Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park

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

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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

JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL

JANUARY EVENTS
January 1 (Friday)	Blackwells Mills Canal House Association’s New Year's Day Open House: A long time tradition continues! Come to the historic canal house on the corner of Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in Franklin Township for this annual open house. The door is open wide for the celebration with refreshments. A warm welcome and friends await your visit. The doors will be open from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE!
January 2 (Saturday)	After Holidays Walk-Off: Here’s your chance to honor to that New Year's Resolution to get more exercise and lose a few of those extra pounds we all put on over the holidays! Join the D & R Canal State Park and naturalist and the Washington Crossing State Park historian for a 5-mile walk on the historic D & R Canal towpath. Participants are asked to meet at the Washington Crossing State Park parking lot located in Titusville directly off Route 29 in Mercer County at 10:00 am (right before the bridge over the Delaware). Start the new year off on the right foot and enjoy the beauty of the winter season. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Weather permitting. Register for this program
January 16 (Saturday)	The Study of Poology: Animals are great at staying hidden and sometimes all that is left of their presence are tracks and scat. A common animal sign that is often ignored or passed over because of our human tendency to look upon it as dirty, is scat or droppings. However, this is another way to identify the species that are present in an area and even determine what they are eating in that location. Come to the D & R Canal State Park office to play a game that will identify local wildlife species and then go for a hike around the park property in search of signs of wildlife. This program will be held at the park office located at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston at 1:00 pm and is appropriate for ages 6 and up. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Weather permitting. Register for this program
January 16 (Saturday)	Walk the Path to East Millstone: Enjoy a winter morning walk along the historic towpath with canal expert Bob Barth. Bob will lead this 4.2 mile hike and explain canal structures and history along the way. Interested participants are asked to dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes, bring a snack and meet at the Blackwells Mills Causeway (where Canal Road and Blackwells Mills Road meet in Somerset, Franklin Township) at 10:00 am. Come enjoy the park, burn a few calories and learn a bit about the D & R! This guided walk is sponsored by the D&R Canal Watch. For further information please contact Bob Barth at (201) 401-3121.
January 18 (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 historic Propagation House and the Flemer Arboretum in preparation for our ARBOR DAY EVENT to be held later in the spring. 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 second National Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. It is free and all are welcome. In case of extreme weather, the event will be postponed until Saturday, January 23, 2010 (from 12-3). 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 23: (Saturday)	The Great Backyard Bird Count: Come and take part in a continental effort in better understanding our avian friends. You will learn how to identify some of the more common winter birds in our area and make a bird feeder to take home. And, after participating in our program you will be ready to take part in the *2010 Great Backyard Bird Count! This program is appropriate for all ages and is a fun activity that the whole family can join in on. Participants are asked to meet at the D & R Canal State Park Headquarters located at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston (right off of Route 27/Main Street in Kingston). Start time is at 10:00 am. Pre-registration IS REQUESTED. Weather permitting.* Register for this program
January 23 (Saturday)	Visit the Port Mercer Bridge Tender's House: At one time many canal company houses dotted the landscape along the main route from Bordentown to New Brunswick. Today precious few remain. Under the care of the Lawrence Historical Society the Port Mercer Canal House, located at 4378 Quaker Road in Lawrence Township (behind the Mercer Mall), has been lovingly maintained. Come to this winter open house, learn about the canal's past from the D&R Canal State Park's historian and experience the 19th century first-hand. The house will be open from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Registration is NOT required. Weather permitting.
January 31 (Sunday)	Two Canal Walk: 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 at 2:00 pm. This popular program is part of the fiveday Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival. The first stop on this two-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. We'll then follow the feeder to the bridge and walk across the Delaware River to New Hope. Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Friends of the Delaware Canal, will then guide us as we follow the Delaware Canal towpath to Lock 11 and the Locktender's House - Hot chocolate and marshmallows will be waiting. Come enjoy the season, burn a few calories and learn a bit about the D & R and Delaware Division Canal! This guided walk is sponsored by the D&R Canal Watch. For further information please call 215-862-2021, visit www.fodc.org or contact Bob Barth at (201) 401-3121.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
