Start your New Year off right and hike off those holiday treats! Improve your health with friends and furry pals. This one hour hike over Hill and Dale Preserve will energize your mind and get your circulation going during the winter season. Hiking shoes, hats and mittens are encouraged. A warm refreshment will be served.

Please click here for additional information, including pricing. 

Are you the parent of a young child and looking to get some exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature? Come out to the Pennypack Environmental Center on Friday, January 8 from 9:30-11 am for the Tiny Tikes Fitness Hike. This free event, facilitated by Environmental Education Planner Stephanie Hoffer Robinson, is for parents with children ages 2 and under. Children must be small enough to be carried or fit into a baby carrier, as the trails used for the hike do not accommodate strollers.

The Delaware Canal Vision Study is a comprehensive stakeholder process designed to engage a wide range of regional advocates and residents in a highly collaborative manner.

The project was initiated by Delaware Canal 21 to consider the entire 60-mile long National Historic Landmark located within Delaware Canal State Park in Bucks and Northampton counties. The results of the study will be the first step in developing a comprehensive long-range plan for the Canal.

The process, which began in April 2015, seeks innovative ideas in a series of public meetings over the next several months. Other key participants include the Delaware Canal State Park Advisory Committee and the Friends of the Delaware Canal. Funding for the project was provided by the William Penn Foundation and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) serves as project manager.

Outcomes from this year-long undertaking will identify strategies to reverse the physical deterioration of the Delaware Canal in order to assure the long-term improved maintenance and financial sustainability of this National Historic Landmark.

Please tell us your thoughts on the Delaware Canal by participating in a Vision Study Survey here.

During this guided hike, hikers will see some of the biggest trees in the forest – some over 13’ around.  Learn how to identify these trees based on their winter characteristics, such as shape and bark pattern.  As you walk past old fields and ruins of 19th century homesteads, you’ll hear about the history of the land and how human use has influenced the forest.  If there is snow cover on the ground, wear warm boots or snowshoes.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration required.

Free for Schuylkill Center members

Register online here.

As part of the 21st Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, TTF Watershed needs our help!

TFF Watershed will be leading guided tours along the Tacony Creek Park trail on the Circuit and cleaning up their beautiful park along the way. Lunch will be provided inside New Life Church across the street, along with watershed and clean water themed activities.

Dress warm and bring a friend!

RSVP to Robin Irizarry at [email protected] or 215-744-1853.

Photo: Glacial Melt by Jim Amon

D&R Greenway and the Green Hour Radio Hosts launch a new lecture series, Framing the Future: Seeking Solutions to Environmental Challenges, beginning January 28, 2016, with a discussion, Exploring the Outcome of 21st Climate Change Conference (COP21). Princeton University Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and former Director of the Princeton Environmental Institute Steve Pacala; Professor Anthony Broccoli, Co-Director, Rutgers Climate Institute; and Jeanne Herb, Associate Director of the Environmental Analysis and Communications Group at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy will discuss the outcome of COP21, the latest scientific consensus on climate change, the significance of  the 2-degree target, and the likely impact of climate change on our region. Doors open 5:30 p.m., discussion 6-8 p.m., at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton. Free, please register at  or call 609-924-4646.

Calling for Attendees: The Fifth Annual Richard L. James Lecture

Just before 200 nations gathered in Paris to hammer out a climate change agreement, Philadelphia released its own report on how the city might adapt in the decades ahead.  Growing Stronger: Toward a Climate-Ready Philadelphia notes that 49 daily temperature records have been set here since 2000, 18 since 2010, and the Delaware River has risen about a foot in that last 100 years.  While Philadelphia historically suffered through 20 days of 90-degree temperature annually, thermometers now hit that number 40 times per year, a doubling.

Sarah Wu, Director for Planning in the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, presents the city’s key findings, and will be joined by a panel of leading Philadelphia scientists, activists, and policy experts working on a climate-ready Philadelphia.

Please click here for additional information, 

[Photo from Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor] 

On Saturday, February 6, bring family and friends and join D&L National Heritage on the South Bethlehem Greenway for a #tailonthetrail event! There will be a healthy cooking demo and tasting, free zumba class and healthy living activities for all ages in the Fowler Hispanic Youth Center. 

