Interested water enthusiasts can now experience a kayaker’s point of view on Swatara Creek.
The Swatara Watershed Association has unveiled a 360° imagery map of the Swatara Water Trail, which is a network of access points spanning more than 60 miles of the creek from Route 645 in Pine Grove to the PA Fish and Boat access in Middletown. The Swatara network is part of the official Pennsylvania Water Trail.
The imagery map provides a detailed “street view” of the creek, using 360° images of the creek taken at intervals along the route.
Using the map tools, users can take a virtual float down the creek or move instantly from spot to spot to view specific locations. Tags are provided along the way to identify access points, bridges, tributaries and other points of interest on the map.
According to a release from the Swatara Watershed Association, the map was created to provide a historical record of current environmental conditions, a guide for recreation and a reference for organizations or individuals with an interest in the creek.
“We are excited to create a first of its kind project for the Swatara Creek,” Mike Adams, vice president of the association, said in the release. “The imagery map is a unique tool for use in conservation, education and recreation.”
This project was supported by Audubon through a grant from the Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape. Cocoa Kayak Rentals of Hershey donated equipment, transportation and guide services used in capturing the imagery.
The Swatara Watershed Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes conservation along the Swatara Creek Watershed.
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