Trail Nature Walks
Join us for guided walks on the trail
During the winter and spring you can join the stewardship group for nature walks on the first Sunday of each month at 2pm. These walks will last about an hour and focus on the plant and animal life visible along the trail, with some discussion about environmental issues like stormwater and invasive species, depending on participant interest. Children with adults are welcome to come.
On December 3, 2023, we'll walk along Vine Creek, starting from the Barmouth trailhead. This time of year, with most of the leaves off the trees, it's easier to discern the overall structure of the creekbank. We start to see the big picture of how water interacts with the landscape as it flows along swales and into basins, and eventually drops into the creek.
On January 7, 2024, we'll walk from Barmouth up the the Bala Cynwyd Playground and explore this part of the Vine Creek watershed. Even in winter we should be able to see how birds congregate in areas with dense shrub cover along the slopes and next to the playground. We'll visit the tiny wetland tucked away next to the creek.
The February 4 walk will start from the Barmouth trailhead and take us up to the Cynwyd Station and along multiple streams above ground and drains under the surface that interconnect and eventually feed into Vine Creek.
Details about future walks will be posted closer to the dates.
If you would like a guided nature walk for your group, please contact us at fochtsteward@gmail.com
Birding along the Cynwyd Trail at 8am on the first Saturday of each month, starting at the Bala Cynwyd Playground. The trail is a great place to look for birds, with many different habitats. It's especially nice during migration seasons in spring and fall. You can join us for birdwalks on the first Saturday of every month, and at other times as posted here.
Birders of all levels are welcome, including children accompanied by an adult. Bring your binoculars but not your pets. We submit results to Pennsylvania eBird. You can view our lists, and those of other birders, on the eBird website.
We have archived information put together before and after nature walks on the trail, including photographs. There are also video walks, made for the 2020 Covid season, that can give you a flavor of nature on the trail from the comfort of your couch.
