Where in the Schuylkill Highlands Am I?!?

In November 2025 Estelle (Schuylkill Highlands Program Manager) found herself wandering under a covered bridge, admiring fly fishermen, and visiting a houseboat named “Mildred.” Where in the Schuylkill Highlands was she?!?

At Berk’s County Parks and Recreation Department’s Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township, Berks County (1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading, PA 19605).

The Berks County Heritage Center is a historic park that encompasses the Gruber Wagon Works, a National Historic Landmark, the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center, Wertz’s Covered Bridge, Melcher’s Grist Mill, the Deppen Cemetery, Bicentennial Eagle Memorial, Fraternal Order of Police Memorial, Doctor’s Grove, the Distelfink sculpture, an herb garden, Mildred the Houseboat, the Epler’s One Room School House (maintained/operated by the Friends of the Epler’s One Room School House), and many historic farm buildings related to the site’s previous use. Year-round restrooms and picnic tables are available.

The lower level of the barn serves as an information center and features the Country Store and Snack Bar. The Heritage Center hosts several annual events along with a seasonal Interpretive Program series featuring workshops and programs for all ages.

Unfortunately no one correctly identified this partner site, but we hope you’ll try again this month! Check out December’s partner site visit here.

  • A red covered bridge spans across a calm river with autumn trees and bare branches on the riverbank under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A person stands fishing in a calm river surrounded by leafless and sparsely colored autumn trees under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A red covered bridge spans a small river, surrounded by leafless trees and a paved path on an overcast day.
  • A person rides a bicycle along a wooded riverside trail under a cloudy sky, with bare trees and scattered rocks by the water.
  • A gravel path runs alongside a river, bordered by trees with autumn leaves and some fallen branches; the scene is bright and calm.
  • A weathered informational sign for Deppen Cemetery stands in front of an old graveyard enclosed by a wooden fence, with tombstones visible in the background.
  • A directional sign for the Union Canal Bicycle & Walking Trail stands near a river and a covered bridge, with trees and autumn foliage in the background.
  • A colorful bird sculpture on a concrete base is displayed outdoors, with trees, grass, and a white building in the background.

In October 2025 Estelle visited Natural Lands’ Green Hills Preserve, which features rolling wooded hills, meadows, and a seemingly out-of-place gazebo. This site is now preserved open space due to a failed development project, and as evidenced by the abandoned backyard feature meant to lure homebuyers. Read more on the photo of the on-site interpretive signage.

  • Informational sign titled close call stands on a wooden deck in a nature reserve, with trees, a gazebo, and sunlight in the background.
  • A wooden bench sits on grass with tall dry plants and leafless trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
  • A wooden footbridge with railings leads to a small white gazebo in a lush, green, wooded area.

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