Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill Art Show Now Open

Honorable Mention: Festival, watercolor by Lori Quinque Quinn

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area

For 14 years, the Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill Art Show and Sale has provided a platform for regional artists whose work depicts the beauty and character of the Schuylkill River valley. Over that time, it has developed a following in the art community, and grown to attract numerous talented artists who work in a variety of mediums and styles.

Hosted by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area in partnership with Montgomery County Community College, the juried exhibit will hang from now to Dec. 17 at the college’s West Campus Gallery at 16 West High St. in Pottstown.

Honorable Mention: Pine Woods Trail,
oil by Russell Slocum

This year’s show includes of 96 drawings, paintings and photographs by over 60 artists. All works were carefully selected from 128 submissions by juror Rachel McCay, assistant curator for the Woodmere Museum of Art in Philadelphia.

McCay selected three winning entries and four honorable mentions. Shamarukh N. Billah earned Best of Show for her oil on gesso board painting “Abandoned Church Building”. That award came with a cash prize of $300. The second place award went to Veronika Berry for her collage “Great Blue Heron on the Schuylkill River,” and Steven J. White took third place for his river watercolor scene, "Essence." Berry and White were awarded $200 and $100, respectively.

Best of Show: Listening Woods,
oil, by Helen Mirkil

The four honorable mentions included two for photography and two for paintings. In the photography category, the awards went to Walt Hug, for his sunset image “Looking Back,” and to Kevin Bennett for his bridge photo “Good Morning Manayunk!”

The other honorable mentions were awarded to Jean Plough for her acrylic “Market Street Bridge,” and to Merrill Webber for her watercolor of paddlers on the river, “Sojourn.”

In addition, the Schuylkill River Heritage Area staff selected a Staff’s Choice award that went to Betz Green for her oil on board “Prophecy Creek Park—First Frost.” Honorable mentions and staff choice all receive $50 awards. All winners also will be given gift certificates to North Penn Art, in addition to the cash prizes.

Staff Choice: Wissahickon in the Fall,
watercolor, by Susannah Hart Thomer

This year, for the first time, the show will be extended with a selection of 15 pieces of art to be exhibited at the Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 31. That exhibit will expand the reach of the increasingly popular Scenes of the Schuylkill, and will maximize exposure for the artists and the show’s top pieces.

Most works in the show are available for sale, and a portion of all proceeds benefits the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

2nd Place: Memento Mori,oil on wood by, Jonathan Bond

The show is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and new Saturday hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information call the SRHA at 484-945-0200. 

For photos of the winning entries and more show details: www.schuylkillriver.org/Detail.aspx?id=1546.

Summer Activities Abound Along Schuylkill's Shores

It's hard to picture a better way to enjoy the lazy days of summer, than along the shores of our own Schuylkill River.

Luckily for us all, the Schuylkill River Heritage Area is located right here in Pottstown in Riverfront Park and has a number of upcoming events to appeal to the historian, padder or pedaler in your family.

• Early Bird pricing ends July 15 for the Ride for the River.

On Sept. 30 the heritage area is bringing the Ride for the River back for a second year. Take a 16- or 40-mile ride along the Schuylkill River Trail from Pottstown to Reading, beginning and ending at Sly Fox Can Jam festival where riders can enjoy eight hours of free live music

All proceeds benefit the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, which works with partners to build, maintain and promote the Schuylkill River Trail.

Click here on this link to register.

Volunteers for Ride for the River are also needed. Interested in volunteering? Email Laura at lcatalano@schuylkillriver.org

• On Friday, July 21, the heritage center will hold Schuylkill Explorers Family Day.

A free two-hour program from 9 to 11 a.m., the program gets kids outdoors and teaches the importance of protecting our natural resources.

Visit the Schuylkill River Heritage Area's River of Revolutions Interpretive Center, walk on the Pottstown RiverWalk, and participate in an environmental education activity

Appropriate for children ages 5 and up; parents must accompany children during the program

Click here on this link to register.

• The first of three popular Pedal and Paddle Tours is scheduled for Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will focus on water quality.

Pedal and Paddles begin with a 4.5 mile bike ride from Pottstown’s Riverfront Park to Douglassville, using yellow cruisers from the Bike Pottstown bike share program. 

Participants either take a guided tour of Morlatton Village's four 18th century buildings including the oldest home in Berks County or ride directly to Douglassville’s Ganshahawny Park for a lesson on water quality. 

Events with a water quality focus include more on-water time, with stops for water testing. 

All events include a picnic lunch(provided) and receive a brief introduction to kayaking from outfitter Doug Chapman of Take it Outdoors Adventures. 

Then, they paddle back to Pottstown via the Schuylkill River. Food, bikes, kayaks and all kayaking gear are provided. Must be 16 or older to participate.

The cost is $40 and each event is limited to 15 people.

The second Pedal and Paddle Tour takes place on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a tour of Morlatton Village.

