Celebrating 90 Years—Countless Friends PRESERVING the NATURAL BEAUTY and WILDNESS of the WISSAHICKON VALLEY for NINETY YEARS

Celebrating 90 Years—Countless Friends PRESERVING THE NATURAL BEAUTY AND WILDNESS OF THE WISSAHICKON VALLEY FOR NINETY YEARS. WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 23 • NUMBER 4

More photos from FOW’s

th 90 Anniversary Gala inside! A MESSAGE from the D irector

8708 Germantown Avenue his fall, the Friends of the Wissahickon hosted a Gala Philadelphia, PA 19118-2717 Celebration with our friends and supporters at Valley Green Phone: (215) 247-0417 TInn to mark our 90th Anniversary. (See p. 8.) The gala was an E-mail: [email protected] enjoyable way to highlight the many improvements FOW and our Website: www.fow.org partners made to the Inn throughout the year. It was also a fitting end to a year of special events and projects intended to highlight The mission of the Friends of the Wissahickon and celebrate our long-standing relationship with the community as is to preserve the natural beauty and stewards of Wissahickon Valley Park. wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein. In the spring we organized a bird walk and a run on Forbidden Drive that drew 215 park users, and in the Officers summer we hosted a Family Picnic in Roxborough’s Pachella Will Whetzel, President Field. Throughout the year we continued to hold workdays Liz Werthan, Vice President, Advocacy in the park, at which volunteers donated their time and Heidi Grunwald, Vice President, Finance labor to trail maintenance, trash removal, and habitat Robert Harries, Vice President, Governance restoration. Since 2011, over 5,100 volunteer hours have Jeff Harbison, Treasurer been devoted to the Andorra Natural Area alone, where Liz Werthan, Secretary past PresidentS Cindy Affleck Charles Dilks Robert A. Lukens David Pope In the coming year, park visitors will see FOW’s logo in more John Rollins Edward C. Stainton places throughout the park and may notice us talking about Robert Vance our organization in new ways. These actions are part of a Board Members Christine Bamberger Courtney Kapp new marketing strategy we will begin implementing in 2015. Melen Boothby John Kelly Richard P. Brown, Jr. Martha Kennedy Stephanie Craighead Richard Kremnick Emily Daeschler Charles Lee, Jr. David Dannenberg Jerome Maddox FOW has been working to renovate the Tree House (home of the Wissahickon Environmental Sam Finney Chris McCausland Center), install a composting toilet, and restore the trail system. You can learn more about this Shirley Gracie John Meigs project, which is close to completion, on p. 4. Heidi Grunwald David Pope In the coming year, park visitors will see FOW’s logo in more places throughout the park Jeff Harbison Chris Rabb and may notice us talking about our organization in new ways. These actions are part of a Robert Harries Jean Sachs new marketing strategy we will begin implementing in 2015. The Friends of the Wissahickon is David Hilton Liz Werthan committed to expanding our base of community support so we can meet the future needs of Bettina Hoerlin Patricia R. West Wissahickon Valley Park and its visitors. To accomplish this goal, FOW will need more members to Louise Johnston Will Whetzel help support our advocacy positions and more revenue to fund our project work. STAFF In 2015 we will need both membership and advocate support to move forward on repairing Maura McCarthy, Executive Director several trail collapses along Forbidden Drive. This project crosses the boundaries between park Ruffian Tittmann, Development Director infrastructure and water quality, and is essential to the health of the park as a whole. As a critical Audrey Simpson, Business Manager corridor for the Wissahickon Valley, the Schuylkill River Trail, and other regional trail networks, Denise Larrabee, Publications Editor Forbidden Drive must remain stable and reliable now and into the future. Zane Magnuson, Development/Operations Coordinator The Friends of the Wissahickon looks forward Sarah Marley, Outreach Manager to the coming year and continuing the legacy Henry Stroud, Project Manager we celebrated throughout 2014 by working with Thanks to the Erin Mooney, Publicist you to repair Forbidden Drive and complete John Holback, Volunteer Coordinator other projects necessary to the preservation of Gala Volunteers! Wissahickon Valley Park. As you make your New Newsletter Year’s resolutions, we hope you will consider Denise Larrabee, Editor becoming a member of FOW, volunteering with Dena Sher, Associate Editor us in the park, or joining us at one of our many Sarah West, Listings Editor Moon Design, Layout outreach events—or perhaps doing all three! Published by Princeton Packet, Princeton, NJ Printed on recycled paper.

United Way Donations Maura McCarthy The Friends of the Wissahickon can receive membership/donations through the United Way. Executive Director Our United Way number is 9882. If this is the most Trail Ambassadors Cathy Schweiger and Kathy Conklin convenient way for you to give, please do so. Visit our Cover photos by Emily Southerton assemble votive candles for FOW’s 90th Anniversary website (www.fow.org) to learn about the benefits of Gala. See more photos from the event starting on p. 8! membership in the Friends of the Wissahickon.

2 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 NEWSBRIEFS

Incredible Running Route Become a in the Wissahickon Crew Leader for FOW! Greatest.com chose Forbidden Drive as one Do you want to learn more about FOW’s of “15 Incredible Running Routes That Only a work and what goes on behind the scenes Local Would Know.” The healthy living website when planning projects in the Wissahickon? observed that the trail is more crowded on FOW’s Crew Leader training program will teach weekends and during weekday rush hours you all about the work FOW does as well (no surprise) and noted the tree canopy that as provide you with valuable leadership and protects runners from the sun. The article also technical skills. Volunteer Crew Leaders enable pointed out some safety guidelines very similar FOW to do more skilled work throughout Lesley Seitchik of Valley Green Bank, Frank Niepold, and to FOW’s: stay aware of your surroundings; the Wissahickon, and by joining FOW’s Crew FOW President Will Whetzel run without headphones; and run with a Leader program, you will develop relationships buddy. See p. 14 for more on safety in the with your fellow volunteers as well as FOW Wissahickon. Impact of Climate Change and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation staff. New READ MORE: http://greatist. Crew Leader classes are being planned for Explored at Valley Talks com/move/best-running- 2015 and spaces are limited. Visit www.fow.org/ Frank Niepold presented an overview of The routes-america# volunteering/crew-leaders to learn more about National Climate Assessment at a Valley Talk on the program and what our crew leaders have September 16 at Valley Green Inn. The assessment is accomplished so far! Contact Outreach Manager the most comprehensive report to date; it presents FOW Awarded Grant for Sarah Marley at [email protected] for more extensive evidence and covers climate change impacts information and to apply. on various regions and sectors, as well as adaptation Forbidden Drive Repairs and mitigation. Niepold’s presentation focused on FOW has received a grant of $93,500 from findings related to the Northeast. He is the Climate the PA-Department of Conservation and Natural Education Coordinator at the National Oceanic and Resources to fund the rehabilitation of Forbidden Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Program Office and Drive adjacent to Mount Airy Avenue along the a co-chair of the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s Wissahickon Creek. These funds will be used in Communications and Education Interagency Working tandem with last year’s DCED/Commonwealth Group. Valley Talks are sponsored by Valley Green Bank. Financing Authority to complete the restoration of one of several collapsed sections of streambank along Forbidden Drive. Matching funds are Park Users $upport FOW needed. To make a donation, contact Ruffian Two park user groups held fundraisers this fall, Tittmann, Development Director, at tittmann@fow. raising over $2,700 for FOW’s stewardship of the org or 215-247-0417 ext 102. Wissahickon. On November 15, the Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Equine Council held a Happy Trails Ride to benefit FOW and raised $2,248 (as of 11/30/14). Cliff Sharpe from the Old School Trail Run organized Wissahickon Celebrates an awesome race through Wissahickon Valley Park on 50 Years as National Aaron Chute from Tahawus Trails leading a October 5 to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Crew Leader workshop attended by Ron Kanter Foundation, with additional proceeds going to FOW. and FOW Volunteer Coordinator John Holback. Natural Landmark Their donation to FOW totaled $525. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Wissahickon Valley’s designation as a National Natural Landmark (formerly known FOW and Woodmere as Registered Natural History Team Up for Landmarks). Wissahickon Art The Valley was given this designation in March Strangely enough, it was a deceased early- 1964 through the efforts of then FOW President twentieth-century artist who brought FOW and Judge Harold D. Saylor. It was made official in the Woodmere Art Museum together for the first May 1966 when a bronze plaque welded into a time with joint programming this fall. The late six-ton slab of stone was placed along the creek artist Walter Schofield (1867-1944) is featured outside Valley Green Inn, where it remains today. in an exhibit at the Woodmere, Schofield: The designation recognizes the unique role the International Impressionist, that runs through Wissahickon plays in the natural history of the January 25, 2015. The artist is best known Unites States. for his English landscapes, but also painted READ MORE: FOW Newsletter, numerous scenes of Wissahickon Valley Park Fall 2004, at http://www.fow. when visiting his brother in Philadelphia. In conjunction with the Woodmere, FOW Trail Ambassadors org/news-events/newsletter/ May Dominic, Maureen Flanagan, Diane Garvey, Merritt Rhoad, and Bruce Wagner led three hikes related archive-new to Schofield’s work in the park. Also, the Museum hosted an FOW Members Night on November 19 that included a private tour of the exhibit by Hildy Tow, Curator of Education.

Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 3 PROJECTUPDATE Andorra N atural A rea by Henry Stroud, Project Manager

here was a collective sigh of relief on July 31, 2014, as we watched the 71 ft. tractor-trailer carrying the new composting toilet successfully navigate the narrow driveway and enter the parking lot where the Ttoilet would be installed. A challenge unto its own–we had spent the better part of the week widening the driveway to make room for the delivery trucks, which just barely fit as they nosed their way slowly uphill–it marked the beginning of the end of a three-year effort to make improvements to the Wissahickon Environmental Center. That same morning, concrete footings were poured for the Center’s new back porch. It was all finally happening. The Wissahickon Environmental Center (WEC), affectionately known as the Tree House, is an environmental education center of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. It is located at the northern end of Forbidden Drive, just west of the Cedar’s House Café. In late 2011, the Friends of the Wissahickon began three major projects at the WEC: an overhaul of the trail system, the installation of a new composting toilet, and the construction of a new porch with a green roof to serve as an outdoor classroom. Porch Construction/Building Renovation The WEC’s nickname, “Tree House,” refers to the large tree that used to grow through its original back porch. The tree and back porch were eventually removed as a safety precaution and to protect the Tree House from falling limbs when they had deteriorated beyond repair. Working with staff from the Tree House and Archer Buchanan Architects of West Chester, designs for a new porch were developed that pay homage to the great tree that used to grow there. The new porch also features a green roof designed by Roofmeadow of Mt. Airy. The Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust was hired to restore the exterior of the building and construct the porch. In 2013, the Trust began to remove the existing paint, which was contaminated with lead, and replace damaged siding. The building was then repainted to match the time period in which the structure The prefabricated toilet is carefully was built. Construction of the porch began in 2014. lowered into place using a 120-ton crane. The Benefits Composting Toilet of a Green Roof Until now, there were no permanent toilet The new porch was designed with facilities for visitors at the WEC. Only a portable sustainability in mind. The green roof is part toilet in the lower parking lot was available for of an effort to reduce our impact on the Park’s visitors, including the more than 3,000 students sensitive habitat, as green roof systems have that visit the Tree House each year. many environmental benefits over traditional A two-stall composting unit made of pre- roofs: cast concrete was designed and constructed by • Reduce runoff and purify rainwater–Green Modern Precast and Bio-Sun Systems. Located roofs absorb rainwater instead of letting it, in the lower parking lot, the new unit features with the pollutants it carries, run into storm two ADA accessible toilets, automatic indoor/ drains and waterways. Plants and bacteria outdoor lighting, and diaper changing and that live in the soil filter rainwater before it hand-washing stations. Pre-cast concrete has flows into the landscape. become a popular choice for park structures because it is both durable and easy to • Provide habitat–Native plantings host maintain. The specially designed pre-stressed beneficial insects and provide food and concrete can withstand blows from falling habitat for other critters. branches and is treated with a graffiti resistant • Save Energy– In hot summer months, green roofs absorb far less heat than traditional building materials coating on the interior walls. like wood or asphalt shingles. This reduces cooling costs and overall energy consumption.

The restored historic paint scheme at the Tree House refreshed the building and added to the attractiveness of the structure. With the addition of the new porch, the Tree House will become a more popular destination, welcoming nature lovers from all parts of the Wissahickon. The Trust is proud to have been involved in this fantastic FOW restoration project!

–Lucy M. Strackhouse, Executive Director, Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust

4 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 Trail Construction Thank You! FOW would like to give special thanks to our partners at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, our donors, and the many volunteers that have helped with the various aspects of this project.

Donors Bowman Properties Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Department of Environmental Protection Lisa Gemmill Maguire Foundation Marshall-Reynolds Foundation After years of agricultural land use and the unchecked Some of the many volunteers who worked on McLean Contributionship formation of rogue trails, the area surrounding the Center restoring and building 2.77 miles of trail in the PECO Green Region Open Space Program had a well established dense network of old roads and Andorra Natural Area. footpaths, many of which were in poor condition and REI causing degradation of the surrounding habitat. Working Sustainable Trails Initiative Supporters with both professional trail builders and our dedicated corps of volunteers, FOW built or restored 2.77 miles of trail and Contractors closed 3.10 miles. Overall, we had a net gain of around 2.75 Steve Thomas, Terra Firma Trails LLC acres of habitat. Valerie Naylor, Trails Specialist The map displays the new trail system and the countless trails that have been closed. Modern Precast Concrete Products A detailed map of the area is available at the WEC free of charge. Bio-Sun Systems Archer & Buchanan Architecture LTD Roofmeadow The new trails take us in such beautiful areas. The view of the meadow from the forest edge is breathtaking, and being By the numbers: above Forbidden Drive in the treetops presents a whole new perspective! The trails are much easier to navigate, allowing built or restored 2.77 miles of trail people of all ages to enjoy the area. closed 3.10 miles of trail –Trish Fries, Environmental Education Program Specialist, WEC net gain of 2.75 acres of habitat 5,161 Volunteer hours Suggested Hike Access the Forest Loop Trail partway up the driveway to the WEC from Forbidden Drive (look for a trail marker on your left shortly after 100 ft). After climbing a short distance, keep left as the trail traverses the ridge above P2 Forbidden Drive providing scenic views of Chestnut Hill College and Wissahickon Wissahickon Creek in the fall and winter. Dense Environmental Center patches of ferns, rock outcroppings, P1 and large Copper Beech trees dot the hillside. Hike to the top of the hill past the Fallen Magnolia and continue on to the Meadow Loop Trail for a tour of the newly restored meadow. Listen for the flooty, “bouncing-ball” trill of the Field Sparrow in the summer and early fall. When the Meadow Loop Trail dead-ends in parking area P1 (see FOW Trail Map), follow the wood-chip path near the entrance to the parking lot down to the Environmental Center.

Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 5 Find more information on TA Walks at www.fow.org/calendar

TRAIL AMBASSADOR Winter Fit Hikes with Kid Friendly Hike May Dominic & Erin Bendig with Marv Schwartz Second Sunday of the month • 9–11 am Saturday, February 21 • 1–3 pm WALKS & TALKS Meet at Valley Green Inn. January thru March. Meet at Valley Green Inn. We will walk along Level: moderate to fast pace. Distance: 4 miles. Forbidden Drive and visit the Livezey Dam and Unless otherwise noted, hikes use rocky, rugged trails that may be wet, slippery, or steep. Some trails may be rocky and/or slippery so Gorgas Creek cave, cross the Mt. Airy Bridge sturdy hiking shoes are a must. This is a kid and and hike the hillside trail, then pass through Please wear sturdy, protective shoes or boots and bring water/snacks if you want them. dog friendly (on leash) hike. Goal is to get into Fingerspan Bridge. We’ll snack, then continue on Children over eight years of age are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. In general, the park and see what the winter months have to Devil’s Pool and Pee Wee Rock on our return. walks are cancelled in the event of heavy rain or snow. Reservations are not required but are to offer. Cancels for bad weather. Check www. Level: moderate on some rocky trails. fow.org. recommended for communication in the event of cancellation due to inclement weather. Visit A Stormwater Inspired Hike through www.fow.org for updated information. We’re gonna do this walk regardless the Wissahickon with Scott Quitel . . . with Bruce Wagner & Kris Soffa Saturday, March 14 • 9 am–noon Sunday, February 1 • 9:30 am–noon Meet and park near Mount Airy Ave. entrance Meet at Cedars House, north end of Forbidden to the park. We will trace paths that stormwater TA Walks Drive near Northwestern Ave. We will lead this takes on its way to Wissahickon Creek. Will Trails Less Traveled III with Varied Terrains of the Wissahickon hike to the Covered Bridge regardless of the see naturally flowing tributaries, tributary Gerry Schweiger Valley with Scott Quitel weather! We’ll go by foot, skis, or snowshoes streams emerging from sewer pipes, highway along Orange Trail or Forbidden Drive, runoff discharge points, a frog-laden pond, a Friday, December 26 • 1–3 pm Saturday, January 10 • 9 am–noon depending on conditions. Will avoid ragged or skunk cabbage wetland, a historic spring and Meet in the parking area at Northwestern Meet at Forbidden Drive and Bells Mill Road. uncovered ice. Level: leisurely pace. Dress in springhouse, and more. Level: moderately Ave. at the gray Toyota Corolla. The Andorra We will hike up the gorge to Houston Meadow, layers and boots. Bring water, energy snack, and strenuous. plateau contains the Andorra Natural Area with discover where a suspension bridge from camera. Children 10+ welcome with responsible many well-worn trails, but it also contains the Roxborough across the gorge to Chestnut Hill adult. Registration required to receive weather Invasive and Native Plant Safaris abandoned Bells Mill Trail. We will climb the was planned but never built, visit a schist barren, updates. Last minute uncertainties? Email with Michael Kopena plateau, hike to the fenced exclosure, and skirt upon which Tedyuscung peers across the gorge, [email protected] before 8:45 am. Will Saturday, March 14 • 1–2:30 pm that to the beginnings of the Old Bells Mill Trail. and pass a bubbling cascade that looks like a cancel only if roads closed. Meet at Kitchen’s Lane Will finish by re-climbing and crossing the mountain stream. Saturday, March 28 • 1–2:30 pm plateau to our starting point. NOTE: There are The Other Gorge: Down and Up Meet at Pachella Field lots of briers, brambles, fallen trees, and scree; Cresheim Creek with Scott Quitel hikers should wear leather gloves or similar Saturday , February 14 • 9 am–noon See firsthand the effects of aggressive alien thorn-resistant sturdy gloves. monocultures. Learn about the dangers of Meet at park entrance near intersection decreased biodiversity in our ecosystems and of Cresheim Rd. and Emlen St./Cresheim discover the origins of some of the valley’s Valley Drive. Park along Cresheim Rd. Enjoy most tenacious invaders. Meet some treasured a hike down and up the “other gorge.” in the native species. Find out what you can do in your Wissahickon. See architectural ruins, geology, own garden to create native habitats. Level: a white pine forest, Shakespeare’s Rock, and easy-moderate. Suitable for children 10+ with more. Level: rugged, including steep ascents responsible adult. and descents and rocky creek bed crossings.

