To view a map of sojourns planned statewide this year, click on this link: 2019 Sojourn Map

 

May 4-5, 2019

Swatara Watershed Association

Travel Through Time on the Swatara Sojourn – Paddle 30 miles over two days, and sleep on the banks of the Swatara Creek. Starting at Route 645 S of Pine Grove, Schuylkill County PA and ending at Swatara Watershed Park. They will convey the importance of being good stewards and voices for Clean Water. In addition to being a recreational venue for paddling, fishing, and swimming, the Swatara Creek is the source of drinking water for the American Water Company, Lebanon Water Authority, and United Water Company. The entire trip incorporates access points and features identified on the Swatara Water TrailExperience the sights, smells, sounds, and feeling of nature all around you as you Travel Through Time under your own power leaving the rat race behind. Visit the rustic Bordner Cabin. See the Appalachian Trail Bridge, cross the Swatara Creek, canal locks, bank barns…. Enjoy camaraderie inspired by outdoor exercise and companionship. Bald eagles, waterfowl, whitetail deer, and river otters have all been sighted during past river sojourns. What will you see? Register Here

May 11, 2019

Lackawanna River Corridor Association

RiverFest 2019 – Riverfest celebrates the Lackawanna River and is considered our annual rite of spring. Paddlers take to the water and revelers fill the riverbanks. It is a day of exercise and fun, drawing the community outdoors after the long winter to celebrate the valley and the river that runs through it. Riverfest is a full day of river and kids’ activities, music, food and drink, educational and health-related displays, craft vendors, and fun for all ages. Register Here

May 16-19. 2019

Armstrong Center for Community Learning

22nd Alle-Kiski-Connie River Sojourn – Western PA’s longest running Sojourn, having begun in 1997. Paddle river corridors rich in scenery and history through the beautiful Allegheny, Kiskiminetas, and Conemaugh Valleys. This year features Mahoning and Crooked Creeks, along with the Conemaugh and Kiskiminetas Rivers. Register Here

May 16-18, 2019

Endless Mountains Heritage Region

2019 Heritage Sojourn – The Endless Mountains Heritage Region will host this amazing trip. The trip will include students, teachers, politicians and other environmental and historical agencies from around the region. This trip is available for students and adults from around the area. Participants should have an interest in the outdoors, camping, kayaking and learning about their history, environment, and being a steward for the river. The goal of this trip is to educate our community about the environmental stewardship, ecology, wildlife, camping, kayaking, history and so much more. Participants should have some experience camping and have gear to do so. At the end of this three day two night excursion students will collaborate with each other to create a presentation about their experiences and what they have learned. Register Here

May 18, 2019

Loyalhanna Watershed Association

6th Annual Loyalhanna Sojourn – A one-day event to promote the Loyalhanna Creek and its surrounding communities in Westmoreland County. Participants will paddle a nine-mile section of the Loyalhanna beginning at the Cardinal Park launch in Latrobe and continue downstream to the Gray Wing Park launch in New Alexandria. The day will include shuttle transportation, refreshments, boating safety, environmental education and tons of fun! For more information on the event, contact the Loyalhanna Watershed Association at (724) 238-7560 or register online.  Cost of the event is $20 per person and all participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Register Here

June 1, 2019

Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy

Perkiomen Creek Sojourn – Join the adventure as we paddle a ten mile stretch of the Perkiomen Creek from Schwenksville to Oaks! Explore the scenic beauty and hidden treasures of the Perkiomen. Do some boulder dodging. Battle the dams and rapids. Chat with old friends and make some new ones. Enjoy lunch at Cranberry Park and learn a little about this gem winding through our own backyards. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one from us! Be sure to check out the Perkiomen Creek Sojourn this year! We have a new event format… and we’re sure you’ll love it! Register Here

June 1-7, 2019

Schuylkill River Greenway Association

Schuylkill River Sojourn – An annual 112-mile guided canoe/kayak trip on the Schuylkill River that is held the first full week of June. It begins in rural Schuylkill Haven and ends seven days later in Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row. Participants paddle 14-18 miles per day and can register for the entire trip or as little as one day. Price of registration includes three meals a day, daily shuttle back to cars, gear transport, a place to camp and programming at lunch and evening stops.  Register Here

