March 2007 - Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee

Transcription

The Signal - March 2007, Page 1
March 2007
The Signal
The Newsletter of The Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee:
P.O. Box 175, Andover, NJ 07821, Call 908 684 4820
Website: www.pvtc-kvsp.org
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By Robert E. Mohowski
A
Visit our new and
few PVTC members and volunteer friends
improved web site at:
got a chance to work off some of their Christmas Holiday indulgence on December 28th.
www.pvtc-kvsp.org
Howard Reed, Bob Barth, Paul Briggs and the author
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Messaros to move ties, place rail hardware and jack the completed
track
structure in place as our long awaited rail history interpretive site
took
shape.
This strenuous exercise was done under the expert eyes of NJ Transit
trackmen Jack
Walsh and Rufus Coward who came out during the holiday week to expertly put 80 feet of track back on
the Susquehanna right-of-way at Swartswood.
After two years of frustrating efforts to obtain track materials from other railroads, NJ Transit, in
a matter of weeks between initial request and the December 28th completion, came through in grand style.
A letter to Transit head George Warrington was forwarded to the Port Morris maintenance base. I got a
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replied.
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Rocky Gott had been consulted for a delivery
date, and it seemed best to meet the trucks at the
Andover Diner that morning and lead them to the
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Jim Scholtz and Larry Toscano, were at the site
when the trucks arrived and oversaw the unloading. Trees had not enclosed the dirt road leading
up to the trail here and despite some slipping on
the rain soaked leafy ground, they backed to the
water tank base and dropped the materials.
December 28th was the date agreed upon to lay
the track, and Jack Walsh proved to be an absolute
Putting the Track Back at Swartswood
pleasure to work with, a man who did what he said
Continued on page 2
Page 2, The Signal - March 2007
Continued from page 1
he would do and exactly when he said he would do
it. He brought in Rufus Coward, a retired NJT
trackman living in Newton, to guide the volunteer
contingent. McKelvey brought additional track
tools and knowledge gained from projects at Phillipsburg for Friends of the NJ Transportation MuVHXP ,W ZDVQ¶WORQJEHIRUHDOOZHUHZRUNLQJXSD
sweat moving 250-pound ties, gauging rail, dropping tie plates and doing some shoveling to smooth
off what was essentially a level area. Some old
bridge timbers from the wooden walkway of the
former road overpass had to be shifted aside. A
couple of quarts of coffee, kept hot on a Coleman
stove, and a box of donuts kept spirits up. Marge
Barrett arrived to take photos and generously took
lunch orders for sandwiches and drinks.
I know that many of us there that day
were between 60 and 78 years old, but you would
not have thought it to see us handling the tie tongs,
lining bars and track jacks. All no doubt, slept
soundly that night. We added another Paulinskill
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is behind us, but there is much more to do before
we reach completion. The next phase will involve
sitting down with Rocky Gott and Sussex County
historian Kevin Wright to devise a plan for explanatory plaques, photos and maps. These will
have to conform to standardized signage that is
planned for both the PVT and the Sussex Branch
Trail. Historical facts will have to be documented
for accuracy, and photographs will need to show
the major items and places of interest. Since there
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- Photo courtesy of Marge Barrett
is a wealth of rail history information in several loFDO FROOHFWLRQV ZH GRQ¶W DQWLFLSDWH DQ\ GLIILFXOW\
gathering sufficient material.
Thanks again to the PVTC and park superintendent Rocky Gott for patience and support of
this project and the good folks who turned out December 28th to put the track in. We all look forZDUG WR WKH GD\ ZKHQ ZH KDYH RXU RZQ ³*ROGHQ
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tion of the site.
Inside this issue:
Activity Schedule
An Invitation to All Readers
5
Bill Weiler Remembered
8
Gift Order Form
6
Hike and Bike Locations
5
KVSP Interpretive Programs
Lafayette Mill
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Preview Of Coming Attractions
Putting the Track Back at Swartswood
Moving the Track Sideways
3&4
Signal Advertisers
9, 10 & 11
7
11 & 12
13
1&2
13
March 3, 2007 - January 1, 2008 PVT Activity Schedule
DAY
DATE & TIME
ACTIVITY & LOCATION 2007
SAT
Mar 3
20 MILE FULL TRAIL HIKE (Sussex Branch), weather permitting, over by nightfall. Call Bruce
at 201-274-9805.