TA Talks All TA Talks take place at The Cedars House Café, located at the north end of Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Ave. TA Talks are cancelled if driving conditions are hazardous or if Cedars House Café must close. Visit www.fow.org for updates. TA Talks How the (North) West was Won What’s Up with Wissahickon Thinking of Spring: Building Native Understanding Horses Presented by Kris Soffa Wildlife in Winter? Garden Habitats at Home Presented by Cynthia Turecki Sunday, January 11 • 2 pm Presented by Michael Kopena Presented by Michael Kopena Sunday, March 8 • 2 pm Hear the legend and lore behind the creation Sunday, January 25 • 2 pm Sunday, February 8 • 2 pm Have you ever wondered how a horse thinks of The Upper Roxborough Historic District. This Winter is not easy for our animal friends in the We will discuss the dangers of gardening with and communicates? This presentation will help multi-part epic has common Wild West themes: Wissahickon. Come get cozy in Cedars House exotics and introduce wonderful native plants you you understand the horse’s point of view. If the westward expansion, gorgeous scenery, abundant and learn how our favorite park inhabitants can use at home to create a beautiful escape weather is suitable, Ms. Turecki will bring her wildlife, and a volunteer posse. Learn how manage the winter season. Weather permitting for your family and a sanctuary for native fauna. horse for a demonstration. grassroots advocacy efforts paid off to protect we’ll go on a short walk to look for signs of If time and weather allow, we’ll take a walk to and preserve land worth saving. animal activity, returning no later than 4 pm. examine invasive and native plants present in the Historical Geology of the Children welcome with a responsible adult. Wissahickon. Wissahickon Gorge An Artist’s View of the Wissahickon Presented by Sarah West Gorge: Learning to See Water and 19th Century Roads and Road Houses Wissahickon Industries of the Sunday, March 22 • 2 pm Light from Walter Schofield of the Wissahickon 18th & 19th Centuries Presented by Bruce Wagner Presented by Sarah West Presented by Sarah West A 45-minute PowerPoint presentation followed and Maureen Flanagan by a short, easy geology walk along Forbidden Sunday, February 1 • 2 pm Sunday, February 15 • 2 pm Drive between Northwestern Ave. and Bells Mill Sunday, January 18 • 1:30 pm A 45-minute PowerPoint presentation of historic A 45-minute PowerPoint presentation that Rd. (if weather conditions are suitable). This slide show utilizes Walter Schofield paintings photos compared with current views of the includes early photographs of the Wissahickon and Wissahickon photos by the presenters to same location. Sarah West is the author of Mills and their surrounding communities and a Art and the Wissahickon examine setting, light, and perspective. We will Rediscovering the Wissahickon (1993) as well as brief history of the Andorra Nurseries. Sunday, March 29 • 2 pm discuss how artists look at a setting and respond an FOW Trail Ambassador. Presented by Diane Garvey & Hildy Tow of to it with a particular evocative image. Afterward, the Woodmere Art Museum everyone is invited outside to look differently A 45-minute presentation of old photographs and at the Wissahickon and visit the Woodmere Art artwork of scenes of the Wissahickon. Learn what Museum to view the Schofield retrospective. art tells us about people, culture, and history in the Wissahickon.

6 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 by John Holback, Volunteer Coordinator VOLUNTEERHIGHLIGHTS

A beautiful fall has followed a beautiful summer in the Wissahickon Become an Valley. The leaves are falling, the birds are migrating, and the FOW Trail volunteers are busy working before the weather turns sour. On September 13, FOW volunteers hiked to Devil’s Pool to do the last cleanup of the Ambassador season. In addition to covering and removing lots of graffiti on trees and rocks, volunteers collected and removed oin the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) and become dozens of bags of trash, helping to ensure the area was cleaned up for winter. a Trail Ambassador this Spring. FOW is offering a winter Jtraining session for this popular volunteer program. The A group of hardworking, dedicated Crefeld School students have been working on application deadline is Tuesday, February 3, 2015. various projects every Wednesday afternoon. Working with FOW and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Trail Ambassadors are park volunteers who assist and (PPR) Volunteer Coordinator David Bower, these students have been cleaning up trails still littered with fallen tree educate people in the park with anything from directions to debris from last winter’s heavy snows. They have also hauled the last of the season’s trash from Devil’s Pool, and safety needs to park history, flora, and fauna. Ambassadors spent one afternoon removing invasive species at Thomas Mansion. Look for the Crefeld Crew on Wednesday perform their service in the park and participate in ongoing afternoons for the rest of the school year. education. They become experts in the Wissahickon and have the opportunity to delve deeply into their particular topics of interest FOW volunteers have gotten their boots dirty planting 300 while providing a valuable public service. Trail Ambassadors native trees and shrubs this fall. The plantings, for the most part, share their knowledge by: are the final stage of trail closures around the park. Thanks to all the individual • interacting with and providing assistance to park users volunteers who came out to work, and a special thanks to the Pennsylvania while walking the trails; Equine Council, St. Catherine Alumni, the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, and • staffing information tables at FOW volunteer days the Friends Select School. and events; Friends Select student Jayne Cohen • leading walks in the Wissahickon Valley; and The Structures Crew has been working hard • conducting surveys of park users and wildlife. all fall and has amassed an impressive list of Training will be held on Wednesday evenings, 6 to 8 p.m., accomplishments. So far this season the crew has repaired from February 11 through April 1, 2015. There will also be one or replaced eight park benches, started building a shed at PPR’s Saturday First Aid training session on March 28. Applicants District Four headquarters, created and installed a beautiful new accepted into the program are required to pay a $100 registration menu sign at Valley Green Inn, white washed, re-pointed, and fee, sign a one-time volunteer release form, and obtain their Rich Berman and Buzz Wemple with the refurbished the warming shed adjacent to the Inn, and built four new criminal background check and child-abuse clearance. new menu sign at Valley Green picnic tables for the Inn’s patio. Ambassadors must be FOW members or willing to join the organization. The number of open positions is limited. For more The family of former FOW Volunteer information, program requirements, and an application form Coordinator Kevin Groves and visit www.fow.org/volunteering/trail-ambassadors. Contact FOW many other volunteers and friends Outreach Manager Sarah Marley with questions and to schedule participated in a memorial planting in an interview at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x109. his honor on October 4. Brandon Sackett, Kevin’s cousin, graciously volunteered his time as Martin Luther King Day of Service a landscape architect to design the planting, which January 19 • 9am - 12pm features native trees and shrubs, all symbolic and Join FOW and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation as we remove invasive vines and representative of Kevin’s life and work. A beautiful trees. We may perform other tasks if weather permits. Meet at Thomas Mansion, handmade wooden bench made from local black 6245 Wissahickon Ave in Germantown. Register with Volunteer Coordinator John locust was built by Steve O’Kula and Rich Berman, Holback at [email protected] to be notified of cancellation or postponement due to and now sits in the middle of the planting for poor weather conditions. all to enjoy. A special thanks to the volunteers, including AIM Academy students, who worked to clear the site and prepare it for the planting. Next time you are in the Andorra area, take a moment to enjoy the area and remember the importance of people like Kevin Groves, who cared deeply for the Wissahickon.

On November 15, Love Your Park Day saw about 35 FOW volunteers come out on a cold morning to put the finishing touches on a shiny new trail reroute in the Andorra Natural Area. Volunteers worked to build a natural stone retaining wall and a set of huge stone stairs, while others worked to hand-finish the trail by smoothing TA Class the back slope, cutting roots from the trail bed, and Bottom Row: Jeff Clark, Carol Beam, Rochelle Fellman, Elizabeth Garver, tossing brush on the old trail nearby. A remarkable Love Your Park Day volunteers FOW Outreach Manager Sarah Marley. Top Row: Sonja Pettingill, Richard Berman, amount of work was accomplished! smile for the camera Allen Hinkey, Sarah Punderson, Cathryn Fassbender, Tony Defazio. Not pictured: Ronnie Manlin, Meghan Shomper.

Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 7

7 A Cabinet of Curiosities Gala. . . a Magical Evening

Talula’s restaurateur Aimee Olexy

Stunning floral arrangements by Bibby Crane Loring

ver 250 guests joined FOW at Valley Green Inn for their 90th Anniversary Gala OCelebration, Cabinet of Curiosities. The whimsical event logo and invitation designed by Leslie Newbold set the Glenn Bergman, General Manager at Weavers Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for tone for the evening, which began Way Co-op, and Gala Committee Co-Chair Environmental & Community Resources, with a Benefactor Preview Reception, Christine Bamberger addresses the crowd. Valley Green Chef Helen Kang followed by hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, music, and conversation–much of which centered on the fascinating soup, which appealed to the olfactory in Namibia, vacations in Spain and natural history items on display from senses, to the main course dishes, Scotland, a Mural Arts Trolley Tour, the Academy of Natural Sciences and which were designed to represent fishing at the Pocono Fishing Club, the private collection of FOW Trail touch and equilibrium. Main courses and two wine baskets with selections Ambassador Nick Bucci and other included Barnegat Light seafood en by FOW’s Executive Director Maura generous lenders. Guests also had the papillotte, an autumn barley vegetable McCarthy and FOW Board Member opportunity to tour the Inn and admire ragout, butternut and honey gastrique- David Pope and his wife, Myrna. the improvements made over the past roasted pears, and local beer-braised After the Auction, guests enjoyed year, which include new furniture, short ribs. Desserts were designed to dancing under the stars with the paint, and lighting by the talented bring an auditory experience to diners, Scott Romig Band. Debra Wolf Goldstein of the Commission Ann Kelly, Jane Good, Amie Cafiero, and included locally-made whiskey Thanks to many generous on Parks & Recreation with Jay and Rebecca Paul–a lasting legacy of crème brulee, fig macaroons, and fried contributions, funds raised netted Goldstein, President and Director of the event. A bounty of fall splendor mini rice krispie bars. over $70,000 and will directly support Valley Green Bank graced the Inn and tables thanks to Other menu items were locally FOW’s stewardship of Valley Green Inn the inspired floral design talents of sourced, with produce from the and other operations and educational Bibby Crane Loring. Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op and Blue programs. Such a successful fundraiser The Cabinet of Curiosities theme Moon Acres in New Jersey, cheese would not have been possible without continued through the gala dinner from Calkins Creamery in Honesdale, our generous 90th Anniversary menu, designed by Talula’s restaurateur Pennsylvania, apple cider from Sponsors and Donors and the help Aimee Olexy, and brought to life by Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, mushrooms of many dedicated FOW volunteers Valley Green Chef Helen Kang. Many from Kennett Square, and breads from and Anniversary Committee members, of the ingredients were sourced from Chestnut Hill’s Baker Street Bread. led by Co-Chairs Christine Bamberger local and regional purveyors for the A Live Auction led by Lu Ann and Christopher Bentley. A special dinner. Cahn, author and Emmy award- thanks also goes to Valley Green Inn restaurant owner Jack Ott and his staff; The menu was designed as winning journalist at NBC10 News in this special evening went seamlessly Deenah Loeb and Walt Crimm a Feast of the Senses, from the Philadelphia, followed dinner, with because of their efforts. dance the night away! beginning course of pumpkin spice many exciting items: a Luxury Safari

8 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014

A Cabinet of Curiosities Gala. . . a Magical Evening

Thanks To Our Sponsors Thanks To Our Benefactors Special Thanks to Presenting Scarlet Oak Elizabeth and Henry Harris Cindy & John Affleck Sponsor Theresa and John Rollins Ellen and Jay Hass Christopher Bentley Kim and William Whetzel Cynthia and Martin Heckscher Lu Ann Cahn Black Cherry Anne and David Hilton Anne Kelly Interiors Corporate Laura Johnson Aspen Hardwood Flooring Sponsors Christine and Michael Bamberger Eric Lochner and Drew Becher Louise and Hugh McB. Johnston Christine Bamberger Wendy and Chris Bentley Courtney and Steve Kapp Bear Electrical Anne-Marie and James Corner Ann and Jack Kelly Cafiero Lighting Design Steven Korman Deenah Loeb & Walt Crimm Valley Green Inn Martha and Robert Kennedy Arlene Yocum and Richard Kremnick Curran Painting McFarland Tree & Landscape Services, Inc. Carolyn Adams and John Meigs Mary and Steve Kurtz Dal-Tile Best Nest Heidi Grunwald and Kenn Rymdeko Sarah and Ted Lodge Dan Fleck Carpentry Kim Whetzel-Berkshire Hathaway Home Erin and PJ Yeatman Services-Fox & Roach, Realtors Chris McCausland John Duffy Green Ash Mike Hickey-State Farm Insurance Agency Wendy and Wade McDevitt Amy Banse & Joe Dworetzky Cindy and John Affleck Stratton Management Company Jennifer and Burton McHugh Frederick Duckloe & Bros., Inc. Gray Birch Weavers Way Co-op Lyn and David Montgomery Brian Foster Melen and Richard Boothby Susan and Robert Peck Glendinning Contractors The Cedars House Liz Werthan and Bob Brand Myrna and David Pope Groundwork CE Hopkin Roofing Co. Deenah Loeb and Walt Crimm Jean Sachs Hill Company Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters Emily and Ted Daeschler Sarah Sanz Jane Good Design Elfant Wissahickon Realtors Susan and David Dannenberg Bettina Hoerlin and Gino Segre Joseph Turco Plumbing Indigo Schuy Sara and Thomas Emlen Marjorie Shiekman Maloumian Oriental Rugs Larry Weaner Landscape Associates Nancy and Michael Evans Betsy and Richard Smith Lisa Kabnick & John McFadden Renewal by Andersen Julia and Samuel Finney Anne and Matthew Sudduth OKMSTUMPT by Kara Markley Ryan Painting, LLC Nanie and Jay Flaherty Ruffian Tittmann Overbrook Tile Company Wissahickon Tree and Jennifer and Philip Flynn Mellen and Brian Vogt Palladio Landscape Services, LLC Elizabeth Gemmill Patricia and Bruce West PMA Masonry David Brothers Landscape Services Wayne Given Camilla Williams Rebecca Paul Residential Design Penn Distributors Maryalice Cheney and Scott Goldman Sue and Michael Young Riccardi Brothers–Old City Paint & Decorating Philadelphia Insurance Companies Susie and Robert Harries Emily Southerton, Photographer A.D. Marble & Company Isabella Sparrow Campbell’s Place terrain ThanksStable Tables

Selections from the Cabinet of Curiosities FOW Board Member Sam Finney with Julia Finney Dancing to the Scott Romig Band Dancing to the Scott Romig Band Photos by Emily Southerton Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 9

9 9

Valley Green Inn: BeforeandAfter o other spot in the Wissahickon is as well known or loved as Valley Green Inn. For that reason, FOW made Ndesign improvements at the Inn throughout 2014 that There’s Still Time— were showcased at the 90th Anniversary Gala, “Cabinet of Curiosities,” in October. Led by Interior Designer Ann Kelly, a AFTER to light a candle on renovation team of local designers–Amie Cafiero, Jane Good, our birthday cake! and Rebecca Paul–worked with FOW and generously donated There are only a few days left to light a candle their skills to the project. The Inn benefited from some on our 90th Anniversary Cake! Each $100 key new design elements, including: new tile floors in the donation lights a new candle. As of December back hallway bar; plaster repairs, painting, new chairs, and BEFORE 1, 51 FOW supporters have lit candles. Help us refinished wood floors in the main dining rooms and foyer; reach our goal of 90 candles by December 31! new lighting and light fixtures throughout; and renovation of Thank you to our the bathrooms. 90th Anniversary Candle Donors These interior design improvements are in addition to Sara Allen major repairs and improvements recently made to help prevent Mary Ashmead water damage such as occurred during previous storms. These Eileen and Nick Baughan improvements include: a backflow preventer, sump pumps in the Perry Benson basement, and new generator. Charlotte Betancourt Kenneth Burk Others also contributed to the improvement of Valley Green Joan and Ernie Burrell Inn. Restaurant Proprietor Jack Ott financed the repainting of the Emily and Ted Daeschler Francis Dallett building’s exterior and masonry repairs to the porch steps, and AFTER John Duffy of Stable Tables refinished the wooden bars in the rear Marysue and Matthew Dougherty room. The Fairmount Park Historic Trust restored the windows Ruffian Tittmann and Kyle Dunleavy in the dining rooms, installed new shingles to the archway of Michael Ferneau the old rose garden formally on the left side of the Inn, and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Finston repainted this small structure. Nanie and Jay Flaherty BEFORE Robert J. Fleming Joan and Stan Freed Diane Garvey Thanks to Our 90th Anniversary & Wayne Given Heidi Grunwald Valley Green Inn Restoration Donors Robert Harries Holly and Tom Harrity Cindy and John Affleck Tracy Latchaw John J. Hopkinson Susan and Steve Albert Dian Lau Frances Jueds Timothy Ammon Judith Leifer Anna Kamstra Francis Bandura Rosemary and G. Craig Lord Daniel Kanofsky Martha and Robert Kennedy Ruth Bandura Simon Luongo Shirley Landis AFTER Joan and James Barker Bonnie and Peter McCausland Caroline and Charles T. Lee Anita Beck Anne McManamy Eliza and Charlie Lee Amy Branch and Jeff Benoliel Hope and James Morrissey Martin Lentz John Bevan Sarah Mott Carol Yaster and William Levant Gretta Leopold Edward Biasi Joan Newhall BEFORE Janet Lochner Joan and Livingston Biddle Pascal Prigent Wayne Miller Emmanuel Castello Lizann and David Rode Doris and Robert Moss Wendy Concannon Kyle Salata Shaun F. O’Malley Patricia Connolly Holly Sanford Ruth Pfeffer Carolyn and Scott Conti Stefanie and Alex Seldin Rose and Peter Randall Phillip Damm Michael Shields Susan Rheingold Merritt Rhoad Joe D’Antonio Ron Silberstein Susanna Ribault Jill Smith & Rosalind Dutton Virginia St. Claire Audrey Simpson Craig Ferrere Susan and Howard Swain Ann and George Spaeth Richard Geist Brian Taggart Richard Tschopp Diana & Gary Giegerich Joanne Utkus Michael Vivino Herbert Weintraub Peggy Harris & Glenn Hopey Kathy and Emory Van Cleve Kim and Will Whetzel Jason Huber Peter Walsh Indigo Schuy Donna and James Keenan Amanda West In Honor of Bettina Hoerlin BEFORE AFTER In Honor of Sandra and Howard Moody Photos by Emily Southerton In Memory of Koey Rivinus

