FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Erin Mooney, Publicist
267.788.2196
mooney@fow.org
Friends of the Wissahickon Schedules March Walks in the Park and Talks at
Cedars House
Philadelphia, PA—(February 2015) Enjoy March in the Wissahickon, when Friends of the
Wissahickon (FOW) Trail Ambassadors are offering free hikes in Wissahickon Valley Park and
free talks at the Cedars House, located at 200 Northwestern Avenue.
Talks at the Cedars House, located on Forbidden Drive, just below Northwestern Avenue.
Sunday, March 1, 1:30 p.m.
An Artist’s View of the Wissahickon Gorge—learning to see water and light from Walter
Schofield with Bruce Wagner and Maureen Flanagan
The Walter Scholfield retrospective at the Woodmere Gallery has prompted interesting notions
of how an artist looks at the setting, the light and the perspective. This slide show utilizes
Scholfield paintings and photographs by Bruce Wagner and Maureen Flanagan, primarily
focusing on the Wissahickon Valley, to look at the elements of setting, light and perspective.
Space is limited. Please register at www.fow.org
Understanding Horses with Cynthia Turecki
Sunday March 8, 2 p.m.
Cynthia Turecki will present her program “Understanding Horses.” Have you ever wondered
how a horse thinks and communicates? This presentation will help you understand the horse's
point of view. Learn how a horse sees its surrounding and thinks.
Historical Geology of the Wissahickon Gorge with Sarah West
Sunday March 22, 2 p.m.
A 45-minute PowerPoint presentation followed by a short, easy geology walk along Forbidden
Drive between Northwestern Avenue and Bells’ Mill Rd. (if the weather is suitable)
Historic Art of the Wissahickon with Diane Garvey and Hildy Tow of Woodmere Art Museum
Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m.
A 45-minute presentation of old photographs and artwork of scenes of the Wissahickon
presented by Hildy Tow of the Woodmere Art Gallery and Trail Ambassador, Diane
Garvey. Learn what art tells us about people, culture and history in the Wissahickon.
From Winter Comes the Joy of Spring—A spring slide show presenting the glorious emergence
of nature with Bruce Wagner
Sunday, March 15, 1:30-3 p.m.
A long, cold winter slowly begins to warm. And just in case we need a reminder, this slide show
offers us an hour of brilliant color and texture replicating spring in the Wissahickon. Come
spend a while and feel the new season emerge. The slide show program is approximately 90
minutes. Contact Bruce Wagner at215.692.3403 for more information.
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. Bring
water and a snack if desired. Unless otherwise noted, children over seven years old are
welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain. For more
information or to register, contact Sarah Marley at marley@fow.org. For updates, go to
www.fow.org.
March 8, 9 a.m.
Winter Fit Hikes with May Dominic and Erin Bendig
Meet at Valley Green Inn (weather permitting- check the FOW.org website)
This is an approximately a four-mile hike, at a moderate to fast pace through a variety of trails.
Some trails may be rocky and/or slippery so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. This is a kid and
dog- friendly (on leash, of course) hike. The goal is to get into the park and see what the winter
months have to offer.
A Stormwater Inspired Hike through the Wissahickon with Scott Quitel –
Saturday, March 14, 9 to noon
Park near and meet at the Mt. Airy Avenue entrance to the Park.
In this moderately strenuous journey to the bottom of our urban watershed, we’ll trace various
paths that stormwater takes on its way to meeting the Wissahickon Creek. Along our course,
we’ll get up close with such wonders as naturally flowing tributaries, tributary streams
emerging from sewer pipes, highway runoff discharge points, perhaps some mysterious foam,
physical signs of the power of water, a frog-laden pond, a skunk cabbage wetland, and a historic
spring and springhouse.
Invasive and Native Plant Safaris with Michael Kopena
Sunday March 14 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet at Kitchens Lane
Saturday March 28, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet at Pachella Field
This just in! Exotic alien plants are invading local ecosystems! Local native species struggle to
stand their ground! If you’ve ever heard stories like these and wondered what they really mean,
come on this safari and find out for yourself. See firsthand the effects of aggressive alien
monocultures. Learn about the dangers of decreased biodiversity in our ecosystems and
discover the origins of some of valley’s most tenacious invaders. Meet some of our treasured
native species. Find out what you can do in your own garden to create beautiful native habitats.
Equip yourself with knowledge to help preserve our beloved valley. Easy to moderate
hiking. Suitable for children 10 and up with a responsible adult.
Founded in 1924, FOW is a 1,600-member nonprofit organization and works in partnership with
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to restore historical park structures, eliminate invasive plant
species, monitor watershed management issues, and restore trails throughout the Wissahickon
Park.
Follow FOW on Facebook and Twitter. For more information or to become a member, visit
www.fow.org