MINING FOR GOLD IN MY BACKYARD

UPPER SCHUYLKILL VALLEY PARK  

Incessant revelry is tough on the dry cleaning and the back and truthfully is it a party if it happens every night? We know our fans are clamoring for our presence and affections, but sometimes your humble moochers need quiet alone time and this latest entry is about what is perhaps the perfect destination for your intrepid sojourners. Needing to “get away” to a quiet, pastoral destination that also offers an educational angle that is close to home and is free? Look no further than the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park. The added perk of a witch’s tree towering over the grounds is worth a visit alone.

Janet has lived in the thriving metropolis of Collegeville in Montgomery County Pennsylvania for over 20 years and though the USVP is just a few miles away from the suburban sprawl that defines this area of South East PA, she has never graced this truly enjoyable Montgomery County place. A lot of times I poke fun at things, but this gem of a park is remarkable and well worth a visit. To linger there for a while and watch the river slowly take its time allows one’s soul to catch up with the day.

IT’S GOLD JERRY

The Upper Schuylkill Valley Park is on Route 113 just before it makes a left turn over the Schuylkill River and crosses into neighboring Chester County. Near the road there is a rustic, collection of buildings that at first really don’t look very inviting, but this is where the animals are located. There’s nothing fancy here, but the park gives a visitor the opportunity to see relatively up close a number of animals indigenous to the area.

There is a bald eagle and other raptors, staring back menacingly. There are several owls, a porcupine, a bobcat, a skunk and a mink. Also, in the indoor sections of the ramshackle buildings are snakes, fish, turtles and frogs. In this area there is a seasonal butterfly garden. In the back along the gently sloping hill that leads to the Schuylkill River are large areas for donkeys and fowl like chickens and ducks. When I first visited the park last summer, I found especially fascinating a fox hiding in his den in one large enclosure and a pair of wolves loping around their large section of the park, thankful there was a double fence keeping them from me!

This is not a petting zoo and dogs are not allowed on the park grounds, but it’s an easy educational walk-through for children and adults. The park is free, but throughout the year the park holds special events like, “Meet The Foxes”, or the “Frog Frolic” which carry a modest suggested donation request.

UPPER SCHUYLKILL VALLEY PARK

WITCH'S TREE AT UPPER SCHUYLKILL VALLEY PARK

WITCH’S TREE

When my kids were young, I would tell them witches lived in ominous gnarled or dead trees. I think they believed me and would nod in agreement when we would see them. The short road at the park leading down to the Schuylkill River has a very impressive witch’s tree. I think it’s large enough to be a condo for several witches.

Anyway, in this area is a number of BBQ grills and picnic tables. There is a non-motorized watercraft launch and a fishing pier and at the parking lot is a trailhead for the Upper Schuylkill River Trail that leads to Phoenixville. Just a few miles from our place, the park has become a pleasant stop when I need to get some fresh air and some quiet time and watch the river slip along.  It is a good serene place.