10 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014

10 Looking Back PARTNERS IN STEWARDSHIP with Peter Lapham Friends of by Dena Sher, Associate Editor

Carpenter’s Woods hen Peter Lapham left his position as half- time director of FOW in the spring of 2003 by Linda Goschke, Friends of Carpenter’s Woods Wto become full-time director of the Chestnut Hill Historical Society (CHHS), he concluded that, “It embers of Friends of Carpenter’s Woods have been was clear that FOW was ready to become a much busy this year. In the spring, we hosted three more dynamic and important organization. It was weekends of activities for a Spring Fest, part of M on the threshold of major change.” However, this had Love Your Park Day in May. This included a successful, well- become possible because Peter himself had obtained a attended bird walk led by Audubon Outreach Coordinator major grant from the William Penn Foundation to hire a full- Keith Russell. Many colorful migrant and resident birds were time director and administrative assistant. spotted, including one of our popular resident Screech- Owls. The following week was devoted to tree planting, with Peter came to FOW after a career in urban and community development. After volunteers planting saplings on the edges of Carpenter’s graduating from Yale University in 1958, he went on to obtain two Masters degrees Woods. Spring Fest concluded on May 18 with a fascinating at the University of Pennsylvania; one degree was in city planning, and the other day of trail walks led by nature experts, including Master in architecture. Initially, he worked for the federally funded Philadelphia Office Arborists Jason Lubar from the Morris Arboretum and Ken of Housing and Community Development. Later, he became a partner at Urban LeRoy of John B. Ward & Co., botanists and ecology experts Partners, a firm that organized private/public funding for projects such as the Avenue Alfred E. “Ernie” Schyuler, Ph.D., and David Hewitt, Ph.D., of the Arts. of the Academy of Natural Sciences, and Grove artist Louise Peter held the position of half-time FOW Executive Director for five years, from Barteau-Chodoff. 1998 to 2003. The other half of his time during those years was spent serving as Over the summer, volunteers repaired fantasy fences, Director of CHHS. “I was happy to move over to CHHS since my interests centered removed the deteriorated meadow fence, repaired some eroded more on buildings than on trees,” he said. Lapham was selected for the position trails, repaired and replaced an owl box, collected trash, and of FOW/CHHS Director by a committee made up of members of the Boards of both removed fallen trees from trails. We joined Tree Tenders on organizations. Ernesta Ballard, then a Fairmount Park Commissioner, supported his November 15 to plant 30 trees along Sedgwick Street as selection. replacements for older trees lost here over the past decade. There were many major issues during his tenure as Director. The overabundance As part of our meadow restoration and enhancement of deer in Wissahickon Valley Park was wreaking havoc on the vegetation and project, plans have been approved for an enlarged meadow, preventing new plant growth. Despite some public protests, FOW pursued state with additional, pollinator-friendly plants. Plans include rerouted, legislation that would permit culling. This was obtained in the form of a ruling improved, lower trail connections around the meadow, with allowing the culling of deer in parks located in first-class cities. stream and meadow viewing areas built for nature lovers Whether or not to allow mountain bikers on Wissahickon trails was another of all types. hotly debated issue. Several public meetings were held during which the question was raised about possible trail damage from the mountain bikes. After significant research on the part of FOW Board Members, it was determined that the trails were deteriorating because they were not designed to withstand recreational use, redirect stormwater flow, and prevent erosion. FOW’s relationship with Valley Green Inn was also renegotiated during Peter’s tenure. This resulted in a 25-year lease of the Inn by the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust to FOW, which is responsible for overseeing the physical condition of the Inn’s structure and its immediate surroundings. The restaurant at Valley Green Inn is operated independently by Bigway, Inc., under owner Jack Ott. “We were also concerned about invasive plants in the Park and with replacing trees in order to maintain the canopy,” said Lapham. Other significant changes to FOW occurred during his tenure, including a tripling of membership as an outcome of an active membership committee and a marked increase in fund raising. “Volunteers and Board members were very active and more directly involved in Park projects. At that time, it was a volunteer-driven organization.” As a result, Peter formed an easy working relationship with the FOW Board. The dedication and Volunteers from Deloitte Consulting energy of certain Board members such as Ed Stainton, Bob Wallis, David Pope, and in Carpenter’s Woods Bill Hengst still stand out to him. Fully retired now, Peter divides his time between his home in Wyndmoor and a vacation home on Block Island. “My Wyndmoor home, because of its age, requires a lot of maintenance, and I also enjoy working in the garden.” At Block Island he gathers his family, which includes two grandchildren, and engages in hiking and Linda Goschke is President of Friends of Carpenter’s Woods. seaside activities. Volunteers are welcome to join FoCW. For more information, visit www.focw.org or email [email protected].

Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 11

11 Naturalist Training PPR Prepares for Program Seeks Emerald Ash Borer Infestation Participants in the by Curtis Helm, INSECT ARRIVAL Philadelphia Parks & Recreation The EAB has been found nearby in Philadelphia area Bucks and Montgomery Counties, about by Andrea Stevens, Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Pennsylvania has an estimated 300 million 20 miles from Center City, and 10 to 15 ash trees, which are at risk of being killed miles from the northern city limits and the n the Spring of 2015, the by the emerald ash borer (EAB), a tiny Wissahickon. It is very likely that it will volunteer training program of Asian insect that began destroying ash trees arrive in the greater Philadelphia area by the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist in Pennsylvania in 2007. Here is an update summer of 2015 and that all ash trees that I is partnering with Friends of the on Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s plan are not treated with an insecticide will be Wissahickon to prepare citizens for dealing with this problem. soon killed. The “death curve” for ash peaks to become volunteer leaders in approximately three to five years following their communities through natural the arrival of the insect. This means that resource conservation education, the City will be threatened with numerous hiladelphia Parks and Recreation citizen science, and stewardship. dead/dying trees, and this will occur over a (PPR) prepared an Emerald Ash Pennsylvania Master Naturalist relatively short period of time. Based on the PBorer Management Plan for the City is a citizen volunteer initiative known location of the EAB, PPR estimates of Philadelphia (EAB Management Plan), with three key components: an dated February 2012, which is available that the peak ash tree mortality will occur TA Mike Kopena leading a initial 55-hour volunteer training, online.* This management plan was beginning about the year 2019 or shortly hike in the Wissahickon annual volunteer service, and thereafter. Dead ash trees decay quickly, and developed in anticipation of the arrival continuing education in the begin to shed large limbs within one to two of the emerald ash borer (EAB), an insect natural sciences. pest that is expected to kill ash (Fraxinus years following their death. It is worth noting spp.) trees in the City of Philadelphia. that it is much safer for arborists, and thus Building volunteer leadership for community-based The EAB Management Plan is intended less costly, to remove a living tree rather conservation, Master Naturalist volunteers design and pursue as a planning tool for the City and an than a dead tree. a wide variety of service projects from habitat restoration and educational document for the general TREE REMOVALS native plantings, to nature walks and interpretative displays or publications on natural history, to water quality monitoring public. PPR has recently prepared a contract and supporting the natural resource conservation efforts of PPR INVENTORY to begin removing some of the trees partnering organizations. Since 2010, Pennsylvania Master identified during the inventory. This contract In accordance with the EAB Management Naturalist volunteers in Southeastern Pennsylvania have: Plan, an inventory was conducted by trained includes the initial removal of approximately interns during the summer of 2013. The 250 trees, about half of which are in the • engaged in more than 6,300 hours of conservation service inventory evaluated all ash trees growing on Wissahickon, many along Forbidden Drive. • contributed $140,700 in conservation value and impact to PPR properties which were located within The work began this past summer and numerous regional partners 100 feet of roads, trails, utilities, structures, should be completed by the winter of this • reached over 9,000 people through education and outreach etc. The inventory also collected data on year. The Arc GIS “collector” application initiatives any hazard trees of any species encountered has been further customized by PPR and • improved 330 acres of habitat through stewardship service during the field work. PPR’s Geospatial provided to the tree removal contractor in Analyst Nora Dougherty customized the order to help the contractor locate trees and • dedicated themselves to 2,300 hours of continuing Arc GIS “collector” application in order to track the progress of this initial tree removal education in the natural sciences effort. This “pilot” tree removal project will collect and manage all of the tree inventory Seeking New Applicants for Spring 2015 data. Data was collected on tablets (Apple help PPR streamline and manage any future i-Pad) and included location, species, efforts. Pending receipt of funding, PPR The Pennsylvania Master Naturalist natural history training diameter, target, and defect (if present). A plans to continue the tree removal contract includes 55 hours of classroom (weekday evenings) and field recommendation for removal or treatment and to begin treatment of approximately (Saturday) sessions and will be coordinated by the Friends of was also included. Each tree was individually 1,000 ash trees during the summer of 2015. the Wissahickon in the spring of 2015. tagged and located/mapped. These tags The training will begin on April 6, 2015, and end on May are visible; they are numbered aluminum Curtis Helm is a Project Manager in Urban 28, 2015. Classroom sessions will take place on most Monday discs (1” diameter), mounted near the Forestry & Ecosystem Management at and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Schuylkill base of each tree. Ash trees in excellent Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Center for Environmental Education. Field trips are scheduled condition, with no structural defects, have on four Saturdays (4/11/15, 4/25/15, 5/9/15, 5/16/15) beginning at READ MORE: http:// been identified for treatment. All other ash 9:00 a.m. and continuing through most of the day. chestnuthilllocal. trees will be recommended for removal com/2014/06/03/emerald- Individuals interested in the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist since these trees have other problems that ash-borer-threatens-ash- Program in Philadelphia are invited to apply by February may cause them to fail or die. The 2013 trees-north-america/ 17, 2015. Applications can be found on Pennsylvania Master inventory collected data on over 7,700 trees Naturalist’s website at www.pamasternaturalist.org under throughout the Philadelphia Park System. http://chestnuthilllocal.com/ “Become a Master Naturalist” and “2015 Training.” blog/2014/06/10/homeowners-can-fight-eab/ Andrea Stevens is Program Coordinator for Pennsylvania Master Naturalist. For more information, contact her at progcoord@ *http://www.phila.gov/ParksandRecreation/environment/forestry/PDF/EmeraldAshBorerManagementPlan.pdf pamasternaturalist.org or (570) 764-7628.