June 6-9, 2019

Conemaugh Valley Conservancy

Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers Sojourn – Join the River Rebellion! The Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh Sojourn is a great way to experience the history, culture and recreation resources of the Kiski-Conemaugh corridor along the borders of Somerset, Cambria, Westmoreland, Indiana, and Armstrong County.  Join us for one to four days for canoeing/kayaking, primitive camping – we provide the food and shuttling – all you need to do is be there. Experience little-known natural features like Conemaugh and Packsaddle Gaps and visible Main Line Canal remnants, and a stop at Saltsburg’s Historic Canal Days Festival.  This year we’ll celebrate the river rebels who brought the once dead Kiski-Conemaugh back to life – with a few rebellious surprises along the way.  Registration fees are only $40 per day ($35 for CVC members). A detailed packet will be provided to registrants that includes directions to all access areas, a preparation checklist, outfitter information and more. Register Here

June 8-9, 2019

Allegheny Aquatic Alliance

3rd Annual Connie Q Canoe Trip – People of all ages and skills will enjoy and engage in a sojourn on a captivating serene creek. Allegheny Aquatic Alliance will guide you through this two-day, 16 mile kayak/canoe paddle across beautiful Butler County on Connoquenessing Creek, the hidden gem of Western PA. This celebration will encourage participants to learn more about our local waterways and how to protect them. The event includes shuttle service, overnight camping, dinner and breakfast, live entertainment, informative speakers, raffles and silent auction, campfire snacks, and fun for all! One day paddlers are welcome also. Take part in this exciting unique paddling opportunity and experience what our local natural resources have to offer. Register Here

June 14-22, 2019

Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition

2019 Delaware River Sojourn – A guided paddling and camping trip on the Delaware River, is full of fun and adventure, offering a great time for all participants where wonderful memories are made! The purpose of the Sojourn is to heighten awareness of and appreciation for the Delaware River and its watershed, which flows for 330 miles through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The Sojourn combines canoeing/kayaking, camping, educational programs, historical interpretation, and more. It is for novice to experienced paddlers of all ages; participants can sign up for the whole event or for the section(s) or day(s) of their choice. The Sojourn is fully insured and sanctioned by the American Canoe Association. Each day we are accompanied by our safety team, made up of members of the National Canoe Safety Patrol. Sojourners are like an extended family, and many participants join in the fun year after year, whether it’s for a day or two, or the whole event. It is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people or reconnect with old friends, and enjoy nature – a perfect “staycation” where you feel you are away but still close to home. Register Here

June 15, 2019

Jacobs Creek Watershed Association

Lazy River Family Float Festival – Jacobs Creek Watershed Association would like to invite you to the second annual Jacobs Creek Lazy River Float Festival. Bring your own raft, kayak, canoe or tube and enjoy a day on the creek, start and ending on the Canoe Access Ramps in Scottdale Borough Parks. Members will have access to Kayaks, Canoes, and SUP boards free at this event! This family friend event will include food for sale, tube equipment rentals, music, activities and more! Bring the whole family and float down the belly of Jacobs Creek. A shuttle will be provided, and registration gets you a “Ride All Day” pass for service between the two ramps. It’s a Lazy River kind of day, won’t you join us? Register Here

June 15-22, 2019

Schuylkill Headwaters Association, Inc.

Schuylkill Acts and Impacts – Schuylkill Acts and Impacts is a week-long watershed expedition along the 120-mile Schuylkill River, from its headwaters in the anthracite coal lands of Schuylkill County to its confluence with the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Twelve select high school students from all five counties in the watershed will come together to experience first-hand the impacts of human development on water quality through guided tours, fieldwork, water sampling and interactive presentations with policy makers and planners. Register Here

June 22-24, 2019

Wildlands Conservancy

23rd Annual Lehigh River Sojourn – Wildlands Conservancy’s 34 mile guided paddling trip on the Lehigh River. The event begins in the Pocono Mountains and ends in Easton. Sojourners travel through the region’s metro-wilderness- treasuring scenic view, visits from resident wildlife and a shared appreciation for preserving the Lehigh River. Register Here

