DECEMBER 13 Call to Action! Hearing on the Dredging of the Delaware & Raritan Canal!

Please attend this hearing about the planned dredging of the D&R Canal to protect this beautiful and unique historical treasure!

DATE: Monday, December 13, 2010
TIME: 5:00 to 7:00
PLACE: Franklin Township Municipal Building
675 DeMott Lane, Somerset

Public Notice

Dredging of the Delaware and Raritan Canal

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority (Authority) is developing a program to dredge a 10.5 mile stretch of the Delaware and Raritan Canal from Lincoln Highway (Route 27) to Amwell Road in Franklin Township, Somerset County. Flow in this section of the Canal is being impeded by sediment accumulation and is compounded by the growth of weeds during the summer months when flow demand is the greatest. The water surface elevation of the Canal is typically raised during these periods, which causes water to discharge over the lower elevation spillways. The objective of the project is to remove an estimated 250,000 cubic yards of sediment from the Canal to restore flow capacity.

The Canal serves as a source of drinking water for millions of residents in central New Jersey and provides recreational opportunities for its numerous visitors. The dredging design will address the water supply needs for the area and take into account the surrounding cultural and natural resources.

In 1973, the Canal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This action placed the Canal under the protection of Section 106 of the National Historic Register Preservation Act of 1966 whereby any actions undertaken or licensed by as Federal agency which impact upon the resource are subject to review by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Canal, which is within the D&R State Park, is also on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places whereby projects that impact the Canal require prior written authorization or consent from the NJDEP Historic Preservation Office. Accordingly, any rehabilitation or construction work undertaken along the Canal must consider the historic and cultural significance of the Canal and adverse effects to these features must be minimized.

An open house to discuss the project is scheduled for Monday, December 13, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, 675 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ. Members of the Urban Dredging Consultants design team and the URS Corporations, cultural resource consultants for the project, will join Authority staff to discuss project progress, schedule and answer questions raised before or during the meeting. There will be a presentation of the project at 6:00 that evening.

MAY 9: Franklin Township Migrant & Breeding Birds Grasslands Walk

Please join the New Jersey Audubon Society for a two-hour walk through the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve to watch the beautiful migrant birds as they return to NJ and breeding sites as far north as Canada!

DATE: Sunday, May 9, 2010
TIME: 8:00AM to 10:00AM
MEET: Parking Lot, 1091 Canal Road
BRING: Comfortable walking shoes/boots; Weather-appropriate clothing
Suggested: Binoculars, Camera, Bird & Trail Guides, Friends & Families
INFO: John Loos, (732) 422-4326
NJ Audubon Society, (908) 873-9571

This event is FREE and NO Pre-Registration is Required!

Early May provides the ideal opportunity for wildlife and nature enthusiasts to see both migrant birds returning to NJ and passing through en route to points farther north! This leisurely tw0-hour walk through the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve will be on mostly level terrain, and therefore appropriate for a variety of fitness levels. The preserve was one of two grassland habitats that were established through the cooperation of the NJ Audubon Society and Franklin Township. A 102-acre section of the property was plowed and planted with native grasses and wildflowers intended to provide habitat for birds that require grasslands for breeding.

MAY 2: Guided Walk Through Princeton's Marquand Park!

Please join Kingston Greenways Association member Roland Machold for a fascinating guided walk through the arboretum and recreation areas of this very special treasure, Marquand Park!

DATE: Sunday, May 2, 2010
TIME: 1:00PM until about 2:00PM
MEET: Junction of Stockton Street (Route 206) & Lovers' Lane
Parking is off Lover's Lane, Princeton
BRING: Optional picnic lunch to enjoy before or after leisurely walk

Judge Richard Field originally purchased a this property as 30 acre farm in 1842. Impressed by the horticultural discoveries of 19th century explorers and the landscaping of the great estates of England, he began the collection of trees and shrubs. This collection was continued by the subsequent owner, Professor Allan Marquand who purchased the property in 1885. In 1954, Prof. Marquand's wife Eleanor bequeathed it to the Borough of Princeton.

The park's 173 varieties of trees and shrubs, including spruces, firs, cedars, oaks, magnolias, tulips, ash and maples, as well as rarities such as the franklinia and the dove tree, are maintained by the Marquand Park Foundation, whose Chairman Is Kingston's own Sam deTuro of Woodwinds.

MAY 1: Kingston Greenways' Second Clean-Up!

Clean-Up #1 was such a wonderful success, now please join the Kingston Greenways for Clean-Up #2, another afternoon of fresh air, sunshine, fellowship, and a well-deserved Day of Beauty for the Cook Natural Area!

DATE: Saturday, May 1, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM to 4:00PM
MEET: Cook Natural Area Parking Lot
Junction of Heathcote Brook Road & Ridge Road, South Brunswick
INFO: (609) 924-3399

Clean-Up #2 will focus on the Cook Natural Area, and the parts of the Green Belt that adjoin Ridge Road, Division Street, and Mapleton Road in South Brunswick Township.

