Join the Master Watershed Stewards, in partnership with the Swatara Watershed Association, for a scenic bike tour along the Swatara Rail Trail October 19 starting at the Bear Hole Trail in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This 11-mile loop will explore key watershed features and share the history of the trail as participants cross the Swatara Creek at two locations and ride along both sides of the creek.

Helmets are required, and most bikes will work as long as the tires are at least 28 mm wide.  Be sure to bring water, and note that plenty of parking and restroom facilities are available.

The tour will begin and end at the Swopes Valley Trailhead, where ample parking and facilities are available, offering a convenient starting point for this immersive outdoor experience.

Participants will ride to Bordner Cabin for a light lunch and snacks while discussing the watershed features and local rail and canal history.

After returning to the trailhead, you can relax before packing up. The tour will include a ride leader and ride sweeper patrolling the event to ensure everyone’s safety.

In the event of rain, the tour will be rescheduled for October 20.

Click Here to learn more about the Swatara Rail Trail.

Who is this for?

-- Community members who love the outdoors, enjoy biking, and want to learn more about local watersheds

-- Individuals interested in the history of the Swatara Rail Trail

-- Those curious about water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

-- Anyone looking to contribute to conservation and restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

What will you learn?

-- Local history of the Swatara Rail Trail and the Swatara Creek    

-- Conservation programs and benefits

-- Improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

-- How you can contribute to help make your communities watersheds more sustainable

Click Here to register and for more information.

Visit the  Master Watershed Stewards webpage for more information on this program and the Swatara Watershed Association website to learn more about programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved.

Other Upcoming Penn State Extension Events

-- Penn State Extension: Upcoming Training And Events For Agriculture Conservationists

-- Penn State Extension 5-Part Backyard Stream Repair Webinar Series Starting Aug. 27

-- Penn State Center For Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training Hosts 3-Part Conservation Cornerstone Webinar Series For Ag Professionals Starting Aug. 27  [PaEN]

-- September 12-- Penn State Extension Webinar: On A Few Acres - Permaculture & Risk Management [PaEN]

-- September 14-- Celebrate The World Of Insects At Penn State's Annual Great Insect Fair In State College  [PaEN]

-- September 18-- Penn State Extension Local Comprehensive Plans In PA Webinar, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

-- September 19-- Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Cumberland County Gardening With Nature - Stormwater-Friendly Lawn Care Workshop.  Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th Street in Camp Hill.  7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

-- September 24: Penn State Extension Hosts Webinar On Community Forestry - TreeKeeper - A Tool For Tree Canopy Management  [PaEN]

-- September 24-- Penn State Extension Local Comprehensive Plans In PA Webinar, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

-- September 26-- York Master Watershed Stewards Host Tap Talk - Preserving York County Landscapes & Waterways With The Farm & Natural Lands Trust  [PaEN]

-- October 1: Penn State Extension Introduction To On-Lot Septic Systems Webinar. Noon to 1:00 p.m.

-- October 7-9: Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training ‘Ag Conservation Keystone Training’ in-person workshop.  Penn State’s University Park campus.

-- October 15: Penn State Extension Installation/Permitting On-Lot Septic Systems Webinar. Noon to 1:00 p.m.

-- October 15-17: Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training ‘Ag Conservation Keystone Training’ in-person workshop. Penn State Hazleton.

-- October 17: Penn State Extension Webinar - Adenosine Triphosphate In Algal Bloom Tracking  [PaEN]

-- October 19-- Swatara Watershed Assn., Master Watershed Stewards Host Waterways On Wheels - Swatara Rail Trail In Schuylkill County  [PaEN]

-- October 28-30: Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training ‘Ag Conservation Keystone Training’ in-person workshop. Penn State Beaver

-- October 29: Penn State Extension Maintenance of On-Lot Septic Systems Webinar. Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Resource Links:

-- Penn State Extension Watershed Friendly PA Certification

-- Penn State Extension: Why Did My Young Riparian Buffer Tree Die?

-- Penn State Extension: Guide Provides Advice On Managing Spotted Lanternfly

-- Penn State Extension: Shade Tree Commission Spotlight - Lewisburg Borough

-- Penn State Extension: High School Students Learn About Tree Care

-- Penn State Extension: Arborist Short Course Series Starting Oct. 7

-- Penn State Extension: Is That Vine Damaging My Tree?

[Posted: September 11, 2024]

9/16/2024