Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park

Nature Programs | History Programs | Scout Programs
Calendar of Events | Wish List | Volunteering

Download/Print our Quarterly Newsletter/Event Guide: The Milepost

The Fall 2011 Milepost (PDF File Size: 384KB)
The Summer 2011 Milepost (PDF File Size: 614KB)
The Spring 2011 Milepost (PDF File Size: 497KB)

The Winter 2011 Milepost (PDF File Size: 392KB)

Back issues of our newsletter are available here for downloading. To view/print one, or all, simply choose the item (one at a time) from the drop-down list below.

PAST ISSUES OF THE MILEPOST:

What the D&R Canal State Park Has To Offer
The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built in the 1830s to transport goods to industrial areas. Today it is used as a water supply system and a corridor for people as well as wildlife. As you walk on the towpath you will see 19th century mills and locktender houses, along with hand-built spillways and stone-arched culverts.

The D&R Canal State Park offers a variety of habitats within its 70 mile long corridor. The canal is adjacent to many rivers making it an ideal place to study the diversity and adaptions of organisms found in a freshwater flood plain and riverine habitats. The park also contains areas representing upland forests and fields in varying stages of succession.

No matter what area of the D&R Canal State Park you visit, your students will leave with a better understanding of nature and their place in it.

All the programs listed below are FREE!

Call and speak with our Naturalist for more information or to schedule a program for your class.

D&R Canal State Park Naturalist: Stephanie Fox
Phone: (609) 397-2949
E-Mail: dnrnaturalist@verizon.net

Nature Program Topics Include:
Forestry
Students will learn...

		to identify New Jersey trees using a dichotomous key;
		to infer a tree's life history by looking at tree cookies;
		how different parts of a tree function together to make a tree grow.

Water Quality
Students will learn...

		to identify macroinvertebrates that help determine water quality;
		how point and non-point pollution effects water quality;
		to perform water testing for certain parameters.

Orienteering:
Students will learn...

		to identify topography symbols;
		how to determine distance from a topographical map;
		how to use a magnetic compass and complete a small obstacle course.

Insect Investigation:
Students will learn...

		how to find and identify insects;
		the diverse lifestyles and adaptations insects possess;
		the characteristics that make-up an insect.

NJ Animals:
Students will learn...

		the different classifications of animals found in New Jersey;
		about the four habitat requirements: food, shelter, water and a place to raise their young.

In-Class Presentations
If you can't come to us, we will come to you! Our naturalist can present informative, hands-on programs to our students on a variety of environmental subjects. Topics can include: Water Quality, Forestry, Diversity and Adaptions, Introduction to NJ Animals, and Orienteering. Other programs may be available on request. All programs will be geared for your grade level and are in correlation with the NJ Core Curriculum standards. The presentations last approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Please call (609) 924-5705 and speak with our naturalist for more information.

Canal History Programs
Weekend Biking or Walking Tours

Arrangements for historic biking or walking tours at the park can be made by appointment. If you have any questions please call and speak with our Historian for more information.

D&R Canal State Park Historian: Vicki Chirco
Phone: (609) 924-5705
E-Mail: dnrhistorian@verizon.net

Programs for Scouts
The Naturalist and Historian at the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park also offer several programs designed to help scouts work toward a variety of badge requirements. In some cases, one scheduled program is all that is needed to complete a badge and add to your list of scouting achievements. AND IT'S FREE!! Programs include:

GIRL SCOUTS

Brownies Animals Birds Try-It Eco-Explorer/Outdoor Adventurer Creepy Crawlers Trees for Our Future NJ Heritage Patch	Juniors Earth Connections Finding Your Way Wildlife Trees for Our Future NJ Naturalist NJ Heritage Patch	Seniors/Cadettes Wildlife Eco-Action Orienteering Trees for Our Future NJ Naturalist NJ Heritage Patch

BOY SCOUTS
Webelos Naturalist and Forester	Bears Sharing Your World With Wildlife

Other programs such as Orienteering and The Story of the D&R Canal can also be scheduled. If you are a scout leader and interested in scheduling one of these programs for your troop, then contact either Vicki (Historian) at dnrhistorian@verizon.net or Stephanie (Naturalist) at dnrnaturalist@verizon.net to discuss availability. Both can also be reached at (609) 924-5705. REMEMBER ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE!

Calendar of Events
The following scheduled programs are run by the D&R Canal State Park Naturalist, Historian and/or an affliated friends organization. Pre-registration is required to participate in any of the listed events unless otherwise noted. To do so, please call either (609) 924-5705 (main park office at Kingston), (609) 397-2949 (Bulls Island office) or the number indicated in the listing. You'll need to leave a contact name and phone number in the event of cancellation as well as the number of people planning to attend the program (please indicate number of adults and children). Program registration can also be done via the Internet by filling-out our Program Registration Form.