June 24-28, 2019

Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy

Perki-Bay Expedition – Support the most unique youth adventure initiative in southeastern Pennsylvania! The Perki- Bay Expedition is a 5-day, 50-mile, self-supported, paddling expedition where the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy’s youth conservation program members paddle from the Perkiomen Creek in Upper Montgomery County to Fort Mifflin on the Delaware River. Their intrepid 25 person team embarks on June 24th. The goal of the expedition is to raise awareness for the coming Perkiomen Creek Water Trail and for the Conservancy’s new Water Quality Monitoring Program. Proceeds from the trip support their youth programs and the Perkiomen Creek Water Trail. Register Here

June 24-July 26, 2019

Sweet Water Education Events Training – Guardians of the Brandywine

Canoe Camp – Curious? Adventurous? Nature-loving? Open-minded? Explorer? CANOE Camps are taking place along the Brandywine Creek! Join the outdoor adventure day camps of 2019! Learn the skills to canoe along the Brandywine on a different stretch of the creek with different adventures each day. Make new friends, run scientific tests, and learn about water, critters, watersheds, and water stewardship. Camp dates: June 24-28 (girls only); July 1-3 (girls only); July 22-26 (boys and girls). Camp runs from 9am-4pm each day and is based at Northbrook Canoe Company, 1810 Beagle Road, West Chester. For an application or more information: Register Here

July 20 and September 2, 2019

Allegheny Aquatic Alliance

2019 Lauchapalooza Series – The Series consists of 2 separate events celebrating the grand opening of new public canoe launches on Connoquenessing Creek. Each event will feature a different kayak/canoe paddle through Butler, Beaver, and Lawrence Counties using the new launches on this beautiful, serene creek. This series will inform the public of the new launches while encouraging conservation efforts and recreational use of this often overlooked waterway. Each event is free, open to the public, and suitable for all ages and skill levels. The events include a ribbon cutting ceremony, food, DJ, door prizes, and informative speakers. Join Allegheny Aquatic Alliance for these exciting paddling experiences on the Hidden Gem in Western Pennsylvania. Register Here

August 3, 2019

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

Susquehanna Island Hopper – Island Hopping is easily one of the best ways to experience the Middle Susquehanna River Trail. With its abundant wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and network of islands the Middle Susquehanna offers so much for visitors to see and do. So, grab your kayak or your canoe and join the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) and Susquehanna River Trail Association (SRTA) on August 3, 2019 for the family-friendly Susquehanna Island Hopper sojourn!  Attendees will launch from the beautiful Isle of Que in Selinsgrove, PA and travel 12 miles down the River Trail stopping to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the islands. See wildlife, experience the beauty of the mountains, and learn about the history of the region all from the comfort of your own kayak. It is sure to be a day to remember!  Register Here

September 21, 2019

Independence Seaport Museum

Walnut2Walnut Challenge – See your city in a whole new way! Independence Seaport Museum’s Walnut2Walnut Challenge offers participants the chance to paddle or row down the Schuylkill River and up the Delaware River. The challenge course offers spectacular views of the city while traveling almost 15 miles along both rivers and gives participants an utterly unique chance to explore the natural environment surrounding Philadelphia. Register Here

TBD

Benscreek Canoe Club – First Waves

First Waves – First Waves provides youth facing adversity with a 2-day, immersive education in watershed conservation, the art of film making, and standup paddle boarding. In the first workshop, students learn to standup paddleboard, navigate moving water, and even surf on standing river waves at Greenhouse Whitewater Park in the Laurel Highlands. Additionally, participants will undergo an education on film making techniques to document their experience. Lastly, basic watershed topics will be introduced including; understanding our watershed, the impact of single-use plastics, and non-point source pollution. At the following workshop, First Waves students will utilize the skills and knowledge they acquired to clean up a section of river while continuing to document their work. They will learn about the causes of the pollution they are seeing and how choices they make each day can influence their watershed’s health. Furthermore, they will participate in a tree planting and water sampling workshop that allows them to make lasting improvements to their watershed and a way to analyze their efforts over time. Their efforts will culminate in the production of a high-definition film that highlights the group’s accomplishments and inspires others to enjoy and conserve Pennsylvania waterways. www.firstwaves.org

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