Friends of the Wissahickon celebrates National Public Lands Day on Sept. 28

Submitted by Friends of the Wissahickon

PHILADELPHIA – Help Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on Saturday, September 28, and help play a direct role in keeping Wissahickon Valley Park clean and accessible for even more visitors.

At this year's NPLD, whose 2024 theme is "Together for Tomorrow," FOW is seeking volunteers who love the Wissahickon to support one of their favorite public lands by helping FOW care for plantings in Houston Meadow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Since its beginnings in 1994 as a signature event of the National Environmental Education Foundation, NPLD has grown into the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands.

Each year on the fourth Saturday in September, hundreds of thousands of volunteers come together across the United States to assist with various projects designed to restore and enhance public parks, forests, waterways and more.

FOW is marking its 100th year of stewarding Wissahickon Valley Park, which was set aside as a public land in 1868 'for the health and benefit of the citizens of Philadelphia," to protect a source of drinking water for many, while also providing a place of recreation and respite.

The FOW's National Public Lands Day event kicks off at Houston Playground, 900 Graykyn Lane (parking is available on site). Houston Playground is accessible via SEPTA bus routes 9, 27, and 62.

No experience is needed. FOW provides gloves, tools and instruction. Wear sturdy footwear and long pants, and bring a water bottle.

Detailed information and the specific meeting location will be sent by email the day before the event. For more information contact Amelia Marren at