A total of 42 projects have been funded through this program, which gets money from Exelon Generation, the Philadelphia Water Dept. and Aqua PA..

Over 6,500 feet of stream banks have been protected from the impacts of stormwater runoff by various means such as planting riparian buffers and stabilizing the banks (see photo on right).  Manure containment systems that keep animal waste out of the Schuylkill and its tributaries have been constructed on numerous farms in Berks County; and projects at several abandoned Schuylkill County coal mines prevent toxic acid drainage from entering the river.

In September, we distributed over $350,000in Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grants to10 projects that will help keep more pollutants out of the river. The photo on left shows visitors viewing a streambank restoration project at East Norriton Middle School during the recent grant announcement.  Check out our webpage to learn more about the projects funded and the grant program.

Schuylkill River Bike Tour Series: Cycles & Cemeteries Ride

We have to admit that some people were skeptical when we told them about our Cycles & Cemeteries Ride. And we can understand why. After all, a bike ride that incorporates cemetery tours is pretty unusual. But we had a plan, and on Saturday, Sept. 21, when we finally put it into play, our event turned out to be a great success. Nearly 140 riders participated on a day that featured beautiful early fall weather, interesting Civil War-related tours and fun cycling along the Schuylkill River Trail.

Photo courtesy Mike Stokes

The Cycles & Cemeteries Ride is the second ride in our Schuylkill River Trail Bike Tour Series. We designed the series to promote the Schuylkill River Trail and the connections that can be made from the trail to historic sites, downtowns and other attractions.

A cyclist rides into Laurel Hill Cemetery

The event featured a 14-mile ride along the Schuylkill River Trail (28-miles for most participants who cycled round trip). The day began at Montgomery Cemetery, where, before the ride, attendees visited four stations  set up at grave sites of Civil War figures. Pictured on the right, a tour guide tells a group about Civil War nurses buried in the cemetery. Other stations included the graves of Gettysburg Generals Zook & Hancock and veterans of the Zook Grand Army of the Republic Post.


Following the tours, riders took off on their 14-mile pedal from Norristown to the Philadelphia neighborhood of East Falls, where they had lunch and tours of Laurel Hill Cemetery. After arriving at Laurel Hill, the cyclists were given maps to the sites where Civil War notables are buried. After lunch, a living history presentation was given by perhaps the most notable Civil War veteran buried there, Gen. George Meade, who lead the Union Army at Gettysburg. But cyclists found many other items of interest at Laurel Hill, as well, including beautiful monuments, stunning views of the Schuylkill River and the burial site of Harry Kalas.

 A catered lunch was served under a tent (above)...but some preferred to eat on the lawn (right) where they could enjoy the September weather and the cemetery's lovely scenery. After lunch, tours and programs continued, and riders headed back to Montgomery Cemetery. Those who chose not to ride were shuttled back to their cars. Overall it was a terrific day, and we heard many enthusiastic comments from participants. We are grateful to our volunteers, our partners Laurel Hill and Montgomery Cemeteries, Events Unlimited who managed the ride, and our sponsors: PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources ~ National Park Service ~ Invata Intralogistics ~ Cast-Rite Metal Company ~ Translogistics, Inc. ~ 422 Commercial Realty ~ Montgomery County Community College ~ Mr. & Mrs. William Knight ~ Tri County Bicycles ~ B&G Glass ~ Brick House Restaurant ~

10th Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area Art Show & Sale

Paintings in the 2013 Art Show

For the past 10 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 August 5, a total of 107 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.

Terry Newman

Selecting the Staff Choice

The following day, the show was juried by this year's judge Terry Newman, owner of Newman Galleries in Philadelphia (which is one of the oldest galleries in the country dating back to 1865). He spent several hours examining the works and considering each piece. In the end, he selected 83 pieces to hang in the exhibit, which will open to the public on August 28 and run through October 18. In addition, Newman named three winning entries and two honorable mentions. Later, the Schuylkill River Heritage Area staff gathered at the gallery to select a Staff Choice.

