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.

NOVEMBER 13-20 Awsome Events on the Delaware & Raritan Canal!

November 13 (Saturday)

Kingston Loop Walk: Join the naturalist of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in a loop walk that leads through the historic D&R Canal State Park, Mapleton Preserve (former site of Princeton Nurseries), Cook Natural Area, Middlesex County Open Space Park and the Heathcote Meadow Preserve. This hike is approximately 3.5 miles along mostly flat, dirt/gravel pathways and will start at 10:00 am. Participants will meet at the D & R Canal State Park’s Kingston Office located at 145 Mapleton Road. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Register for this program

Nov. 13 & 14 (Saturday & Sunday) Art Exhibit and Sale at the Blackwells Mills Canal House: Stop by the historic canal house on the corner of Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in the Franklin Township section of Somerset for this exhibit and sale. Landmarks and scenery of the area will be displayed as well as paintings by artist Barbara Della Peruta and artwork from the collection of Biff Heins. The house will be open on Saturday, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and on Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE! November 14 (Sunday) Canoe/Kayak the D & R Canal: Join the Sierra Club for this 11-mile paddle from Kingston to Amwell Road that begins at 9:00 am - this is the 4th Sierra Club fall paddle this season. There is one canal lock portage so bring portage wheels if you have them. The group will meet in Kingston directly off Route 27 (across from Eno Terra restaurant). Bring your own boat, equipment, lunch and beverages. Rentals are NOT available. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. This ride will be lead by George & Leona Fluck and sponsored by the Sierra Club. For further information please call 609-259-3734 or email Leona@pineypaddlers.com. November 20 (Saturday) Canoe/Kayak the D & R Canal: This is the last of the fall 2010 Sierra Club paddles along the D&R so join them for this 9-mile trip from Amwell Road to Demott Lane beginning at 10:00 am. There are 3 canal lock portages so bring portage wheels if you have them. Bring your own boat, equipment, lunch and beverages. Rentals are NOT available. Dinner option at Pooja's in Somerset. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. This ride will be lead by George & Leona Fluck and sponsored by the Sierra Club. For further information please call 609-259-3734 or email Leona@pineypaddlers.com

SEPTEMBER 25 Walk the Path to Rockingham!

Celebrate National Public Lands Day and the gorgeous season with a fresh morning walk from the Kingston Canal House to historic Rockingham!

DATE: Saturday, September 25, 2010
(Inclement Weather Cancels)
TIME: 9:30AM
MEET: The Kingston Canal House
Off Route 27, 4 miles north of Princeton
RSVP: Pre-registration Required
INFO: (609) 924-5705

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

[From the Milepost Newsletter]
"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 18th century Rockingham. The group will then walk along the canal to Rockingham where they will be treated to a tour of the restored 1783 headquarters of George Washington. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and join us for this 2.5-mile round trip walk."

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.

APRIL 17: Arbor Day Celebration at the Mapleton Preserve!

The Friends of the Princeton Nursery Lands (FPNL) and the D & R Canal State Park welcome one and all to the Mapleton Preserve for a fun-filled day in celebration of Springtime and nature!

DATE: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Rain Date: Sunday, April 18
TIME: 10:00AM to 11:30AM, & 1:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: D & R Canal State Park Headquarters
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
INFO: Karen Linder, (609) 683-0483
www.fpnl.org

All Celebration Events Are FREE!!!

• 10:00AM: History Walk! Vicki Chirco, D & R Canal State Park historian, will lead a walk beginning at the Park Headquarters and highlight the history of the canal and Princeton Nurseries. Click HERE to pre-register (REQUIRED).
• 1:00PM: Tree Walk! Jim Consolloy, former Head Grounds Manager for Princeton University, responsible for maintaining the university's 2300 acres and 400 species of trees, will lead a tree walk featuring spring-flowering trees and the unique tree varieties that grow at the Mapleton Preserve, and share tips on tree identification and care.
• Learn the Proper Way to Plant a Tree! After the Tree Walk, join the FPNL in their traditional planting of trees donated by the Princeton Nurseries, which once operated a wholesale tree nursery on the site. The Arboretum is named for the Flemer family, which included William Flemer III, the legendary plantsman who developed some of the best loved plants in American horticulture, including the Princeton Sentry Gingko, the 'Snow Queen' Hydrangea, and the October Glory Maple.
• 3:00PM: Traditional Seasonal Dancing! Four different dance groups, Handsome Molly, The Griggstown Lock Rapper Sword Team, Millstone River Morris, and The Princeton Country Dancers, will perform traditional Springtime dances including the "molly", "rapper sword" dances, the "morris", and Maypole dances. For more information, please visit www.fpnl.org.
• Each participant will receive a baby flowering or evergreen tree to take home!