February 6 (Saturday)	Kid's Groundhog Day Celebration: Let's make some guesses on what Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, has to say about this winter season. Children will learn a little about hibernation, migration and other techniques animals use to survive the winter weather while we make a Groundhog Day craft for everyone to take home. Appropriate for ages 4 and up. The hour long program will be held at the D & R Canal’s Kingston Office and begin at 10:00 am. Space will be limited so call early to reserve your spot! Pre-registration IS REQUESTED. Weather permitting. NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. PLEASE CALL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
February 13 (Saturday)	Blackwells Mills Canal House Association’s Valentine Open House: Members of the BMCHA are hosting this party for all ages. Come join them at the canal house to view vintage greeting cards from private collections. Supplies will be provided for visitors to create their own cards for 2010! Supplies will be provided for visitors to create their own cards for 2010! This afternoon program will be held at the 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!
February 20 (Saturday)	Kingston Bird Walk Join our park naturalist Stephanie Fox and Arlene Oley, NJ Audubon volunteer, as they team-up to provide a winter’s bird walk from the park’s Kingston headquarters located at 145 Mapleton Road. The group will walk from the park office in search of the birds that overwinter in the Kingston area. This leisurely morning bird walk will begin at 10 am and is appropriate for all ages. Pre-registration IS REQUESTED. Weather permitting. Register for this program
February 20 (Saturday)	Visit the Port Mercer Bridge Tender's House: At one time many canal company houses dotted the landscape along the main route from Bordentown to New Brunswick. Today precious few remain. Under the care of the Lawrence Historical Society the Port Mercer Canal House, located at 4378 Quaker Road in Lawrence Township (behind the Mercer Mall), has been lovingly maintained. Come to this winter open house, learn about the canal's past from the D&R Canal State Park's historian and experience the 19th century first-hand. The house will be open from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Registration is NOT required. Weather permitting.
February 27 (Saturday)	History & Nature Walk ~ From Nursery to Canal: Enjoy a round-trip walk with the D & R's historian and naturalist leading from the main office at Kingston to the canal towpath and the Kingston Canal House. Participants will meet at the Kingston office located at 145 Mapleton Road at 10:00 am for a leisurely 2-mile round trip walk. The group will proceed from the headquarters through a portion of the Mapleton Preserve (the former Princeton Nursery site) towards the canal towpath and the Kingston Canal House before turning back. Dress for the weather and come enjoy a winter morning outdoors while burning a few calories and learning a bit about the historic and natural resources of the D & R Canal State Park! Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. Weather permitting. Register for this program
February 27 (Saturday)	Explore the D & R Canal by Light Rail: Repeated by popular demand! Join us for a whirlwind guided tour by light rail into the nineteenth century between Roebling and Trenton! We will meet in the parking lot of the Bordentown Light Rail station (100 W. Park Avenue at Prince Street, above the boat landing) at 9:00 am, purchase tickets, and be treated to a brief introduction before boarding the train at 9:25 for a 5- minute ride south to Roebling to see cuts in the shoreline and sunken canalboats from the era when coalladen boats crossed the river from Bristol to the D & R Canal. Roebling's abandoned Kinkora plant, and perhaps even an eagle may also be observed. Then we will board an 9:37 northbound train for a 15-minute ride to Trenton, and return to Bordentown on a 10:14 train, arriving at 10:25. The tracks follow the path of the D & R Canal between Crosswicks Creek and Trenton. From the west side of the train we will see passing views of the canal and the sites of former Trenton industries and bridges that lined the canal, now Route 129. On the return trip from the east side of the train we will glimpse two former Roebling plants, the Marsh, and Watson's Creek. Two-hour, either-direction tickets are $1.35 (.65 for seniors). Please bring exact change. Parking and the tour are FREE. Following the formal tour, participants may stay on the train or tour parts of Bordentown and gather at a Bordentown eatery for lunch. Meet in the parking lot of the Bordentown Light Rail station at 9:00 AM sharp. Exact times are subject to railroad schedules, so please verify nearer the time of the tour. Space is limited and registration is strongly advised; call 609 924-2683 after February 15th. The trip is sponsored by the D & R Canal Watch and cosponsored by the Washington Crossing Audubon Society, Friends for the Marsh and D & R Greenway Land Trust.
MARCH EVENTS
March 13: (Saturday)	The Blackwells Mills Canal House Hosts “The Story of the D & R Canal” Come join the D & R Canal State Park's historian at the historic Blackwells Mills Canal House for a PowerPoint talk focusing on the history of the canal. Both historic and modern photographs will be included to illuminate the waterway's past and present life. This hour-long adult afternoon program will begin at 2:00 pm and be held at the Blackwells Mills Canal House located at 598 Canal Road in Somerset (at the intersection of Blackwells and Canal Roads). Come join us and learn about the old canal’s past through photographs. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE! SPACE WILL BE LIMITED so arrive early to secure a seat.
March 21 (Sunday)	Bike the Path to Lawrence Township: Enjoy a morning bike ride along the historic towpath with canal expert Bob Barth. Bob will lead this 26-mile roundtrip ride and explain canal structures and history along the way. Interested participants are asked to bring their own bicycle, helmet and lunch and meet at the Griggstown Causeway (in Franklin Township)at 10:00 am. Come enjoy the park, get some exercise and learn about the D & R Canal! This ride is sponsored by the D&R Canal Watch. For further information please contact Bob Barth at 201-401-3121.
March 27 (Saturday)	Walk to Rockingham Join the D & R Canal State Park historian and naturalist for a roundtrip morning walk from the Mapleton Preserve to the D & R canal towpath and finally, historic Rockingham! In addition to learning about the former Princeton Nursery and the D & R Canal from the park historian and naturalist, participants will see two historic homes along the way - The Kingston Canal House and 18th century Rockingham. Attendees are asked to meet at the D & R Canal State Park office located at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston at 10:00 am. The group will proceed from the headquarters through a portion of the former Princeton Nursery property towards the canal towpath and the Kingston Canal House. Afterward we will then walk along the canal’s historic towpath to 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 3.5 mile round trip walk. Pre-registration IS REQUESTED. Weather permitting. Register for this program
March 31 (Wednesday)	Bike the Canal Feeder in Mercer County: Join the Sierra Club for an easy 14-mile bike trip on the along the historic towpath. Interested participants are asked to meet at the Washington Crossing State Park parking area located directly off Rt 29 and adjacent to the D & R Canal path at 10:00 am. The group will pedal from Washington Crossing State Park (Titusville) north to Lambertville and return to the start location in time for lunch. The D&R towpath is relatively flat and well-graded dirt with some occasional loose dirt and gravel. Hybrid or mountain bikes are recommended but HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. Bring a lunch that will stay in your car and can be retrieved upon completion of the ride. Bring a lunch, snacks and water. 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.
APRIL EVENTS
April 3 (Saturday)	19th Annual D & R Canal Watch 5KRun & 6th Annual 1-Mile Walk: 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. The course loops through the village of Titusville and then along the D&R Canal towpath. Prizes will be awarded and T-shirts supplied to all registrants while supplies last. Race day registration fee of $20 for the 5K Race and $15 for the 1-Mile Walk. A reduced fee of $17 will apply to those who pre-register by March 29th. Runners can also register online at www.active.com. Same day registration begins at 8:45 am. For full details, directions, entry form, registration information and/or materials contact the D&R Canal Watch at (609) 777-9379 and online at www.canalwatch.org. All proceed will benefit the park!
April 17-18: (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 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 17th from 10 - 5 pm and Sunday, April 18th from 11 - 4 pm. Registration is not required and admission is FREE!
April 18 (Sunday)	Earth Day Week - Canoe/Kayak the Canal: Join the Sierra Club for a Global Day of Service during Earth Day Week. We’ll tow a “canoe barge” to collect trash from Cherry Tree Lane to the Millstone Aqueduct – 10 miles. Trash bags provided. Participants will meet at Cherry Tree Lane (off Business Rt. 1) in Lawrenceville at 9:00 am. Bring your own boat, equipment, snack and/or 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.
April 21 (Wednesday)	Earth Day Week - Hike the D&R's Feeder Join the Sierra Club for a 6 mile easy paced hike along the D & R's feeder canal. In 1892, John Muir and other supporters formed the Sierra Club "to make the mountains glad." Muir was born in 1838 and today we’re celebrating his birthday with a hike on the D&R Canal from Bulls Island to Prallsville Mill where we’ll have lunch before heading back to the Island. Interested participants are asked to meet at Bulls Island at 10:00 am. Bring lunch, snacks and beverage. Leashed dogs are welcome! Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. This Sierra Club sponsored hike will be lead by Leona Fluck and Terry Stimpfel. For further information please call 609-731-7016 or email terystimb@hotmail.com .

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: inquiries@dandrcanal.com
Phone: 609-924-5705

		A color printer that is compatible with Windows 98 or higher
		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: inquiries@dandrcanal.com
Phone: 609-924-5705

REMEMBER: All programs are FREE!