Events In The Watershed

Annual Events

Update November 2020: The content of this page reflects events that are held in a normal year. In 2020 & 2021, some of these programs will be cancelled or modified due to Covid-19. Check the Upcoming Events page or email info@wissahickontrails.org for more information.

Connecting land, water, and people is at the heart of our mission, and events are one way we create that connection. Our events offer participants opportunities to connect with our natural environment, meet our staff and fellow supporters, and learn a little something along the way. Although our program calendar changes each year, there are eight annual events that we always offer. People can get involved in these events in a number of ways: participate, sponsor, or volunteer to help.

Bernie Wilsoni

Maple Sugaring Festival - 2021 Event Cancelled

Late February-Early March

This is Wissahickon Trails’ signature family event that introduces people to the Four Mills Nature Reserve and the maple sugar process. Guides take groups through the woods to see the tapped maple trees and then watch the sap get boiled into sugar. End your tour at the historic Four Mills Barn with hot cocoa, waffles, and maple syrup.

Creek Clean Up

Last Saturday in April

Hundreds of volunteers clean the Wissahickon Creek then celebrate their efforts at the “Talkin’ Trash picnic. Wissahickon Trails partners with the Friends of the Wissahickon. 2020 marked the 50th year this has taken place along the Wissahickon.

2020 Event Information

Birdathon

Mid-May

Birding teams enjoy a friendly competition to identify the most species during the height of the migration then share their findings at a party that follows it. 2020 marked the 25th anniversary.

2020 Event Information

Tex Mex 5k Race

Wednesday evening in late June

Tex Mex Connection Bar & Restaurant in North Wales hosts the very popular, midweek race that benefits Wissahickon Trails which routinely attracts over 1,400 runners. 2019 marked the 30th anniversary. Wissahickon Trails has been a beneficiary since 2000.

B)2017 Jamie Stewarti

Walk the Wissahickon

Last Sunday in September

Walk the Wissahickon offers people a chance to experience the beautiful Green Ribbon Trail that follows the Wissahickon Creek from North Wales and eventually connects with Philadelphia’s Forbidden Drive. Participants can choose to walk 5, 8, 13, or 21 miles of the trail. All of the walks are guided, lunch and snacks are provided, and participants are bussed back to the starting point. All hikes begin at Parkside Place in Upper Gwynedd Township.

Green Ribbon Trail

B)2017 Jamie Stewarti

Craft Beer by the Creek

October

This family (and dog) friendly event features live music, craft beer/cider and food trucks at Four Mills Barn. Attendees park in Ambler and hike the Green Ribbon Trail to join in the festive day intended to enjoy nature, spend time at our beautiful headquarters and learn about the organization.

Daniel Burkei

Green Ribbon Gala

October

The Green Ribbon Gala is the largest fundraising event of the year for Wissahickon Trails. It’s a time to celebrate and support Wissahickon Trails’ work and gather with friends, new and old. This event has been at different private homes throughout the watershed starting in 2010. The event moved to Cedarbrook Country Club in 2019.

2020 Event Details

B)2017 Jamie Stewarti

5-Mile Green Ribbon Trail Race

First Saturday in November

This 5-mile race is ideal for both experienced and new trail runners. Runners start at Parkside Place and follow the Green Ribbon Trail downstream, circle through Natural Lands' Gwynedd Preserve and finish back at the Park’s pavilion for the award ceremony and brunch.