Calling all Berks County environmental enthusiasts! Please join the Delaware Riverkeeper Network for one of three paddles on the Schuylkill River to survey for freshwater mussels and eel weirs.

Volunteers will spend the day paddling, wading and engaging in a hands-on opportunity with Delaware Riverkeeper Network advocacy and science staff to learn about the important relationship between eels and mussels from a reproductive perspective, and the historical importance of eel weirs found in the Schuylkill River. We have three dates available for this FREE EVENT!

Dates and estimated miles:

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - 8 miles
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - 6 miles
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 7 miles

Check-in for each paddle will be at 8:00 AM and each day is expected to wrap up around 4-5:00 PM

**Age Restrictions: the Paddle is open to those ages 14 and older (minors must be accompanied by an adult) **

Those participating on the paddle/kayak must complete waiver forms in order to participate.

Scientists, paddlers, and historians have been asking questions about strange V-shaped remnants on the bottom of the Schuylkill River. These could be related to historic dams and canals that helped fuel America’s Industrial Revolution. But they likely have a more simple explanation: catching fish! The native Lenni Lenape used “eel weirs” to capture and harvest migrating eels in the fall, and early European settlers were either taught or adopted this fishing technique from these Native American inventions (note: a few remaining licenses are still issued in New York state for eel weirs on the Delaware River; see articles about Ray Turner on the East Branch Delaware River). Our team of volunteers will investigate three such “V Weirs” lying just under the water’s surface in the Schuylkill River between Reading and Pottstown to examine their construction, the condition, and their possible origins.

In addition to investigating strange underwater structures, our team will also immerse themselves into the Schuylkill River. For those interested and willing to take the plunge, we will have masks and snorkels available as we search for the elusive “pearly mussels” of the Schuylkill. These native clams have a unique and amazing life history, but they have suffered under the various alterations and pollution sources on the Schuylkill. Some beds of mussels remain in the Schuylkill, and our team hopes to find even more during our explorations on the Schuylkill.

These paddles are a part of a bigger initiative to connect with emerging leaders in the Berks County area. Whether you're 16 or 60, this is a great community science opportunity! If you are a Berks County young adult (ages 15 to 24) seeking to gain real-life experience in environmental activism, be sure to check out our Activist-In-Training program! You can find more details and important dates at this link.

This is an American Canoe Association sanctioned event and is made possible through a mini grant from the Berks County Community Foundation.

Emerging Leaders in Berks County Schuylkill River Paddle

Join us for three dates to survey for mussels and eel weirs on the Schuylkill River