RSVP is requested by contacting St. Luke’s InfoLink at 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537) or at [email protected].

Saturday, February 6, 2016 • 10 am – 12 pm, South Bethlehem Greenway Fowler Hispanic Youth Center, 502 East 4th Street (corner of Fillmore and Fourth) Bethlehem, PA 18015

Please join the DVRPC on Feb. 17 from 7:30-9:30am at Crowne Plaza Philadelphia - King of Prussia for a presentation on DVRPC's Designing Healthier Communities Event!

Greg Krykewycz, PP, AICP, Manager, Office of Transit, Bicyling, and Pedestrian Planning at DVRPC will be presenting on the following:

• Overview of how DVRPC's ongoing work helps make cycling safer and more appealing throughout our region, including recent and upcoming planning projects, counting and data collection efforts, and The Circuit Trails regional trails program. 
• DVRPC's growing focus on healthy communities, including the work of the Healthy Communities Task Force. 

Other panelists include:

• Moderator & Presenter: Michellel Kichline, Chester County Commissioner
• Terrence Foley, President & CEO
• Brean Flynn, TDM Manager
• Sean Moir, Township Supervisor
• James Pudleiner, PE, Principal 

Learn about various aspects involved in planning, design, zoning, walkability, cycling, green parking and infrastructure and how integrating these principles creates healthier communites!

Click the following link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-healthier-communities-tickets-20417675818.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. 

The 2016 Trail Summit will take place at the Community Recreation and Environmental Center (9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford, PA 19041) in Haverford Reserve. The summit is hosted annually by the Haverford Township Parks and Recreation Department, and conducted by the Friends of Haverford Trails. There is no cost to attend, and anyone interested in walking and biking is welcome.

Presenters and attendees will discuss progress, plans and opportunities for trails, walking and bicycling in Haverford, Lower Merion, Radnor, Upper Darby, Marple and Newtown townships. We will also focus on establishing links throughout our region, like the Valley Forge - Heinz Refuge "Circuit" Trail and Delaware County's construction of part of the Darby Creek "Circuit" Trail. We will review progress, identify opportunities to improve walking and biking in our region, and prioritize and help plan continuing trail connections in our communities. You can bring your wish list, adopt a trail, and help us plan for more trails. We hope to see you there!

For additional information and registration, please visit the following page: http://theflowershow.com/special-events/event/run-into-spring-5k

Please join Cooper's Ferry Partnership for an afternoon with Camden City Mayor, Dana L. Redd and both national and regional economic development leaders to discuss the latest trends in citywide business growth, partnerships and strategic investments that are helping revitalize the economic vitality of Camden City. The Cooper's Ferry Partnership's 2016 Annual Meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 3:00p.m - 7:00p.m. at Currents the Ballroom in the Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ.

This year's theme will be Camden Rising. The afternoon will feature networking opportunities in addition to key remarks from Mayor Redd and other distinguished guests. Additional information to be announced shortly.

Agenda

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.          Cocktail Reception and Networking

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.          Presentations

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.         Networking

For more information and to register please click HERE.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

1. Attendees will receive a complimentary parking voucher at registration. Complimentary parking will be provided at the Aquarium lot (see map below).

2. Please enter at the Aquarium's main entrance facing the Delaware River. To enter the venue, please follow the path to the right of the Aquarium to the Waterfront. You will then enter at the main entrance of the Aquarium facing the river for registration (see map below).

3.  For DIRECTIONS to Adventure Aquarium please click HERE

The NJBWC Summit is New Jersey’s statewide meeting of bicycle and pedestrian advocates, elected officials and other civic leaders, transportation and urban planners, bike shop owners and managers, cycling, walking, fitness and health enthusiasts and experts, recreation, trails and club leaders and others who are interested in making NJ a better place to live.  It’s an invaluable opportunity to connect and collaborate, and a perfect way to stay on the cutting edge of developments in active transportation in New Jersey and across the region.

The 2016 New Jersey Bike & Walk Summit will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Princeton University in Princeton, NJ, at the Friend Center for Engineering Education.  With their new accommodations, this upcoming Summit is sure to be the biggest and best yet!  Register online by Wednesday, February 24 to receive the special discounted rate.  Day-of-event registration will also be available at the door on the morning of the Summit at the full event price.