Jump To Calendar of Events

Click here to access the on-line Program Registration Form

Programs begin at varied times which are noted below and are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, insufficient interest or other unforeseen circumstances. Call the park office if in doubt about a program's cancellation. ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE! If you would like further information about a specific program, please call.

2011 Calendar of Events

We'd like to wish everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to having you join us for programming in the park in 2011! As usual, we expect it to be a year filled with interesting, educational and engaging offerings for everyone. Below we've posted our January and Feburary programs but do continue to check back in 2011 for revisions, updates and, of course, our spring offerings. Until then...HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL

JANUARY EVENTS
January 7 (Saturday)	Walk the Canal ~ Alexander Road to Carnegie Road: Join the D&R Canal Watch as they continue an end-to-end hiking challenge along the length of the canal path. This 5.5 mile walk is the eighth leg of this challenge that began in 2011 and now continues in 2012. For this leg, participants are asked to meet at the D&R Canal State parking lot located on Alexander Road, just south of Princeton at 10:00 am.. Plan to join just one or all of the walks in the series. Each program will provide information about both canal and local history. For further details contact Bob and Linda Barth at (201) 401-3121 (or email: barths@att.net).
January 16 (Monday)	National Day of Service ~ Clean-Up at the Mapleton Preserve: Join members of the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands for an invigorating Clean-Up Day at Mapleton Preserve from 12:00 - 3:00 pm! We will be clearing small trees, brush, and trash around the Preserve. Volunteers are asked to bring tools such as saws, clippers, loppers and rakes. Dress for the weather, whatever it is. This is your opportunity to take part in this annual National Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. It is free and all are welcome. For more information, see www.fpnl.org or call 609-683-0483. Interested participants can also sign-up online by clicking here. This special program is sponsored by the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands.
January 22 (Sunday)	Clean-up Along the D & R Canal: Join D&R Canal Watch members as they pick-up trash along the canal in South Bound Brook. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves and dress for the weather. The group will meet at the D&R Canal State Park's Lock 11 parking lot (across from the South Bound Brook Post Office). For further details contact Bob and Linda Barth at (201) 401-3121 (or email: barths@att.net).
January 22 (Sunday)	The World Came to Lambertville: Migration and Work in the 19th Century: As part of its annual meeting, the Lambertville Historical Society will host a presentation by Lauren Braun-Strumfels, PhD on industry in Lambertville during the 1800s. Join us at 2:00 pm at the Municipal Court/Justice Center - (25 South Union Street, Lambertville) for this afternoon presentation. In her talk, Dr. Braun-Strumfels will put Lambertville, a three-hundred-year-old river town, into historical context by focusing on the city's industrial zenith in the late 19th century. Between the Civil War and World War II, Lambertville's growing factories employed thousands of native and immigrant workers to produce the goods of a second industrial revolution in America. How and why these people came here, the nature of their work, and the impact their labor had upon a changing world will be explored. Dr. Braun-Strumfels is on the faculty at Raritan Valley Community College, where she teaches courses in U.S. and world history and is a board member of the Lambertville Historical Society and spends most weekends fixing up her 1895 Victorian originally built for workers at the Lambertville spoke factory. Please join the Lambertville Historical Society on January 22 for this engaging and thought-provoking discussion of Lambertville in a global perspective. This lecture is open to the public and is wheelchair accessible. Light refreshments will be provided. For further information please call (609) 397-0770 and leave a message or click here to visit the Lamberville Historical Society's web site. Registration is not required and admission is FREE!
January 29 (Sunday)	Winter Hike at Six Mile Run: The winter season allows us to enjoy the outdoors in a new perspective. Join the park naturalist along the trails at Six Mile Run Reservoir Site to learn how to identify trees by buds and wildflowers by their winter stems. This 2-mile hike will lead through the cedar forests, open fields and mature woods that surround the Six Mile Run. The hike will begin at 10:00 am. Participants are asked to meet at the D&R parking lot located on Jacques Lane in Somerset. Please make sure to dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring some water to drink. Registration IS required. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Register for this program
January 29 (Sunday)	Winter Festival Walk ~ Bridging Two Canals: Join the D&R Canal Watch and the Friends of the Delaware Canal for a guided history and nature tour along both the D&R feeder and the Delaware Canal. Participants are asked to meet by the caboose behind the Lambertville Station restaurant (11 Bridge Street) at 2:00 pm. This popular program is part of the week long Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival. The first stop on this three-mile walk will be the D&R Feeder Canal lift lock and outlet lock to learn how canal boats once crossed the river by cable ferry. Heading across the bridge and into New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath will soon be found. We'll trek southward through town to Lock 11 and the Locktender's House. Hot chocolate with marshmallows and other goodies will be waiting inside. For those who want to walk and see a bit more, we'll venture a short distance south to the New Hope inlet to take in the many historic sites and the glorious vistas of the River and wingdam. Come enjoy the season, burn a few calories and learn a bit about the D & R and Delaware Division Canal! This guided walk is co-sponsored by the D&R Canal Watch and the Friends of the Delaware Canal. For further information please call 215-862-2021, visit www.fodc.org or contact Bob Barth at (201) 401-3121.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
February 5 (Sunday)	Walk the Canal ~ Carnegie Road to the Trenton Battle Monument: Join the D&R Canal Watch as they continue an end-to-end hiking challenge along the length of the canal path. This 4 mile walk is the next leg of this challenge that began in 2011 and now continues in 2012. For this leg, participants are asked to meet at the Trenton Battle Monument located on Broad Street in downtown Trenton at 10:00 am. Plan to join just one or all of the walks in the series. Each program will provide information about both canal and local history. For further details contact Bob and Linda Barth at (201) 401-3121 (or email: barths@att.net).
February 12 (Sunday)	Hike the White Oak Trail The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park's naturalist will meet eager hikers at 10:00 at Bulls Island Recreation Area north of Stockton in Hunterdon County and then head to the .9 mile White Oak Trail. This trail was built and maintained by the Environmental Commission of Delaware Township. At the terminus of the White Oak Trail participants can either head back along the trail to Bulls Island or opt for a longer hike to explore the Zega Lockatong Preserve. Please make sure to dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring some water to drink. Registration IS required. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Register for this program