The third takes place on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again will focus on water quality.

Click on this link here to register for a Pottstown-based Pedal and Paddle Tour.

• Or maybe you would rather take a Pedal and Paddle Tour in Mont Clare along Lock 60 and the Schuylkill Canal that takes place on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..

This will consist of a bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail and a kayaking loop that begins on the river and returns via the canal. It will include a guided tour of the canal and Lock Tenders House.

Click on this link here to register for the Lock 60 Pedal and Paddle

There's no question that the Schuylkill River it itself a work of art.

• But the Schuylkill River Heritage Area loves to see it portrayed in art, which is why is sponsors an annual art show, 2017, Scenes of the Schuylkill Art Show.

Now in its 14th year, the show is hosted by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area every fall at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus gallery in Pottstown. This year's show runs

from Nov. 2-Dec. 17. 

There will be cash prizes from the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and gift certificates from North Penn Art.

Best of Show winner will receive $300 cash and a $400 gift certificate; 2nd Prize: $200 cash and a $250 gift certificate; 3rd Prize: $100 cash and a $100 gift certificate; Staff Choice $50 cash and a $50 gift certificate; two honorable mentions for paintings:$50 each and $50 gift certificates; two honorable mentions for photography: $50 each and $50 gift certificates. 

The Heritage Area will collect a 20 percent commission fee from all sales that result from the show and exhibit. If your work is  sold, the 20 percent commission fee is tax-deductible.

The 2017 show will be juried by Rachel McCay, assistant curator at Woodmere Museum of Art. 

Click here on this link for more information and a registration form.

Schuylkill River Sojourn Registration Now Open

Schuylkill River Sojourners arrive in Pottstown's Memorial Park

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area

Registration is now open for the Schuylkill River Heritage Area’s 19th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn.

The Schuylkill River Sojourn is a 112-mile, weeklong guided canoe and kayak trip down the river planned for June 3-9. Registration opened on March 31 for full-trip registrants only. Partial trip registration, for those signing up for one to six days of the sojourn, opened April 7.

Now, entering its 19th year, the sojourn takes place annually during the first full week of June. The trip begins each year in Schuylkill Haven and ends seven days later at Boathouse Row in Philadelphia. Participants sign up for all or part of the trip and paddle 14-18 miles per day, stopping for lunch and camping overnight at parks along the way.

Each year, the sojourn incorporates programs and presentations at all lunch and evening stops that focus on the culture, history or environment of the river and the region. This year, the sojourn programming theme is “I Protect the Schuylkill River,” emphasizing river conservation.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area has organized the sojourn since 1999. Over

the years the annual event has grown increasingly popular, and has introduced over 3,500 registrants from 25 states, Canada, France and Switzerland to paddling the Schuylkill.

Last year, a record 79 paddlers completed the entire 112-mile journey, while more than 100 others participated in one or more days. This year about 200 paddlers are expected to join in all or part of the sojourn.

Anyone wishing to participate in the Schuylkill River Sojourn is encouraged to register early, as space is limited. For safety reasons, a maximum of 100-110 boats are permitted on the water each day. For more information on the sojourn visit the Schuylkill River Heritage Area website at http://www.schuylkillriver.org/Sojourn.aspx or call 484-945-0200

For the second year in a row, the Schuylkill River Heritage Area has two scholarship opportunities for three people to participate at no cost. The Bill Trace Memorial Scholarship for first time sojourners will cover the cost of a single day on the sojourn for two people who have never before participated. The Schuylkill Steward scholarship is a full-week award given to an individual who will help with blogging, wildlife photographs and water quality testing along the river.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area will also host six Pedal and Paddle events from May through September that will take participants on a round-trip biking/kayaking adventure along the river and Schuylkill River Trail. The first event is planned for May 20.

Visit the Schuylkill River Heritage Area’s website at www.schuylkillriver.org for more details on the sojourn or pedal and paddles.

The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, uses conservation, education, recreation, historic preservation and tourism as tools for community revitalization and economic development

Schuylkill Water Trail Guide Perfect for Paddlers

The new Schuylkill River Water Trail Guide.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

Do you have a paddler on your Christmas list? The Pottstown-based Schuylkill River Heritage Area may have the perfect gift.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area has introduced a new Schuylkill River Water Trail guide designed to help paddlers plan enjoyable trips and safely navigate the Schuylkill. The newly released “A Paddler’s Guide to the Schuylkill River Water Trail,” is available exclusively through the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

The high-quality, comprehensive guide consists of a book and set of removable maps. Both are printed on waterproof synthetic stock. The 20-page spiral-bound guidebook includes a section-by-section trip planner, as well as valuable safety information, a field guide and detailed listing of water trail landings.

A portfolio on the inside back cover holds a set of 18 tri-fold maps that can be easily removed for access on the water. The maps divide the river into 18 sections, and each map provides essential details about waypoints, hazards, river miles, points of interest and much more. Areas of cautions are clearly delineated as is information on water levels and estimated travel times.

