Ways to Love the Wissahickon
New year, new ways to show some love to the Wissahickon! Whether you’re passionate about protecting trails, inspiring young explorers, or simply giving back to a place that gives us so much, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. From hands-on volunteering to smart giving options and advocacy, your support fuels the care and magic of this special park. Check out the opportunities below and find the one that fits you best.
Donate to resiliency- As we step into 2026, FOW’s New Year’s resolutions are all about increasing resiliency for our 2+ million annual visits! Donate or become a member to support projects and programs like these:
- Wissahickon Valley Park Streambank Resiliency & Flood Study will ensure our trails are resilient to flooding and sediment discharge.
- Zone Stewards Program increases FOW’s capacity for stewardship by giving trained volunteers the tools to independently care for their own special corner of the park.
- Little Friends of the Wissahickon program connects hundreds of Philadelphia Public School students to nature, planting the seed for their future stewardship.
See if your organization will double the impact- As you might already know, from now until the end of the year, a generous anonymous donor and FOW’s board of directors are matching donations up to $20,000! But does your workplace do matches of their own? See if your place of work will match donations here. In addition to cash donations, some companies will match gifts donated by spouses or retirees and even match volunteer hours with cash!
Become a trained volunteer- We’re still recruiting our next class of trained Crew Leaders and Trail Ambassadors. These volunteers want to take their passion for the park a step further than regularly attending service days. Once they receive their training, they’ll lead guided hikes, co-lead service days with FOW staff, offer park visitors information out in the park and much more! Applications are open until January 1, apply today.
Give the gift of stock- Donate stock to FOW, our transfer information is: DTC #: 0062, Vanguard Discount Brokerage, Acct #: 23501307
Upgrade your membership- Now is the perfect time to level up your commitment to Wissahickon Valley Park. When you join or upgrade to the Basic Level and above, you’ll receive a pack of five, vintage-inspired postcards of the Wissahickon and our newly updated pocket map of WVP, released just this summer! Not to mention, you’ll get your choice of some sweet merch, invitation to member events, and discounts at the Valley Green Inn and Chestnut Hill Brewing! Become a sustainer and donate monthly or join as an annual member.
Become a park advocate- Sign up for our weekly eNewsletter, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and stay updated on park happenings, history, and how you can contribute to the resiliency of Wissahickon Valley Park.
Make stewardship your business- with all hands-on deck, we can tackle huge projects! Are you looking for a great way for you and your team to encourage civic engagement, boost workplace morale, and build a tight-knit company? Do all that and more at a private, corporate service day. Consider becoming a corporate sponsor and organizing a workday with us here.
Use the park your way- There are so many ways to enjoy the Wissahickon. Join us at a weekly service day, a guided hike, or take on solo stewardship at your leisure.
Why not give to a good cause- You can give any amount up to $100,000 from your IRA to a qualified charity like FOW without paying income taxes on your contribution. You can use this gift beginning in the year you turn 73 to satisfy the required minimum distribution from your IRA. Please consult your financial advisor for more information.
Photo courtesy of Ryan McMahon