Walks and Talks with FOW Trail Ambassadors in January

Trail Ambassadors for the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) are offering free hikes and lectures at Cedars House in Wissahickon Valley Park during the month of January.

Trail Ambassador Walks

Registration is recommended for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations. Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador hikes may use rocky, rugged trails that may be wet and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Long pants are recommended for protection against occasional poison ivy and possible ticks. Bring water and a snack if desired. Unless otherwise noted, children over seven are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain or icy conditions. For more information or to register, contact  Sarah Marley at marley@fow.org. Visit www.fow.org for updates.

Kid-Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz
Saturday, January 11   1 pm
This hike will take in many of the most interesting sites in the Wissahickon, Valley Green Inn, Forbidden Drive, the Livezey Dam,  Gorgas Creek cave, the  Fingerspan Bridge. Will stop for a snack on the stone steps high above the creek and  continue along the stream to Devils Pool and Pee Wee rock on our return to the Inn. Suitable for children 6 and older, accompanied by an adult. Difficulty: moderate. Hiking shoes or sneakers required. Pack your snacks and drinks, and dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at the Valley Green Inn.

Orange Trail  Hike with Merritt Rhoad
Sunday,  January 19    1 pm 
Walk along Forbidden Drive to Bell's Mill Rd. and then along the Orange and White Trails to the Indian Statue with return to Northwestern Ave. along Forbidden Drive. Learn a little more about Wissahickon history and nature. Difficulty: moderate. Distance: ~4 miles. Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Meet at Northwestern Ave & Forbidden Drive.

Trail Ambassador Talks

Trail Ambassador Talks are held at The Cedars House on Sundays. They are open to the public at no charge. These programs are suitable for children 10 and older accompanied by a responsible adult. No reservations are necessary but are advised so that you may be informed if there are changes to the program. Talks are cancelled in the event of hazardous transportation due to snow or ice. The Cedars House is located on Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Avenue in Wissahickon Valley Park. Visit www.fow.org for updates.

January 12 2 pm
The Wissahickon and the Revolutionary War. A 45 minute presentation by Jack Coleman, including both facts and popular myths.

January 19  2 pm
Understanding Horses, a presentation by Cynthia Turecki on how a horse sees its surroundings and thinks.

January 26,    2 pm
17th and 18th century mills and homesteads in the Wissahickon Gorge. A 45 minute presentation by Sarah West.

About Friends of the Wissahickon

The Friends of the Wissahickon, founded in 1924, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Wissahickon Valley. FOW works in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to restore historical structures throughout the park, eliminate invasive plant species, monitor watershed management issues, and restore trails throughout the Wissahickon Valley Park with its Sustainable Trails Initiative. For more information or to become a member, visit www.fow.org.