South Brunswick Township will supply the bags, gloves, and safety vests, but please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

MARCH 21: Bike the Towpath to Lawrence Township!

D & R Canal Watch invites you to get some exercise, enjoy a fresh morning bike ride, and learn about the history of the canal with canal expert, Bob Barth!

DATE: Sunday, March 21, 2010
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: Griggstown Causeway, Franklin Twsp.
BRING: Bike, Helmet, Lunch
INFO: Bob Barth, (201) 401-3121

Bob Barth will lead you on this 26-mile ride along the towpath, all the way to Lawrence Township and back and explain structures and history of the canal as you go!

MARCH 5: Evening Woodcock Watch

Please join Audubon volunteer, Arlene Oley, and D & R Canal State Park naturalist, Stephanie Fox, for a dusk-time walk into the Mapleton Preserve in search of fanciful Woodcock!

DATE: Friday, March 5, 2010
TIME: 6:30PM
PLACE: D & R Canal Park, Kingston Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
BRING: Flashlight, for walk back to parking area

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

In addition to enjoying the delightful sights and sound of the adorable woodcock, the group can also expect to hear the chirps and peeps of the frogs and toads who also call the preserve and Central NJ their home!

February 20: KINGSTON BIRD WALK

Please join the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park's Naturalist Staphanie Fox and NJ Audubon volunteer Arlene Oley for a leisurely guided walk in search of the beautiful overwinter birds in the Kingston area!

DATE: Saturday, February 20, 2010 [Weather Permitting]
TIME: 10:00AM
DEPART: D&R Canal State Park Kingston Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
RSVP: Space is very limited, pre-registration by phone or online (click here) is REQUIRED.
PHONE: (609) 924-5750

ADMISSION IS FREE!!! This event is appropriate for all ages!

February 6: KIDS' GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION!

Many would argue that there should be at least one day of every month to honor everyone's favorite roly-poly, weather forecasting rodent the Groundhog!

But since there is but one Groundhog Day a year, be sure to make the most of it by joining the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park's celebration of the day the friendly critter's is said to emerge from his burrow. Legend has it that the appearance of the groundhog on February 2 may signify a speedy end to the cold winter days, unless he sees his shadow, in which case he will scurry back into his cozy burrow, signifying we can expect six more weeks of winter.

DATE: Saturday, February 2, 2010 [Weather Permitting]
TIME: Program begins promptly at 10:00AM
PLACE: D&R Canal State Park Kingston Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
RSVP: Space is limited, pre-registration by phone or online (click here) is requested and recommended.
INFO: (609) 924-5750

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

This delightful, hour-long program is appropriate for children ages 4 and up, who will learn about the interesting habits of their furry yard- and park-mates, including hibernation, migration, and the methods these animals use to survive the cold winter months. Everyone will get a Groundhog Day craft to take home!

November 15: CANOE/KAYAK THE DELAWARE & RARITAN CANAL!

Come join the New Jersey Sierra Club for a relaxing and informative 11 mile paddle under the spectacular fall foliage along the scenic stretch of the D&R Canal from Kingston to Amwell Road!

DATE: Sunday, November 15
TIME: 9:00AM
MEET: D&R Canal State Park Kingston Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
BRING: Your own boat (rentals not available), lunch, beverages, portage wheels for one canal lock (if you have them)
CONTACT: Trip Leaders, George & Leona Fluck
leona@pineypaddles.com
(609) 259-3734

Pre-Registration is Required!

November 14: WALK THE KINGSTON LOOP TRAIL WITH A NATURALIST!

Come join the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park's resident naturalist and historian for a guided 3.5 mile walk along the newly created trail system in Kingston!


DATE: Saturday, November 14 [Weather Permitting!]
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: D&R Canal State Park Kingston Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
RSVP: Click HERE to Pre-Register
Pre-Registration is Required

This walk will lead you through the beautiful D&R State Park, the Mapleton Preserve (former site of the Princeton Nurseries), the Cook Natural Area, and the Middlesex County Open Space Park, Heathcote Meadow Preserve. The pathways are mostly dirt and gravel and the terrain is flat.

November 7: WHY GO NATIVE? THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY

You will wonder why you didn't "Go Native" sooner at Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park's presentation by Robert Wells, Kingston resident and Associate Director of Arboriculture Outreach of the Morris Arboretum at the Old Princeton Nursery headquarters!

Robert Wells' talk is based on Dr. Doug Tallamy's book, Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens, and will cover the wonders of native-NJ plants, the importance of biodiversity, and how homeowners can create sustainable landscape designs on their properties that will provide a critical wildlife habitat.

DATE: Saturday, November 7
TIME: 10:00AM to 10:45AM
PLACE: D&R Canal State Park Office
145 Mapleton Road, Princeton

No registration required and ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

Visitors are encouraged to explore the trails of the Mapleton Preserve after the talk and, so far, looks like Saturday is going to be beautiful weather!

September 12: "FALL IN THE FIELDS" GUIDED NATURE WALK (EASY) AT SIX MILE RUN!