12 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 A Day in the Life of the Wissahickon May 10, 2014 FOW Biennial Photo Contest Winners

This year, FOW asked our Biennial Photo Contest participants to document A Day in the Life of the Wissahickon. Photographers were asked to submit a photo taken in the Wissahickon on May 10, 2014, on a subject of their choosing. Prizes were awarded for Best in Show, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as a People’s Choice Award conducted on Facebook. Second Place A special thanks goes to our Kim Wood for judge, Brian Peterson, who has First Place Umbrella Magnolia over 35 years of experience William Hoffman for as a curator, critic, artist, Houston Meadow and arts administrator in the Philadelphia area. As a practicing artist, Peterson has had more Third Place than 30 solo exhibitions of Jessica his photographs since 1980 Clevenger for at galleries and museums Just before FALLS FOR THE the drop throughout the country. His Friends oF the work is in many collections, including the Philadelphia Wissahickon Museum of Art, the Library of People’s Whose work is rooted in Choice Award Congress, the Virginia Museum protecting the natural Kevin Bennett for of Fine Arts, the Denver Art Easygoing beauty of our park. Museum, the Michener Art Museum, and the Free Library of Philadelphia. You can learn more about Brian Peterson and view his photographs at www. brianhpetersonwordimage.com.

Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 13 Brainstorming on Safety

by Denise Larrabee, Editor

hen a crime is reported in Wissahickon • An app that would indicate where people are in Valley Park, the first response of the park could be useful (although some park Wmany park users is to scale back their users prefer not to use technology in the park). activities in the Wissahickon. But not FOW member • If attacked on the street, it is likely someone Jeni Howe. Soon after the assault of a woman will hear you. Consequences feel greater in the park near Gatehouse Lane on September because of the sense of isolation in the park. 26, 2014, Howe contacted FOW Executive Director • People who are walking their dog are rarely Maura McCarthy and offered to host a meeting attacked. Dog walkers seem to elicit a sense of at her home in Chestnut Hill for area residents safety in the park. interested in park safety issues and building public presence in the park. • Taking too many precautions can hinder one’s experience of the park. “I am in the park everyday with my kids or the dog,” said Howe. “But there are times on upper • More activities in the park—family events, Trout in the trails during the week I don’t feel safe, and it seems classes, hikes, etc.—would draw more park the upper trails are underused due to fear.” She users to the Wissahickon. Classroom— suggested the meeting with the goal of exploring • Volunteers welcoming people to the park at how to get more families in the park, increase use entry points lessons fear. and the Creek and safety, and improve communication within the • Encourage senior citizens who need exercise community. and have time to use the park to walk in the by Erin Mooney, Publicist According to McCarthy, the meeting was useful Wissahickon. in “building engagement with the Wissahickon on Looking forward, FOW views this group as a his past fall, students from the every front. Safety was part of the discussion, but sounding board for community building, and Howe Springside Chestnut Hill Academy the primary goal was to brainstorm on how to get has agreed to help convene another such meeting T(SCH) Lower Schools began a project the community even more involved, more engaged, in the future. “It was very heartening to see so that will culminate in the release of over and more productive on behalf of the park.” many members of the community come together 230 brook trout into their new home in Sixteen people attended the meeting and to help us think through how we can get more the Wissahickon Creek. The students will shared a variety of insights and ideas, including: people involved in the Wissahickon,” said McCarthy. release the fish into the stream in April, after • Many women feel they want to have a partner “Ultimately, the more people who use the park, the raising them from eggs as part of the annual with whom to run or walk in the park. An safer it is.” Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom program organized group would help them find partners. at SCH. From November to April, the students raise the fish in classroom tanks while learning about the life cycle of trout and Tecce Tract Update their habitat. The project is a collaboration between the school’s science department and In July 2014, Springfield Township Board of proposal for development of the tract harkens its outdoor program. The curriculum includes Commissioners voted 4-3 to deny the rezoning of back to the high-density plan originally submitted. information about watersheds, food webs, and about seven acres of land adjacent to Ridge Pike, Accordingly, with new urgency, we again ask the conservation topics, while at the same time known as the Tecce Tract, to institutional zoning. Springfield Township Board of Commissioners to reinforcing the school’s longtime commitment In the front of the forty-one-acre property, a senior take into account the following ramifications: to stewardship of the Wissahickon. living facility called Atria was to be constructed. 1. the loss of ever-diminishing open space and the “The Trout in the Classroom program Several of the board members cited the density of disruption of wildlife in that space. The lower has allowed my students to make a deeper housing in the thirty-one acre rear section of the Wissahickon watershed has been designated as connection to the local watershed,” said property as a reason they were rejecting the plan. an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Marianne Maloy, the teacher who leads Below is the statement FOW Executive Director Society; and the girls’ program. “By caring for and Maura McCarthy presented to the Springfield 2. the effects of stormwater runoff that learning about the trout, they have a better Township Board of Commissioners on June 11, 2014. increasingly (as in the recent storms during understanding about the importance of the week of April 28) erode stream banks and freshwater conservation here in Philadelphia.” he Friends of the Wissahickon has cause costly flooding in Montgomery County. previously raised questions regarding “What I have enjoyed the most about Undoubtedly, the extensive development of the the watershed and ecosystem impacts of Trout in the Classroom is witnessing my T Tecce Tract will affect not only water quantity, development on the property known as the Tecce students taking ownership over the project,” but also the water quality of what serves as Tract. More specifically, we voiced our concerns said Sarah Hendrickson, the teacher who drinking water for 350,000 Philadelphians. about impacts on the portion of the property that oversees the boys’ program. “From testing the adjoins Northwestern Avenue, contingent to the These are not trivial issues, as I am sure the water quality, to feeding, to releasing the trout northern boundaries of the Wissahickon Valley citizens of Springfield and Whitemarsh Townships in the Wissahickon, the students not only Park. and the City of Philadelphia are all aware. It is the learned how to be responsible and patient hope of FOW that the Commissioners here today, but also developed a great appreciation for all Although there was some initial responsiveness who treasure the unique natural beauty of the aquatic life.” to these questions and additional concerns Wissahickon and its recreational and ecological articulated by other groups, it seems that the latest importance, will take this into account.

