Berks County Parks and Recreation plans September programs focused on nature, history and outdoor activities
Berks County Parks and Recreation will offer a series of free programs throughout September, with activities ranging from guided walks and nature journaling to live music, wildlife presentations and local history.
The month’s programming will begin Saturday, Sept. 5, with a Wellness Walk at 9 a.m. at the Berks Leisure Area. Parks staff will lead an hour-long brisk walk along the Union Canal Trail. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Registration is suggested.
A Nature Journaling workshop will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Berks Leisure Area. The workshop will explore nature journaling and ways participants can practice mindfulness by creating journals inspired by their surroundings. Registration is required.
The Ringgold Band will perform from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 7, at the Berks County Heritage Center. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for the outdoor concert, which will feature traditional band music near the covered bridge and Tulpehocken Creek. The concert is open to the public and does not require registration.
Trail Tales will return at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Angora Fruit Farm. Designed for toddlers, the program combines a nature-themed story with a craft while introducing children to plants and animals found in county parks. Registration is required.
Red Creek Wildlife Center will visit Gring’s Mill Barn at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, for a presentation featuring some of Pennsylvania’s native wildlife and live animal ambassadors. Registration is required.
The second annual Farm Market and Fest will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Berks County Heritage Center. Presented by the Heritage Center and Berks County Department of Agriculture, the pop-up market will feature a variety of produce and products grown or produced in Berks County. The event is open to the public.
A Junk Journaling session is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Heritage Center. The open-session class will give participants an opportunity to gather with other journaling enthusiasts and learn about supplies and techniques that can be used to create journals. Registration is required.
Local historian and FAA-licensed drone pilot Alexa Freyman will present “A Birdseye View of Berks History” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Berks County Heritage Center. Freyman, creator of the “Berks Nostalgia” blog, will use her perspective on local history and architecture to explore the county’s past. Registration is required.
September programming will conclude Saturday, Sept. 26, with Free Museum Day and Belt Running Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berks County Heritage Center. The event will feature the historic Wagon Works in operation, with belts running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Demonstrations of the Otto “Hit and Miss” Engine are scheduled for 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
All programs are free. Registration requirements vary by program, with registration available through the Berks County Parks and Recreation RecDesk account.