SAT
Mar 3, 8:30 am
BIRDING AND NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETIVE WALKS, Meet at Kittatiny Valley
State Park, Twin Lakes parking are on Goodale Road (CR623), 0.6 miles east of Route 206, north of
Andover. Bring binoculars. Walk ends by noon. Sponsored by New Jersey Audubon Society & the
PVTC.
SUN
Mar 11, 10 am
Warbasse Junction - HIKE - or XC Skiing (weather permitting)
SAT
Mar 17
30 MILE FULL TRAIL HIKE (Paulinskill Trail), weather permitting, over by nightfall. Call
Bruce at 201-274-9805.
SAT
Mar 17, 8:30 am
BIRDING AND NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETIVE WALKS, see same activity for Mar 3
for directions and description.
TUE
Mar 27, 7:30 pm
PVTC QUARTERLY MEETING. Hackettstown Community Center; speaker and refreshments.
Call 908-684-4820.
SUN
Apr 1, 10 am
Footbridge ± HIKE
SAT
Apr 14, 8:00 am
SAT
Apr 14, 11:30 am Warbasse Junction ± Bike Ride. Bring helmet, lunch & drink. Call or email Paul anytime: 973-8874332 paul_rottmann@hotmail.com. If no one contacts him, ride may be cancelled.
SAT
Apr 21
Warbasse Junction ± HIKE
SAT
Apr 21, 8:00 am
TUE
Apr 24, 7:30 pm
PVTC MONTHLY MEETING. Call 908-684-4820.
SAT
May 5, 10 am
Footbridge ± HIKE
SAT
May 12, 8:00 am BIRDING AND NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETIVE WALKS, see same activity for Mar 3
SAT
May 12, 10 am
Warbasse Junction - WELCOME TO SPRING HIKE
SAT
May 12, 11:30
am
Warbasse Junction ± Bike Ride. Bring helmet, lunch & drink. Call or email Paul anytime: 973-8874332 paul_rottmann@hotmail.com. If no one contacts him, ride may be cancelled.
SAT
May 19, 8:00 am BIRDING AND NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETIVE WALKS, see same activity for Mar 3
SAT
May 19, 10 am
TUE
May 22, 7:30 pm PVTC MONTHLY MEETING. Call 908-684-4820.
SAT
June 2
SAT
June 9, 11:30 am Warbasse Junction ± Bike Ride. Bring helmet, lunch & drink. Call or email Paul anytime: 973-8874332 paul_rottmann@hotmail.com. If no one contacts him, ride may be cancelled.
SUN
June 10, 10 am
SAT
June 16, 10 am
Footbridge ± HIKE
TUE
June 26, 7:30 pm PVTC ANNUAL MEETING. Hackettstown Community Center, speaker and refreshments, followed by elections. Call 908-684-4820.
TUE
July 24, 7:30 pm
SAT
Aug 11, 11:30 am Warbasse Junction ± Bike Ride. Bring helmet, lunch & drink. Call or email Paul anytime: 973-8874332 paul_rottmann@hotmail.com. If no one contacts him, ride may be cancelled.
Footbridge ± HIKE
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION. Call for time and location. 908 684 4820.
See page 5 for PVTC Hike and Bike Locations.
Continued on page 4
March 3, 2007 - January 1, 2008 PVT Activity Schedule - Continued from page 3
DAY
DATE & TIME
TUE
Aug 28, 7:30 pm
MON
Sept 3, 10 am
Footbridge - LABOR DAY HIKE
SAT
Sept 8, 11:30 am
Warbasse Junction ± Bike Ride. Bring helmet, lunch & drink. Call or email Paul anytime: 973-8874332 paul_rottmann@hotmail.com. If no one contacts him, ride may be cancelled.
SUN
Sept 16, 10 am
Footbridge ± HIKE
TUE
Sept 25, 7:30 pm PVTC QUARTERLY MEETING. Hackettstown Community Center; speaker and refreshments.
Call 908-684-4820.