MARCH EVENTS
March 10 (Saturday)	Walk the D&R Canal ~ Upper Ferry Road to the Trenton Battle Monument Join the D&R Canal Watch as they continue an end-to-end hiking challenge along the length of the canal path. This 5 mile walk is the next leg of this challenge that began in 2011 and now continues in 2012. For this leg, participants are asked to meet at the Trenton Battle Monument located on Broad Street in downtown Trenton at 10:00 am. We will see the improvements to the canal park in the capital city and pass the homes of bridgetenders and of the superintendent. The two aqueducts in the city pass over Parkside Road and Sullivan Way. Plan to join just one or all of the walks in the series. Each program will provide information about both canal and local history. For further details contact Bob and Linda Barth at (201) 401-3121 (or email: barths@att.net).
March 10 (Saturday)	Skins and Skulls: Get to know the some of the animal residents to be found in the garden state at a presentation provided by park's naturalist. A close up look at the pelts, skulls and other animal evidence provide a unique insight on how our animal neighbors survive in the wild. This hour long program is suitable for all ages and will be held at the D & R Canal’s Kingston Office at 1:00 pm in the EDUCATION BUILDING. Space will be limited so call early to reserve your spot! Registration IS required. Register for this program
March 10: (Saturday)	The Blackwells Mills Canal House Hosts “A Spring Music Fest”: Come to the historic bridge tender's house located on the corner of Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in Franklin Township for an afternoon of music. Bob Denson, local musician, will entertain as a solo acoustic performer, playing audience requests, Irish ballads, and music from the American songbook. The house will be open from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Come by, stay a while and enjoy music by the canal. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE!
March 11: (Sunday)	Spring Forward Hike: Enjoy the extra hour of sunlight gifted us by the start of daylight savings and join the D&R Canal State Park naturalist for a hike at the Goat Hill Overlook located outside of Lambertville along George Washington Road. For those interested in a short hike, the group will hike up the .5 miles to the scenic overlook that provides spectacular views of the Delaware River and the river towns of Lambertville and New Hope. A longer hike option will also be available. So, please join us for an afternoon hike and celebrate the longer days to come. The walk will begin at 10:00 at the Goat Hill Overlook. Registration IS required. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Driving Directions: From I-95 take exit 1 for NJ-29 North/River Road. Proceed for 7 miles then turn right onto Valley Road. Take the second left onto Goat Hill Road. In 1.4 miles turn left onto George Washington Road. In .2 mile when the road forks, veer left on the gravel road to parking on left. Register for this program
March 14 (Wednesday)	Lessons from Hurricane Irene: Jim Waltman, Executive Director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, will speak about what can be done to reduce flooding and flood damage in future storms through changes in mindset, behaviors, and policies. This evening program is free and open to the public. The meeting will be held at 7:30 pm in the Kingston Firehouse on Heathcote Brook Road (just off Route 27). Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE! This timely program is sponsored by the Kingston Greenways Association. Visit their website at www.kingstongreenways.org (or call 609-750-1821) for further details and updated information.
March 24 (Saturday)	Beginning Compass: Ever wonder how to use a compass? Now is your chance. Join the naturalist at the D&R Canal State Park’s Kingston office (145 Mapleton Road, located approximately 4 miles north of Princeton) to learn about the basics of the map and compass. The group will learn how an orienteering compass works and afterwards participants will try their new skills on a small outdoor obstacle course. This program is very popular with boy scouts and girl scouts. The program will begin at 1:00 pm and is appropriate for ages 8 and over. Compasses for use during the program will be provided. SPACE IS LIMITED and pre-registration IS REQUIRED. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Register for this program
March 30 (Saturday)	21st Annual D & R Canal Watch 5K Run: The D & R Canal Watch 5K Fun Run, which begins and ends at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, has become a popular annual event attracting as many as 250 runners. This year there is a NEW START LOCATION and plenty of parking (enter at main park entrance gate off Route 546)! Start and finish is opposite the Washington Crossing State Park's visitor center. The new route includes the historic park, Route 29 pedestrian bridge, D&R Canal towpath and Titusville village street. Prizes will be awarded and T-shirts supplied to all registrants while supplies last. Race day registration fee of $20 for the 5K Race, but you can save by pre-registering. Runners can also register online at www.active.com. For full details, directions, entry form, registration information and/or materials contact the D&R Canal Watch at 609-989-1931 or online at www.canalwatch.org. All proceed will benefit the park!
APRIL EVENTS
April 7 (Saturday) By Robert LaFond	Walk the D&R Canal ~ Upper Ferry Road to Titusville Join the D&R Canal Watch as they continue an end-to-end hiking challenge along the length of the canal path. This 5 mile walk is the next leg of this challenge that began in 2011 and now continues in 2012. For this leg, participants are asked to meet at the intersection of River Drive and Route 29 (just south of Fiddler's Creek Road) in Titusville at 10:00 am. Features of this walk include a turning basin, a bridgetender's house, several culverts and two spillways. Plan to join just one or all of the walks in the series. Each program will provide information about both canal and local history. For further details contact Bob and Linda Barth at (201) 401-3121 (or email: barths@att.net).
April 14-15: (Sat.-Sun.)	Watercolor Art Sale at the Blackwells Mills Canal House: The Blackwells Mills Canal House Association is proud to welcome back *Watercolorists Unlimited* who will be displaying (and selling) their paintings at the historic canal house on the corner of historic canal house on the corner of Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in Franklin Township. This popular event returns with a wide selection of art. Find a treasure for your home or a gift for family and friends. This weekend event will be held on Saturday, April 16th from 10 - 4 pm and Sunday, April 17th from 11 - 4 pm. Registration is not required and admission is FREE!
April 29 (Sunday) By Robert LaFond	Walk the D&R Canal ~ Firemen's Eddy to Stockton Join the D&R Canal Watch as they continue an end-to-end hiking challenge along the length of the canal path. This 5 mile walk is the next leg of this challenge that began in 2011 and now continues in 2012. For this leg, participants are asked to meet at Firemen's Eddy, Route 29, 0.9 miles north of Pleasant Valley Road at 10:00 am. Each program will provide information about both canal and local history. For further details contact Bob and Linda Barth at (201) 401-3121 (or email: barths@att.net).

