Devil’s Pool is a spectacular natural site with water features, tall trees, and dramatic rocks located in the heart of the Wissahickon Valley Park. The Wissahickon is a beloved, historic 1,800-acre park centered around the dramatic gorge formed by the Wissahickon Creek on its seven-mile journey through Northwest Philadelphia. Devil’s Pool draws the highest number of park visitors and, not surprisingly, with more people comes more traffic jams, litter, graffiti, and ecological degradation.
Join members of the Friends of the Wissahickon to discuss why Devil’s Pool represents some of the most complex challenges of stewardship for both Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Friends of the Wissahickon staff. In 2021 this area was the site of a Leave No Trace Hotspot with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. The LNT workshops and training have validated the partners past efforts and reinvigorated our commitment to sustainable access for this signature landscape. The tour will also highlight the launch of a new communication and engagement strategy and encourage feedback and discussion from workshop participants.
Please note: The tour will meet at the historic Valley Green Inn (built in 1850 overlooking Wissahickon Creek) and requires a short, but challenging hike. Please wear appropriate footwear.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Learn how to balance the stewardship needs of natural areas with human impacts created by their popularity
- Learn how partners can collaborate on environmental stewardship
- Learn about communication and engagement strategies that encourage feedback and discussion
