The Brodhead Watershed Association and its partners will hold its annual River Ramble on August 7 which will showcase McMichael Creek in Monroe County.

The Ramble runs 1 to 4 p.m. August 7, starting at Pohoqualine Fish Association in Chestnuthill Township. 

Participants will tour natural highlights along a mapped route, each spot staffed by some of the area’s finest naturalists eager to share their knowledge and love of the McMichael.

There will be a variety of activities – including electro-fishing – to enjoy at this celebration of McMichael Creek and the Brodhead watershed in which we live and play.

New this year is a stop at Mountain View Winery and Distillery in Neola. Learn how the vineyard’s farming practices contribute to the McMichael’s status as an Exceptional Value creek.

Owners Randy and Linda Rice are committed to sustainable agriculture, growing their grapes with minimal environmental impact and preserving open space. Randy Rice will discuss his vineyard expansion plans on preserved farmlands, as well as water and pesticide minimization.

Ramble stops will include McMichael Creek at Stone Lake Inn, a bed-and-breakfast recently opened on 6+ creekside acres in Saylorsburg; and Big Woods Natural Area.

The scenic drive between stops, on back roads and along McMichael Creek, also passes several family farms which have been preserved through the Monroe County Farmland Preservation Program to ensure they remain farmland forever.

Afterward, enjoy good food and conversation at the traditional after-Ramble party, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Pohoqualine Fish Association, a club not usually open to the public.

The Association, a long-established private fishing club, will open its grounds for casual tours of the property. This unique opportunity will give visitors a glimpse into past history of the private fishing clubs and early conservation history of the Poconos.

Suggested donation is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers, with a $2 discount for pre-registration. Children under 12 participate for free.

To register or for information, visit the River Ramble webpage or call 570-839-1120.

6/27/2016