A Walk Along the Schuylkill River

Current History: A Walk Along the Schuylkill River (Conshohocken)

Only a few decades ago, the Schuylkill River ran black with coal silt and no fish could survive. Yet now it is the 2014 Pennsylvania River of the Year! New fishways have been built over four dams, and the American shad have returned to the cleaner waters. If you’re not familiar with this restored Schuylkill flowing through Conshohocken, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

The tour begins with a display of historic photographs at the Outbound Station coffee shop on the Schuylkill River Trail, to visualize the Borough’s role in the 19th century Schuykill Navigation System of dams and canals, and later the P&R railroad.  Next we’ll go out on the Fayette Street Bridge for a panoramic view, then down along a riverfront path past the forlorn floodplain site of a 25-year eminent domain battle, to the spanking new Conshohocken Rowing Center. The return route along Elm and Hector Streets takes us through a revived neighborhood. We’ll learn how land use, street design, and urban patterns affect the health of the river, and what Conshohocken is doing with Green Infrastructure to filter stormwater runoff, the main polluter of our drinking water source today. Along the route we’ll note the historic architecture of the riverfront area, from mill worker housing to Washie’s Firehouse.

Our guides have a special perspective on the industrial and environmental connections among the region’s river towns, having led tours at the landmark Fairmount Water Works as well as Manayunk, Norristown, Phoenixville, and Conshochocken.

Space is limited to 15 people.

Register.