Attractively illustrated with numerous color photographs, “A Paddler’s Guide to the Schuylkill River Water Trail” covers roughly 115 miles of the Schuylkill River, beginning in Schuylkill Haven and ending in Philadelphia just below Schuylkill Banks.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area developed the guide in response to a growing interest in river recreation.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of people paddling, fishing and recreating on the river, and we expect that trend to continue,” said Schuylkill River Heritage Area Interim Executive Director Tim Fenchel.

“We put a great deal of effort into creating a first-rate water trail guide that is attractive, portable, and most importantly is painstakingly researched to ensure that paddlers of all abilities have the information they need to safely explore the river.”

The guide was designed by graphic artist Brian Swisher, an avid paddler who spent years researching and developing the content with assistance from nearly 50 contributors.

Cost is $40. For more information or to order a copy visit www.schuylkillriver.org.

The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, uses conservation, education, recreation, tourism, and cultural and historic preservation as tools for community revitalization and economic development. For more information visit www.schuylkillriver.org.

Community College Hub Wins Sustainability Award

The sustainability and Innovation Hub of Montgomery County Community College was awarded the Montgomery County Planning Commission's 2016 Montgomery County Award for Sustainable Design.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Montgomery County Planning Commission.

The Sustainability and Innovation Hub of Montgomery  County Community College (MCCC), located in Pottstown  Borough, received a 2016 Montgomery Award for sustainable design, successful restoration, vision, and collaborative efforts. 

This unique adaptive reuse project transformed a former PECO energy substation and brownfield site into a state-of-the-art center for education, innovation, and conservation.

History

Pottstown Borough has always had a redevelopment vision for its riverfront. 

Located in Riverfront Park, this building was once a PECO sub-station.

Located adjacent to the borough’s 30-acre Riverfront Park and the Schuylkill River Trail, this property has long been a focus for revitalization and is highlighted in Pottstown’s redevelopment plan and the 2003 Riverfront and Memorial Parks Master Plan. 

This former three-acre brownfield site contained a PECO energy substation, built in 1911, which remained vacant for much of the 1990s until it was purchased by the borough in 1997. 

The borough began renovations to convert the north side of the building into offices with the assistance of state, county, and local governments and the Montgomery County Lands Trust. 

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area (SRHA) relocated its offices to the site in 2002. 

In 2007, the MCCC took ownership and began planning for the rehabilitation of the property and expansion of its west campus.

Design

Phase I

MCCC developed the site in three phases. Phase I began in 2010 with the construction of a 202-space green parking lot. 

The parking lot is designed to retain storm water.

The development involved site remediation and the installation of a rainwater collection system that prevents contaminants from leaching into the groundwater. 

The innovative design of this green parking lot utilized bioretention and involved the planting of over 130 native trees, shrubs, and perennials, providing an attractive and well-shaded parking area. LED lighting was also installed throughout the parking lot using an EPA grant. 

The Hub's green roof.

This well-designed parking lot, which is shared with visitors to the adjacent Riverfront Park and Schuylkill River Trail, was a major element in the transformation of the property. 

Phase II

Completed in January 2012, Phase II involved the removal of mold, lead, and asbestos from the building and the demolition and remediation of the building’s south side. 

The old roof was replaced with an eco-friendly green roof, a new entrance and handicap-accessible ramp were constructed, energy-efficient windows were installed, and water and sewer services were
updated. 

The turbines generate enough electricity to run the LED lights in the lot.

Between Phases II and III, MCCC installed four wind turbines on the property. 

The turbines produce a collective 4,000 watts of energy—enough to power the LED lighting throughout the parking lot. The turbines were designed as a demonstration project to teach students and the community about energy production.

Phase III

The final phase was completed in March 2016 and involved the construction of the Sustainability and Innovation Hub in the building’s south side. 

The hub enables MCCC to bring specialized education and workforce training to the Pottstown area. 

The aquaponics/hydroponics lab. 

The first floor features an innovative Aquaponics/Hydroponics teaching laboratory, which supports the interdisciplinary environmental studies program. 

The second floor is the Engineering Design Center, which supports the engineering technology program, bringing the degree to Pottstown for the first time. 

The third floor provides flexible innovation space for mentorship, learning, and collaboration.

The grand opening of the hub took place on April 18, 2016.

Collaboration

This project is a result of extensive collaboration involving years of planning and successful partnerships with many private and public organizations including Pottstown Borough, the Montgomery County Community College, and the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. 

The engineering lab

The college partnered with the SRHA to develop the River of Revolutions Interpretive Center, which
serves as a visitor center for the Schuylkill River region and focuses on the history of the river. 

Many partners worked together to create the Pottstown RiverWalk, a 1-mile scenic trail located in Riverfront Park that meanders through the woods and along the banks of the Manatawny Creek and connects to the Schuylkill River Trail. 

