CAUTION: Beginning July 15 and continuing Monday-Thursday, 10AM-2PM for several weeks, construction-related blasting will occur near the I-476 PA Turnpike Bridge.  This will directly impact the Weissport - East Penn section of the D&L Trail, which follows the west side of the river, south of Lehighton.  River and pedestrian traffic may be stopped at times. Please avoid this area if possible, and use extreme caution when approaching the construction site. Also note that this section of the D&L Trail is currently closed and will remain so until construction is complete.

Check back for updates.

The Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, a part of the DCNR that manages state park infrastructure projects, featured the rehabilitation of the Delaware Canal in its spring newsletter. The article provides a good overview of state and FEMA efforts to repair damages to the canal caused by a series of devastating floods.

This summer additional sections of the canal will reopen. Keep an eye on the Delaware Canal State Park website and the D&L blog for further updates.

On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read (for only the third time publicly) from the steps of the historic Easton courthouse. Every year the city of Easton celebrates the unique occasion during its Heritage Day festivities. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 12 and feature food, entertainment, tours, Thomas the Tank Engine train rides, reenactments, music, and –as always – fireworks. For a full schedule and more information, visit the Heritage Day website.

Wilkes-Barre’s annual RiverFest is always a good time, but this year was special. Not only did the festival celebrate its tenth anniversary, but it also included the dedication of the recently completed, $30 million River Common.

The complex is situated between the Susquehanna River and the levees that protect the city from periodic flooding. For many years, residents were cut off from the river by the necessary but daunting banks of the earthen levees.

Now, the Commons provides access (through new flood gates) to the water’s edge, a 700-seat amphitheater, two fishing piers, and a paved walking trail.

The Susquehanna Levee Trail System is a hidden treasure of northeastern Pennsylvania. Hopefully the Common will earn it the reputation it deserves.

A lively stretch of the Delaware Canal from Centre Bridge to New Hope will be explored during a “Member’s Choice Walk” on Sunday, July 19. The 9.5 mile round trip hike, sponsored by the Friends of the Delaware Canal, will begin at 10 a.m. at the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area located off River Road, approximately 1-1/4 miles north of Centre Bridge.

Joan Aichele will lead the first “Member’s Choice Walk,” an event designed to let members of the Friends of the Delaware Canal showcase their favorite section of the waterway. Joan is an experienced Canal walker and has acquired her talents as a group leader through her participation in the Delaware Valley chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. She will explain why she likes the Centre Bridge to New Hope section best and share stories about the sights along the way. Stopping for lunch at Dilly’s Corner is an option.

The Member’s Choice Walk is free, and the public is welcome. For more information, call 215-862-2021, e-mail friends@fodc.org or visit http://www.fodc.org/.