Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park

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

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The Fall 2010 Milepost (PDF File Size: 357KB)

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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!

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.

2010 Calendar of Events

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September 4 (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 ~ Behind the Mercer Mall) at 9:30 a.m. for a brief talk about the history of the D&R Canal. The group will then walk along the historic towpath to the Lawrence Historical Society's Brearley House where the we 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
September 4 (Saturday)	History Biking Tour: Enjoy a leisurely morning bike ride along the historic towpath with canal enthusiast Bob Barth. The group will stop at historic villages and canal structures, such as locks and bridges, and talk about why the D&R was one of the most successful canals in the United States. Interested participants are required to bring their own bicycle, helmet, snack and water. Please meet at the Griggstown Causeway parking area (in Franklin Township) at 10:00 am. Come enjoy the park, get some exercise and learn about the D & R Canal! This 3 hour ride is sponsored by the D&R Canal Watch. For further information please contact Bob Barth at 201-401-3121.
September 11 (Saturday)	Family Nature Outing: Enjoy a fall day with your family at Bulls Island Recreational Area. Families will meet at the Bulls Island campground located at 2185 Daniel Bray Highway (Route 29) at 10:00 am and then head off for a 3-mile guided hike along Delaware Township’s newly created White Oak and Mimi's trails. Families who prefer to bike along the D&R Canal path, will be provided with park maps and mileage information. At noon, participants are invited to meet at the campground to enjoy a picnic lunch (not provided). The park will supply the s'mores over a campfire. Families are also encouraged to bring fishing poles to try their luck in fishing in the canal and/or the Delaware River. Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license. The park will supply a limited amount of bait to participants and a few poles that can be lent out. This program is suited for children ages 6 & up.
Sept. 11-12 (Sat.-Sun.)	Autumn Open House at the Blackwells Mills Canal House: Enjoy the onset of the fall season at the Blackwells Mills Canal House, the historic home on the corner of *Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in Franklin Township, and experience the charm of the bridge tenders homestead. Learn about the lives and customs of the families who lived along the canal when it was in operation. See a fine exhibit of early lighting. This weekend event will be held on Saturday,September 11th from 11 - 4 pm and Sunday, September 12th from 12 - 4 pm. Registration is not required and admission is FREE!*
Sept. 19 (Sunday)	James Marshall and the Discovery of Gold: Join the Lambertville Historical Society at 3:00 pm at the Municipal Court/Justice Center- (25 South Union Street, Lambertville) for this afternoon presentation by Jeff McVey. This lecture will celebrate the 200th birthday of Lambertville's own James Wilson Marshall, discoverer of gold at Sutter's Mill and the initiator of the Great California Gold Rush and Western Expansion. In this illustrated talk, Marshall's boyhood days in Lambertville and his progression to fame are explored. The impact of his discovery on the young nation and on Marshall provides an intriguing tale. 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!
Sept. 25 (Saturday)	Walk to Rockingham: Join the D & R Canal State Park historian for a roundtrip morning walk beginning from the Kingston Canal House to historic Rockingham! In addition to learning about the D & R Canal, participants will see two historic homes along the way - The Kingston Canal House and 18th century Rockingham. Attendees are asked to meet at the Kingston Canal House located approximately 4 miles north of downtown Princeton off Route 27 in Kingston at 10:00 am (across from Eno Terra restaurant). Here the group will learn about the D & R Canal before heading out along the canal and towards Rockingham where they will be treated to a tour of the restored 1783 headquarters of George Washington. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and join us for this 2.5 mile round trip walk. Pre-registration IS REQUESTED. Weather permitting. Register for this program
Sept. 26 (Sunday)	Afternoon Tea at the Port Mercer Canal House: Join members of the Lawrence Historical Society at the historic Port Mercer Canal House (4278 Quaker Road ~ behind the Mercer Mall) from 3:00 - 5:00 pm for an afternoon open house and 19th century-style tea along the canal on the patio of the former bridge tender’s residence. For further details please call the Lawrence Historical Society at (609) 896-0782 or visit www.thelhs.org. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE!
OCTOBER EVENTS
October 9 (Saturday)	Project Learning Tree Workshop:: Come take part in a PLT workshop at the D&R Canal State Park office in Kingston located at 145 Mapleton Road. PLT is an award-winning, broad-based environmental education program for educators and students in PreK-grade 8. The goal is the help students learn HOW to think, not WHAT to think about the environment. PLT materials bring the environment into the classroom and students into the environment. The program covers topics ranging from forests, wildlife and water, to community planning, waste management and energy. This workshop is geared toward formal and non-formal educators including scout leaders, teachers, naturalists and all environmental educators. Teachers will receive 5 CEU’s upon completion of the workshop. This full day program will be held from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. Please contact Stephanie Fox to register and/or receive further information (609-924-5705). Light refreshments will be served in the morning but participants are responsible for lunch. Please come prepared to spend time outdoors. Register for this program
October 9: (Saturday)	Annual Fall Frolic at the Blackwells Mills Canal House Kids bring your parents and come to the historic canal house for an afternoon of fun! There will be games to play, Halloween pumpkins to paint and "Unbei" the clown will be there to perform magic just for you. This family friendly event will be held at the Blackwells Mills Canal House located on the corner of Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in Franklin Township between 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE!
October 23 (Saturday)	Fall Foliage Walk ~ From Nursery to Canal: Enjoy a fall foliage walk with the D&R's historian and naturalist leading from the main office at Kingston to the canal towpath, the Kingston Canal House and Carnegie Lake. Participants will meet at the Kingston office located at 145 Mapleton Road at 10:00 am for a leisurely 3-mile round trip walk. The group will proceed from the office through a portion of the Mapleton Preserve toward the canal towpath, the Kingston Canal House and beyond before turning back. Dress for the weather and enjoy the fall colors while learning a bit about the historic and natural resources of the park! Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Register for this program
NOVEMBER EVENTS
November 6 (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 ~ Behind the Mercer Mall) at 9:30 a.m. for a brief talk about the history of the D&R Canal. The group will then walk along the historic towpath to the Lawrence Historical Society's Brearley House where the we 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
November 13 (Saturday)	Explore Your Family Roots: Kids, bring your parents and be prepared to explore your heritage by creating a family tree with the park historian. Soon families will be gathering for this year’s Thanksgiving meal so this is the perfect time to dig up your roots, get your questions ready and prepare to explore your own history. Together we will learn about family trees and begin the process of growing our own! This 10:00 am program will be held at the D & R Canal State Park’s Kingston Office located at 145 Mapleton Road. Space is limited so register early! Suitable for children 8 - 12 years old. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Register for this program
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
November 20: (Saturday)	Full Moon Hike: Enjoy a late afternoon walk through the Bulls Island natural area as the full moon rises. Listen for the sounds of nocturnal life and the lapping of the canal and river water as you walk through the forest of the fall season. This walk is approximately 1 mile. The program will begin at 4:30 pm and participants are asked to meet at the Bulls Island Visitor Center (located 7 miles north of Lambertville directly off Route 29 in Hunterdon County). Please bring a flashlight. For further information call the Bulls Island office at (609) 397-2949. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Register for this program

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!