It features a series of interpretive signs highlighting the ecosystem surrounding the river.

The Sustainability and Innovation Hub is an outstanding example of how vision, creative planning and design, and collaboration brought exciting new life to an existing building and created an asset for the college and community. 

The hub, an innovative and collaborative space, offers opportunities for faculty, students, and the community to learn, share information, and work together to create a healthy and sustainable environment.

Walking the Walk And Talking About the Walk

Silas Chamberlin with his book.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

Hiking has a rich history in America that dates back to mid-nineteenth century walking clubs.

How those clubs formed, built trails and advocated for environmental protection is the subject of a new book “On the Trail: A History of American Hiking,” by Silas Chamberlin. 

On Wed., Nov. 3 the Schuylkill River Heritage Area will host an open house, lecture and book signing from 6-8 p.m. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. 

The event will be held at the Schuylkill River Heritage Area offices, located at 140 College Dr., Pottstown.

Chamberlin, the former Executive Director of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, has written widely on trail policy and led a number of trail development initiatives, including his work on the Schuylkill River Trail. 

The book, released in October by Yale University Press, explores the origins of nature walking in America, the rise of hiking culture and the role hiking clubs played in building trails.

“On the Trail,” was described as “A highly detailed and engaging look at the foundational role hiking clubs have played in both trail building and the conservation movement,” by John Judge, President and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

The book sells for $30, and copies will be available for sale during the book signing. 

The event will also serve as an open house to bid farewell to Chamberlin, who recently left the Heritage Area to take another position. 

There is no cost to attend, but space is limited so please indicar you are coming by registering at https://srhabook_signing.eventbrite.com or by emailing ckott@schuylkillriver.org. 

Please indicate if you would like to preorder a book.

Beer Sales Fuel $4,700 Donation to Heritage Area

From left, Sschuylkill River Heritage Area Board Member Wendy Wheeler, SRHA Executive Director Silas Chamberlin, Sly Fox Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly, SRHA Grants Program Coordinator Tim Fenchel.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

Sly Fox Brewing Company presented a check for $4,711 to the Schuylkill River Heritage Area recently to benefit the Schuylkill River Trail.

The money was raised through the sale of SRT Ale, a seasonal beer introduced by Sly Fox last year to benefit and celebrate the Schuylkill River Trail.

Sly Fox Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly presented the check to Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Silas Chamberlin at Sly Fox’s popular Can Jam Music Festival in Pottstown on September 24.

In conjunction with the check presentation, the Schuylkill River Heritage Area also held its inaugural Ride for the River event, a bike ride that benefited the Schuylkill River Trail. The ride, which took place primarily along the trail, attracted over 300 cyclists and began and ended at the Can Jam Music Festival.

This marks the second year that Sly Fox has both brewed SRT Ale and donated a portion of the proceeds from the beer to the Heritage Area. Last year, $4,018 was donated. Therefore, over the past two years, the sale of SRT Ale has garnered over $8,000 for improving, maintaining and expanding the trail.

“On behalf of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and all of the partners working to build the Schuylkill River Trail, I want to thank Sly Fox for their partnership,” said Chamberlin. “We count on great community partners like Sly Fox to help us expand and maintain the Schuylkill River Trail.”

Money donated by Sly Fox has been targeted for the Heritage Area’s Safe Crossing program, which improves safety at various places where the trail crosses roadways.

SRT Ale was re-released for 2016 on Earth Day and was available from April through September. Sly Fox brewers said the beer was brewed specifically for craft beer fans who love the outdoors, and thousands of cases were sold throughout the 2016 season.

SRT Ale has annually debuted at the SRT Spreekend, a weekend-long celebration of the trail that included a 50K relay race, a group kayak paddle on the river and a series of trail cleanups.

SRT Ale was developed as a tribute to the Schuylkill River Trail, one of this region’s most beloved recreational resources. A section of the trail meanders near the brewery in Pottstown, PA, as well as near Sly Fox's original Brewhouse & Eatery in Phoenixville.

The Schuylkill River Trail will one day span the entire length of the Schuylkill River from Philadelphia to Pottsville totaling an estimated 130 miles, and running through five counties (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, Berks and Schuylkill). Currently, there are over 60 miles complete.

The trail is owned and maintained by a number of different organizations. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area operates and maintains about 30 miles of the trail, and works to promote and improve the entire trail.

Sly Fox Brewing Co. describes SRT Ale as “a golden, delicious, hop-forward American Pale Ale, and at 4.7% alcohol by volume, it's designed to be the perfect post-activity beer.”

Scenes of the Schuylkill at Valley Forge

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area.

A new art exhibit at Valley Forge National Historical Park explores the varied beauty and character of the Schuylkill River region.

Consisting of 16 pieces of art and photography by 15 different artists, the Scenes of the Schuylkill selections will be on display in the park’s visitors’ center through Feb. 26. 

