A new book by Mike Weilbacher, executive director of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, offers a look at the region’s natural history and highlights the 29 best nature hikes in and around Philadelphia, writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Wild Philly, recently published by Timber Press, contains 250 photographs and 25 maps. It describes the region’s 101 most unique flora and fauna and offers details on Philadelphia’s history, native peoples, and surrounding geology, as well as threats to nature. The book recommends 25 field trips along with four bonus trips.

Long Island native Weilbacher has been a naturalist and environmental educator for over four decades. He relocated to Philadelphia in 1982 and loved it so much that he decided to stay.

“Timber Press called me to see if I would be interested in writing the book,” said Weilbacher. “I’ve been waiting for this kind of phone call my whole life, so I said, ‘Yes, for God’s sakes, yes.’ I was very interested.”

The author wrote most of the book in 2020 and 2021.

“It was great to do pandemic walks outside every weekend,” he said.

Read more about the book in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Hiking Wissahickon Valley Park.