At the 2016 Bike & Walk Summit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about current state and federal legal and policy issues affecting your community,  become aware of various public funding sources, and have the ability to network, identify and develop mutually beneficial relationships that can help your community become more bike and pedestrian friendly and therefore, more livable.

Speakers for the 2016 Summit include:

• Barbara McCann, USDOT, Architect of the Complete Streets Movement
• Alex Doty, Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists
• Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert
• Essex County Freeholder Vice President Brendan Gill
• Cory Booker, U.S. Senator (invited)

The 2016 Summit also features 20 breakout sessions to choose from, including workshops and panel discussions covering a range of topics from Complete Streets and Safe Routes to Schools, to Equity & Sustainability, Funding & Grants, and Tools & Education.

To register for the 2016 Summit click here. 

Philly-based United By Blue kicks off its 2016 spring Schuylkill cleanup season at Bartram’s Garden. The one-for-one clothing and outdoor gear company—one pound of trash picked up for every item purchased—has removed more than 13,000 pounds of trash from Bartram’s since they started hosting cleanups there in 2010. For this go-round, they’re partnering with the Philadelphia Water Department to pick up garbage that collected along the Schuylkill River banks throughout winter. After the cleanup, the group will head to City Tap House to toast their accomplishment over beer and pizza. 

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s Women Bike PHL initiative hosts Urban Riding Basics. The free gathering is for ladies and female-identifying folks who want to learn more about how to be a better, safer biker in Philly. Instructors will share ways to deal with angry drivers, offer a few route suggestions and tips on how to dress for the weather. They’ll also cover basic info on Philly’s bike share program, Indego, for those who haven’t yet embarked on bike-rental territory.

Montgomery County’s Green Lane Park will host a program entitled “Maple Sugar Magic” on Saturday, March 5, 2016 with demonstrations beginning at 11:00am and 2:00pm. The rain/snow date will be Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the same starting times. 

Educators and volunteers from the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites will demonstrate the centuries-old process of making maple syrup and sugar from the sap of maple trees. Maple sugaring is a uniquely North American tradition dating back to the 1500s, and has a prominent place in Native American and early American folklore. Visitors will witness the tapping of a maple tree and the boiling process in an evaporator and learn about the tradition of the “sugaring off” party. Participants will also be able to compare the taste of real maple syrup with commercial pancake syrup. Real, Pennsylvania-made maple syrup, cream, and candy will be available for purchase. Help celebrate Green Lane Park’s 28th year of maple sugaring in the park and enjoy the process from “tree to table.”

This program is offered free of charge and is appropriate for all ages. Demonstrations will begin promptly at 11:00am and 2:00pm at the Hill Road Day Use Area located at 2821 Hill Road, Green Lane, PA 18054. Scouts and other organized groups are welcome, but please call ahead.

For more information, please contact Kevin Crilley, Region II Environmental Educator, Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, at 215-234-4528 or via email at . Visit Green Lane Park online at www.montcopa.org/greenlanepark. 

Take a closer look at maple trees, especially sugar maples, at Norristown Farm Park on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 1:00pm. How did the Native Americans and early settlers get their maple sugar? Hear a Native American legend about the discovery of maple sap.  Learn how maple syrup is made from the sap of this special tree. Taste maple sugar and pure maple syrup and compare them to commercial varieties.

This free program is sponsored by the Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Department of Assets and Infrastructure. The program is suitable for adults and children six and older. Preregistration is required. Please call 610-270-0215 to preregister. The snow date is Wednesday, March 16, 2016.

The program will meet at the pavilions. Visit Norristown Farm Park online at: www.montcopa.org/norristownfarmpark. 

Join the Schuylkill River Heritage Area for a dinner and awards ceremony to support the river, the Schuylkill River Trail and many other projects that benefit the region. 

Attendees will enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food and silent auction/basket raffles while the Schuylkill River Heritage Area honors the recipients of their Schuylkill River Legacy Awards. Raffle and auction items include: and Emotion Kayak, Local beer and wine, original paintings and photographs and other goods from the Schuylkill River region. 

The event will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Historic Sunnybrook Ballroom located at 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown, PA 19464. To purchase tickets online, click here.