SAT
Oct 6, 10 am
Warbasse Junction - FALL FOLIAGE HIKE
SUN
Oct 7
HORSE RIDE 6W-XGH¶V5LGH-A-Thon FMI: email Sandy at ladydunit@s-rothschild.de. Bring your
own horse. Rain date: October 14, 2007.
SAT
Oct 13, 10 am
EXPLORER HIKE. Call Bruce at 201-274-9805.
SAT
Oct 20
20 MILE FULL TRAIL HIKE (Sussex Branch), weather permitting, over by nightfall. Call Bruce
at 201-274-9805.
SAT
Oct 20, 11:30 am Warbasse Junction ± Bike Ride. Bring helmet, lunch & drink. Call or email Paul anytime: 973-8874332 paul_rottmann@hotmail.com. If no one contacts him, ride may be cancelled.
TUE
Oct 23, 7:30 pm
SAT
Oct 27, 10 am
SAT
Nov 3, 10 am
Footbridge ± HIKE
SAT
Nov 10
30 MILE FULL TRAIL HIKE (Paulinskill), weather permitting, over by nightfall. Call Bruce at
201-274-9805.
SAT
Nov 10, 11:30 am Warbasse Junction ± Bike Ride. Bring helmet, lunch & drink. Call or email Paul anytime: 973-8874332 paul_rottmann@hotmail.com. If no one contacts him, ride may be cancelled.
TUE
Nov 27, 7:30 pm
SAT
Dec 1
SAT
Dec 8, 10 am
THU
Dec 13, 6 pm
PVTC ANNUAL DINNER, at the Lafayette House in Lafayette, NJ, 6PM Cash Bar, 7PM Dinner.
SAT
Dec 15, 10 am
TUE
Jan 1, 10 am
2008 - Footbridge ± 23rd $118$/1(:<($5¶6'$<+,.(. Call 908-684-4820.
Note:
T
he PVT schedule may be subject to change. For the most current information, please either call the
activity contact number, access our web site at www.pvtc-kvsp.org, or call the PVTC phone number 908-684-4820.
The Signal is published two times a year to share information. Articles and/or material may be submitted to the editor (Graham Finlayson, e-mail: signaled@msn.com) or to PVTC, P.O. Box 175, Andover,
New Jersey 07821. We reserve the right to edit for space considerations.
An Invitation to All Readers
from Roberta Bramhall
T
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sue of The Signal. Certainly all of us have seen sights on the trail or our involvement with the trail
has led us down different paths. I know that my involvement with making the trail a reality led me
to interests I would never have experienced before. I got very interested in railroad history and local histories of the towns bordering the trail. The trail also resulted in my taking a wonderful trip to Colorado with
my sister to ride the narrow gauge railroad from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. Certainly all of you who
have experienced the Paulinskill Valley Trail have tales to tell of its effect on you or sights you have seen.
Please submit any of these recollections to signaled@msn.com or mail to PVTC, P.O. Box 175, Andover,
1HZ -HUVH\ $OWHUQDWLYHO\ , DP ZLOOLQJ WR FRQGXFW LQWHUYLHZV ZLWK SRWHQWLDO DXWKRUV RI ³7UDLO
7DOHV´,ILQWHUHVWHGFRQWDFWPHDWHLWKHU5REUDPKDOO#DROFRPRU
Kittatinny Valley State Park Information
Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 621, Andover,
NJ 07821-0621;
Call: 973 786 6445; Fax: 973 786 6874
E-mail: kittatinnyvalley@earthlink.net
Superintendent
Rocky Gott
Naturalist
Lynn Groves
Maintenance Supervisor
Jim Scholts
Customer Service Representative
Kerry Debski
State Park Police
Sergeant Kay Compton
State Park Police 973 786 6445 during office hours
Trail Emergency
Call 911
PVTC Officers:
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Marge Barrett.
Paul Briggs.
Chris De Vries.
Gail Ewin.
PVTC Board of Directors:
Bob Barth
Joy Fernbacher
Howard Reed
Roberta Bramhall
Marty Grossman
Lou Turse
PVTC HIKE AND BIKE LOCATIONS
A
ll hikes and bike rides (helmets required) take place on the Paulinskill Valley Trail or on the Sussex Branch Trail, both of which are part of Kittatinny Valley State Park. They are cinder-based rail
trails that provide easy, level walking and riding.
