Written by Sarah Marley, Director of Development & Outreach at Friends of the Wissahickon
This year, the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is celebrating its 95th year of caring for Wissahickon Valley Park. On October 11, more than 350 supporters attended FOW’s Love Where You Live 95th anniversary celebration party at Erdenheim Farm. All proceeds from the event went toward the organization’s work to conserve and advocate for the park.
FOW works with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to “conserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon and stimulate the public interest therein.”
Concerned citizens established FOW in response to threats to the Wissahickon Valley in the 1920s. At the time, the area’s old growth chestnut and hemlock forests were being lost to:
- development adjacent to the park
- disease
- vandalism
- storm damage
- the construction of the intercepting sewers and Walnut Lane Bridge
But the Wissahickon valley faces even greater threats today, due to:
- the increasing impacts of climate change
- pollution
- stormwater runoff
- erosion
- the growing needs of a community that is relying on this urban wilderness more than ever before.
Volunteers at Love Your Park Day.
The park’s natural beauty and diverse habitat don’t just happen. To conserve and improve the park requires extensive efforts and careful planning. This work is necessary to meet the needs of the park’s two million (and growing) annual visitors, and for future generations. FOW’s stewardship:
- protects the park’s delicate ecosystem and natural environment
- sustains and restores 1,800 acres of woodlands, meadows, and streams
- cares for more than 50 miles of scenic trails
- manages dozens of historic landmarks
- preserves unique works of public art
- represents the voices of park neighbors, visitors, and the community at large.
Forbidden Drive’s eroded bank edge at the creek before construction.
FOW’s efforts also make the park cleaner and more accessible, and improve the health of the watershed. This impacts the quality of the creek– a source of clean drinking water for a third of Philadelphians.
Corporate Volunteer Service Day. Volunteers from ZS Associates under Walnut Lane Bridge after trash removal.
As FOW heads toward its centennial, it is well-positioned to address old and new challenges with generous support from friends, neighbors, and corporate and civic partners. These partners share a love for the Wissahickon and a commitment to caring for its many gifts.
Join FOW for its next Super Saturday Service Day on Saturday, Nov. 9.
It’s the Love Your Park fall service day and volunteers are needed at two planting locations: Mt. Airy Avenue and Summit Avenue Trails.
Both plantings start at 9 a.m. and meet at the Wissahickon Environmental Center Tree House.