2013 Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area winners:

Best of Show: Escalation by Susannah Hart Thomer; watercolor of steps outside Philadelphia Museum of Art leading to the Schuylkill River

2nd Place: Lutz Tannery by Jonathan Bond

Third Place: Pennypacker Mills Tranquility pastel by Teresa McWilliams Farina

Staff Choice: The Coyle Farm Winter Sheep watercolor by Lori Quinque-Quinn

Honorable Mention: Midnight at Memorial Hall Photograph by Walt Hug

Honorable Mention: Valley Forge, digital composite by Arnold Winkler

Visit the 10th Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area Art Show & Sale at  August 28 through October 18 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.

15th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn Highlights

The 15th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn featured a week of fun, friendship, learning and paddling, along with mostly great weather, and some really bad weather. Overall, it was a fantastic week. Here are some of the highlights.

Sen. Dave Argall

Day 1, Saturday June 1:  

Sojourners launched from Schuylkill Haven and paddled to Port Clinton, on a warm, beautiful Saturday morning. Opening ceremonies featured Sen. Dave Argall (pictured left) and Schuylkill Co. Commissioner Gary Hess, both of whom wished the sojourners well on their 112-mile journey down the Schuylkill.
Programs at lunch and evening stops focused on the Civil War. At Saturday's lunch, re-enactor Ron Long discussed the role played by Civil War chaplains.  Long (left) braved the 90-degree heat in his wool uniform. After lunch, sojourners took an exhilarating paddle through "The Chutes."

The Chutes

Re-enactor Ron Long

Day 2, Sunday June 2: 

 

  As they paddled from Port Clinton to Muhlenberg Township, sojourners were joined by US Congressman Charlie Dent (R-15). Dent, the first member of congress ever to participate in the Schuylkill River Sojourn, paddled to the lunch stop at Peter Yarnell Park, near Hamburg, where he addressed the sojourners. At left, Dent is seen signing the Sojourn paddle--an annual tradtion--while Jim Showalter, a veteran of all 15 sojourns, looks on.  Also at lunch, singer/songwriter Haley Sheeler, long popular with sojourners, entertained with her original music. Sojourners then paddled to the beautiful Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp., where they set up camp (below) and watched a one-woman play "From Out the Fiery Furnace," about Hopewell Furnace during the Civil War.

Haley Sheeler

Day 3, Monday June 3:   

Monday's highlight is always Kelly's Rapids. Sojourners test their paddling skills through a bit of fast-moving wateroutside of Reading.
 That thrill was followed by another highlight of this year's sojourn:  Gettysburg National Park Superintendent Bob Kirby (left) spoke at lunch bout the park's array of events that will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg this summer. On a less serious note, sojourners also deemed Monday Crazy Hat Day.

Day 4, Tuesday June 4: 

 

Rich Pawling with sojourner Dave Kohler

Sojourners paddled from Gibraltar to Pottstown on another picture perfect day. They lunched at Morlatton Village, where they heard a presentation on Lincoln's ties to the region by Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. Afterward, paddlers got back on the water and traveled to Pottstown's Riverfront Park. There, they heard a lively presentation on Civil War buglers by Rich Pawling of History Alive.

 

Day 5, Wednesday June 5:  

 

Leslie Richards & Jody Horton

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 Montgomery County Commissioner Leslie Richards and Planning Director Jody Horton.

Day 6, Thursday June 6: 

Andy Waskie as Gen. Meade

The Sojourn traveled along the Schuylkill Canal and back into the river, stopping at Valley Forge National Historical Park for water and lunching at Upper Merion Boathouse. This was "General's Day" of our Civil War programming theme, with a talk on by Bruce Stocking ( left) on Civil War Gen. W.S. Hancock at lunch and a living history performance by Andy Waskie on Gen. Meade at dinner.

Day 7, Friday June 7:  

The 15th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn ended on a very rainy note, but nearly 90 paddlers braved the drenching rain and made their way from Conshohocken to Boathouse Row. Those included former PA Dept. of Natural Resources Deputy Sec. for Administration John Giordano and members of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, along with one of their sponsors Saucony Creek Brewery. They stopped for lunch at the Philadelphia Canoe Club before finishing their journey at Lloyd Hall.

