River Tales: Voices of the Watershed

When my grandson was four years old I would frequently take him to Bartram’s Garden to hike or buy plants. Him and I went specifically on a Saturday to kayak. I was really excited to be the first to take him on this little adventure. We rowed as far as we were allowed and as we were heading back the winds got very gusty. It never occurred to me that high winds could potentially be a problem on the river. 

To my dismay, the more I paddled the more the wind pushed us back. I was having a hard time maneuvering and ended up on the river bank. Fortunately I was able to get free. I waved at one of the workers and she waved back not realizing we were in distress. I didn’t want to yell because I didn’t want to cause alarm to my grandson, Chris. Since I had gotten her attention she came over to help us. She called for an emergency tow. I was extremely thankful for her assistance as well as the tow person. 

Although we still go to Bartram’s Garden to buy plants, I have had a hard time convincing now-12-year-old Chris to go kayaking with his grandmother again. This was in no way a terrifying experience but a funny story that will be handed down through the ages about an adventure on the Schuylkill River. 

–Bren

During a sun-drenched summer, my family and I found ourselves drawn to the Delaware River Watershed, enticed by the promise of the free boating program. Week after week, our weekends transformed into aquatic adventures, where we learned the art of kayaking and reveled in the freedom of the open water. Each visit deepened my newfound passion for all things aquatic. 

Now, the mere thought of boating or kayaking fills me with excitement. My days are often spent honing my swimming skills, eager for any chance to be in the water. I am on the lookout for kayaking and boating clubs nearby, hoping to immerse myself further in this newfound love. Even more, I aspire to share this joy with my family, urging them to join me in these thrilling pursuits. 

Reflecting on these experiences, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities provided by the programs and the Delaware River Watershed. As I look to the future, I eagerly seek out new adventures and ways to connect with the water that has captured my heart. 

–Issa

As I made my way down to the Schuylkill alongside my friends, our waivers were signed and life jackets worn. I chose a tandem with my friend; I was in the front and her in the back. The river was filled with trash and dirt. As we paddled, we used our oars to grab empty plastic trash—from bottles to deflated basketballs—and placed them into our kayak. I glanced at the film of an oily reflective substance on the water, showing a rainbow that broke into tiny fragments when touched. The kayak tilted left and right as we leaned softly. Boats with engines moved through the water splashing the water and leaving tiny waves, bouncing us up and down. “One, two, one, two, one, two,” I chanted. Our paddles dipped into the cloudy water simultaneously, creating a beautiful rhythm. As we lifted the tip of the paddle out of the water and turned to the opposite side, water dripped onto our legs, causing a disgusting yet cool feeling. Dirt remained on my skin and again onto my hands as I attempted to dust it off. We met families of ducks, wondering how any species could survive in the water. Others threw their fishing lines into the water, sitting there for hours and catching practically nothing. There was nothing left alive in the Schuylkill. Nothing except us. 

–Rena