"Listening Woods" by Helen Mirkil.

It is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The exhibit represents a selection of art from the larger 12th Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill Juried Art Show, which was held last fall at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus Gallery in Pottstown. 

Most works in the show are available for sale, and a portion of all proceeds benefits the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

The 16 pieces on display at Valley Forge comprise the show’s winning entries and other selected works. They include a variety of mediums and styles, with subjects ranging from river views, cityscapes, woodland scenes, barns and more. 

Presented together they create a striking exhibition that highlights the diversity of scenic beauty found throughout the region.

“We are grateful to our partners at Valley Forge National Historical Park for displaying a selection from Scenes of the Schuylkill at the park,” said Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Silas Chamberlin. “This enables us to expand the reach of our annual art show and draws attention to the many talented artists whose work is deeply rooted in the Schuylkill River valley.”

Memento Mori by Jonathan Bond.

Scenes of the Schuylkill is an annual art show that celebrates the Schuylkill River region through art. Now in its 12th year, it is organized each fall by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, a National and State Heritage Area headquartered in Pottstown. 

The 2015 show included 92 works and ran through November and December at Montgomery County Community College West Campus Gallery in Pottstown. All works were carefully selected from 163 submissions by juror Charles Stainback, Director of Art at the Berman Museum, Ursinus College.

The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, uses conservation, education, recreation, cultural and historic preservation and tourism as tools for community revitalization and economic development. For more information visit www.schuylkillriver.org.

Grants Will Help Protect Schuylkill Water Quality

Silas Chamberlin, executive director of the Schuylkill River

Heritage Area, announces this year's grant recipients.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area distributed grants totaling $274,623 Thursday to nine projects aimed at improving water quality in the Schuylkill River and its tributaries.

The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund grants were awarded to six projects that will focus on stormwater runoff, abandoned mine drainage and agricultural pollution. Also awarded were three land transaction grants that will assist with protection of a priority watershed parcel.

Locally, those projects include: 

• Montgomery County Conservation District, Perkiomen Township Basin: $30,000
  This project will retrofit an existing stormwater basin in Collegeville, Perkiomen Township. The project will implement stormwater Best Management Practices totaling 12,000 sq/ft and utilizing more than 3,000 native plants. Additionally, hundreds of residents will be educated directly through volunteer workdays and a resident workshop.
• Berks County Conservancy, Gehris Property: $4,000
  The Berks County Conservancy, in partnership with the Pine Creek Valley Watershed Association, will complete the fee simple purchase of the Gehris property in the Oley Hills of Berks County. This 51.18 acre parcel will go under conservation easement.
• Natural Lands Trust, Yoder Tract: $4,000
  Natural Lands Trust will purchase a 35 acre riparian easement of the Yoder tract located in Warwick Township, Chester County. This property is located on the headwaters of French Creek which is a designated Exceptional Value Stream and is connected to an additional 114 acre agricultural easement property receiving permanent protection.

The grant fund is administered by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. This year, funds were provided by Exelon Generation’s Limerick Generating Station, the Philadelphia Water Department, The Coca Cola Company, Aqua PA and MOM’s Organic Market. 

About 35 people attended the award announcement, which took place at the Rice Farm in Kempton, the site of a recently completed agricultural improvement project funded through an earlier Schuylkill River Restoration Fund grant. That project included installing manure storage tanks and stormwater controls aimed at keeping manure and other nutrients from leaching into groundwater and being washed into streams.

Speakers included Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Silas Chamberlin, Delaware River Basin Commission Executive Director Steve Tambini, as well as representatives from the Philadelphia Water Department, The Coca-Cola Company and Exelon Generation’s Limerick Generating Station.

“The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund has become a model for the ways in which the non-profit, government, and private sectors can work together to improve water quality,” said Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Silas Chamberlin. “Over the past ten years, we have distributed over $2.5 million — and leveraged another $2.5 million — for 73 projects that protect and restore the Schuylkill River for recreational use and as a source of drinking water for 1.5 million people.”

Grant recipients were carefully selected by an advisory committee consisting of: Exelon Generation, Delaware River Basin Commission, Philadelphia Water Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Schuylkill River Heritage Area, Aqua PA, The Coca Cola Company and the Schuylkill Action Network.

“The health of our watersheds is the result of planning, policies, and projects at every scale,” said Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Executive Director Steve Tambini. “Today is about conservation leadership at the local project level. On behalf of the DRBC, I am pleased to be here with our partners to announce local grants for six projects and three land conservation transactions which will improve the water quality in the Schuylkill River and its tributaries.”

This year, fund donations came from Exelon Generation ($186,292), Philadelphia Water Department ($100,000), The Coca Cola Company ($25,000), Aqua PA ($7,500) and MOM’s Organic Market ($1,000). Any funds not distributed this year will be rolled over into 2016.

