Do you know what the term, grist for the mill means? Originally denoted as the corn brought to the mill to be ground into flour, the meaning of grist evolved over time, first into the end product of whatever type of produce was available to be ground: wheat, oats, buckwheat, maize, etc., and even becoming the southern version of grits through a possible spelling error. Given that flour is now mostly made in factories and very rarely made by actually grinding it under stone, the colloquial meaning has morphed in our current vernacular. Products in general and other items that are available to be sold and turn a profit have evolved into grist for the mill which ultimately is the same as show me the money!
On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the Board of the Newlan Grist Mill hopes you will do just that and participate in this festive and important fundraiser for the upkeep of their historic mill. Built near Concordville, PA in 1704 by Nathaniel and Mary Newlin on the west branch of Chester Creek, the commercial operation of the mill lasted over 230 years, finally ceasing operation in 1941!
photo courtesy Newlan Grist Mill
The Race for the Watershed is an environmental community outreach event sponsored by Newlin Grist Mill and Concord Township. The family fun day will include a 5K Trail Run and Duck Races. All proceeds for the Trail Run and Duck Races will go towards water quality protection measures for the West Branch of Chester Creek., including the purchase of a water quality monitoring network. In this age of extreme wet weather events and highly polluted stormwater runoff, water quality monitoring has become more important than ever.
photo courtesy Newlan Grist Mill
The event promotes watershed protection and wildlife conservation and several environmental and resource agencies are participating: Delaware County Conservation District, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Tristate Bird Rescue, Stroud Water Research Center, Penn State Extension, Masters of Watershed Stewardship, Wild Birds Unlimited, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and Ridley Creek State Park. The event provides an opportunity to educate the public about natural resources as well as feature ways to protect those natural resources.
Race for the Watershed will have something for everyone. In addition to the Trail Run, Duck Races and environmental education outreach, we will have music, fun for the kids, and food trucks!
Come on out and make a day of it all the while improving water quality in your area! Hope to see you there.
Green Life Blue Water 
I did know that expression Pam – a fellow blogger used those words in conjunction with her blog theme/title. I like the building – very picturesque. I also like what the 5K funds raised will be used for – a worthy cause. This sounds like an event I would enjoy doing as will you.
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I’m actually going to man a table for EPA and hand out environmentally-themed information to the public, raising awareness about environmental issues. I hope it’s successful. 🙏💜
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Wow, this is such a great post and a great cause! Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Lilly.
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Nice to see still some hope! Thank you, lovely Pam; worthy info.🙏🥰
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Hi, Aladin! 😘🦆😂
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A worthwhile and important cause. Thank you for sharing this educational post. Wishing all the competitors good luck!
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Thanks, Damyanti!
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Success with the event!
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Thanks, Rose!
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Is ‘I’m going to race my duck’ some sort of American euphemism that hasn’t carried over here? My mind has rather gone into overdrive. Whatever. If it’s entirely literal I hope it’s a fair contest and there’s no cheating. Enjoy your day and may the dollars fall in torrents
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Haha – no, they are actually going to give me a small plastic yellow duck to race in the creek in exchange for my donation, Geoff!😂
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Hi Pam,
Great blog. Thanks for recognizing the Mill’s history, its work, and the special family event scheduled for Saturday, June 17, Highlighting 5K run, Duck Races and the community environmental outreach.
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Can’t wait to race my duck!! 🦆 😂
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