The (Not so) Rural Pennsylvanian

  • The Goshenville Wetlands

    Adjacent to the Goshenville Blacksmith Shop is the Goshenville Wetlands, a nice place for a short walk and a dog friendly area. It is located in East Goshen Township, which lies in northeastern Chester County. Here are some early Spring photos of the wetlands and the nearby historic structures.

    The first thing you notice from the parking area is the honey bee project. The Bees by the Blacksmith Shop is a public-private partnership that brought honey producing hives to this open space. The Watermark at Bellingham Senior Living sponsored the hives, and Carmen B’s Honey, a Township-based small business, manages and maintain the bees. The Watermark will introduce apiary education to its residents and begin using the honey in its recipes and cooking classes. The Township was also set to begin a youth apiary program. In 2022, a kids program complete with youth-sized beekeeper outfits so they can safely get close and see the inner workings of the hives will be started.

    The walk provides open views over the wetland with a dry walkway and elevated platforms and walks over potentially damp areas. There is a nice view of Ridley Creek which runs along side the property.

    The historic structures are adjacent to this area and are connected via the walking path. The Goshenville Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. The Blacksmith Shop was built in 1840 and is open to the public two days a week from April through October. An image of the shop is a symbol of East Goshen Township.

    The Milton/Hickman Plank House in the foreground and the Blacksmith Shop beyond.
    The front of the Blacksmith Shop …
    and the back.

  • Spring Has Sprung

    My recently untimely absence has been due to a short vacation and an adjustment to a new job situation. After a fairly mild winter, Spring is making an appearance here in eastern Chester County.

    Forsythia are some of the earliest flowering shrubs and are great in flower arrangements.
    I think almost everyone loves daffodils.
    Because you can’t have too many.
    The lovely magnolia.
    I believe this is also a magnolia variety.
    Early azaleas at Jenkins Arboretum.
    Winter is still hanging on at Jenkins …

  • Looking Back at Fall at Valley Forge

    A November trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park produced better shots than expected due to some late fall color. The hay, culled from the park’s extensive meadows, had just been baled. The park was showing a lot of beautiful gold tones in the trees at this time.

  • Happy Holidays

    I will be taking a break for a couple weeks to celebrate Christmas and my birthday. Here is a look back at some Christmas pasts.

    I think this says it all.
    This neighbor is really in the Christmas spirit.
    The Nativity at a local church.
    My town makes a great collective effort with the Christmas lights.

  • A Little Bit of Christmas This and That

    Here is a look at some of the Christmas season scenes around my neck of the woods.

    This enormous wreath was at Jenkins Arboretum.
    Where these leaves were still looking especially colorful.
    The door display over a local business.
    The local bakery is in the Christmas spirit.
    Devon Station was looking good in the afternoon golden hour.

  • A Sugartown Christmas

    Historic Sugartown in Chester County has been featured on my blog before if you would like more information about this location. They usually do seasonal decorations. This Christmas did not disappoint.

    .

    The William Garrett House of 1805.
    The Book Bindery.
    Behind the Sharpless Worrell House …
    along with a close up of these wreaths.
    A reflection on the Carriage Museum.
    Nearby Sugartown Farm
    This lovely display was in front of the General Store.

  • It’s Still Fall, Folks!

    The Autumn color seemed to arrive late this year, even extending well into November in the southern tier of Pennsylvania. Valley Forge National Historical Park was still wearing its Autumn color when I visited. The Park had recently cut back some its extensive meadows. Valley Forge has one of the most extensive meadow habitats along the Northeast Corridor. In additional to occasional mowing, the Park also uses prescribed burns to rejuvenate the habitat from time to time. Let’s let Christmas wait a few more weeks.

    Red and orange …
    and yellow.
    Some of the expansive meadows ready for winter.
    Pop of color against the evergreens.
    The mowing lines are clearly visible here on the hill.
    One of the workhorses responsible with part of its haul.

  • A Pleasant Surprise

    A unexpected event greeted me on my way home from a fairly unsuccessful trip to take some photographs. I came upon a fireworks display in celebration of Exton Community Day at Exton Park. I have no idea if this event is usually at this time of year, but it was nice to see fireworks a little earlier in the evening and with good weather.

  • A Few From This Summer

    I rather liked this panorama shot of Lake Wallenpaupack from the overlook near the dam. When you’re there, look up to your right and you might see an osprey nest in season.

    Lake Wallenpaupack

    Closer to home, here is a shot from Kirkwood Preserve (in Chester County).

  • A Better Day for Photography than Birds

    A trip to the Octoraro Lake area for some birding did not produce what I had hoped for on the bird front. I saw some ducks and great blue herons and managed to take some of the worst bird photos I have ever attempted. I did better with photos of the surrounding countryside.

    One of the spectacular farms of the area.
    I usually avoid shooting abandoned buildings, but this is part of a working farm.
    Enjoying lunch on a sunny day …
    This was the fastest moving Amish buggy I have ever encountered.
    While this one was trying to avoid traffic on my way home.

    Finally, a shot from northwestern Chester Country, because I like it and don’t have another post to put it in.

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