The Land Transaction Assistance Grants program, introduced three years ago, provides grants of up to $4,000 per project to pay for costs associated with property purchases and conservation easements on high priority lands for water quality and habitat protection.

Exelon has provided over $2 million to the Schuylkill River Restoration Fund since it was founded in 2006; the Philadelphia Water Department has contributed $600,000. Aqua PA has donated over $15,000 and MOM’s Organic Market over $1,700.

For the past several years, the fund has attracted new contributors. MOM’s Organic Market began contributing last year, and The Coca Cola Company joined this year with a first time donation of $25,000. The Schuylkill River Heritage area and the Schuylkill Action Network continue to seek additional contributors to further expand the fund.

The fund was originally created under a Delaware River Basin Commission docket approved in 2004 and Exelon Generation’s desire to support restoration efforts in the Schuylkill River and its tributaries.

The Philadelphia Water Department’s contribution to the fund is leveraged by other watershed partners and is directed towards addressing stormwater management and pollution mitigation projects upstream of the City’s two drinking water intakes on the Schuylkill River.

Now Council Knows the SCORE.

Wednesday night was Pottstown Borough Council's regular work session.

They saw presentations from SCORE, Traffic Planning and Design and the Montgomery County Planning Commission.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting.

Riverside Art

Susan Williamson's "Haying Day" won Best of Show in the 11th Annual "Scenes of the Schuylkill River" heritage area art show, now on display through Oct. 17 at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus Gallery at 16 W. High St. in Pottstown.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

The 11th Annual Scenes of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area Art Show opened to the public last week and features 82 original works that celebrate the Schuylkill River region through art.

Sponsored by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area in partnership with Montgomery County Community College, the juried exhibit will hang through Oct. 17 at the college’s West Campus Gallery at 16 West High St. in Pottstown.

This year’s show includes a total of 82 original paintings, drawings and photographs by regional artists. All works were carefully selected from 112 submissions by juror Lisa Tremper Hanover, Director and CEO, of the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown.

This is the 11th year the Schuylkill River Heritage Area has organized an art event. 

"Blue Barrow Against a White Barn" by Nancy Durkin Green was

the second place winner in the show.

The Scenes of the Schuylkill Art Show began as a print competition in 2003, and has evolved into an annual exhibit that attracts more than 100 pieces of art each year.

“We are pleased that this art show has grown steadily over the years so that it continues to attract new talent and an impressive selection of artwork each year,” said Heritage Area Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. “Our goal in hosting this exhibit is to support and promote regional artists. At the same time we want to foster an appreciation through art of the diverse beauty and character of the Schuylkill River valley.”

Tremper Hanover selected three winning entries and two honorable mentions. Susan Williamson earned Best of Show for her pastel “Haying Day,” which depicts a Gwynedd Valley farm scene. She will receive $300 and will be presented with an award of distinction valued at $1,000, through Montgomery County Community College, from North Penn Art, in Lansdale.

The second place award went to Nancy Durkin Green for her watercolor, "Blue Barrow Against a White Barn," and David Thomas took third place for his photograph, "Allegheny Aqueduct." Durkin Green and Thomas were awarded $200 and $100, respectively.

In recognition of the Schuylkill as Pennsylvania’s River of the Year, the Schuylkill River Heritage

David Thomas took third place for this work, "Allegheny Aqueduct."

Area staff selected a Staff’s Choice award that depicted a river scene. That award went to Mary Kosar for her photograph, “Fog in Woods, Riverfront Park.”

The two honorable mentions selected included “Window Light at Hopewell Furnace,” a photograph by Ginnie Lodge and “Dawn at Lauer’s Run,” an oil painting by Russell Slocum.

Most works are available for sale, and a portion of all proceeds benefits the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

The show is free and open to the public. 

Gallery hours are: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

For more information contact the SRHA at 484-945-0200 or the MCCC Galleries Director Holly Cairns at 215-619-7349, hcairns@mc3.edu. 

For photos of the winning entries and more show details: www.schuylkillriver.org/Detail.aspx?id=1546.

The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, uses conservation, education, recreation, cultural and historic preservation and tourism as tools for community revitalization and economic development. For more information visit www.schuylkillriver.org.

Illustrating the Revolution

The Pottstown-based Schuylkill River Heritage Area opened a unique exhibit at Valley Forge National Historical Park Saturday, entitled "Bringing the War of Independence to Life: 19th Century Illustrations of the American Revolution."

The exhibit will feature 42 illustrations of the Revolutionary War by 16 different artists whose work originally appeared in 19th century publications.

All the works have been culled from the personal collection of Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. They will be on display in the park Visitor Center through April 28.

In the 19th century, stories and articles about the Revolutionary War provided popular subject matter for books, magazine and newspapers. Because the war had been fought before the advent of photography, artists drew illustrations to accompany the text, thereby producing the only visual record of the war. 

Today, those works continue to teach us not only about the history of our country, but also about the methods by which people and events of the Revolutionary Era were visually portrayed.

