The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park

04/20/2026

Special Friends Volunteer Event recognizing Earth Day and the America 250 Celebration
Written by Gary Sawyer

On Saturday, May 2, the monthly Friends of Ridley Creek Trail Crew will kick it up a notch. We have some fun and impactful projects lined up.

Yes, Earth Day was April 22, and we continue to be good stewards for our May project. We will join forces with DCNR Park Naturalist Gary Stolz to remove invasive plants in and around the vernal pool (frog pond), located near Mile Marker 1.0 on the Multi-Use Trail (MUT).

Nearby, we will also be replacing stairs from the Multi-Use Trail up to the Yellow Trail. This project, led by Friends carpenter John Bush, involves disassembling the existing stairs and assembling new ones.

We’ll also have a canopy set up nearby to welcome passers-by with information about the Park and the Friends. Refreshments will be served to volunteers there as well.

Volunteers can assemble at the Mansion, in the walled enclosure on the left side. Please come a little early to sign in, as we will begin at 9 am to walk the nearly half mile on the MUT to our work area. We provide tools but do bring your own gloves and eye protection if you have it - after all, some invasives are thorny! You can bring your own favorite hand tool (loppers, etc.) as well.

And finally, there’s a new Volunteer Registration process this year with DCNR. Go to dcnrvolunteers.pa.gov and be a Volunteer!

04/14/2026

Dear Followers - here is the link to our new Spring Summer 2026 Newsletter. We have many events coming up and we hope you can join in the fun!

01/02/2026

Our First Day Hike was a big success with 33 hikers showing up despite the freezing weather. The two-hour hike was led by Jack Miller and refreshments were provided by Gary Sawyer. Evey year State Parks from around the country hold a First Day Hike on January 1.

11/29/2025

January 1, 2026, - First Day Hike in Ridley Creek State Park
10 am meet behind Pavillion #8
Please register by email - see below

Come celebrate New Years Day 2026 with us at Ridley Creek State Park. The Friends of Ridley State Park are hosting a First Day Hike along the Equestrian Trail, beginning promptly at 10 am, Thursday, January 1, behind Pavilion #8.

Jack Miller will lead a 3.5-mile lollipop loop with views of the creek and a stop at the historic hilltop Russell Cemetery. It is expected to last 2 to 2 ½ hours. Jack has extensive knowledge of the park’s history.

The hike will start at the parking lot behind Pavilion 8, descends to the creek at Gradyville Road, pass by an area recovering from a tornado in 2019, and wind around a lovely-wooded section up and over Hunting Hill and the Russell Cemetery. The trail is wide, mostly gravel, with good footing. Be prepared for early January weather conditions, and for elevation gains of about 350 feet.

We will have hot chocolate, coffee, and light refreshments at the trailhead after the hike. We have a limit of 25 participants for the hike. Dogs are allowed on leash at all times. Please register by email to Joan Nikelsky at [email protected] to secure a spot,
deadline December 31 by 6 pm.

Send a message to learn more

11/29/2025

10/31/2025

To all our friends and supporters, here's the link to our new Fall/Winter newsletter. You'll learn about upcoming events, photo contest winners, and many other interesting activities. As always, thank you for your interest and support. Consider making a year-end gift to support our work.

10/25/2025

Step back in time and experience the rich history of Edgmont at a special evening dedicated to local historian Jane Carter. Hosted by the Edgmont Township Historical Society, this event includes guided tours of Ridley Creek State Park's Hunting Hill mansion (limited to 10 guests per tour) and engaging presentations.

FREE ADMISSION - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Optional donations to the Edgmont Historical Society will be accepted with gratitude.

PREREGISTRATION AND EVENT DETAILS: https://edgmonthistoricalsociety.org/events/
Preregistration is strongly recommended for the mansion tours to reserve your spot. Registration is not required for the talks.

09/07/2025

The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park will have a table at the State Street Fall Festival on Sunday, October 5, so stop by and say hello.

07/06/2025

Don't forget to sign up for our guided tours of the Hunting Hill Mansion in Ridley Creek State Park on Saturday, July 12 from 10 am to 2 pm. Please register in advance for a 30-minute guided tour of the interior of the Mansion. Use this link to book your free reservation. https://calendly.com/nomadjack57

07/03/2025

The Friends of RCSP are offering free guided tours of the historic Hunting Hill Mansion on Saturday, July 12 starting at 10 am. The guided tour will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes and includes the history of how the Jeffords family donated their estate and land to the State of Pennsylvania. The Park office is located inside the Mansion and the address is 339 Gradyville Road in Glen Mills, PA, 19342. Tours will run from 10 am until 2 pm. You need to sign up in advance with Calendly by clicking this link.

https://calendly.com/nomadjack57

06/24/2025

Our annual photo contest will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at 6 pm at the Mansion (park office). Join us to view the photographs of Ridley Creek State Park that are taken by park visitors. Prizes will be awarded for the best photos. This event is free and open to the public. The Mansion is located at 339 Gradyville Road in Glen Mills.