History of the Friends
of the Wissahickon
1924 The Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) was organized by a small group composed mostly of owners of land bordering the Wissahickon Valley. They were deeply concerned about the city’s neglect of the Wissahickon. Then, as now, inadequate funding of parks was the problem.
1930 Membership in the FOW had increased to 500 from 50 and $9,000 ($200,000 in today’s dollars) was collected in the six-year period since the start of the organization. The funds were used to plant 14,000 trees as well as shrubs.
1934 FOW came to the rescue when
Valley Green Inn was threatened with demolition. Funds were raised for restoration and FOW assumed responsibility for the Inn’s care and operation, taking over from the Fairmount Park Commission.
1935-38 During depression years, the Wissahickon Valley received a huge infusion of dollars, ($850,000) from the
federally-funded Works Project Administration (WPA). Among the projects completed were picnic shelters, guard houses, toilets, trails above Rex Avenue and renovations.
1966 Through the efforts of then President of FOW, Judge Harold D. Saylor, the Wissahickon Valley was declared a National Natural Landmark (see plaque in front of Valley Green Inn).
Thus, the Valley remains protected for future generations.
1970’s
First
publication of the Map of the Wissahickon Valley occurred. Updated versions of the map have since been produced
regularly, the last in 2004.
1991-92
Conservation, the core committee of the FOW was formed. It concentrates on reforestation, rebuilding trails, controlling invasive vegetation and vines, and preventing and repairing storm damage. A few years later, it undertook a major effort to study and control the overpopulation of deer.
1993 Publication of a quarterly
Newsletter began. Mailed or distributed to 8,000 readers, the newsletter reports on
activities of the FOW, history of the Valley, matters
affecting Philadelphia parks in general, and much more.
Also, the first paid executive director was hired on a part-time basis. The FOW acquired office space in the Chestnut Hill Historical Society’s building, 8708 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill.
1994 FOW and the Chestnut Hill Historical Society launched a joint Conservation and Facade Easement Program. The purpose is to limit development on open tracts of land bordering the Wissahickon Valley and Wissahickon Creek tributaries; preserve undeveloped sites in Chestnut Hill and protect historically and architecturally significant buildings in the area.
1995-97 A $35,000 study of the explosion of the deer population was carried out. Subsequently, an extensive effort was made to inform and educate the public about the effects of the herds on
re-growth of vegetation in the Park. A program for Deer Management was undertaken.
1996 The first series of
Winter Lectures on various aspects of the Wissahickon Valley took place. Every year the lectures are given in three different locations to reach out to potential new members. Schuykill Valley Environmental Education Center now co-sponsors the series.
1998 A Web site, FOW.org, was established which includes
many interesting sections including history of the
Wissahickon, activities in the Park, information about
FOW, and how to join the organization.
2001
The consulting firm of Fairmount Ventures was hired to prepare a 3-year (2002-2005) strategic plan for FOW. The plan was completed in December and had as its goals Physical Improvements, Advocacy, Organizational Capacity, and Revenue Enhancement.
2002 FOW was awarded a $280,000 “Capacity Building” grant from the William Penn Foundation to be distributed in three annual installments. This grant made it possible for the organization to hire full-time professional staff with the objective of enhancing revenue and undertaking major projects for improving the Park.
Friends of the Wissahickon launched a fundraising effort “Save Our Forests” in partnership with the Friends of Pennypack Park, a Park that also
has suffered damage to vegetation from large deer herds.
2003 The first full-time Executive Director was hired as recommended by the Strategic Plan. Office space was expanded when FOW moved upstairs to occupy the entire second floor of 8708 Germantown Ave.
2004 The first full-time Development Director was hired and “The Society of Generous Friends,” a program designed to attract major donors, was initiated. Landscape architects Andropogan Associates were retained to develop the “Valley Green Environmental Restoration” plan. The John Deere ‘Gator’ for major park work was purchased.
2005 Two new project initiatives were begun
—
Sustainable Trails and
Watershed
Protection. Contracts were awarded for Phase I and II of
Sustainable
Trails. Phase III, which entails actual trail reconstruction and restoration is planned for the future.
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