There are two starting places for hikes and bike rides. This arrangement gives us the opportunity to
cover the entire 27-mile PVT in several hikes. We offer 5, 7, 10, 20 (full Sussex Branch) or 30 (full PVT)
mile hikes. Bring lunch and water, wear comfortable shoes and enjoy.
FOOTBRIDGE PARK
Route 94, Blairstown, NJ. Take Route 80 to Exit 12, Route 521. Go north on Route 521 for 5 miles
to Route 94 in Blairstown. Turn left onto Route 94 and take the second left into the park, designated by a
small white sign with black lettering.
WARBASSE JUNCTION
Route 663, ½ mile south of Route 94 in Lafayette. Take Routes 206 and 94 through Newton and
continue north for 2½ miles. At the light, turn right to follow Route 94 North. Continue two miles to Warbasse Junction Road, Route 663 South. Turn right and go ½ mile to a parking lot on the right.
Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee Gift Order Form
Looking for a gift for that special hiker or nature lover in your life?
Purchase a gift from the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee and support your multi-use rail trail at the same time
T-shirts, golf shirts, books and maps are a major source of income for the
PVTC as well as our way of publicizing the trail. Please consider helping our cause through the purchase of these items for yourself, a family member or friend. T-shirts are silk--screened with a design portraying the users of the trail on the front (horse rider,
hiker, jogger, cyclist and cross-country skier) and our trail map on the back. Golf shirts have our original logo embroidered on the
left front. Send your order to: PVTC, PO Box 175, Andover, NJ 07821. Make your check payable to the Paulinskill Valley Trail
Committee (or just PVTC). All items include shipping via U.S.P.S. Please include ship-to information (please clearly print shipping name and address). Thank you!
GIFT ORDER FORM
Books
Title
Price with Shipping
Quantity
Total
The Paulinskill Valley Trail, Before and After.
A 59 page book with text and pictures about the PVT.
$13.00
T-shirts - Available in green with the design in yellow or white. Sizes: medium, large, extra large, and extra-extra large.
Size
Price with Shipping
Quantity
Total
$14.00
$14.00
Golf shirts (Closeout Special) - Available in green with the design embroidered. Sizes: small, large, and extra large.
Size
Price with Shipping
Quantity
Total
Quantity
Total
Quantity
Total
$18.00
$18.00
Trail Maps: Regular
Item
Price with Shipping
Paulinskill Valley Trail & Sussex Branch Trail
&RORUODPLQDWHG6HWRIGRXEOHVLGHGò´[´
$7.00
Trail Maps: Topographical
Item
Price with Shipping
Sussex Branch Trail
6HWRIò´[´VKHHWVKHDY\SDSHU
$3.50
Sussex Branch Laminated
6HWRIò´[´VKHHWVKHDY\SDSHUODPLQDWHG
$6.25
Paulinskill Valley Trail
$3.75
Paulinskill Valley Trail Laminated
$9.00
The Paulinskill Valley Trail (PVT) and the Sussex Branch Trail (SBT) are part of the Kittatinny Valley State Park (KVSP). Together they make up 48
miles of cinder-based rail-trails which lend themselves to multi-use, excluding motorized vehicles. The Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) is a not-forprofit organization of volunteers dedicated to promoting the public interest, appreciation and conservation of the resources of KVSP with emphasis on its railtrails. For information regarding the PVTC, please call 908-684-4820, write to PVTC, Box 175, Andover, NJ 07821, or access our website at www.pvtckvsp.org.
that particular door seen on the back of the antique
center bespeaks of a by-gone time. The trail actually passes through the center of a now demolished
building; many years ago a still-house was built
there. However, with the construction of the rail
line, the still was removed to the rear of the mill
Lafayette Mill
by Roberta Bramhall
W
hile hiking north on the Sussex Branch
and crossing over Morris Farm Road,
one can see the town of Lafayette to the
right. At this point one passes behind the large Antiques Market. One can readily see an old railroad
artifact -- the door that used to function at railroad
car height. The cars were not picking up and depositing antiques. It used to be the Armstrong Mill.
