Friends of the Wissahickon

About me:

The 1,800 acres of Wissahickon Valley Park are part of Philadelphia’s 9,200-acre Fairmount Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. A lovely, wooded valley with Wissahickon Creek running through its entire seven-mile length, the Park extends from Chestnut Hill in the north to Manayunk in the southwest. Forbidden Drive, a wide gravel road closed to automobile traffic, parallels the Creek and the Park is criss-crossed by more than 50 miles of often-rugged trails.

Since 1924, the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW), a non-profit organization, has been dedicated to working in and advocating for the Park. FOW is the oldest and one of the largest of the more than 80 Friends of Parks groups in Philadelphia. Cooperating closely with the city’s Fairmount Park Commission, FOW conserves forest and creek, restores trails and preserves the Park’s historical structures.

The mission of the Friends of the Wissahickon is to preserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public interest therein.

The survival of the Wissahickon Valley as a beautiful forest and natural area depends upon a commitment from those who share a love of the park. Member contributions support this work and lets you be counted as a true friend of a beautiful, natural area. Read about different levels of membership and sign up online today to become a member of Friends of the Wissahickon. In addition to membership, there are many ways for you to show your passion for the Wissahickon through volunteer opportunities.