Please join Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park naturalist, Stephanie Fox, and resident bird expert, Arlene Oley, for a guided "easy-level" exploration of the late wild flowers, autumn birds, and gorgeous vistas of one of Somerset County's most beautiful nature preserves, the Six Mile Run Resevoir Site!

DATE: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Weather Permitting
TIME: 10:00AM to 11:30AM (approx.)
MEET: NJ Community Forestry Parking Area
625 Canal Road, Somerset
RSVP: (609) 924-5705
Pre-Registration Required

PARTICIPATION IS FREE!

This is an "easy" hike suitable for all ages, but please be sure to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing so you can focus all of you attention to the beautiful scenery, interesting wildlife, and beautiful flora!

August 22: KAYAK THE D&R CANAL!

Come join the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park's Naturalist for a leisurely paddle along the calm cool waters of the historic canal and enjoy an up close view of the delightful aquatic life that call it home!


DATE: Saturday, August 22
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: The Griggstown Day Use Area
Weston Canal Road & Weston Causeway
IMP'T: Participant must be 13 years or older
All paddlers must wear personal flotation devices
Some kayaking experience required
RSVP: Call ASAP to Reserve a Spot, Space is Limited!
INFO: (609) 924-5705

The park has a limited number of kayaks available. There is a kayak concession for those who will need to rent a boat, otherwise, this event is FREE!!!

Mid-July to Mid-August: WILDFLOWERS AT THE GRIGGSTOWN NATIVE GRASSLAND PRESERVE ARE IN FULL BLOOM!!!

Mother Nature is absolutely THRILLED to invite you, your family, and everyone you know to enjoy her spectacular presentation of joy-inducing splendor at that Central New Jersey gem, the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve!

TIME: Anytime you like!
DATE: Right Now!
PLACE: 1091 Canal Rd., Griggstown

ADMISSION IS ALWAYS FREE!!!

The birds and butterflies are already there and having a wonderful time! With six trails to choose from on this beautiful part of the Ten Mile Run Greenway, you can visit one a week for the rest of the summer! Click on the trail map below and begin planning your great day with Mother Nature!

May 23: BIKE THE TOWPATH TO GRIGGSTOWN!

The D & R Canal Watch is delighted to sponsor this 8.5 mile ride along the historic towpath, guided by canal enthusiast, Bob Barth!

DATE: Saturday, May 23
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: Blackwells Mills Causeway
Intersection of Canal Rd. & Blackwells Mills Rd., Somerset
BRING: Bicycle, Helmet, & Lunch
INFO: Bob Barth, (201) 401-3121

Enjoy the fresh morning air, the beautiful State Park, burn a few calories, and--best of all--learn more about this historical treasure as Bob explains interesting structures and features of the D & R Canal!

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

May 16: BIRDING THE CANAL IN ZAREPHATH

The D & R Canal Watch and accomplished birders, Barbara and George Dawson, invite you to enjoy an early morning walk along the towpath and the delightful sights and sounds of the countless bird species and other wildlife who make their homes along the canal!

DATE: Saturday, May 16 [Weather Permitting]
TIME: 8:00AM
MEET: Parking area at intersection of Weston Canal Road & Weston Causeway
BRING: Binoculars, Water
INFO: Barbara Dawson, (732) 887-6070

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

May 3: GUIDED NATURE WALKS AND BIRDWATCHING--FREE!

The wonderful Franklin Township Open Space Program invite you and your family to explore the beautiful open spaces it has carefully preserved for future generations with two fun-filled nature walks guided by a NJ Audubon Society Naturalist! FREE!

DATE: Sunday, May 3
CONTACT: John Loos
Phone: (732) 422-4326
Email: saveland@jloos.com
BRING: Good footwear & Binoculars if you have them (some loaners may be available)
FREE! These walks are along easy terrain and are great for kids!

1) MIGRANT & BREEDING BIRDS AT GRIGGSTOWN NATIVE GRASSLAND PRESERVE
TIME: 8:00AM to 10:00AM
MEET: TBA

2) MIGRANT & BREEDING BIRDS OF THE NEGRI-NEPOTE GRASSLAND PRESERVE
TIME: 11:00AM to 1:00PM
MEET: Parking lot at 260 Skillsman Lane

For the fifth year in a row, the Franklin Township Open Space Program is sponsoring free, guided walks on tracts of natural open space, such as these two Native Grassland Preserves that were established for use by threatened and endangered species, for passive recreation, and for forest walks along one of the newest trail systems in Franklin!

Wildlife you can look forward to observing in upcoming guided nature walks include:

• JUNE: Meadowlark, Bobolink, Field & Grasshopper Sparrow
• JULY: Butterflies!
• AUGUST: Forest dwellers

April 6: BEAR AWARENESS SEMINAR!

Please join the Franklin Township Environmental Commission for a VERY important Seminar on Bear Awareness!

DATE: Monday, April 6
TIME: 7:30PM
PLACE: Council Chambers of the
Franklin Township Municipal Building
475 Demott Lane