The original three-story portion of the mill was
erected in 1859 by Obadiah P. Armstrong and Thomas Kayes. In 1864 Armstrong was the sole
owner. With the construction of the rail line from
Newton to Branchville in 1869, the long two-story
portion of the building was added so that freight
Photo # 2 courtesy of Roberta Bramhall
into an addition that was built for it. Temperance
advocates would have preferred to have had the
still demolished and not relocated. Although
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site or the six trains a day do not deliver feed to the
mill, there is history to be seen and imagined while
enjoying a walk on the Sussex Branch Trail.
The first picture is of the back of the Lafayette Antique Center as seen from the trail.
The second picture is the old feed mill which was
later to become the antique center and additional
buildings in the foreground which have been
adapted to other uses such as the chocolate goat
and delicatessen.
Photo # 1 courtesy of Roberta Bramhall
cars could be directly loaded and unloaded on one
side and local delivery wagons on the other side.
Not only did the railroad spur the growth of
dairy farms by shipping whole milk to the city, the
railroad also supplied feed for the herds. Therefore,
Thank You
T
hank you from the editor to Marge Barrett, Roberta Bramhall, Susan and Marty Grossman, Lynn
Groves, William Groves, Bob Mohowski and Lou Turse for their contribution and assistance with
this issue of The Signal.
Bill Weiler on the Trail - Photo courtesy of Roberta Bramhall
Bill Weiler
1915-2006
J
ohn F. Kennedy said in an address to the Massachusetts State Legislature that we should ask
questions about our responsibilities to the
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and all those who knew him could easily reply with
a resounding yes.
I first met Bill as a member of the Garden
State Canoe Club. On a memorable afternoon he
called me to ask if I would take a walk with him on
a railroad right-of-way outside of Blairstown that
he thought would make an excellent trail. He said
that there were many people that were opposed to
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people walking in their backyards. I sympathized
with these people, but he prevailed upon me by
saying that canoeists needed such a trail which bordered the Paulinskill River and would be necessary
as access to the trail and as a means of avoiding the
Marksboro rapids.
When we went on this first hike, I realized
that my preconceptions were totally wrong²this
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ersed by a trail but a beautiful pathway through
some of the more gorgeous scenery of Warren and
Sussex. I was entranced with the trail and joined
Bill in his desire for the state to purchase the trail
from the present owners²the City of Newark.
Bill scheduled hikes, accosted people to
promote their getting involved with making it the
Paulkinskill Valley Trail; he attended meetings in
localities bordering the trail, lobbied in Trenton
and Newark to make the trail a reality. Voluminous
letters were sent to any interested party to promote
its purchase. For the benefit of people fearful of
walking over the bridges during the many scheduled hikes, he would bring telescoping poles so
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the I beams. After the hikes, he would drive to the
intersections to make sure that no stragglers were
left behind. I, myself, was so thankful for this habit
during a cross country ski hike that I was supposHGO\³UXQQLQJ´:KHQ,JRWWR:DUEDVVH-XQFWLRQ,
discovered that all the participants had left and
there was no shuttle back to Halsey. Was I ever
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parking lot. He came to every one of my slide lectures on the trial and helped me promote its being
purchased by the state.
Certain qualities stick in my mind about his
involvement with the trail. First, his persistence in
approaching all²whether they be riding a horse or
a bike, jogging, or walking²he would stop them
and present a newsletter and information about the
trail and the Paulinskill Trail Committee. The picture here shows him waking over the low bride at
Paulina with his lunch satchel and reams of papers
and newsletters. Second, the lunch itself, was an
interesting experience. While everyone else was
eating an effete sandwich and drinking from a box
drink, Bill would open his satchel and out would
come a shopping bag containing a can of sardines,
several rolls and a whole box of malamars plus a
quart of milk.
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sult he was a prime mover in making the New
York Susquehanna and Western right-of-way a
state owned trail, known as the Paulinskill Valley
Trail People using the trail owe a debt of gratitude
because Bill was truly a man of dedication.
Roberta Bramhall.