14 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 One Man’s Trash HIKES IN THE WISSAHICKON An Update from Bradley Maule Trail Ambassador Walks Unless otherwise noted, hikes use rocky, rugged trails that may be wet, slippery, or steep. Please wear sturdy, protective shoes or boots and bring water/snacks if you want them. Children over eight years of age are hen I set out on my first hike to collect litter in the welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. In general, walks are cancelled in the event of heavy rain or Wissahickon in January, I wondered what doing so for a snow. Reservations are not required but are recommended for communication in the event of cancellation due Wyear would teach me. I learned quickly that people who to inclement weather. Visit www.fow.org for updated information. are okay with leaving trash in the woods are okay with drinking Trails Less Traveled III with Gerry Schweiger bad beer. I don’t think there’s even a six-pack’s worth of local craft Friday, December 26 • 1–3 pm Meet in the parking area at Northwestern Ave. at the gray Toyota Corolla. NOTE: There are lots of briers, brambles, beers in all the litter I’ve collected this year, but the Natural Light, fallen trees, and scree; hikers should wear leather gloves or similar thorn-resistant sturdy gloves. Milwaukee’s Best, Bud Ice . . . these are plentiful. Varied Terrains of the Wissahickon Valley with Scott Quitel I’ve discovered that, by and large, cyclists are cleaner than hikers. Saturday, January 10 • 9 am–noon The multi-use (mountain bike) trails are always less littered than the Meet at Forbidden Drive and Bells Mill Road. hike-only trails. In covering every corner of the park, I’ve determined Winter Fit Hikes with May Dominic & Erin Bendig Second Sunday of the month • 9–11 am that, aside from Devil’s Pool and under large bridges, no section of Meet at Valley Green Inn. January thru March. Level: moderate to fast pace. Distance: 4 miles. Some trails may be the park is especially worse than others. The Chestnut Hill side is no rocky and/or slippery so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. This is a kid and dog friendly (on leash) hike. cleaner than the Roxborough side; Germantown no worse than Andorra. We’re gonna do this walk regardless . . . with Bruce Wagner & Kris Soffa Most of all, I’ve realized just how prevalent disposable water Sunday, February 1 • 9:30 am–noon Meet at Cedars House, north end of Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Ave. Level: leisurely pace. Dress in layers and bottles are in our community. Of all the items I’ve filed—beer cans, boots. Bring water, energy snack, and camera. Children 10+ welcome with responsible adult. Registration required to potato chip bags, tennis balls, pregnancy tests—the one that surpasses receive weather updates. Last minute uncertainties? Email [email protected] before 8:45 am. Will cancel only if all others, easily, is plastic water bottles. Deer Park, Poland Spring, roads closed. Nestlé Pure Life, 7-Eleven, Shop Rite, Crystal Geyser, Dasani, Aquafina, The Other Gorge: Down and Up Cresheim Creek with Scott Quitel Pur Aqua . . . so many brands sell life’s essential element that we all Saturday, February 14 • 9 am–noon Meet at park entrance near intersection of Cresheim Rd. and Emlen St./Cresheim Valley Drive. Park along Cresheim have easy access to, packaged in flimsy plastic bottles not meant to Rd. Level: rugged, including steep ascents and descents and rocky creek bed crossings. withstand more than a couple of uses. It’s a topic I will explore at the Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz One Man’s Trash exhibition, coming this spring. And you’re invited! Saturday, February 21 • 1–3 pm In March and April, I’ll present it all—plastic, glass, metal, Meet at Valley Green Inn. Level: moderate on some rocky trails. paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, cigarettes, sporting goods, clothing, A Stormwater Inspired Hike through the Wissahickon with Scott Quitel miscellaneous—as well as the data taken from it, maps, and photos of Saturday, March 14 • 9 am–noon Meet and park near Mount Airy Ave. entrance to the park. Level: moderately strenuous. the park. It will be held, appropriately enough, at the Fairmount Water Invasive and Native Plant Safaris with Michael Kopena Works, which in 2015 celebrates its 200th anniversary of protecting and Saturday, March 14 • 1–2:30 pm providing Philadelphia’s water supply. After all, the Wissahickon is first Meet at Kitchen’s Lane and foremost a watershed, one that empties into the Schuylkill and Saturday, March 28 • 1–2:30 pm Delaware Rivers, which flow through our taps and spigots, and into our Meet at Pachella Field Level: easy-moderate. Suitable for children 10+ with responsible adult. lives. Keep an eye out for FOW’s weekly email newsletter and FOW’s Facebook page for specific dates and details. More details on TA WALKS at www.fow.org

Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter www.amcdv.org Mondays — Wissahickon Gorge Wandering. Brisk-paced hike; distance is dependent on the conditions and speed of the group. Meet at 6:30pm by Valley Green Inn. Bring water and a flashlight. Bad weather cancels. If doubtful, please check the status of the hike before 5:30pm at www.amcdv.org/Calendar/ or contact the Leader. Leaders: Christina Lawless (215-530-3883 or [email protected]); Mike Lawless (215-836-2275); David Stein (215-508-5915 or [email protected]). Dec. 15–29. Tuesdays — Tuesday Nights in the Wissahickon. Casual social hike through hills of Wissahickon Gorge. Bring water and a flashlight or headlamp. Always an option for dinner following the hike. Meet at Bruno’s, at the corner of Germantown and Northwestern Aves., at 6:30 pm. Nasty weather will cancel. Leaders: David Stein (215-499-9803 before 9 pm or [email protected]); Pat Naismith (610-639-3670 before 9 pm or [email protected]). Dec. 16–30. Batona Hiking Club www.batona.wildapricot.org Thursday, January 1 — New Year’s Day Hike. 5-6 miles. Meet at Valley Green Inn at 1 pm. Parking at the bottom of Wises Mill Road and along Valley Green Road. From there, walk down the hill to Valley Green Inn. This is Litter is left on the banks of the Wissahickon Creek a combined hike with Valley Forge Audubon. An optional “Dutch Treat Dinner” at the Yu Hsiang Gardens Two, 7630 within plain sight of a trash can intended to receive it. Germantown Avenue, will follow the hike. Leader: Michael Alper, 215-233-0916, 480-809-5763, or [email protected]. Sunday, February 8 — Wissahickon Hike. 10 miles. Depart G & R at 9 am. Come out and scale “Mount Airy.” Bradley Maule is the founder and editor of Philly Skyline and is a We will wander quiet streets and trails not familiar to many. Part of our hike will be in the Wissahickon. Snow or ice co-editor of HiddenCityPhila.org. He lives in Mt. Airy and is training to cancels. Cost: $1.00. Leader: Paul Piechoski, 215-844-6190. be an FOW Trail Ambassador. Philaventures www.philaventures.org Visit phillyskyline.com/onemanstrash to follow him as he collects litter Last Sunday of Month — Wissahickon Hike. An opportunity to walk at a moderate pace with a talkative in the Wissahickon throughout 2014. You can view the miscellaneous group of LGBT folks who like fresh air and exercise! Some ups and downs and uneven paths are found along the way, items and follow the Wissahickon’s litter in numbers, as well as photos so wear proper footwear and be ready to hike. This groups meets at 2pm at Cosimo’s Pizza, 8624 Germantown Ave. at and maps, from every corner of the park. Bethlehem Pike (the top of Chestnut Hill). RSVPs are required to the hike leader, Andy B. at [email protected].

Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2014 15 Calendar OF EVENTS IN THE WISSAHICKON WISSAHICKON ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. The Tree House is open the second Saturday of every month, 10 am–4 pm. For information or to register, call 215-685-9285 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES or email [email protected]. THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH THURSDAY TOTS Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) lead a service project from 10 am–12 Bring your preschooler for an hour of discovery at the Tree House. Each month we will explore a pm as part of their on-going reforestation activities. Project details and directions to the new topic that celebrates the season. Ages 3-5. Parents stay with their child. $5/child per lesson. worksite will be posted on the WRV website at least one week prior to the event: www. Wissahickon Valley Please register in advance. wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org. For info. and to RSVP, contact WRV at 215-951- 0330, ext. 2101 or [email protected]. Watershed Association Winter Sleepers, January 15 • 1-2 pm WVWA offers many public programs as part of its mission Learn about chipmunks and groundhogs and play in a kid-sized chipmunk home. EVERY TUESDAY to protect the quality and beauty of the Wissahickon Friends of the Wissahickon volunteers repair and build structures in the Wissahickon Creek and to enhance life in the Wissahickon Watershed. Maple Trees and Treats, February 26 • 1-2 pm from 9am to 1pm. For more info. and to register, contact Volunteer Coordinator John Located at 12 Morris Road in Ambler. More info. at www. Search for the special Sugar Maple tree and taste its fresh sap. Watch how the sap turns into Holback at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x107. wvwa.org. Maple Syrup and taste our home made maple syrup on pancakes. EVERY WEDNESDAY Saturday, January 10 • 8:30 am–3:30 pm Soil & Seeds, March 19 • 1-2 pm Wissahickon Service Projects (September through May) 1pm to 3pm. Join Crefeld Wissahickon Excursion: Winter Birding at Mannington Celebrate spring by getting dirty in the soil, discovering worms as they wake, and planting seeds School, FOW, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Something new every week. Call David Marsh to nurture at home with soil, sunlight, water, patience and love. Bower at 215-685-0120 for info. Thursday, January 22 Kids Gone Wild: Winter Exploration, Saturday, January 10 • 1–3 pm EVERY SATURDAY Volunteer Recognition Party Hike the forest in the winter looking for signs of animals—footprints, scat, and homes. Bundle up Friends of the Wissahickon workdays in the park are held most Saturdays from and explore, off the beaten path. Ages 6 & up. Drop-off. Registration is required. FREE 9am–1pm, unless it is a holiday or there is inclement weather. Projects include trail Saturday, January 24 • 1–3 pm maintenance, invasive weed removal, planting, and clean-ups. Visit www.fow.org/ Four Mills Reserve Hike What a Hoot!, Saturday, January 31 • 3–5 pm In this indoor/outdoor program, learn about the special adaptations of owls. Dissect an owl pellet, volunteering/upcoming-workdays for updates and info on future projects. To register, contact Wednesday, February 11 • 7 pm Volunteer Coordinator John Holback at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x107. and once evening falls, take a short hike to listen for owls. Ages 6 & up. Parents invited to stay. Lecture - What’s the Buzz. Presented by Scott Bartow, Registration is required. $3.00/person. FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH local beekeeper. Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) lead a service project from 10 am–12 Adult Full Moon Hike, Tuesday, February 3 • 7–8:30 pm Saturday, February 14 • 9–11 am Hike by the light of the full moon and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the quiet winter forest. pm as part of their on-going reforestation activities. Project details and directions to the Bird Watching at Crossways Preserve worksite will be posted on the WRV website at least one week prior to the event: www. Warm up around the camp fire with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Adults Only. Registration wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org. For info. and to RSVP, contact WRV at 215-951-0330, F riday, FebrUARY 20 • 2–5 pm Required. $5.00/person ext. 2101 or [email protected]. Saturday, February 21 • 9 am–noon For the Love of Nature, Saturday, February 14 • 10 am–noon THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH Winter Bird Seed Sale Pick Up. Seed MUST be pre- Love is everywhere in nature! Kids will search for heart shapes on a hike, and then show their Friends of Cresheim Trail conducts ongoing workdays in order to enhance the evolving ordered by February 17. love for nature by creating gifts to help the animals through the winter. All ages. Registration is required. trail system in the Cresheim Creek area. Meet at the entrance at Lincoln Drive and Allens Sunday, March 1 • 12 –3 pm FREE Lane at 10 am. Participants should wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes; poison ivy Maple Sugar Festival Maple Sugar Day, Saturday, February 28 • 11 am–3 pm is present. All tools, including Join us on Forbidden Drive (near Northwestern Ave.) for our annual MAPLE SUGAR DAY. Maple gloves, are provided. Coffee sugaring demonstrations, mini pancakes with real maple syrup, a pancake toppings taste test, and snacks served. HISTORIC RITTENHOUSETOWN and freshly made maple candy. Pennsylvania Maple Syrup products available for purchase. NO Contact: info@cresheimtrail. Historic RittenhouseTown offers classes, workshops, and registration necessary. Visit anytime between 11 am and 3 pm. All ages. FREE org or 215-715-9159. events for individuals and families to learn about the craft of hand papermaking and other aspects of Colonial life at FRIENDS OF March Mud, Saturday, March 14 • 1–2:30 pm the original Rittenhouse Family Homestead. Located on The magic of mud will be explored as kids get dirty in different types of soils—sand, silt and Lincoln Drive at Rittenhouse Street. Info. at 215-438-5711, THE WISSAHICKON clay—both while hiking through the forest and while planting seeds at the Tree House. All Ages. Registration is required. FREE [email protected], or www.rittenhousetown.org MONDAY, JANUARY 19 Martin Luther King Day of Service Hibernation Hike, Saturday, March 21 • 1–2:30pm RUNNING See p. 7 Get out, stretch those legs after a long winter, and wake up your brain while learning a few things CLUBS about the forest around you. We’ll hike at a quick pace while stopping occasionally to look for the TAa W lks and talks very first signs of spring. Ages 6 & up. Registration is required. FREE EVERY THURSDAY see p. 6 Wissahickon Wanderers Trail Run. 3-5 miles. Starts 6:30pm sharp at Valley Green Inn. For updates and more info visit www. wanderersrunningclub.org. Future calendar listings for the newsletter may be placed by EVERY SATURDAY contacting the Friends of the Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 Shawmont Running Club. Starts at Northwestern Ave. & Andorra Rd. For a listing of more events this fall, visit (north end of Forbidden Drive). From 2nd Saturday in May thru 2nd Saturday http://www.fow.org/calendar. or [email protected]. in Oct. start at 7:30am. From 3rd Saturday in Oct. thru 1st Saturday in May The Calendar of Events in the Wissahickon may also be viewed on start at 8am. Distances are at the discretion of runners. All levels welcome. FOW’s website www.fow.org, which contains updates on our events, Emphasis is on fun! www.shawmontrunningclub.com. Join us on facebook and twitter including cancellations. — Friends of the Wissahickon Membership Form —

  YES, I/We want to help preserve and protect the Wissahickon. Membership Level  $20 Limited Income/Students  $45 Basic  $75 Family All new members receive a map of the Wissahickon Valley. Limited  $100 Contributing*  $250 Sponsor*  $500 Patron* Income/Student members receive invitations to all events and our quarterly newsletter. Basic members receive invitations to all events; our  Society of Generous Friends*  $1000  $2500  $5000  $10,000 or above quarterly newsletter, and membership card with discounts for meals at Valley Green Inn (in the park) and FOW merchandise. Family members *Choice of: receive all benefits of Basic membership plus choice of two kids tees  Hat  T-Shirt (circle size) (S [6-8], M [10-12], L [14-16] ). Contributing members and above ($100 Children: S M L or more) receive all benefits of Basic membership plus choice of hat or T-shirt (M, L, XL).  Please keep the premium and Red Bird: Women S M • Adult L XL use the entire membership fee for the Park. Warbler & Map: Adult M L XL XXL Method of Payment Name______ Check Enclosed (payable to the Friends of the Wissahickon) Street______ Charge my City______State______Zip Code______ VISA  Mastercard  AmX  Discover

Phone (Home) ______(Work) ______E-mail______Card Number______I also want to help the Friends of the Wissahickon with: Expiration Date______ Membership  Community Outreach  Trail Repair  Clean-Up  Wildlife Signature______ Fundraising  Reforestation  Structures Repair  Education  Vine Removal Please return to: 8708 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 • tel 215-247-0417 • [email protected] • www.fow.org Contributions to the Friends are tax deductible as permitted by current laws. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll free, within Pennsylvania (800) 732-0999. C

Non-Profit Organization org or215-715-9159. andsnacksserved. Coffee Contact: info@cresheimtrail. including gloves, areprovided. poison ivyispresent. All tools, long sleeves, sturdyshoes; should wearlongpants, 10am.Lane at Participants trail systemintheCresheimCreekarea. LincolnDriveand theentranceat Meetat Allens Friends ofCresheimTrail inordertoenhancetheevolving conductsongoingworkdays THIRD SATURDAY OFEVERY MONTH ext. [email protected]. wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org. Forinfo. andtoRSVP, contact 215-951-0330,WRV at worksite willbepostedonthe leastoneweekpriortotheevent:WRV websiteat www. activities.pm aspartoftheiron-goingreforestation Projectdetailsanddirectionstothe Wissahickon RestorationVolunteers projectfrom10am–12 (WRV)leadaservice FIRST SATURDAY OFEVERY MONTH Volunteer [email protected] JohnHolbackat Coordinator or215-247-0417x107. onfutureprojects. andinfo updates for volunteering/upcoming-workdays To register, contact maintenance, invasiveweedremoval, planting, andclean-ups. Visit www.fow.org/ 9am–1pm, orthereisinclementweather. unlessitisaholiday Projectsincludetrail from intheparkareheldmostSaturdays Friends oftheWissahickonworkdays EVERY SATURDAY info. 215-685-0120for Bower at School, FOW, andPhiladelphiaParks&Recreation. week. Somethingnewevery CallDavid 1pmto3pm. Projects (SeptemberthroughMay) Wissahickon Service JoinCrefeld EVERY WEDNESDAY [email protected] at or215-247-0417 x107. from 9amto1pm. Formoreinfo. andtoregister, contact Volunteer John Coordinator Friends oftheWissahickonvolunteersrepairandbuildstructuresin Wissahickon EVERY TUESDAY 0330, ext. [email protected]. wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org. Forinfo. andtoRSVP, contact 215-951- WRV at worksite willbepostedonthe leastoneweekpriortotheevent:WRV websiteat www. activities.pm aspartoftheiron-goingreforestation Projectdetailsanddirectionstothe Wissahickon RestorationVolunteers projectfrom10am–12 (WRV)leadaservice THIRD SUNDAY OFEVERY MONTH VOLUNTEEROPPORTUNITIES alendar Emphasis isonfun!www.shawmontrunningclub.com. 8am.start at thediscretion ofrunners. Distancesareat All levelswelcome. in Oct. 7:30am. startat inOct. From3rdSaturday inMay thru1stSaturday (north endofForbiddenDrive). thru2ndSaturday inMay From2ndSaturday RunningClub.Shawmont Northwestern Startsat Ave. & Andorra Rd. EVERY SATURDAY wanderersrunningclub.org. sharp at Valley GreenInn. visit www. andmoreinfo Forupdates Wissahickon Wanderers Trail Run. 3-5miles. Starts6:30pm EVERY THURSDAY CLUBS RUNNING Celebrating 90 Years—Countless Friends U.S. Postage Paid Philadelphia, PA 8708 GERMANTOWN AVE. PERMIT NO. 05064 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19118

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