There’s been an exciting development for the Delaware River in Philadelphia – freshwater mussels have been found! In a survey recently conducted by the Discovery Center, Aquatic Research and Restoration Center (ARRC), Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Pennypack Environmental Center, and Riverfront North Partnership (RNP) there is confirmation that these helpful bivalves have been found near Pennypack Creek. Freshwater mussels have been scarce along the Delaware River due to multiple stressors. With the help of the 1972 Clean Water Act, community science, and multiple local science organizations, this marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore the Delaware River Watershed.

Glen Foerd, Mansion, Gilded Age, Fairmount Park, River, Delaware, Holiday, Tree Lighting

Glen Foerd, Philadelphia’s only riverfront mansion open to the public, will offer a multitude of holiday events this year that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. The mansion will offer music and dance performances, a festive holiday tea and an exhibition featuring the German art of paper cutting, called Sherenschnitte. This year’s decorations sparkle in silver and gold, including a twelve foot Christmas tree designed by decorators from Feeney’s Garden Center.

Glen Foerd will partner with Settlement Music School’s Kardon Northeast Branch to bring musical and ballet performances to the family friendly event Christmas at the Mansion on Saturday, December 6. From 1:00pm to 5:00pm the public is invited to experience the mansion in full holiday décor, enjoy performances and children’s crafts. The Dining Car will be selling holiday sweets and cookies. Join Santa at 5:00pm as he makes an appearance at our outdoor holiday tree lighting and joins guests in singing holiday carols.

Glen Foerd, Gilded Age Mansion, Philadelphia, Holiday, NE Philly, Mansion, Delaware River

On Saturday, December 13 from 11:00am to 2:00pm adults are welcome to step back in time and enjoy a delightful holiday tea luncheon with Glen Foerd’s former mistress of the mansion, Florence Foerderer Tonner. Enjoy period music as you enjoy good company at a traditional holiday tea. For information, reservation information and pricing for any Glen Foerd’s holiday programs visit www.glenfoerd.org, or call 215-632-5330.

Also, during December don' t miss Glen Foerd's latest exhibition, “Shear Beauty: The Paper Cut Artistry of Margarethe Von Glehn Luther." The exhibition is free to the public and can be viewed Monday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

The mission of Glen Foerd on the Delaware is to connect visitors to the legacy of Glen Foerd through programs in the arts, nature and history and to preserve and protect the landscape, buildings and collections for the enjoyment and enrichment of the community and future generations. The historic estate is located on 18-acres at the confluence of the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River. Glen Foerd is a Fairmount Park property where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to enjoy a rich natural landscape, historic buildings and impressive art collection surrounded by a grand, intact 19th century estate. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its grounds are listed as a Historic American Landscape Survey site, one of only 24 in Pennsylvania.