KVSP Interpretive Programs Spring & Summer 2007
Pre-registration for all Park-sponsored programs is required by 3:30 PM of the day prior to
the program date, as space is limited. Please call 973-786-6445 to register. Programs are free of charge
and unless otherwise noted meet at the visitor center located 1.1 miles north of Route 206, off Goodale
Road in Andover Township. Please be prompt. Programs start at the time indicated. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pets are not permitted during any program. In case of inclement
weather, all participants are urged to contact the visitor center to determine whether programs have been
cancelled or rescheduled. All programs are subject to change.
DAY
DATE & TIME
ACTIVITY & LOCATION
THU
Mar 15, 5:30 6:30 pm
TIMBERDOODLES! Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size limited,
pre-registration is required. For adults and children ages 12 & up. ADA accessible.
TUE
Mar 20, 4 - 6 pm
SPRING EQUINOX HIKE, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults.
WED
Mar 21, 4 - 5:30
pm
THE NATURE OF VERNAL POOLS, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE:
Group size limited, pre-registration is required. For adults and children ages 10 & up. Partially ADA
accessible.
THU
Mar 29, 4 - 5:30
pm
THE NATURE OF VERNAL POOLS, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE:
Group size limited, pre-registration is required. For adults and children ages 10 & up. Partially ADA
accessible.
THU
Apr 12, 10 am to
noon
INVASIVE PLANTS: AN INTRODUCTION, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP.
NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults. Partially ADA accessible.
WED
Apr 18, 5 - 6 pm
FAMILY NATURE HIKE, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is
limited, pre-registration is required. For adults and children ages 7 & up.
THU
Apr 19, 10 - 11
am
HOW TO CREATE A BUTTERFLY & HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN, Kittatinny Valley State
Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and
adults. ADA accessible.
TUE
Apr 24, 4 - 5:30
pm
MT. NEBO HIKE, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre
-registration is required. For adults and children ages 10 & up.
THU
Apr 26, 4 - 5 pm
/¶,/7<.(6+,.( Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited,
pre-registration is required. For adults with children age 5 & under.
TUE
May 1, 4 - 5 pm
³0$*1,)<-&(17´0$56+(6 Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group
size is limited, pre-registration is required. For children ages 10 - 14.
WED
May 2, 7 - 8:30
am
EARLY BIRD WALK, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults. Bring binoculars.
THU
May 3, 10 - 11
am
CAT-TALES STORY HOUR, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is
limited, pre-registration is required. For children ages 4 & 5. ADA accessible.
SUN
May 13, 10 11:30 am
027+(5¶6'$<:,/')/2:(5:$/. Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP.
NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For adults and children ages 12 & up.
WED
May 16, 7 - 8:30
am
EARLY BIRD WALK, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults. Bring binoculars.
WED
May 16, 2 - 3 pm GARDEN FLOWER FOLKLORE, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group
size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults. ADA accessible.
THU
May 17, 10 - 11
am
Continued on page 10
KVSP Interpretive Programs Spring & Summer 2007 - Continued from page 9
DAY
DATE & TIME
ACTIVITY & LOCATION
WED
May 23, 1 - 3 pm INVASIVE PLANTS: AN INTRODUCTION, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP.
NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults.
THU
May 24, 4 - 5 pm /¶,/7<.(6+,.( Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited,
SUN
May 27, 11 am to FAMILY NATURE HIKE, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is
noon
limited, pre-registration is required. For adults and children ages 7 & up.
MON
May 28, 9 - 11
am
THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE HIKE, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE:
Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults.
THU
May 31, 10 - 11
am
SAT
Jun 2, 9 - 11 am
TRAIL MIX HIKE, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited,
pre-registration is required. For teens and adults.
SAT
Jun 9, 11 am to
noon
HOW TO CREATE A BUTTERFLY & HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN, Kittatinny Valley State
adults. ADA accessible.
THU
Jun 14, 10 - 11
am
SAT
Jun 16, 10 am to
noon
FLYFISHING FOR BEGINNERS, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group
size is limited, pre-registration is required. For adults and children ages 10 & up. ADA accessible.
SAT
Jun 23, 7 - 8:30
am
MORNING KAYAKING, Kittatinny Valley State Park, Lake Aeroflex Boat Launch. Sponsor:
KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults. Bring your
own kayak, PFD and paddle.
