Getting Land Preservation Out Into the Open

Fuzzy Photos by Evan Brandt

Eric Jarrell, section chief of community planning for the Montgomery County Planning Commission, illustrates all the area of interest investigated in the draft Multi-Regional Greenways and Stewardship Study during the meeting Wednesday of the Pottstown Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Committee.

Perhaps the first and most important thing to remember about environmentally sensitive areas, greenways and the like, is that many of those acres are under private ownership.

As a result, there is only so much that governments and non-profit preservation agencies can do directly to ensure the protection and proper function of critical woodlands, wetlands, meadows and streams.

Now in its third year and in preliminary draft form, a study that looks at such properties in 26 municipalities over 195 square miles in western Montgomery and northern Chester counties, looks to maximize that protection at a minimum of cost.

This map shows public parks, preserved

farmland, conservation lands and even

'Main Street Greenways' in purple.

"We can't just buy every property of value," said Eric Jarrell, section chief for
community planning with the Montgomery County Planning Commission.

Jarrell was in Pottstown Wednesday to update the Pottstown Area Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee on the progress of the study since its introduction in November of 2015.

The massive undertaking, assisted by the non-profit preservation group Natural Lands and the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, will be in final form by the end of the year.

Not only will it contain "best practices" for specific habitats and landscape types out in the undeveloped area, but also specific ways to improve specific greenways in boroughs, villages and downtown areas, said Jarrell.

Such efforts will also help in stormwater management efforts, he said.

But it can't cover everything.

One improvement Jarrell said the study is

like to suggest, is to use vegetation to 

replace some of the "ocean of asphalt" that

surrounds the firehouse in Gilbertsville.

For example, the study group looked at 38 public parks, but there are about 300 that it didn't. So father than try to devise a specific plan for each park, it will outline the "best management practices" for areas near streams, called "riparian buffers," woodlands and the like.

And those practices will not just be for municipal or protected lands, but also those in private hands as well. Jarrell said when complete, owners of those properties believed to have important or sensitive natural features will be invited to learn how to better manage them for maximum natural benefit.

They won't be pushy, he said in response to a concern raised by New Hanover Supervisor Kurt Zebrowski. "I think we'll have our hands full just trying to meet the needs of those landowners who respond and want our help," Jarrell said.

A separate guide will be produced for the management and improvement of Main Street greenways, said Jarrell, as well as guidelines for mustering a force of volunteers who can properly undertake such tasks as plant trees and remove invasive species.

Hopefully, private landowners may be able to take advantage of such volunteer groups as well.

And with that, here are the Tweets from the meeting:

Managing Greenways and Open Space

Perkiomen Creek Sojourn On Tap for June 2

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the law firm of Keenan, Ciccitto & Assoc. LLP.

The Perkiomen Creek Sojourn will be held Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 9 a.m.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy has again teamed up with the law firm

of Keenan, Ciccitto  & Associates, LLP, located at 376 East Main Street in Collegeville, to conduct the canoeing and kayaking adventure down the Perkiomen. 

It begins  at the Conservancy Headquarters at the border of Schwenksville and ends at Hoy Park in Arcola. 

Every year, the Perkiomen Sojourn attracts more participants and becomes more interesting.

Andy Curtis, a Conservancy Board Member and expert canoeist, brings along a few friends and ensures that there are no disastrous consequences of tipping over in the river.

The scenery on this trip is spectacular. Each year an eagle or two is spotted, a mink is looking hungrily at some chickens, and herons are watching us as we pass by.

As the trip has grown in size, so has it become not just a pleasant ride, but an educational one. 

The Conservancy, generally at a lunch break, provides information on the organisms that live in the river and everyone participates in locating them and learning which ones indicate that the river is clean and unpolluted.

Free transportation is provided from Hoy Park, our take out site, to the Conservancy before the Sojourn, prior to launch. 

There are canoes and kayaks for rent. There is a safety instruction and the day before the event, the Conservancy makes a river run to ensure there are no obstructions.

Registration for members of the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is $35 and $55 for non-members.

Kayak and canoe rentals are $35. For further information and to register please visit www.perkiomenwatershed.org or call 610-287- 9383. See you on the river!

A Barrel Full of Raindrops

Well, it looks like we're going to be getting a lot of rain in the next few days, why not put some of it to good use?

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy will host a Rain Barrel Building Workshop on Saturday,

Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. 

The conservancy is located on the corner of Skippack Pike and Haldeman Road in Schwenksville.

The cost is $55 for members and $65 for non-members.

Rain barrels are a great way to save money on outdoor water use, while protecting streams by reducing stormwater runoff on your property. 

