The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, Montgomery County, will host a Perkiomen Sojourn June 30 to allow more people to spend some time on the Perkiomen Creek getting to know her character and personality. The Sojourn will begin at the PWC Headquarters in Schwenksville at 9:00 AM and is expected to arrive at the Lower Perkiomen Park in Oaks by mid afternoon. Pre-registration is required.

Thousands of people pass over or catch a glimpse of the Perkiomen Creek everyday as they travel throughout the Perkiomen Valley. Few have had a chance to get to know the “Perkie” up close and personally. But a renewed interest in creek and river sojourns is helping to change that.

Two local “watermen” will be acting as guides for the day. In addition, two informative stops are planned. Dr. Chris Kraft, retired Professor of Geology at the University of Delaware and local Schwenksville native, will discuss the geology of the Perkiomen Creek. Kelly Germann, Conservation Coordinator for the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, will provide some insights into the streambank restoration project completed by the PWC near the location of the deconstructed Collegeville Dam. A light picnic lunch will also be provided at the end of the day.

Those interested in joining the Perkiomen Sojourn should contact the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy to register and get additional information. A limited number of Heritage Featherlite 12s will be available from Hidden River Outfitters for use on the Sojourn. Sojourners can also use their own boats.

All participants must wear a personal floatation device while on the water. The fee for those needing a boat: $40 Member / $60 Non-member. For those using their own boat: $30 Member / $50 Non-member.

The Perkiomen Creek is the largest sub-watershed in the Schuylkill River system and drains more than 360 square miles of Montgomery, Bucks, Berks and Lehigh Counties. The Perkie also provides sourcewater for numerous public water systems. The Perkiomen Valley and tributaries of the Perkiomen Creek are also home to eight of the thirteen important natural areas identified in Montgomery County’s draft Natural Areas Inventory.

For more information, visit the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy or contact the Conservancy at 610.287.9383.

6/15/2007