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Nature Programs |
History Programs |
Scout Programs
Weekend Family Programs |
Wish List |
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Download/Print our Quarterly Newsletter/Event Guide: The Milepost
 The Summer 2008 Milepost (PDF File Size: 223KB)
The Spring 2008 Milepost (PDF File Size: 129KB)
The Winter 2008 Milepost (PDF File Size: 191KB)
The Fall 2007 Milepost (PDF File Size: 193KB)
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:
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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!
Nature Programs
Forestry |
Water Quality |
Orienteering |
Insect Investigation
NJ Animals |
In Class Presentations |
Weekend Family Programs
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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
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Nature Program Topics Include:
Forestry
Students will learn...
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to identify New Jersey trees using a dichotomous key;
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to infer a tree's life history by looking at tree cookies;
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how different parts of a tree function together to make a tree grow.
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Water Quality
Students will learn...
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to identify macroinvertebrates that help determine water quality;
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how point and non-point pollution effects water quality;
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to perform water testing for certain parameters.
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Orienteering:
Students will learn...
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to identify topography symbols;
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how to determine distance from a topographical map;
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how to use a magnetic compass and complete a small obstacle course.
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Insect Investigation:
Students will learn...
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how to find and identify insects;
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the diverse lifestyles and adaptations insects
possess;
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the characteristics that make-up an insect.
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NJ Animals:
Students will learn...
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the different classifications of animals found in New Jersey;
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about the four habitat requirements: food, shelter, water and a place to raise their young.
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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
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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.
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D&R Canal State Park Historian: Vicki Chirco
Phone: (609) 924-5705
E-Mail: dnrhistorian@verizon.net
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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
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Juniors
Earth Connections
Finding Your Way
Wildlife
Trees for Our Future
NJ Naturalist
NJ Heritage Patch
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Seniors/Cadettes
Wildlife
Eco-Action
Orienteering
Trees for Our Future
NJ Naturalist
NJ Heritage Patch
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BOY SCOUTS
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Webelos
Naturalist and Forester
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Bears
Sharing Your World With Wildlife
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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!
Weekend Family Programs
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.
Coming This Summer ...
The D & R Canal Photography Group
This summer the park is happy to offer an opportunity for aspiring photographers to meet for the purposes of capturing nature, architecture and the many unique historic and engineering features to be found along the towpath and trails of D & R Canal State Park. Beginning in June, co-facilitators, Vicki Chirco and Margaret Charleroy, will lead participants on photography excursions to various locations in the park throughout the summer. Each photography outing will be a “themed” session and the group will focus on shooting subjects and scenes related to the targeted objective whether it is nature or history related. In addition, the group will learn about the resources being photographed. At the close of the season, members will have an opportunity to display their best work at the park’s Kingston office. Those interested in joining this summer’s photography group should contact the Park office in order to be added to the class list. A name, phone number and email address will be required for us to provide participants with further details. Meeting times and dates are listed below. Don’t miss this chance to hone your photography skills, share your knowledge with others, and learn about the park.
FIRST MEETING DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 14 @ 10:00 am
LOCATION:Kingston Main Office
45 Mapleton Road, Princeton
MEETING DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 21 @ 9:00 am
LOCATION:Six Mile Run Trails
625 Canal Road, Somerset
(Blackwells Mills Section of Franklin Township)
MEETING DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 10 @ 5:30 pm
LOCATION:Kingston Canal House
Located directly off RT 27/Main Street in
Kingston ~ approx. 4 miles north of Princeton
MEETING DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 26 @ 10:00 am
LOCATION:Bulls Island & Prallsville Mills/Prall House
Bulls Island Office, 2185 Daniel
Bray Highway (RT 29), Stockton, NJ
MEETING DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 7 @ 6:00 pm
LOCATION:Lambertville Canal and Architectural Sites
City Municipal Lot,
25 South Union Street (metered parking)
MEETING DATE/TIME: Wednesday, August 13 @ 1:30 pm
LOCATION:Titusville & Washington Crossing
Washington Crossing State Park’s
Lower Parking Area, off RT 29
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Calendar of Events
JULY |
AUGUST
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JULY EVENTS
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July 25
(Friday) |
Bike the Path to Griggstown:
Enjoy a Friday morning bike ride along the canal with the D & R's summer seasonal, Margaret Charleroy. Bring your own bicycle and meet at the Kingston Canal House located off Route 27 (Main Street in Kingston) at 10:00 am. Be prepared for a 10-mile ride that will go to the Griggstown Causeway and back. Come enjoy the park, burn a few calories and learn a bit about the D & R! Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Weather permitting.
