Delaware River Festival 9/24-10/3

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This year, for so many reasons, people have sought solace in the outdoors and found a new, or renewed connection with nature. During September and October, the 23 environmental centers that make up the Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River (AWE) will host family-friendly activities as part of the organization’s annual River Days festivities, to help bring people together safely for environmentally-focused events.

Delaware River Festival 2021
September 24 to October 3
Various locations in Philadelphia and South Jersey
Key: In-Person Livestreamed
Info at delawareriverfest.org

Several environmental educational organizations have come together to plan virtual and in-person events at multiple locations on both sides of the Delaware, throughout South Jersey and in Philadelphia. During the weekdays there will be virtual events focusing on the Delaware River and how to enjoy and protect it.

Presented by the Center for Aquatic Sciences, Independence Seaport Museum, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, NJ Conservation Foundation, NJ Natural Lands Trust, Camden County Environmental Center, and many other partners.

Friday, September 24

Delaware River Flight Night @ Eclipse
6pm - 9pm
Eclipse Brewery
25 E Park Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109

Come drink some beer, meet some live animals and test your knowledge with beer and water trivia, win prizes, and learn more about this year’s Delaware River Festival. No registration required. Host: Center for Aquatic Sciences

Delaware River Flight Night at Evil Genius
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Evil Genius Brewing
1727 N. Front Street, Philadelphia

Kick off the weekend and the Delaware River Festival with a local brew and a smile. Test your knowledge with beer and water trivia, win prizes, and learn more about this year’s Delaware River Festival. Please note that all guests must show proof of vaccination with a matching ID to be indoors.

Host: Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Saturday, September 25

Nature Walk on Petty’s Island
10 AM - 11:30 PM
Petty’s Island located on 36th Street in Camden NJ, just past Harrison Ave. and Cramer Hill Nature Preserve

Did you know there is an island in the Delaware River near Philadelphia? Petty’s Island is a 292-acre preserve and it is the fourth-largest island in the Delaware River's path. Join the Center for Aquatic Sciences as we explore Petty's Island and discover the nature on this hidden island. **Preregistration required. Bilingual Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/169479843775 Host: Center for Aquatic Sciences

Bilingual Bird Walk at Gateway Park
10AM - 12PM
Gateway Park
Admiral Wilson Blvd Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109

Autumn is a great time to search for birds in your backyard, community or local park. An expert birder who speaks both English and Spanish will lead participants on a walk through Gateway Park along the Cooper River, searching for and learning about birds found in the region. Binoculars will be provided for participants to borrow, along with instructions on using them. Spanish and English language bird guides will also be available. Host: New Jersey Conservation Foundation

**Preregistration required: https://www.njconservation.org/event/bilingual-bird-walk-at-gateway-park/

City: Living!
1 PM - 3PM
Wiggins Park
2 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103

Join the Center for Aquatic Sciences as we explore the Camden Waterfront with a scavenger hunt. We will end the day by meeting some of the animals that live in the area.

**Preregistration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1...

Paddle Penn’s Landing
1 - 6:30 PM
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Come out to Penn's Landing to enjoy FREE paddling all afternoon! Paddle Penn's Landing will be open to all to enjoy some time on the water. Whether you choose a kayak, rowboat, swan or dragon, you are sure to have a good time.

Sunday 9/26

Get Outdoors at Gateway Park
1 PM - 4PM
Gateway Park
Camden, NJ

Let's go fly a kite! Join staff from the Center for Aquatic Sciences as we make and fly kites.

Sunset Paddle on the Delaware River
4:15 – 6:45 p.m.
Penn’s Landing
211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia

Join the Independence Seaport Museum for an evening sunset paddle along the Delaware River. This kayaking course will teach you paddling and safety basics before a quick trip out of the basin to take in the city skyline as the sun begins to set. Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

Pre-Registration Required: Independence Seaport Museum :: Ticket Selection (phillyseaport.org)

The following events will be LIVESTREAMED.

