Schuylkill Conservation District is leading a series of themed walks in 2026.
The series starts this Sunday, Jan. 11, with an Invasive Species History hike at Tumbling Run Trail from 10 a.m. until noon.
Join Hemlock Hannah and learn how Pennsylvania settlers brought invasive species plants that have since spread wild for centuries in the area. You’ll see many of these species on this Sunday’s walk.
The Invasive Species History walk meets at the Tumbling Run Trail parking lot. Children and dogs that can handle long walks are welcome. Sunday’s walk is about 2-3 miles and is relatively easy. It’s sponsored by Explore Schuylkill.
Can’t make it this Sunday? Plan to join one of these exciting walks later this year.
Feb. 19: Locust Lake Loop
Take a weekday break to mindfully observe nature! This easy, mostly paved path is suitable for slower walkers, those new to nature, or those that like to take their time outside.
- Time: 1-2 p.m.
- Location: Locust Lake Visitor Parking Lot.
- Details: 1 mile, easy. Children and dogs welcome.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
Feb. 22: Landingville Marsh Meander
Hike the John Bartram Trail to view the base of the oldest transportation tunnel in America (built in 1827) and note remnants of the canal.
- Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
- Location: Parking lot across from the Landingville Playground.
- Details: 2 miles, easy. Children are welcome, but no dogs please.
- Leader: Porcupine Pat.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
March 1: Lorax Led Walk
The Lorax Speaks for the Trees! Designed specifically for kids, this walk celebrates world reading and Dr. Seuss Day (March 2) by learning about local trees and their history.
- Time: 2-3 p.m.
- Location: Sweet Arrow Lake Waterfall Pavilion Parking Lot.
- Details: 1 mile, easy. Children of all ages and well-behaved dogs are welcome!
- Leader: The Lorax.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
March 16: Woodcock Watch
Have you ever wished to hear the iconic “Meeeeeep” of the American Woodcock? Stakeout with Hemlock Hannah to try to observe their mating calls and rituals.
- Time: 7-8 p.m.
- Location: Landingville Marsh Parking Lot.
- Details: 0.5 miles at most, easy. This is a silent walk. No dogs or young children, please.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
March 17: Irish Flats for St. Pat’s
Walk the land of earlier Irish settlers at the Schuylkill Haven Island Park and observe historic structures embedded in nature.
- Time: 2-3 p.m.
- Location: Schuylkill Haven Island Park flagpole.
- Details: 1-2 miles, easy. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome!
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
March 29: Vernal Pool Promenade
Hike the Spirit of Tuscarora Trail to observe vernal pools (temporary bodies of water) that overflow with frogs and other amphibian life in spring. We may also see spring ephemerals — short-lived, beautiful wildflowers like jack-in-the-pulpit, trout lily, or trillium.
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Pavilion/Parking Lot 2 at Tuscarora State Park.
- Details: 3 miles, moderate. Children and dogs who can handle long walks are welcome.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
April 19: Blue Mountain Charcoal Pits in Port Clinton
Check out charcoal pits from the 1700s and remains of a charcoal tender’s hut. Charcoal was made extensively during the American Revolution from trees atop the mountain.
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Base of the Conrad Weiser State Forest Road along Rt. 61 north. (You will see the road on the right about ½ mile north of Port Clinton).
- Details: 3 miles, moderate. Children that can handle long walks are welcome, but no dogs please.
- Leader: Porcupine Pat.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
May 3: History of Foraging
Learn the basics of foraging and how many wild foods were historically utilized by Indigenous people, colonists, and modern foragers.
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Sweet Arrow Lake Waterfall Pavilion Parking Lot.
- Details: 2-3 miles, easy. This longer walk takes many stops for observing, so bring dogs and children at your own discretion.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
June 4: Spring Foraging Walk
Check out local edible plants in late spring. Beginner forager friendly!
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Waterfall Pavilion parking lot.
- Details: 2 miles, easy. This longer walk takes many stops for observing, so bring dogs and children at your own discretion.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
June 14: Dress to Impress: VINTAGE EDITION!
Walk on the Auburn Schuylkill River Trail in style and observe old structures of the past rail line. We encourage you to wear a piece of fashion history that you already own, or that a friend or family has to lend! On the walk, everyone will be able to share where and when parts of their outfit are from.
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Auburn Schuylkill River Trail parking lot near the Auburn Dollar General.
- Details: 2-3 miles, easy. Children and dogs that can handle long walks are welcome.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
July 19: Swatara State Park Sojourn
Hike a rail trail to access a canal towpath and see remnants of a lock with extensive ruins.
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Parking lot of the park on Swopes Valley Road.
- Details: 4 miles, moderate. Children that can handle long walks are welcome, but no dogs please.
- Leader: Porcupine Pat.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
July 26: Summer Foraging Walk
Check out local edible plants in mid-summer. Beginner forager friendly!
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Waterfall Pavilion parking lot.
- Details: 2 miles, easy. This longer walk takes many stops for observing, so bring dogs and children at your own discretion.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
Aug. 9: Mushrooms in the Hollow
Take an easy walk around Frog Hollow searching for mushrooms and signs of the old homestead.
- Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
- Location: Frog Hollow Parking Lot.
- Details: 1-2 miles, easy. Children and dogs are welcome.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
Aug. 17: Toddlers and Tikes Hike
A slow walk designed specifically for the youngest nature lovers. The level, paved trail is suitable for strollers or walkers.
- Time: 10-11 a.m.
- Location: JFK parking lot near basketball courts/trail entrance.
- Details: 0.5 miles, extra easy. Dogs welcome. Children are extra welcome!
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
Sept. 20: Magnificent Mahanoy Plane
The world’s largest steam engine during the 1930s was located just north of Frackville. This engineering marvel hauled coal over steep Broad Mountain.
- Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
- Location: In front of the Frackville Public Library on Lehigh Street.
- Details: 2 miles, easy. Children are welcome, but no dogs please.
- Leader: Porcupine Pat.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
Oct. 1: Fall Forest Bathing
Take a relaxing and mindful walk enjoying the fall foliage of Valley View Park.
- Time: 11 a.m. to noon.
- Location: Valley View Parking lot near Pavilion.
- Details: 1-2 miles, easy. Well-mannered children and dogs are welcome.
Oct. 18: Swatara Forge
This mid-19th century forge is the last of its kind in our area. You will also see the ironmaster’s mansion and an old cabin made entirely from the American Chestnut!
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Carpool parking lot of Interstate 81 and Rt. 443.
- Details: 3 miles, moderate. Children that can handle long walks are welcome, but no dogs please.
- Leader: Porcupine Pat.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
Nov. 17: National Take a Hike Day!
Explore nature’s self-written history through the plants and rocks lining the Locust Lake Loop trail.
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Locust Lake Visitor Lot.
- Details: 3 miles, moderate-difficult for some due to rocky uphill and downhill. Children and dogs that can handle long walks are welcome.
- Leader: Hemlock Hannah.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
Dec. 6: Lehigh Valley and New England Rail Trail
This old rail line – now a popular rail trail – hauled tons of coal to the Eastern Seaboard. Great views!
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Stonehedge Gardens parking lot near Rts. 443 and 309 in South Tamaqua.
- Details: 3 miles, easy. Children that can handle long walks are welcome, but no dogs please.
- Leader: Porcupine Pat.
- Sponsor: Explore Schuylkill.
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