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!

October 16, 2009--Washington, DC: THE MILLSTONE VALLEY & DELAWARE RIVER SCENIC BYWAYS ARE HONORED WITH NATIONAL BYWAY DESIGNATION!!!

Barbara and Jan ten Broeke officially accepting the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway national designation in Washington, DC.

Among the 43 American byways that were granted National Byway designation by the US Department of Transportation were two local gems, the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway (a.k.a. Millstone Valley Scenic-Historic Corridor) and the Delaware River Scenic Byway. Jan and Barbara ten Broeke accepted the honor on behalf of the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition which initiated and accomplished this wonderful achievement, ensuring that Central New Jersey heritage will be protected and enjoyed by generations to come.

The Millstone Valley Scenic/Historic Corridor (Scenic Byway) encompasses large expanses of open green space and nature preserves with wonderful hiking and biking trails. The Byway also protects an area of extensive historic continuity including Native American settlements, Dutch and Huguenot farms, Revolutionary War sites (Crossroads of the American Revolution and W3R), the Delaware & Raritan Canal, and much, much more!

So get out there and enjoy our local--and National!--treasures, and just imagine that one day, families in flying cars will be doing the same!

Below are pictures of the designation event in DC!

Jan ten Broeke (proudly displaying the Designation Plaque), Cindy Bloom-Cronin (NJ DOT Scenic Byway Program), Jim Klein (one of the authors of the Millstone Valley Scenic-Historic Corridor Management Plan, a requisite for national designation), and Barbara ten Broeke.

Barbara and Jan ten Broeke representing the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway, and Cindy Bloom-Cronin and Edie Sharp representing the Delaware River Scenic Byway.

Edie Sharp officially accepting the Delaware River Scenic Byway national designation.

Cindy Bloom-Cronin and Edie Sharp proudly displaying the Delaware River Scenic Byway national designation plaque.

October 17 & On-going: CALL TO ACTION! Unnecessary Cell Tower Intrusions Will Mar Pristine Vistas of Protected Sites!

**MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD**

Just say, "Elsewhere!"

The construction of two industrial cell towers is planned within the protected Millstone Valley Scenic/Historic Corridor. This is an explicit violation of the agreed upon Corridor Management Plan's specific prohibition of cell towers within this area.

Millstone Valley Scenic/Historic Byway

1) Weather permitting, on Saturday, October 17, 2009, from 9:00AM until 12:00PM, a crane test will be performed at 139 Green Avenue in Montgomery, near the Staats Farm Road intersection. Green Road runs one block northwest of River Road.

Please take pictures to document this violation and voice your objections by clicking on "comments" at the bottom of this blog entry! With your permission, we would like to share your photos with the RMVE Blog community.

2) The construction of second tower is also planned for 138 Coppermine Road in historic Griggstown (Franklin Township, Block 11.01, Lot 61.01), adjacent to the beautiful Native Grasslands Preserve.

Once again, please voice your objections to this intrusion upon one of the most beautiful and pristine natural preserves in Central New Jersey by clicking on "comments" at the bottom of this blog entry and submitting your thoughts!

Griggstown Native Grasslands Preserve

With your permission, your objections will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities in Montgomery, Franklin Township, and Trenton. You will be heard! The construction of cell towers in historic and environmentally sensitive areas have been successfully fought without interruption to cell users service as they we constructed in more appropriate areas.

-Jan ten Broeke

September 26 NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY AND PHOTO CONTEST IN KINGSTON!!!

Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands, Kingston Greenways Association, and the D&R Canal State Park invite you to celebrate National Public Lands Day with a lovely afternoon of fresh air, exercise, and treating the beautiful Mapleton Preserve to a well-deserved Day o' Beauty!

DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2009
TIME: 1:00PM to 4:00PM
MEET: 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
BRING: Work gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, & hats advised!
Some tools available, but please bring your favorites if you have them!
CONTACT: Tari, tari@kingstongreenways.org
or the D&R Canal State Park, (609) 924-5705

There's a task for every activity level and mood!

• Litter Removal!
• Vine Clearing!
• Whack Back Bamboo & Brush!
• Tree Planting!
• Photo & Video Documentation (Contest Info)!

[from the Kingston Greenways Association website]
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. In 2008, 120,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants and planted over 1.6 million trees.

It keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933 to 1942 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.

This annual event:

• Educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these irreplaceable lands;
• Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands;
• Improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.

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!