Zwikl has long had an interest in 19th century illustrations of the Revolutionary War. From his collection, built over 40 years, he has selected 42 images of battles, leaders and events for the exhibit. 

While at Valley Forge, Washington stayed at this house, owned
by Isaac Potts, a son of Pottstown founder John Potts

He has also created a booklet to accompany the exhibition that offers insights into the significance of the illustrations, and provides details about the artists who created the works. The booklet will be available for sale at Valley Forge National Historical Park throughout the exhibit.

After its run at Valley Forge, Bringing the War of Independence to Life will be moved to Morristown National Historical Park, in New Jersey, where it will hang from June 23-August 26 at the park’s Washington Headquarters Museum.

The exhibit is the result of a partnership between the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and Valley Forge National Historical Park, as well as Morristown National Historical Park, and Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area, in New Jersey.

“We are pleased to be able to tell the story of the war through these fascinating illustrations, and through a partnership that allows us to emphasize the Revolutionary War connections between two national parks in Valley Forge and Morristown, and between two National Heritage Areas: the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and Crossroads of the American Revolution,” said Zwikl.

The exhibit will be on display at Valley Forge National Historical Park’s Visitor Center during regular operating hours from 9-5 daily, through April 28. It is free and open to the public. 

A 24-page booklet about the exhibit will be on sale for $6.95 at the Visitor Center Encampment Store.

The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, uses conservation, education, recreation, historic and cultural preservation and tourism as tools for community revitalization and economic development.

Year of the Schuylkill

Blogger's Note: The following welcome news is provided via PR Newswire.

Once among Pennsylvania’s most heavily-polluted waterways, the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania has undergone a dramatic recovery and has been voted the 2014 Pennsylvania River of the Year.

Four other rivers were nominated finalists. They were: Kiskiminetas-Conemaugh rivers in the southwest; Ohio in the west;Brodhead Creek Watershed in the northeast; and the West Branch of the Susquehanna in the north central section of the state.

The general public was invited to vote online from Nov. 25 - Dec. 27, with a total of 5,527 votes being registered.

Photo by John Strickler

The celebration in Pottstown may have been premature
on New Year's Day, 

but perhaps the revelers could
feel that the Schuylkill had already won.

Final tallies in voting overseen by the Pa. Organization of Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) showed the Schuylkill River receiving 43 percent; Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers, 21 percent; Ohio River, 12 percent; Brodhead Creek Watershed,12 percent; and West Branch of the Susquehanna,12 percent.

“The number of waterways nominated, coupled with a vote tally that increases every year, showcases both the unique diversity of Pennsylvania’s rivers and the strong community allegiances that protect and enhance them,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti.

“All five of these waterways have winning qualities that their supporters recognize and respect.”

The winning applicant in the competition, Schuylkill River Greenway Association, will receive a $10,000 Leadership Grant to help fund River of the Year activities.

The association manages the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area.

 “We are elated to have the Schuylkill be selected as Pennsylvania River of the Year for 2014,” said Schuylkill River Greenway Association Executive Director Kurt Zwikl.

“We are particularly pleased to be named because in last year’s balloting we lost out by less than two hundred votes.

The mural on the Schuylkill Heritage Area headquarters
In Riverfront Park here in Pottstown.

“We would like to thank the Schuylkill River Development Corp. and Montgomery County, who also nominated the Schuylkill and will partner with us in 2014 to bring some outstanding river programming to  southeast Pennsylvania. It is a statewide honor to be chosen, and our thanks go out to all of the individuals and organizations that endorsed us and voted for the Schuylkill.”

This is the second time the Schuylkill has been named River of the Year, having last received the distinction in 1999.

The organization plans to integrate the River of the Year message into its existing programs, including the Schuylkill River Sojourn; newer pedal/paddle events; and a bike tour series on the adjacent Schuylkill River Trail.

Chari Towne's book chronicled

the clean-up of the Schuylkill

Also, POWR and DCNR will work with the Greenway Association to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the Schuylkill as the 2014 Pa. River of the Year.

The Schuylkill stretches 128 miles from Schuylkill County headwaters to its confluence with the
Delaware River in Philadelphia. On the brink of becoming a wasteland, the river was targeted by the state in the Schuylkill River Project, beginning in 1945.

The first major government-funded environmental cleanup saw millions of tons of coal culm dredged from the river.

In roughly half a century, one of the nation’s most polluted bodies of water has improved to a point where it now is a popular recreational destination for paddlers, trail users and anglers.

The Schuylkill is a source of drinking water for 1.5 million people, and waterfront communities along its corridor now look to the river to bolster community revitalization efforts.

“POWR would like to commend everyone for their support for the nominated rivers, especially for the strong showing of support for the Schuylkill River,” said POWR Vice President Janet Sweeney.

