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If you  live along the Route 202 corridor in DE and PA, you may be among the group of trail-running aficionados, thrill-seeking mountain bikers, avid bird-watchers, and weekend hiking addicts that frequent Beaver Valley -- the two thousand acre chunk of open space that gifts this area. While The Valley’s beauty, serenity, history, and environmental necessity are obvious reasons to appreciate its pristine natural environment, there are myriad other traits that make the Valley special.
In these next few weeks--and throughout the remainder of the summer--Beaver Valley’s dedicated allies will highlight these traits as they embark on an ongoing event called “Live the Valley”, a name that states their exact goal: to encourage the community to live and experience all that the land has to offer.
In this event, individuals will present a series of programs to raise community awareness and interest in visiting Beaver Valley. These programs range from weekly yoga classes in the Valley’s tranquil outdoor setting to informational tours of its centuries-old historical structures and remnants. There will be photography workshops, birdwatching outings, and even opportunities to explore the scenic vistas and exciting trails of the Valley’s lesser known Pennsylvania side.
Live The Valley will allow interested people of all walks of life to immerse themselves in nature and learn more about all that the Valley has to offer. It will provide stepping stones for those If you are intrigued by the Valley, yet intimidated or overwhelmed by its expanse, Live the Valley will provide stepping stones for you to begin your relationship with the natural wonder existing in their your backyard. If you already treasure the Valley, but want to grow in your understanding of its bounty, the event will guide you to new knowledge and appreciation. No matter what your connection with Beaver Valley, this summer’s event will help you answer the question: Why do you love the Valley?
Take a look at the schedule below for specific information about the variety of programs offered as well as their timing and locations, and continue checking back as the schedule will continue to grow with the life of the event. Also be sure to follow “Save the Valley” on facebook to stay abreast on the latest Live The Valley events.
While you're out in the Valley snapping photos, see if you can win the STV weekly photo contest. To enter, post your pictures of the Valley on our facebook wall or on instagram with the hash tags: #savethevalley #livethevalley
Winners will be chosen weekly (announced Monday morning) and their photo will be feature on our facebook page. Weekly winners will then go head to head to win the photo of the month.
Please tag your photo with both hashtags #savethevalley and #livethevalley whether you post on facebook or instagram!
Medicinal Plant Walk with Kris Garrett
August 14 @ 3 pm (Sunday)
Meeting Place: Farm formerly rented by Doug Neilson
Description: Take 1.5 mile walk through woods and fields (some creek crossing) on a guide who will point out plants for both their edible and medicinal uses, preparation of plant and how to use it.  Please wear appropriate shoes. This is hilly terrain and we will be crossing creeks. Pack water and bug spray if needed.
RSVP on the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/287017731658614
Nature Photography Hike with Minh Cao
September 11 @ 3pm (Sunday)
Meeting Place: 208 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Description: Whether you have an iPhone or an SLR camera, this hike is for you! You'll learn basic landscape photography principles as well as how to perfect your closeup shots. We'll explore the Beaver Valley woodland trails and fields north of Beaver Valley Rd. together to put your new skills into practice. Bring a bottle of water, your favorite camera and an eye for beauty in nature. Plus you can use your photos to enter the "Live The Valley" photo competition!
RSVP on the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/180330335719773
Trail Hike with Pat Ferraro
September 18 @ 10am (Sunday)
Meeting Place: Parking lot of Chadds Ford Collision at 6 Wilmington-West Chester Pike, Chadds Ford, PA. 19317
Description: I will lead the group on trails that will show the areas that would be directly impacted by the development. We will start in the woods and work our way behind and around the vineyard and then go to Brubaker's and Smithbridge Stable area and back to the parking lot at Chadd's Ford Collision. We will be crossing little streams (very little and shallow) and some hilly terrain so please dress accordingly!
Contact Pat with any questions about this event at: PFerraro777@comcast.net
RSVP on the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/293127191043084
Bird Walk with Sue Lucas
September 24 @ 8:30am (Saturday)
Description: Did you enjoy the Nature Photography Event earlier this month? If so, you'll probably love this one too!  Come enjoy a two-hour walk in the woods, open fields, and varied terrain ...with possibly some muddy areas. Great bird habitats lie ahead!  Contact Sue with any questions about this event at: sue.lucas@comcast.net
RSVP on the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/117201372058844
Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting Open House & Tour
October 1st, 1 - 3pm (Saturday)
Description: Come and experience the historic Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting for an open house and tour. One of the oldest camp meetings in the country, it still serves as a place of retreat, renewal and Christian fellowship in the beautiful Brandywine Valley.  You may know this as the place where trees are not allowed to be cut down, which creates some interesting architectural workarounds.  The open house will feature finger foods in the dining hall where guests can browse a display of historical photos and information before exploring the camp grounds and buildings -including the opportunity to go inside some of the cottages.  You won't want to miss the chance to visit this special place!
RSVP: on the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/660363270796607
Yoga In The Valley with Amy
Description: Join us in this 6 part series for yoga in a tranquil setting.  Details TBD.
History Hike through Beaver Valley
October 15 @ 10am   (Saturday) Rain date: Oct. 22 @ 10am
Meeting Place: The parking lot near 208 Beaver Valley Rd, Chadds Ford PA - map here
Description: Learn about the mills, the houses, businesses, and former residents of Beaver Valley on this guided tour back through time. Scout out old remnants that tell a rich history of the past. Discover places you may have seen before but would never have known a story to tell.
RSVP on the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/845554142212962
Hike & Wine Tasting in Beaver Valley Hosted by the Sierra Club
Meeting Place: Use 16 Wilmington West Chester Pike Chadds Ford, PA 19317 if you need an address to plug into your phone or GPS.
Directions: We'll meet at the parking at Teddy's Place (now closed, but the sign remains). It's located in a small shopping center just off Route 202 in Chads Ford. You'll see signs for Hadfield's Seafood, Chad's Ford Collision Center and Springfield Opticians. Park in the parking lot near Teddy's and/or the collision shop. Parking is allowed and free in the shopping center, but please do leave the front row of spaces open for customers of the businesses if possible.
Description: This 4-5 mile hike through scenic Beaver Valley will be moderate with a few challenging sections, including a creek crossing. This should be the peak of fall foliage, so the area will be even more beautiful in all its seasonal glory. While on the trail we can discuss the proposed development threatening Beaver Valley and the grassroots movement afoot to save this natural treasure as open space for future generations to continue to enjoy.
The trail is mostly unpaved, and often uneven, packed earth through woods and meadow. Wear hiking boots if you have them, though they are not required. This hike is probably not suitable for kids under 12 or folks who have challenges with balance or stamina.
After the hike we will stop for a wine tasting at the beautiful & nearby Penns Woods Winery. Wine drinking is of course optional. Wine flights at Penns Woods are $10 for 5 wines. Please bring cash and pay the winery directly. Additional wine and food are available at Penns Woods for an additional cost.
Please remember to bring:
- Weather appropriate clothes & hiking appropriate shoes
- Sunscreen and/or a hat if needed
- Bug repellent would not be a bad idea
- Money for wine tasting (if you plan to participate)
Want to host an event?
We'd love to have you host a Live The Valley event in the Valley. Contact Jason Hoover at jason@savethevalley.org to get started.  Be sure to include a description of your event, and a date you'd like to host it!
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