by Betsy Natter
Looking for new ways to keep cool during a hot summer day? Montgomery County’s many creeks, rivers, lakes and ponds provide lots of opportunities to cool off and enjoy a day out. Whether fishing, canoeing or just poking around for little critters there’s something here for everyone.
Norristown Farm Park – Knee Deep in the Creek
2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, PA 19403
The whole family will enjoy this creek exploration that looks at the little creatures that live in the water. The program will be held on Monday, June 20th at 10 am. Wear water shoes or old sneakers for wading and bring a net if you have one. The event is for adults and children 6 years and up. Meet at the kiosk in parking lot #3. Everything is free, but pre-registration is required. Reserve your spot by calling the park at 610-270-0215.
Green Lane Park – Family Fishing
2144 Snyder Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054
If you’d like to learn to fish but don’t own any equipment, Green Lane’s Family Fishing program on June 25th is a great way to get your feet wet. Join a Park Ranger as they teach the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s Fishing Skills Class. Participants will learn the basics of water ecology and all about fishing equipment and techniques. Then test your new knowledge and see what you can catch in Deep Creek Lake. The program is open to everyone, but children MUST be accompanied by an adult and no large organized groups are permitted. Rods, tackle and bait will be supplied or bring your own. Best yet, for this program, no fishing license is required. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. Call the park at 215-234-4528 to save your place. Meet at the Deep Creek Picnic Pavilion at 9 am.
Lock 60 – Canal Day 2016
Mont Clare, PA 19453
Plan for a full day of fun by the Schuylkill River at the 34th annual Canal Day on June 26th from 9 am to 5 pm. Organized by the Schuylkill Canal Association, the event is held to highlight all that the river and historic canal site have to offer the community. A wide range of competitive events and activities will run throughout the day. Register for the 5-Mile Trail Run or the 5-Mile Canoe/Kayak Race. Try your hand at the Kayak Sprint Race, Canal Joust Championship or the Highland Games, a smaller version of the Scottish competition that includes a caber toss, hammer throw and sheaf toss. Adults can register and pay entrance fees online.
Kid’s events are all free. The Kids Fishing Derby will be held from 9 am to 12 pm. French Creek Outfitters will be providing a minimal supply of rods and plenty of bait and tackle for participants who need gear.
Parking for the event is at St. Michael’s Park in Mont Clare, PA. A handicapped accessible shuttle will run between the parking area and Lock 60 for those unable to walk. General admission is $5 per person, children 12 and under are free. For a full list of activities and links to competition registration information visit http://schuylkillcanal.org/page-1840822.
Schuylkill Canal Park – Canoeing
Enjoy a scenic and relaxing day on the water, either by canoe, kayak or paddleboat. The Schuylkill Canal Association provides a free downloadable trail map with plenty of information on water and land trails, parking, boat launch and fishing sites to make full use of the park located along the Schuylkill River as it runs past Port Providence and Mont Clare in Montgomery County. Bring your own craft or rent from Port Providence Paddle, located behind Fitzwater Station, 264 Canal St. in Port Providence.
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove – Canoe the Perkiomen
Take a cool ride down the Perkiomen Creek while enjoying a guided tour with one of the J.J. Audubon Center’s staff naturalists. Canoes, paddles and PFDs (personal floatation devices) are provided for all visitors. Cost is $15 per person and registration is required. Tours are offered on Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 7:00 pm and every other Saturday from 1:00 – 2:30 pm through mid-September. Private tours can be arranged any day of the week for groups of 10 or more people. To sign up, email jjac_education@audubon.org or call the center at 610-666-5593 ex. 109.
Center Point Pond – Learn to Fish
For family friendly fishing without the expense of a license try Center Point Pond in Worcester Township. The water pond is stocked for catch and release with large mouthed bass, blue gills and catfish. Rods are available for rent and bait can be purchased as well. The fee is $8.00 for 2 hours of fishing. Center Point Pond also installs pond and water features in backyards throughout the Delaware Valley, so while there, stroll the grounds and visit the pond store to see all their available plants and equipment. The pond, located at 1814 Valley Forge Rd., Worcester Township, is open Tuesday through Sunday until 6 pm. For more information check their website.
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