A dozen people braved freezing temperatures to strap on snowshoes and hit the trails by the Kernsville Dam this past Saturday. They took part in “Snowshoeing with Your Sweetie,” a free and new program organized by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.
The group gathered that afternoon in the Monument Parking Lot at the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area, Tilden Twp. Greeting each arrival were Becky Richards, Superintendent of Recreation, and other staff members. Some participants brought along snowshoes and poles; others took advantage of those on loan from Nolde Forrest State Park in Reading.
Richards took the time to explain how to strap on the bulky shoes, then invited people to try them out on the snow-covered field by the parking lot.
“You need at least four inches of snow to shoe,” Richards said, and added that while deep, powdery snow is preferred for snowshoeing, the packed trails available that day would still provide a good outing.
“You’ll have to walk a little wider,” she explained, “and take longer steps. But in a little bit, you’ll find you’ve got it.” Regarding poles, Richards added, “They are helpful for balance, plus you get that extra cardio. But you won’t really need them today.”
Soon, the group headed to the Bartram Trail, which runs along the Susquehanna and through the woods toward Schuylkill County. Snow began to fall lightly as they crunched, crunched, crunched down the path.
Finding their stride, the group engaged in conversation. Snowshoeing was a new activity for many, but all shared a mutual love of outdoor activities. Some pointed out the nearby Appalachian Trail, discussing plans to explore part of it in summer. Camping stories were swapped. Cardinals were spotted nesting near the water, and deer tracks crisscrossed the trail. Also evident were signs of cross-country skiers: deep, parallel groves in the snow.
“If you ever see these ski trails,” Richard explained, “you don’t want to break those up.” This allows other skiers to move up and down the trail way. Leaving them undisturbed is a good way to share the outdoor space.
After walking about 1.5 miles, the group reached the spot where the Bartram Trail intersects with Route 61 and decided to head back. After a brisk walk back to the parking area, they enjoyed a Valentine’s treat of hot chocolate and mini cupcakes. Richards then introduced Kerry Grim of Blue Mountain Wildlife, Inc., the organization which maintains the Kernsville Dam Wildlife Area.
Gesturing to the beautiful, snow-covered meadows and mountains around him, Grim said, “The main thing is to protect the land – the wetlands – here and to maintain the trails. We have some really nice trails along the water.”
Blue Mountain Wildlife also sponsors educational events at Kernsville, utilizing a butterfly garden and two outdoor classrooms and hosting groups including fifth graders from Hamburg Area School District each year.
“I grew up around here,” Grim said, “and now it’s really coming back. This is a great place to walk, in spring and in summer.”
“And in winter!” a new snowshoe enthusiast called out. Grim laughed then agreed, “Yes, and in winter.”
Richards noted that Berks Park and Recreation will team up with Blue Mountain Wildlife to offer additional activities to the public, including a “Butterflies and Blooms” macrophotography class this summer. And, in July, they will organize a camping event for families in conjunction with Cabela’s.
In the meantime, those who still want to try out snowshoeing or cross-country skiing can gather at Blue Marsh Lake on Saturday, Feb. 21. Berks County Parks and Recreation will host “February Fun Day: A Mid-winter Adventure” beginning at 1 p.m. For information, please call 610-374-2944 or visit www.co.berks.pa.us/parks/site.
