 In This Week’s Issue: Hike+Heal • DAFDirect • Apply to be a Wissahickon Leader • Upcoming Events • Volunteer Service Days • Welcome to Our New Members • Evergreen Reminders Community Connection Gratitude Hike and Drum Circle with Hike+Heal  Looking for a way to get outside after a big meal?  Join us for a Community Gratitude Hike & Drum Circle with Hike+Heal on Friday, November 27. Guided by Brandi Aulston, we’ll start at Valley Green Inn and move at a relaxed pace toward Thomas Mill Red Covered Bridge, practicing grounding exercises and sharing moments of reflection. When we return to the Inn, we’ll have a drum circle on the patio!Forbidden Drive is a ~25-foot wide, relatively flat, gravel trail—children and strollers are welcome!Photo courtesy of Stacey GrayRegister Here Do you give through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?Supporting the Wissahickon is now even easier! FOW is excited to offer DAFDirect, a new giving option that allows you to quickly recommend a gift through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). Whether you’re renewing your membership or making a general donation, simply select your participating DAF provider and enter your gift amount to support our work preserving the Wissahickon.DAFDirect Apply to be a Wissahickon Leader!Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is recruiting for our next class of trained volunteers to help us take care of the park. If you have volunteered with us at a service day in the past, or you’re passionate about preserving our most precious resources, this is the perfect opportunity to deepen your connection to the Park. As a Crew Leader or Trail Ambassador, you’ll not only learn from our talented field staff, but also generations of volunteers with passions for birding, geology, botany, and much more. Applications are open now until January 1, 2027. Still have questions? Want to meet others in your community who are interested in taking the next step in giving back to the Park? Join us for a Crew Leader and Trail Ambassador Recruitment Party on Saturday, November 14 from 12-2 PM! Plus there will be free pizza!  Photo: FOW Staff Learn More and Apply Upcoming Guided Hikes  Hike the Wissahickon Trail Classic LoopCome Hike the Wissahickon Trail Classic Loop with Susie Gettes, Lisa Kleiman, Debra Brackett, and Afsana Oreen! Sunday, November 22 9:00-11:30 AMPhoto: Stacey Gray Register  Silent Hike in the Wissahickon Join Trail Ambassadors Pat Jacona and Margaret Kinnevy as we silently walk along some of the most beautiful trails in the park.Sunday, November 22 3-5 PM Register Our volunteer Trail Ambassadors lead guided hikes through the Wissahickon almost every week throughout the year!Check out our maps page to plan your route! Nearly two dozen historical and geological sites can also be seen or accessed from Forbidden Drive and the upper trails.The Wissahickon—A Cultural Inspiration Sunday, November 15 from 1-4 PMThe Wissahickon in November (Gerry’s Hike) Friday, November 20 from 9 AM-12 PMThanksgiving in the Wissahickon Thursday, November 26 from 9 AM-12 PMLauriston, Lovers Leap, & Liriodendron Hike Monday, December 7 from 1-3:30 PM Register for a Guided Hike Volunteer Service DaysLove Your Park!  Photo: FOW StaffLove Your Park is an annual week-long celebration of the amazing parks we have here in Philadelphia! At this service day, we’ll be joined by Gay for Good in working on a trail reroute through Andorra Meadow. Saturday, November 14 9 AM-12 PM Upper Andorra Lot Register for Love Your Park Thursdays with FOW Staff (9:00-12:00):November 19—Location TBD November 26—Location TBD Join us at our weekly volunteer service days for a variety of stewardship projects all around the park! All are welcome to attend, and no experience is needed. We provide gloves, tools, and instruction–you just need to show up!Welcome to Our New Sustainers and Members!  Photo: Redmond BrubakerJoin our community of 3,000+ members who help us care for and protect Wissahickon Valley Park! Preserve the Wissahickon for future generations by becoming a member or monthly sustainer. Plus, get some sweet deals and discounts while you’re at it!Jesse Ballenger Emily O’Malley Christopher Yutrzenka Derek Dureka Razmig Yeremian Greg Vogt Katherine Springer Michael Chu Michael J. Cipressi Become a SustainerBecome a Member  Who ya gonna call?Have you ever noticed an issue in the park and weren’t sure who to call? Save these important numbers in your phone.Downed trees: text WISS to FOW at (267) 966-2207 or fill out this form. Non-emergency situations: Park Rangers, (215) 685-2172 or 311 Wildlife incidents: PA Game Commission, (610) 926-3136 Emergency situations: 911 Learn More  Download the Wissahickon Valley Park Free Map App  Merch Shop     Friends of the Wissahickon 0 W Evergreen Avenue, Suite 108 Philadelphia, PA 19118 |