Manatawny Creek flows into the Schuylkill at Pottstown's
Riverfront Park

“The River of the Year program is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all of the nominated rivers and the great work being done in Pennsylvania communities on these valuable resources. We are excited about this opportunity to promote the successes and challenges facing the Schuylkill River, as well as all of Pennsylvania’s waterways.”

POWR administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR.

Presented annually since 1983, the 2013 designation was awarded to the Monongahela River in southwest Pennsylvania. Each year, finalists are determined based on each waterway’s conservation

The Schuylkill flows into the Delaware River at Philadelphia

needs and successes, as well as celebration plans should the nominee be voted River of the Year.

Part of those plans include a River of the Year sojourn, which is just one of many paddling trips supported by DCNR and POWR each year.

This water-based journey down the winning river will include canoeists, kayakers and others to raise awareness of the environmental, recreational, tourism and heritage values of rivers.

For more information visit www.pawatersheds.org. To learn more about the River of the Year program, the nominated waterways, and past winners visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.

A Trail Leads to Recognition

Stephen P. Pohowsky, left, with his award and Kurt Zwikl, executive director

of the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area in Pottstown.

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

Stephen P. Pohowsky was recognized with a State Trail Worker Award, which is a category in the National Trails Awards presented annually by American Trails. He was nominated for the honor by Schuylkill River Heritage Area Trail Projects Manager Robert Folwell.

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

According to Folwell, Pohowksy is an avid trail user who uses "his trail riding

experience as well as his extensive knowledge of PennDOT highway safety issues to effectively evaluate all trail crossing plans to determine what works best, and has developed model guidelines for District 5 that will save lives."

Plans for the connection of the Schuylkill River Trail between Phoenixville and Pottstown.

In accepting the award Pohowsky thanked the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and American Trails. He observed that he had worked to foster better communication between PennDOT and the trail building community. He also spoke about the value of trails to local communities.

"We are fortunate to be located in an area of the state with a large expanse of both canal and rail trails, thanks to the former anthracite coal industry. These trails are not just a portal to our past, but also a pathway to our future,” Pohowsky said. “I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to make our trails a source of pride, an asset to their communities, and a fine example of what we can accomplish together."

American Trails, which sponsors the annual National Trails Awards, is a national, non-profit organization that works on behalf of all trails. Awards are offered in a number of categories, including the State Trail Worker Awards, which recognize one individual in each state “who has demonstrated outstanding contributions and consistent support for trail planning, development, or maintenance in either the private or public sector.”

Awards were presented at a symposium last month that took place in Arizona. Since Pohowsky was unable to attend that event, his award was presented to him by Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Kurt Zwikl at a recent PennDOT event.

They've Got Your Back (Pack), and They'll Help Carry Your Water

Free with use....

Blogger's Note: The following came through the digital Notebook in-box recently from Laura Catalano who, when she is not writing freelance stories about the Owen J. Roberts School District for The Mercury, is dashing off copy for the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area, based here in Pottstown.

Bike Pottstown has been lending out its signature yellow cruisers for five years. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area, which runs the popular free bike share program, wants to encourage more people to use the bikes for recreation and transportation.

Beginning May 1, any first time user will receive a free Bike Pottstown water bottle. Anyone using the bikes 10 times between May 1 and September 30 will receive a free backpack.

Bikes are available at Tri County Bicycles on 256 High St., which now has a total of 40 Bike Pottstown bikes. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area also has a limited number of bikes available at 140 College Dr.

Bike Pottstown is a completely free bike share program that has been nationally recognized in the media and among bike share advocates. It is unique in that it does not require a deposit, credit card or any exchange of money.

Anyone aged 16 and over can borrow a bike by providing a driver's license or valid state ID to a program administrator. The bikes can be used for a short period of time or an entire day, but they must be returned by the time the loaning office or shop closes.

“As a National and State Heritage Area, one of our goals is to use recreation to connect people to the Schuylkill River and the communities along it. The Bike Pottstown program has successfully enabled us to achieve that goal,” said Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. “This has been a popular and successful program, and we want to advance its popularity by encouraging more people to use the bikes, either to ride on the Schuylkill River Trail or explore the community.”

Bike Pottstown was initiated in 2008 by the non-profit Preservation Pottstown with 30 yellow bikes that were purchased with funds from the Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation. Initial start-up costs were also funded by Exelon and the Pottstown Police Officers Association. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area took ownership of the program in 2010, and later expanded it as Bike Schuylkill to the communities of Hamburg and Phoenixville. This winter, an additional 12 bikes were added to the Bike Pottstown program.

The Bike Pottstown program and the promotional materials were made possible through a grant from the Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources also supports this program. Free water bottles and backpacks will be available to Bike Pottstown users (not through Bike Schuylkill) through September 30 or while supplies last.

Bike Pottstown operates out of Tri-County Bicycles, located at 256 High St. open M-F 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area offices located near the Schuylkill River Trail at 140 College Dr. also has a limited number of bikes available M-F 8:30-3:30.