Reconnect with the river at EcoFest

Reconnect with the Delaware River this weekend at EcoFest, a free community event Saturday morning at the waterfront off Columbus Boulevard.

EcoFest begins with a bird walk at 8:30 a.m. Enter the event at Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue, between the Coast Guard Station and Sheet Metal Workers' building. Parking is also free.

The event presents an opportunity for the public to learn more about the evolving public park and trail system on the Delaware River in South Philadelphia and see plans for the new Pier 53. When built, Pier 53 will include a panoramic view of the river, locations for passive recreation, according to a press release on the event.

EcoFest is sponsored by The Friends of Washington Avenue Green, a volunteer community group,  and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, a nonprofit created to help Philadelphia plan and manage the waterfront as a destination.

Here's the schedule of events from 8:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.:

• 8:30–9:30am Bird Walk (led by member of Friends of Washington Avenue Green)

• 9:30–11:00am Hands-on Activities (environmentally-themed crafts and wildlife exploration)

• 11:00–11:30am Pier 53 Design Presentation (Scott Quitel, principal at AES design firm)

• 11:30am–12:30pm Urban Ecology Walk (led by Scott Quitel, principal at AES design firm)

Park at Sheetmetal Workers Union Hall lot, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd.