THE POSITIVE SIDE OF URBAN LIVING:

Jones Falls Celebration Set for Sept. 16 & 17

by Eileen Gillan
        Few of the thousands of commuters who drive down the Jones Falls Expressway to Baltimore every day are aware that they are traveling through a beautiful valley with lush forests, scenic nature trails, and a river with rapids, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.
       The Jones Falls Valley Celebration was created in 1998 to increase appreciation for this valuable resource in Baltimore and to raise awareness of the many outdoor recreational opportunities along the river’s banks. More than 7,500 people participated in last year’s celebration.
       Following is a schedule for this year’s celebration:

SAT., SEPTEMBER 16
       
  • Kayak and canoe the Jones Falls (From 9 a.m. to noon from Lake Roland to Meadow Mill. Bring your own kayak or canoe.)

    SUN., SEPTEMBER 17
           

  • Run in the Jones Falls 8K Express 2000 on the JFX from Coldspring Lane south to Fayette Street. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Fee and registration required. Call 410-377-8882 or visit www.finishedproduct.com.)
           
  • Stroll, bike, and skate the JFX--car-free and care-free. From 9 a.m. to noon, get a bird’s eye view of the Jones Falls from the JFX while it is closed to motor vehicle traffic. Park at the UB lot adjacent to Lyric Theatre (at Mt. Royal Ave. and Oliver St.), travel north on JFX and loop down scenic Falls Road to the festival.
           
  • Celebrate at the festival in front of the Streetcar Museum. Enjoy food, exhibits, and children’s activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Falls Road along the river and in front of the Baltimore Streetcar Museum at 1905 Falls Road.
           
  • Walk through the Jones Falls valley and neighborhoods. Start at the UB Lyric lot at 9 a.m. and join the Baltimore Walking Club on a 6-mile route that includes a section of the JFX and ends at festival. Families welcome! Call 410-730-3514 or visit www.ava.org/walk/JonesFalls.htm.
           
  • Come rock climbing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No experience is needed, but you must pre-register at the festival.
           
  • Take a nature walk along the scenic valley trails passing waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers. Guides and maps are available at the festival.
    •        The Jones Falls Valley Celebration is a community partnership of the Jones Falls Watershed Association, Greater Homewood Community Corporation, and the Midtown Community Benefits District with the Parks and People Foundation/Revitalizing Baltimore.
           Volunteers are needed to help with the event. For information: call 410-261-3515 or go to www.jonesfalls.com.
           
    Eileen Gillan, an area resident, is handling publicity for the festival.

     

    Jones Falls Area Maps Offered

           The Jones Falls Watershed Association and the Greater Homewood Community Corporation have published a free, full-color map of the Jones Falls that includes information on the area’s natural and cultural history. Either stop by the office at 3503 North Charles Street, or send $3 for postage and handling to the Jones Falls Watershed Association, c/o GHCC, 3501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. Call 410-261-3500.

     

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    This story was published on August 30, 2000.