Crow’s Nest: Schuylkill Acts & Impacts 2024

By Daniel Barringer, Preserve Manager.

We can reliably predict interesting weather when the Schuylkill Acts and Impacts program visits Crow’s Nest each year, but that’s ok with us since this year we desperately needed the rain! They came prepared with a large canopy tent; below, they’re relaxing under it while it pours outside.

Photo: Daniel Barringer

The Schuylkill Acts & Impacts Program brings together high school students from each of the counties through which the Schuylkill River flows. Participants paddle parts of the river from headwaters near Pottsville, downstream to Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Valley Forge, and eventually Philadelphia. Along the way they study the things that affect water quality: stormwater, sewage treatment, farming, our homes and roads, as well as all the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the river.

Each year they stop at Crow’s Nest to camp, go on a hike at our nature preserve, and talk about conservation and careers. This year the visit followed a visit to a dairy farm and and urban farm in Reading, and we were joined in the evening by our farmer who leases fields at Crow’s Nest. Jim Bartlett covered a wide range of subjects including soil conservation, crop selection, and the economic reality that is farming. (It’s a whole lot more complicated than most people think.)

It rained after our hike, but stopped long enough for dinner cooked on an open fire, followed by s’mores. When rain started again we retreated inside the barn to carry on discussions before they all headed off to waterproofed tents.

Every year I am blown away by the students: their engagement with the subject material, enthusiasm, and concern for others. This visit each year boosts my hope for the future.

Photo: Daniel Barringer