Our Wish List
Please check the list below to see if you could donate any of the following items to the Park to enhance our interpretive programs! Donations would be greatly appreciated and are tax deductible! Contact the office if you are able to help out.

E-mail: dnrhistorian@verizon.net
Phone: 609-924-5705

		A color printer that is compatible with Windows 2000, XP or Apple iMac
		Field Guides
		New Jersey History Books
		Books on Canal History or Technology
		Binoculars
		Insect Nets
		Mounted Animals for use in displays and/or in programs

We're Looking for a Few Good Volunteers...
Do you have time on your hands? Are you interested in history or nature? Do you have hands-on skills such as sewing, wood working or engineering? If so, we would love to hear from you! Our interpreters are interested in finding a few good volunteers who have an interest in the D&R Canal and want to help others learn more about it. A few projects you might consider "taking on" include:

		Creating and sewing both a boy's and girl's typical 19th century outfit that can be used in hands-on programs;
		Developing your own canal or 19th century related project;
		Compiling an on-going bird list for all areas along the canal;
		Creating a nature or history program for the public using your area of expertise.

If one of these projects interests you, please contact the park office and ask to speak with either the Historic Preservation Specialist or the Naturalist.

E-mail: dnrhistorian@verizon.net
Phone: 609-924-5705

REMEMBER: All programs are FREE!