First part in our Conservation in Philly series
This three-part Conservation in Philly series will explore the underappreciated side of the city’s conservation efforts. We’ll dive into the waters of the Schuylkill and Delaware to highlight the tiny but mighty mussel, walk in the cool shade of some of Philly’s most impressive trees, get close to the ground to see what our fungi friends are up to, and take a look at some sustainable food spots.
Mussell Power
Philadelphia is flanked by two vital waterways, the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. Prior to European settlement, these waterways teemed with diversity; soon after, they became important sources for the growing city’s water supply. In the late 19th century through the mid 20th century, oil refineries had a devastating impact on the rivers, and something needed to be done.
Today, you might not be able to swim in or eat fish and drink water from the Schuylkill River, but you can appreciate the power of a tiny superhero that’s doing a lot to help clean it up.
At the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, researchers have been inoculating fish with mussel larvae, which attach to and grow on fish gills. Once released into the river, the maturing larvae eventually drop off and sink to the bottom, where they begin filtering – or cleaning – up to 20 gallons of water per day!
Visit the Interpretive Center, free to the public, to learn more about Philly’s water system and how it’s combating contamination and take in breathtaking views of the city along the Schuylkill River just above the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Ecology of the Hidden River
Farther down the Schuylkill – a 17th-century Dutch settler name meaning “hidden river” – plans for a floating observation deck are underway. FloatLab, expected to be completed in 2026, will provide a unique perspective of the river, allowing visitors to get eye level with the water. The collaboration between Mural Arts Program and Bartram’s Garden will feature a floating garden, potentially helping to educate the public about the important native plant species that help filter and absorb contaminants from the river.
Standing at the bottom of the slope of FloatLab, visitors might also get a chance to spot migrating American shad. From March to April, these fish make their way up the Schuylkill, using the Fairmount Dam Fish Ladder to reach the ideal place to spawn. Today, shad numbers are fortunately rising and hopefully will reach the historic numbers that once sustained Washington’s troops at Valley Forge over 200 years ago.
For another way to get up close and personal with the Schuylkill, rent a kayak or sign up for a guided tour with Hidden River Outfitters.
The Mighty Delaware
Over on the east side of Philadelphia, the Delaware River divides Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offering spectacular sunrise views along its length. Within distance of Old City, the Independence Seaport Museum is worth the walk or SEPTA bus ride to explore its exhibits detailing the fascinating history of the Delaware. In addition to included admission to the historic ship USS Olympia, enjoy the ISM’s River Alive! exhibit, which highlights the biodiversity and significant human links to the Delaware River watershed.
After your museum visit, jump on an Indego e-Bike and make your way down to Washington Avenue Green, Philly’s former “Ellis Island”. From 1870, the country’s fourth largest immigration station here welcomed tens of thousands for several decades. In 2014, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation restored this thin stretch as a public park, complete with native species like purple lovegrass, aster, and echinacea – some of these plants started as tiny plugs placed within cracks of the impervious surface and have been actively breaking through the concrete since planting! Now that’s some powerful nature.
Stay tuned for the second part of our look into Conservation in Philly, where we explore Philadelphia’s park system and the tremendous benefits it brings visitors and locals alike.
Also, if you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your organization, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to arrange for a Custom Conservation Tour!