Register for this program
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July 26
(Saturday) |
Kingston Loop Trail:
Join the naturalist of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in a walk along the newly created trail system in Kingston, NJ. The trail leads through the historic D & R Canal State Park, Mapleton Preserve (former site of Princeton Nurseries), Cook Natural Area and Middlesex County Open Space Park, Heathcote Meadow Preserve and is approximately 3.5 miles along mostly dirt/gravel pathways and is along flat terrain. The program will start at 10:00 am. Participants will meet at the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park’s Kingston Office located at 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Weather permitting.
Register for this program
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AUGUST EVENTS
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August 2
(Saturday) |
Walk the Path in Lawrence Township:
Enjoy a morning walk along the canal with the D & R's Historian and visit two historic homes along the way - The Port Mercer Canal House and the 18th Century Brearley House. The group will meet at the Port Mercer Canal House in Lawrence Township (4278 Quaker Road) at 9:30 a.m. for a brief talk about the history of the D&R Canal. We'll then walk along the historic towpath to the Lawrence Historical Society's Brearley House where the group will be treated to a tour of this restored 18th century home by the Society's docents. Come join us for this 2.5 mile round trip walk back in time. Pre-registration IS required. Weather permitting.
Register for this program
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August 2
(Saturday) |
Bike the Path to Zarephath:
Enjoy an August morning bike ride along the canal with the D & R's summer seasonal, Margaret Charleroy. Bring your own bicycle and meet at the Community Forestry Parking Area (625 Canal Road) located in the Blackwells Mill section of Franklin Township at 10:00 am. The group will head north towards Zarephath for a 10-mile round-trip ride. Come enjoy the park, burn a few calories and learn a bit about the D&R! Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Weather permitting.
Register for this program
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August 10
(Saturday) |
Bike the Path to Lambertville:
Enjoy a morning bike ride along the Feeder Canal with the D & R's summer seasonal, Margaret Charleroy. Bring your own bicycle and meet at the Bull's Island Recreation Area (off Route 29 in Hunterdon County) at 10:00 am. Be prepared for a 15 mile loop that will pass through the historic towns of Stockton and Lambertville. Come enjoy the park, burn a few calories and learn a bit about the D&R! Not recommended for children under 10. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Weather permitting.
Register for this program
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August 16
(Saturday) |
Bats & Owls:
Are bats blind? Can an owl turn its head 360 degrees? Learn the answer to these questions and many more when the naturalist of the D & R Canal State Park, Stephanie Fox, shares fascinating facts and dispels the many myths surrounding our nocturnal predators. This free program will be held in the picnic area of the Bulls Island Recreation Area located 7 miles north of Lambertville along Route 29 in Stockton, NJ (Hunterdon County). This program is suitable for everyone interested in NJ's wildlife. Program to begin at 2:00 pm.
Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Weather permitting.
Register for this program
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August 17
(Sunday) |
Blackwells Mills Canal House Association’s Ice Cream Social:
Bring your children and plan to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon at the historic canal house on the corner of Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in Franklin Township for a summer ice cream social. Watch canoes and kayaks sail by on the D & R Canal as you relax with friends, listen to the lively sounds of the Six Mile Run Bluegrass Band and enjoy a frosty treat from Confectionately Yours. This event will be held at the Blackwells Mills Canal House between 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Registration is NOT required but donations are accepted!
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August 23
(Saturday) |
Walk the Path to Rockingham:
Welcome the spring season with a morning walk along the canal to historic Rockingham! In addition to receiving an introduction to the story of the D&R from the park historian, participants will visit two historic homes along the way - The Kingston Canal House and the 18th century Rockingham. Participants are asked to meet at the Kingston Canal House located off Route 27 (approximately 4 miles north of Princeton) at 9:30 am for a brief talk about the history of the D & R Canal. The group will then walk along the canal’s historic towpath to Rockingham where they will be treated to various special activities including an encampment of Washington’s special dragoon guards and the arrival of the general himself. Rockingham will be commemorating the 225th anniversary of Washington’s August arrival and residence at the site. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and join us for this 2.5 mile round trip walk back in time. Pre-registration IS required. Weather permitting.
Register for this program
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August 31
(Saturday) |
Six Mile Run Summer Flowers:
Goldenrods and Asters will be in beautiful bloom along the trails within the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site in Franklin Township, Somerset County. Join the naturalist for a leisurely hike through the fields and forests to enjoy the beauty of late summer. The program will begin at 10:00 am. Participants will meet at the Community Forestry Office parking area located at 625 Canal Road, Somerset, NJ 08873. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Pre-registration IS required. Weather permitting.
Register for this program
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