Fall greetings, fellow nature lovers!
Here’s today’s lineup:
As seen from above: Check out how satellite imagery captures Pennsylvania trees’ transformation into autumnal shades.
“Renegades” of the river: How a band of women dragon-boaters conquered the Schuylkill.
On your marks: Everything you need to know about this year’s 20-mile Philly Bike Ride.
🧥 Your weekend weather outlook: Severe thunderstorms and high winds are in the forecast for Friday. Then, the Philly region may see its first frost of the season — yes, you read that correctly.
— Paola Pérez (outdoorsy@inquirer.com)
If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.
Typically, our perspective of fall foliage is mostly observed from ground level. But what if we could capture the scale of change from a celestial angle?
The Inquirer’s Charmaine Runes and Jasen Lo did just that by gathering satellite imagery. It’s a neat way to help us take a new look at the way Pennsylvania’s trees make a vibrant transition.
🍁 Scroll along to see the sweeping symphony of Keystone State colors from above.
🍁 Also: You don’t have to travel super far to admire the region’s fall foliage. Use our guide for places to see leaves change colors around Philly.
🍁 Send in your fall foliage photos: Have you taken any pics around your neck of the woods? Whatever your POV may be, I’d love to see!
News worth knowing
Holly Ravine will become farmland once more thanks to Springdale Farm, the last farm in Cherry Hill, leasing the land.
A new report says PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are present in nearly all waterways tested in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The detection levels were 96% and 91%, respectively.
The New Jersey Pinelands Commission approved a project to restore Atlantic white cedars. The plan has drawn objections from some environmentalists.
Farmers and chefs say heat and weather shifts are making it harder to plan menus and grow traditional foods.
Thousands of cyclists will enjoy car-less streets during Saturday’s annual Philly Bike Ride ride to promote safe, accessible biking. Watch out for road closures, parking restrictions, and detours.
🌳 Your outdoorsy experience
This past Sunday, my friend Becky K. ventured out to watch a regatta on the Schuylkill in the rain. Everyone got soaked, but she said it was worth it: “It’s kinda pretty in a dreary sort of way.”
Thanks for sharing, Becky.
How about you? What are you getting up to outside? Any special fall memories you’d like to share? Email me with your anecdotes so I can feature them in this spot. Pictures, if you have them, are more than welcome.
🎤 Here’s Dugan Arnett with a wonderful feature on a group of Philly-area women who have banded together as the scrappiest dragon-boating team on the Schuylkill.
For 25 years, the Dragons have been rumbling their way up and down the Schuylkill.
And for 25 years, they have been the river’s most immovable force — a sweatin’, swearin’, swaggerin’ group of bandits that no one has quite figured out how to tame.
“Underestimate them at your own peril,” says Bob Mina, a longtime member of the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Association.
Many are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, and — having endured some of life’s cruelest challenges: cancer, divorce, the loss of spouses — do not find it particularly daunting to propel a two-ton boat upriver until their backs and shoulders scream. — Dugan Arnett
Paola’s picks
👻 An activity: Stroll through Chestnut Hill while listening to spine-chilling tales, if you dare (Saturday; $10 per person or $25 family).
🧊 A discovery: The melting Alps are revealing ancient secrets.
🌅 A photo: A still morning by the water at Marsh Creek State Park.
🧲 A fishy catch: Magnet fishers reeled in a startling item from a Gloucester County lake.
🎼 A tune: “When there are no birds and there are no bees / And there’s no fish left in the sea / That’s the day when I’ll stop loving you.”
A floral view
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which turns 200 next year, has announced the theme for its 2027 Philadelphia Flower Show: “Iconic.” All the details are here.
👋🏽 Until next time, outdoorsy friends.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
