Mini Grants in the Highlands

A new brochure for the Hopewell Big Woods will be paid for with one of the mini grands announced Monday.

Blogger's Note: The following is an announcement provided by the Schyulkill Highlands organization and includes several local projects,including in North Coventry, Spring City and Trappe.

Nine projects have received funding through a Schuylkill Highlands Mini Grant Program jointly administered by Natural Lands Trust and the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. 

The Director of the Schuylkill Highlands, Carol DeWolf of Natural Lands Trust is pleased to announce that several great projects are being awarded supportive grant funding as part of the Schuylkill Highlands Mini Grant Program Round 6 awards. 

Several programs at the Speakers House
in Trappe will be funded by grants.

“We had an especially great round of conservation projects submitted, and we are pleased to announce that many water resource protection projects within key sub watersheds were chosen to receive funding including, riparian buffer projects to protect streamside historic sites and enhance recreational areas, watershed habitat assessments and visitor amenities to deepen their experience when visiting historic sites”.

The grants, totaling over $77, 000 advance natural resource conservation and nature-based tourism within the Schuylkill Highlands. 

Included among the nine projects funded are: 

• The land protection and stewardship along Tulpehocken Creek and the Union Canal Trail awarded to the Berks County Parks Department, 
• A riparian buffer project being undertaken by the North Coventry Parks Department at Kenilworth Park, 
• A stream monitoring program for the Hopewell Big Woods undertaken by the Hay Creek Watershed,
• A water resources habitat assessment and fishing access and trail project by French Creek by French and Pickering Creeks Conservancy, 
• A new brochure for the Hopewell Big Woods, being completed by the Friends of Hopewell Furnace, 
• Historic markers in Spring City at Bridge Street, 
• A new brochure for the Schuylkill Canal trails system , and 



A new brochure for the Schuylkill Canal Trails system is among
the grant winners. Pictured, Lock 60 in Mont Clare.

• Several initiatives at the historic Speakers House in Trappe. 

The grants represent the fall 2012 Application Round of Awards, and work will be progressing on these starting this month. 

The Schuylkill Highlands Mini Grant Program began in 2010 to support the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative (CLI) and is funded by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the William Penn Foundation. 

Thus far the Schuylkill Highlands Mini Grant Program has awarded over $600,000 in supportive grants to regional projects. These grants have served to protect the natural and cultural resources of this region, adding also to the user experiences and connecting residents to the myriad of offerings provided in this region.

The Schuylkill Highlands is an area which encompasses a large geography including the Schuylkill River watershed in part and the Pennsylvania Highlands. 

The Schuylkill River in Berks County

The Schuylkill Highlands CLI is a place based strategy for natural resource and stewardship supporting this key landscape where there is local willingness and support for conservation as well as locally driven planning and community economic development. 

The Schuylkill Highlands Partnership has forged a variety of partners within the Schuylkill Highlands, all working together to preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources, and encourage sustainable practices to create healthy and vibrant communities for current and future residents.

Country Roads and Open Space Preservation

Take a ride along Chester County's country roads June 10 as part of the Iron Tour.

What could be better than helping to preserve Chester County's beautiful open space? Getting a bicycle tour of it at the same time, that's what.

The Iron Tour bicycle fund raiser will be held June 10, but registration ends June 5 and you can't sign up the day of the event, so you had better get cracking cyclists.

You can join more than 1,500 riders for scenic cycling through Iron Furnace country and have a blast!

The ride benefits the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust preserves open space where iron blast furnaces and forges served as cornerstones of industry in colonial Pennsylvania – hence “Iron Tour.”

When you ride in the French Creek Iron Tour, you have a direct impact on the preservation of the pristine countryside that surrounds you.

Register by 5 p.m. on May 29 and receive a free 10th Annual Iron Tour t-shirt. Registrations after that time will be $50 with no t-shirt.

Also, registration will close at 1,800 riders or at 5 p.m., June 5, whichever comes first.

You can register on-line by clicking here.

With courses ranging from 10 to 100 miles, there’s something for everyone – from seasoned riders looking for a challenge to families with kids in tow.

For details, see below:

Ride Features:

Crossing French Creek on Hares Hill Road in
East Pikeland

• Rides for all levels, from beginners to accomplished cyclists with 10, 20, 34, 50, 64, 75, and 100 mile course options; 
• Well marked courses and cue sheets;
• Quiet, lightly traveled roads and scenic countryside;

Amenities

• Fully stocked rest stops (beverages, fresh fruit, snacks);
• Free T-shirt if you register by 5 p.m., May 29;
• Free lunch after the ride;
• Playground and picnic grounds for families;
• Professional massage ($10 gratuity)

Location

• Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds, 752 Pike Springs Road, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460

(ENTER FAIRGROUNDS FROM ROUTE 113/PIKE SPRINGS ROAD ONLY)

Schedule

• 6:45 a.m.: Check-In opens for 75 and 100 mile rides
• 7:15 – 10 a.m.: Check-In open for all rides
• 7:15 - 8 a.m.: 75 and 100 mile rides begin
• 8 – 8:30 a.m.: 50 and 64 mile rides begin
• 9 – 9:30 a.m.: 34 mile ride begins
• 9:30 – 10 a.m.: 20 mile ride begins
• 10 – 10:30 a.m.: 10 mile ride begins
• 4:30 p.m.: Ride support ends

FYI: The French Creek Iron Tour takes place rain or shine.

Coming through the Sheeder Hall covered bridge from Birchrunville.

Requirements

• All participants must wear bicycle helmets and sign waivers;
• Use of headphones, earbuds, etc. while riding is strictly prohibited;
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

If you have questions, contact the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust at 610-933-7577 or by email: office@frenchandpickering.org or by snail mail at: French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, 511 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460