Rain barrels can cost up to $300 in stores, but you can build your own rain barrel with the conservancy for a fraction of that. 

They supply all the tools and materials, walk you through the steps to build your barrel, and show you how to install it when you get home. 

Space is limited to 15 barrels, so register today at www.perkiomenwatershed.org or by calling 610-287-9383.

Conservancy to Host Rain Barrel Workshop

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is hosting a Rain Barrel Building Workshop on Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m.

Rain barrels are a great way to save money on outdoor water use, while protecting streams by reducing stormwater runoff on your property. 

Rain barrels can cost up to $300 in stores, but you can build your own rain barrel with us for a fraction of that. 

We supply all the tools and materials, walk you through the steps to build your barrel, and show you how to install it when you get home. 

Space is limited to 20 barrels, so register today at www.perkiomenwatershed.org or by calling 610-287-9383.

Think Spring for Earth Week

Runners from the 2014 Lenape Survival Challenge

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy invites the community to join in Earth Week events this April.

Registration is open for volunteers and sponsors to participate in the largest clean-up in the region – the Conservancy’s Stream Clean-up on Saturday, April 11. 

Trash not only negatively impacts property values; it can have serious environmental consequences degrading water quality and endangering wildlife. The Conservancy is organizing hundreds of Stream Clean-up volunteers to help remove harmful litter, tires and debris from 45 sites near the Perkiomen Creek, its banks and tributaries.

Then on Saturday, April 25, the Conservancy hosts the Lenape Survival Challenge, an exhilarating two-person team race.

The 23rd annual Lenape Survival Challenge is a unique two-person team race and fundraiser. Part trail run, Spring Mt. climb and paddle, this event connects land and water, testing racers’ speed, stamina and teamwork. Volunteers are needed for many posts starting at 6:30 am.

Sponsorships of both the Stream Clean-up and Lenape Challenge start at just $125. Sponsors are recognized at the event and beyond and support the Conservancy’s work to protect and improve the local environment.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy’s mission is to serve all who live, work and play within the Perkiomen Creek Watershed by conserving and protecting the land and water resources of its 362 square-miles through four counties: Montgomery, Berks, Bucks and Lehigh. 

Founded in 1964 to combat pollution in the Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries, today the Conservancy helps ensure quality drinking water for hundreds of local communities including Philadelphia.

A private 501 (c)3 nonprofit, the Conservancy is funded in part through grants, individual and business memberships and generous support through the Protectors of the Perkiomen program.

Here are the details:

Stream Clean-up: 

Organized clean-up of designated sites along Perkiomen Creek, its banks and tributaries
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2015
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Location: At 45 sites in 362 square-mile watershed
More information:  www.perkiomenwatershed.org/stream-clean-up

Lenape Survival Challenge: 
Two-person team race: approx. 4.7 mile trail run plus 2+ mi canoe down Perkiomen
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015
Time: 9 am
Location: Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
More information: www.perkiomenwatershed.org/lenape-survival-challenge

Rewarding Environmental Stewardship

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy.

Ensuring that community efforts to protect and improve the local environment are publicly acknowledged, The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is looking for a few good people, projects and organizations to recognize with an Environmental Award.

The Perkiomen Watershed appears in 

light purple in this map

 “Through commitments of time, energy and resources, individuals and organizations in the community have made a positive environmental impact at the local level. It's important that the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy acknowledge these efforts, so we're asking for your help. By nominating someone, a project or an organization, you'll let us know about work that has made a significant contribution to improving the Perkiomen Creek Watershed or protecting local water supplies," said Board member Garrett Burch.

To be eligible for the Award, nominees or nominated projects must be located within the 362 square-mile Perkiomen Creek Watershed, comprised of all or part of 57 municipalities within Montgomery, Berks, Bucks and Lehigh Counties. 

Awards will be given in several categories: Kids Making a Difference, Advocate of the Watershed, Corporate, Teaching Excellence, Preston Luitweiler Friend of the Watershed, Municipal and Land Use.

The awards will be presented at the Conservancy’s Environmental Awards Banquet and 50th Anniversary Celebration to be held October 22, 2014. 

All nominations will be judged by site visits or interviews performed by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Events Committee. 

Anyone may make a nomination and all entries are encouraged. 

For more details and entry form go to http://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/nominate or contact Susan in Outreach 610.287.9383 or outreach@perkiomenwatershed.org

Submissions must be made by July 31, 2014.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy’s mission is to serve all who live, work and play within the Perkiomen Creek Watershed by conserving and protecting the land and water resources of its 362 square-miles in four counties – Berks, Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery. 

Founded in 1964 to combat pollution in the Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries, today the Conservancy helps ensure quality drinking water for hundreds of local communities including Philadelphia.

A private 501 (c)3 nonprofit, the Conservancy is funded in part through grants, individual and business memberships and generous support through the Protectors of the Perkiomen program.

Perkiomen Creek Sojourn

So maybe the idea of the Schuylkill River Sojourn tickles your fancy, but you've never done anything like that before, so you're not so sure you want to sign up for too many days.

Well, there is a way you can try out something similar a little closer to home and only lasts for a couple of hours.

The Perkiomen Creek Sojourn, sponsored by the Perkiomen Watershed conservancy and Keenan, Ciccitto & Assoc. law firm, will be held Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the beautiful Perkiomen Creek.

The rain date is Saturday, June 15.

Canoes and Kayaks are available for rental at $30 for conservancy members and $55 for non-members.

By happy coincidence, the registration fee is also $30 for members and $55 for non-members.

You can get a printable registration form by clicking here.

Of you can print out a copy of this blog post and cut out the form I've pasted here.

The launch point for the event is Red Fox Park, adjacent to the Route 73 bridge over the Perkiomen Creek.

Parking is in the Conservancy parking lot across Route 73 from the launch site.

Take out is at Hoy park, along Arcola Road in Lower Providence Township. Know that transportation back from Hoy Park is limited, so if you have a partner, you may want to park one vehicle at Hoy and the other at Red Fox.

Remember to bring your own lunch and drink, a water bottle and sun screen.

For more information, call the conservancy at 610-287-9383.

Other event sponsors include Eastern Mountain Sports, the Wildlands Conservancy, Alpine Sanitation and the Pennsylvania Organization of Watersheds and Rivers.

It's your Earth, How are You Going to Celebrate It?

Blogger's Note: The following are a few ideas from the Perkiomen Watershed conservancy in Schwenksville about how to celebrate Earth Week.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy has a few ideas, and it's probably not surprising that they involve water. During Earth Week, the Conservancy invites the community to get outside with the Annual Stream Clean-up and Lenape Survival Challenge.

For those companies who want to demonstrate tangible support of local environmental initiatives, the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is seeking sponsorship for these events.

"Part of the reason we're so excited to offer these opportunities to celebrate Earth Week is that they give companies a concrete focus for their environmental awareness campaigns internally," said Andy Curtis, Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Board Chairman, "and externally, they highlight a company's important contribution to the watershed, resource conservation, and our communities. We really are all connected."

The Perkiomen Creek is a significant contributor to the Schuylkill River and Delaware River Watersheds, for example. What happens upstream is critical to the health of streams and rivers downstream.

• To kick off Earth Week on Saturday, April 21, the Conservancy will engage hundreds of volunteers in its annual Stream Clean-up in and around the Perkiomen Creek, its banks and tributaries.  Remember Hurricane Irene back in August of 2011? The volume and force of water that plowed through the creek and overflowed its banks left the Perkiomen and many other local water sources in need of clean-up. In addition, many people may not realize that litter on our streets -- even cigarette butts -- gets blown directly into water sources or washed into storm drains and deposited in our waterways. The impact on the health of our streams is significant. Click the link to sign up: http://bit.ly/pwc_streamcleanup

• As the capstone to Earth Week, the Conservancy hosts The Lenape Survival Challenge. Now celebrating its 20th Anniversary, this unique two person team event is the only one of its kind in the area. Featuring a 5.7 mile dash through rolling back roads in Montgomery County, including 1/2 mile up and back down Spring Mountain. plus a 2.5 mile paddle down the Perkiomen, the Lenape Challenge accentuates the connection between land and water. One long time participant describes the race as something she looks forward to “like kids look forward to Christmas.” For details, click the link: http://bit.ly/pwc_lenapechallenge

Sponsorships of both events are available in tiers ranging from $125 for a Participant Sponsorship to $3,000 for a Premier Sponsorship and benefits to the sponsoring organization quickly add up.

For the Conservancy "Corporate involvement positively impacts these outreach events but does even more. Company sponsorships also sustain nonprofits like the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy throughout the year by funding our award winning Environmental Education, Conservation and Stewardship initiatives,” commented Curtis. The Conservancy encourages companies to demonstrate their environmental commitment proudly and locally by partnering with their local watershed this Earth Week.

To sign on as a 2012 Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Earth Week Sponsor or for more information please contact Susan in Outreach at 610 287 9383 or outreach@perkiomenwatershed.org