Record-Setting ‘Sojourn’ Highlights the Schuylkill River’s Wild Beauty

Philadelphia Water's Paul Fugazzotto paddles to the finish of the 2016 Schuylkill Sojourn. A record 205 people joined the annual event this year. Photo credit: Brian Rademaekers

If you happened to be in Philadelphia admiring the Schuylkill River’s picturesque beauty from afar last week, you might have been startled by what appeared to be an enormous flock of florescent birds, all of them rhythmically flapping their wings on the shimmering water:

Those “birds,” of course, were actually the 100-plus paddlers propelling the rainbow of brightly hued kayaks and canoes that made up the annual Schuylkill Sojourn. A seven day journey covering 112 miles of the Schuylkill River from its Schuylkill County headwaters all the way to Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row, the event has been held since 1998.

Sponsored in part by Philadelphia Water and hosted by the non-profit Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area (SRHA) since 1998, the Sojourn draws paddling enthusiasts, environmental advocates, history buffs and more while showcasing the scenic and natural splendor of a river that provides drinking water to more than 1.5 million people and contributes well over a half billion dollars to the local economy annually.

Laura Catalano, a spokeswoman for SRHA, says the 2016 trek was the most popular ever: an average of 110 people were on the water each day, and a record 79 participants made the full trip, which lasted from June 4  to June 10. On the final leg, 115 Sojourners made their way from West Conshohocken to Boathouse Row above Philadelphia’s Fairmount Dam.

That more and more people are taking part in this epic celebration of the Schuylkill is no surprise to those in the know—thanks to efforts from organizations like Philadelphia Water and many, many others, this river has been making a spectacular comeback for years. Much to the delight of the Schuylkill’s fans, the secret of this gem is officially out.

Carl Raring knows the story of the Schuylkill rebound better than most. A Realtor and retired insurance broker from Pottsville, Pa., the 67-year-old is one of only two people to have taken part in all 18 Schuylkill Sojourns. (Jim Showalter of Reading, Pa. is the other.)

Carl Raring heads toward the finish of his 18th Sojourn. He's been paddling on local waters for over 40 years. Credit: Brian Rademaekers

Having intimately sampled the health of the river each year since 1998, he’s watched the recovery firsthand over a long period of time.

“The river’s quality has definitely improved over the years,” says Raring. “There’s less sewage, less illegal dumping on the banks, less ‘yellow boy’ (iron deposits indicating acid mine drainage) on the rocks and river bottom, no more daily color changes in the river due to effluent from the bleach and dye manufacturers.”

With visibly less pollution have come more wildlife sightings and a greater diversity of wildlife. Raring’s current tally of river life includes freshwater clams and mussels, (lots of) bald eagles, ospreys, beaver, otters, mink, ducks, swans, geese, different heron species and an abundance of fish, including trout—one of the most pollution-sensitive fish in nature.

There are also many more people now enjoying the natural and recreational qualities of the river; Raring and others have noticed an uptick in people fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, birdwatching and more.

Fellow Sojourner Michelle Hnath, of Reading, Pa., is also impressed with the growing wildlife. She’s completed 11 trips over the years and notices more bald eagles each time she paddles south to Philadelphia.

“To me, the eagles are a sure sign of the water quality improving,” says Hnath.

For those who still think of the Schuylkill as a place to be avoided, Raring says they need to come out and see the change for themselves.

“The best thing for doubters of the river’s recreational potential to do? Get out to the river and look at the current level of activity of people enjoying the Schuylkill,” says Raring. “That alone should convince them.”

To be sure, there are still plenty of challenges. During this year’s trip, local writer Bradley Maule documented the issue of litter and trash that gets swept into the river from urban areas by rain storms—one of the more visible problems—on his Philly Skyline blog, thanks to the Schuylkill Action Network’s Schuylkill Steward sponsorship.

Writer Bradley Maule documented litter and dumping along the trip for the Schuylkill Action Network. See his work at Phillyskyline.com

Maule drew praise from the watershed stewardship community last year with his One Man’s Trash exhibit at the Fairmount Water Works. A collection of litter pulled from Wissahickon Valley Park over 365 days, the display put a spotlight on the trash problem in our local parks and watersheds. You can read his daily Sojourn log and see some great photos from his trip here.

Raring says that people who want to help with trash along the Schuylkill should get involved with local groups like the Schuylkill Action Network, the Schuylkill Headwaters Association and SRHA. Local volunteer cleanups are often posted on our events calendar.

Catalano, of the SRHA, says the Sojourn is an invaluable tool for getting people invested in the Schuylkill, which translates to more people involved in cleanups and other efforts to protect the river.

“Historically, the river was very polluted; but, over the past 50-plus years, tremendous efforts have been made to clean the river. We want people to realize that the river is much cleaner than it used to be,” says Catalano. “We also want paddlers to see firsthand how beautiful the river is. Ultimately, our goal is to make every person who paddles the Schuylkill an advocate and a steward of the river, encouraging others to value and protect it.”

With a growing number of people signing up—Sojourners have come from 25 states and four countries over the last 18 years—it looks like the Schuylkill is set to gain more life-long friends like Raring, Maule and Hnath.

“The comradery is what attracts most of us back year after year,” says Raring. “It's like kids looking forward to going to summer camp to catch up with old friends that they may only see that one time of year.”

If that comradery means a few hundred more Schuylkill river cheerleaders each year, prospects for an even brighter future are looking good for this priceless local treasure.

To learn more about the Sojourn and participate in stewardship events, check out the SRHA site and our partnerships page.

More Photos from the 2016 Sojourn: