The newest edition of the Delaware River Water Trail Guide (June 2009) just arrived in our office. This large, fold-out map shows all 200 miles of the water trail, from Hancock, NY to Falls at Trenton, NJ. Paddlers, anglers, and river users of all types will find the guide helpful in planning their next Delaware River excursion. Cultural and historical side trips are highlighted for each section of river. Leave-No-Trace principles and water hazards are also outlined.Whether you’re new to the water trail or a long time friend, this guide will come in handy. Best of all, it’s free!

Pick up the map from the D&L offices at 2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042. Or, download a copy from the Delaware River Greenway Partnership’s website.

I can’t believe I forgot to post photos from our National Trails Day celebration on Sand Island! We had visitors from the City of Bethlehem, National Park Service, DCNR, local outdoor groups, and Trail Tenders. Smokey the Bear even made an appearance, posing for pictures and spreading the word about preventing forest fires.

Participants learned about Trail Tender efforts to create a native plant model site, as they walked along the trail. Some participated in a round-trip kayak and bike trip between Allentown and Bethlehem, sponsored by the Wildlands Conservancy. Two new interpretive signs were also unveiled during the event. Authored and designed by the D&L’s own Dennis Scholl, the signs explain the historical and environmental significance of Sand Island.

Further east on the towpath, near Charlie Brown’s Clearing, a tree and plaque were dedicated in loving memory of Derry Bernath. Members of Derry’s family were on hand for the ceremony.

If you broke a sweat walking or biking that day, imagine doing it while wearing a fur coat. A special thanks to Shannan McAward for braving the heat to play Smokey.

The recently published Eastern Pennsylvania Birding & Wildlife Guide is now available for free! This colorful book provides all the information you need to seek out, identify, and enjoy eastern Pennsylvania’s unique fauna.  The result of a unique partnership between the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, the D&L, and others, the guide highlights not only unique birding sites but also the wide range of recreational opportunities available at nearly 90 public facilities across two heritage areas.  Although birders will love the countless photos, hikers, bikers, and walkers will also find this guide an essential source for locating fresh ground for exploration.

The book is available free for pickup at the D&L offices (2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd. in Easton) or the following locations:

• Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
• Lehigh Gap Nature Center
• Acopian Center for Ornithology, Muhlenberg College
• Nescopeck State Park Hauser Nature Center
• Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
• Beltzville State Park
• Wildlands Conservancy 

If you would like to receive the book by mail, please send a $10 check (payable to Lehigh Gap Nature Center) to:

Dan Kunkle
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
P.O. Box 198
Slatington, PA 18080
610-760-8889

If you have any questions, please call the D&L at 610-923-3548.

Enjoy the book, and happy birding!

Our friends up north were recently featured in the Hazleton Standard Speaker:

“Jim Schneider dismounted after bicycling more than two miles along the Hazleton rail trail earlier this month to explore a power line right-of-way. About 125 feet ahead, he saw a bear looking into the woods…”

Read the rest of the article here.

D&L Outreach Coordinator Dennis Scholl has worked with the Trail Tenders for two years to turn a stretch of river bank on Sand Island into a model native plant “garden.”  Read more and see pictures in today’s Morning Call.