Find them at delawareriverfest.org, on Facebook and on YouTube

Monday 9/27

Storybook Reading by Jenn Epp
11:00 a.m.

Watch Jenn Epp from the Free Library of Philadelphia read Song of the River by Joy Cowley & Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry. Great activity for young children. Hosted by Free Library of Philadelphia. How to watch: Facebook, YouTube, and DelawareRiverFest.org

SpottedLanternfly Q & A

4:30 PM

Have you seen a spotted lanternfly near your home or school? Do you know what to do when you see one? Join us for a brief introduction to this invasive species from the Camden County Mosquito Commission. Then you'll have a chance to ask all your lanternfly related questions. All ages are welcome, and kids are encouraged to participate! Watch at delawareriverfest.org, on Facebook and on YouTube

Tuesday 9/28

STEM Career Panel for Middle Schoolers
9 AM - 10 AM

Join in the Delaware River Festival as we talk with several watershed and environmental professionals working in Philadelphia, Camden, and the surrounding areas. Students will have an opportunity to learn more about potential career paths and ask questions of our panelists. This panel will be geared towards students in middle school, but open to all. Watch at delawareriverfest.org, on Facebook and on YouTube.

Land animals need water too!
2PM - 3PM

Join the Center for Aquatic Sciences staff and some of their animals as they discuss why the Delaware River and water is an important habitat to all animals. Watch at delawareriverfest.org, on Facebook and on YouTube.

Wednesday 9/29

STEM Career Panel for High Schoolers
9 AM - 10 AM

Description: Join us as we talk with several watershed and environmental professionals working in Philadelphia, Camden, and the surrounding areas. Students will have an opportunity to learn more about potential career paths and ask questions of our panelists. This panel will be geared towards students in high school, but open to all. Watch at delawareriverfest.org, on Facebook and on YouTube.

River Water Quality Lesson with CAUSE Teens
4:30 PM

Join teens from the Community and Urban Science Enrichment (CAUSE) Program as they test the Delaware River and see what's really in there! Hosted by the Center for Aquatic Sciences. Watch at delawareriverfest.org, on Facebook and on YouTube.

Saturday, Oct. 2

Bird Walk at the Discovery Center
8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Discovery Center
3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, 19121

Come see the amazing variety of bird species at the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir on a walk led by a local ornithologist Keith Russell. Experts and novice birders both welcome. Join us as we watch, listen, and learn about the species that call our Reservoir home. A Spanish translator will be available.

Chester Pennsylvania Festival Fun
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Subaru Park Plaza
Chester, Pennsylvania

Join us for family fun and watershed learning along the Delaware River Waterfront beside Subaru Park in Chester, PA. Try your hand at water quality testing, take a tour of the stadium to learn how the turf is sustainably managed, and visit the nearby community garden. There will be crafts, music, pizza, and more fun for the whole family! Hosted by the City of Chester and Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Paddle Party
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Pyne Point Park
6th and Erie Street, Camden, NJ 08103

Sign up for one of three paddles as we take our kayaks out to explore the back channel of the Delaware River. Great experience for new kayakers! Spanish translators will be available for the first paddle at 10:30am **Preregistration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/169516860493 Hosted by the Center for Aquatic Sciences. Note: The Sunday, October 3rd event is at capacity

Storybook Reading by Devon Laudenslager
2:00 p.m.
Watch Devon Laudenslager from the Free Library of Philadelphia read a storybook. Great activity for young children. Hosted by Free Library of Philadelphia. How to watch: Facebook, YouTube, and DelawareRiverFest.org

Sunday, October 3

Sunday Fun Day at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
6336 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia 19138

Join us at the Farm at Awbury Arboretum for an afternoon of family fun and wellness. Meet goats, take a tour of the farm, and learn about the importance of water for individual and environmental wellness.

Hosts: The Farm at Awbury Arboretum, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Philadelphia Water Department

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