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Looking to Challenge New Hikers? Check Out the Trails at Meng Preserve
While the Philadelphia area has an abundance of green spaces, much of it is relatively flat. There is much to be said about our wonderful rail trail system, but sometimes you just crave a good rock scramble. Though our friends in mountainous areas of the country may think our “hills” are quaint, there’s nothing quite like the geography of Pennsylvania (it’s not called Rocksylvania for nothing!) Not far off Route 73 in Schwenksville, the 101-acre Meng Preserve offers shady trails and the opportunity to see and hear migratory songbirds. Gifted to the Valley Forge Audubon Society in 1991 by Eva R. Meng and now owned by Natural Lands, the Meng…
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Looking for a Quick, Easy Hike? Zacharias Creek Trail May Be Just What You’re Looking For
The Zacharias Creek Trail is a not-quite 2-mile trail (one way) that runs from Heebner Park to Green Hill Road in Worcester. The mostly wide path offers an easy walk with enough shaded areas to make it comfortable on a hot day. The trail is crushed stone and asphalt with the occasional boardwalk, and has only slight elevation change. It travels along the Zacharias Creek, passing fields and old stone buildings. While it also goes past some neighborhoods, overall the trail is quiet enough that you can hear birds and possibly other wildlife.
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Explore the Garden Electric at this Year’s Philadelphia Flower Show
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Find Nature and History Along the Pennypack Trail
The Pennypack Trail is part of the Montgomery County Trail Network and the planned East Coast Greenway, as well as the Circuit Trails and checks a box on the Montco Trail Challenge. The 6.2-mile trail was built on the former Fox Chase-Newtown SEPTA line and follows the Pennypack Creek. The northern section of the crushed stone trail starts at Rockledge Park and continues north to County Line Road where it meets the Newton Rail Trail. The southern segment runs from 8639 Pine Road in Philadelphia to the creek’s mouth at the Delaware River where it connects with the Baxter Trail. Like many of the area trails, it seamlessly blends pastoral…
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Cynwyd Heritage Trail Links Open Space to City
The Cynwyd Heritage Trail offers interesting views on an accessible trial
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Crum Woods Is One Of Delco’s Few Remaining Forests
If you’re looking for a respite from the busy-ness of life without having to travel too far, Delaware County, PA’s Crum Woods offers 3.5 miles of trails, the perfect amount to occupy a couple hours and maybe catch a glimpse of some wildlife (such as the Pileated woodpecker in the image below). College. While immersed in nature, you may be reminded of the proximity of civilization if you hear (and may catch a glimpse of) a SEPTA train or when the trail takes you close enough to see college buildings and parking lots. The trails run along the Crum Creek, named Crumkill, meaning “crooked creek” by Swedish settlers to the…
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Can You Tap a Tree? Learning About Maple Sugaring in Southeastern PA
While southeastern PA may not be the powerhouse maple producer that New England is, we certainly have our share of sugar maple trees. And we also have cold weather, which is a necessary component of making maple syrup. Maple syrup comes from the sap of maple trees (sugar maples tend to be the best variety). Tapping a tree is a relatively simple process, but determining the right time for optimal flow can’t be predicted too far in advance. Since the sap tends to flow best when nights are below freezing and days are in the 40s, February and March are often the best months to collect sap in this…
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Green Lane Park Offers Fun Water and Land-Based Activities for Everyone
Green Lane Park, located in western Montgomery County, offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, boating, and camping. The 3,400-acre park has two camping areas, one for families and organized groups and one for equestrian camping. The park also includes three separate bodies of water totaling 870 acres. Park visitors can fish at Knight Lake. Privately-owned non-powered and electric boats can be used on Deep Creek Lake; rentals are available on Green Lane Reservoir (privately-owned boats can be used after a 10-day quarantine.) Boat rentals are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Hill Road Day Use Area. There are 25…
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Chester Valley Trail Connects Counties, Improves Accessibility
The Chester Valley Trail Extension is officially open for business. Though skies were gray and threatening, the rain held off, allowing local dignitaries to officially open the newest Philly-area trail. This paved path connects the Chester Valley and Schuylkill River Trails, providing a continuous hiking and biking route from Chester County to the Philadelphia Art Museum. Connecting Trails, and Counties The Philadelphia area is home to hundreds of miles of trails, but few are connected. Now two of the area’s most popular trails have been linked, providing greater opportunity for residents who want an alternative way to get around or simply easier access to more places to explore. Most of…
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Explore the Garden Electric at this Year’s Philadelphia Flower Show
The Philadelphia Flower Show reminds us that spring is just around the corner
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Join in at These Earth Day Celebrations
Did you know? While April 22 is officially Earth Day, from the very start, Philadelphia chose to make the celebration last longer. The first city to celebrate Earth Week, the City of Brotherly Love planned events from April 16 to 22, 1970. During that time, tens of thousands of people showed up, with the largest gatherings on Independence Mall and the Belmont Plateau. This year offers plenty of opportunities to give back by volunteering with cleanups or planting projects. Check with your favorite nature center, park or environmental group to see what they need. In the meantime, here are a few larger celebrations to take your family to this month.…