John Giordano

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

15th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn

The 15th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn got off to a great start on Saturday, with 112 people paddlers setting off from Schuylkill Haven Island Park. A total of 59 of them--a record number--will make the entire 112-mile, weeklong journey to Philadelphia. Here are some highlights from Day One of the sojourn:






Sojourners camp out in Schuylkill Haven

On Friday night, sojourners check in at Schuylkill Haven Island Park, and many camp overnight. This Friday, a longtime sojourn tradition was broken: that is, for the past 10 year, it has always rained during the pre-sojourn checkin. But for the 15th Annual Sojourn, we had sunny skies.





The Breaker Boys

The Sojourn includes entertainment and programming, with a different theme each year. This year's theme is ACivil War Odyssey. On Friday, the Breaker Boys entertained sojourners with Civil War Songs and stories.

Singing the National Anthem

Sojourners launched from Schuylkill Haven Island Park and began a new tradition, singing the National Anthem before the launch. Speaking at the launch were Sen. Dave Argall, Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess, Schuylkill Haven Mayor Mike Devlin, and Schuylkill River Heritage Area Exec. Dir. Kurt Zwikl, all of whom wished the sojourners well.

It was a beautiful day to be on the water. With temperatures in the 90s, paddling on the river was the perfect way to spend the day.

Civil War Chaplain re-enactor Ron Long braved the heat, donning his wool overcoat while speaking to the sojourners at lunch about the important role played by chaplains throughout the Civil War.

A crowd gathered in Landingville along a bridge to watch the colorful flottilla of sojourners make their way down the river.

A popular spot on the sojourn, The Chutes, sends sojourners through fast moving water under an old railroad bridge.

Sojourners ended their day in Port Clinton, where they were served a delicious spaghetti dinner cooked by the Port Clinton Fire House. Afterwards, author Jim Corrigan gave a fascinating lecture to a full house on The Battle of the Crater, about a group of coal miners who used their skills to tunnel under the enemy.

Trail Worker Wins National Award for his Work on the Schuylkill River Trail and other PA Trails

Steve Pohowsky (L) with SRHA Exec. Dir. Kurt Zwikl

A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) employee recently earned a 2013 National Trails Award from American Trails for his work improving trail user safety on several Pennsylvania trails, including the Schuylkill River Trail.

Stephen P. Pohowsky was recognized with a State Trail Worker Award after being nominated for the honor by Schuylkill River Heritage Area Trails Project Manager Robert Folwell. Pohowsky received the award at a recent PennDot meeting.

Pohowsky is a Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and Safety Program Specialist for PennDOT District 5-0, which encompasses the counties of Berks, Schuylkill, Lehigh, Carbon, Northampton and Monroe. He received the award for "his extraordinary contribution to improving
trail user safety at state highway crossings within District 5-0."

His nomination form noted a number of accomplishments achieved since Pohowsky took his current position in 2006. "As the District Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator he has worked to address pedestrian and bicycle safety requests and concerns such as mid-block crosswalks, bicycles on freeways, and signage for the BicyclePA Route system. He also is responsible for all Shared Use Path Trail Crossing Agreements and trail crossing design reviews and has worked on the Saucon Rail Trail, Union Canal Trail, Schuylkill River Trail, D&L Trail, Palmer Township Trail, and several others. "

According to Folwell, Pohowksy is an avid trail user who uses "his trail riding experience as well as his extensive knowledge of PennDOT highway safety issues to effectively evaluate all trail crossing plans to determine what works best, and has developed model guidelines for District 5 that will save lives."

In accepting the award Pohowsky thanked the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and American Trails. He observed that he recognized a need for better communication between PennDOT and the trail building community, and had worked toward that improvement.

"We are fortunate to be located in an area of the State with a large expanse of both canal and rail trails thanks to the former anthracite coal industry.  These trails are not just a portal to our past, but also a pathway to our future.  As both the Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and an avid trail user I’ve had the privilege of working closely with numerous forward thinking trail organizations.  Together we’ve made tremendous progress in trail crossing safety and development.  I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to make our trails a source of pride, an asset to their communities, and a fine example of what we can accomplish together." 

In addition to his work on the trail, Pohowsky also took this video of the Schuylkill River Trail Thun Section.