Schuylkill River Greenways marks a milestone this year: 50 years of building trail, preserving the heritage of the Schuylkill watershed, and connecting people and communities to the river.

“The creators of this organization had a bold, passionate idea” said Elaine Schaefer ED, “to build a trail that would connect all of these communities that would connect all of these communities. It would connect the city of Philadelphia to the entire region, without getting in your car.”

The organization is hosting a gala at the Reading Public Museum tonight, with Nathan Reigner, DCNR Director of Outdoor Recreation serving as keynote speaker. The organization will also honor David Thun, member of the Greenways Founding family and longtime board member and supporter. The agency will also recognize The William Penn Foundation, Bob Thomas, Carl Raring, and Barbara Cohen.

The Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area celebrates the Schuylkill River watershed as one of America’s most significant cultural, historical and industrial regions. The boundaries of SRG cover the Schuylkill River watershed in Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. This region is nationally significant for the role that its people, places, and events played in the American, Industrial, and Environmental Revolutions.