WED
Jun 27, 7 - 8:30
pm
KAYAKING AT TWILIGHT, Kittatinny Valley State Park, Lake Aeroflex Boat Launch. Sponsor:
THU
Jun 28, 10 - 11
am
SAT
Jun 30, 10 - 11
am
BUTTERFLY BASICS, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For children ages 7 - 12. ADA accessible.
SAT
Jul 7, 8 - 9 pm
TIMBER RATTLESNAKES IN NJ, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group
size is limited, pre-registration is required. Family program. ADA accessible.
WED
Jul 11, 8 - 9 pm
³'5$*216217+(:,1'´$129(59,(:2)'5$*21)/,(6'$06(/)/,(6,1
NEW JERSEY, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, preregistration is required. For adults and children ages 10 & up. ADA accessible.
THU
Jul 12, 10 - 11 am CAT-TALES STORY HOUR, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is
FRI
Jul 13, 8 - 9 pm
LENAPE LIFEWAYS, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. Family program. ADA accessible.
SAT
Jul 14, 9 - 10:30
am
WILDFLOWER WALK, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults.
WED
Jul 18, 8 - 9 pm
³$758(+,6725<2)$1'29(53$57,/(&785(´ Kittatinny Valley State Park.
Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults.
ADA accessible.
SAT
Jul 21, 10 - 11:30 ³$758(+,6725<2)$1'29(53$57,,:$/.,1*7285´ Kittatinny Valley State
am
adults.
KVSP Interpretive Programs Spring & Summer 2007 - Continued from page 10
DAY
DATE & TIME
ACTIVITY & LOCATION
WED
Jul 25, 7 - 8:30
am
THU
Jul 26, 10 - 11 am CAT-TALES STORY HOUR, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is
SAT
Aug 4, 10 - 11
am
FRIEND OR FOE? Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited,
pre-registration is required. For children ages 10 & up. ADA accessible.
THU
Aug 9, 10 - 11
am
SAT
Aug 11, 10 - 11
am
BACKYARD BUGS, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited,
pre-registration is required. For adults and children ages 10 - 14. Partially ADA accessible.
WED
Aug 15, 8 - 9 pm ³7+(1(:<25.68648(+$11$:(67(51$1'/(+,*+1(:(1*/$1'
5$,/52$'6$5(75263(&7´ Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group
size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults. ADA accessible.
THU
Aug 23, 10 - 11
am
SAT
Aug 25, 9 - 10:30 LATE BLOOMERS, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited,
am
pre-registration is required. For teens and adults.
SAT
Aug 25, 7 - 8 pm ³7+(*5($7+251('2:/7+(&52:´ Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP.
NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. Family program. ADA accessbile.
TUE
Sep 11, 4 - 6 pm
THE RED, WHITE & BLUE HIKE, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group
size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens and adults.
WED
Sep 12, 4 - 5 pm
THE MAGIC OF MONARCHS, Kittatinny Valley State Park. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size
is limited, pre-registration is required. For children ages 8 - 12. ADA accessible.
WED
Sep 26, 5:30 - 7
pm
³$(52)/(;,1$87801´6816(73$''/( Kittatinny Valley State Park, Lake Aeroflex
Boat Launch. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited, pre-registration is required. For teens
and adults. Bring your own kayak, PFD and paddle.
THU
Sep 27, 4 - 5 pm
/¶,/7<.(6+,.( Kittatinny Valley State Park,. Sponsor: KVSP. NOTE: Group size is limited,
MORNING KAYAKING, Kittatinny Valley State Park, Lake Aeroflex Boat Launch. Sponsor:
´1DWXUH1RWHV
- 7KH1DWXUH2I9HUQDO3RROV´
By Lynn K. Groves, Naturalist,
Kittatinny Valley State Park
I
t may happen during a walk in the wood, or
perhaps while driving down a country road,
but sometime in late March or early April, you
will hear it. Frequently mistaken for chirping birds,
trilling insects, or quacking ducks, the cacophony
of wood frogs and spring peepers (a type of treefrog) will fill the air. It is one of the most conspicuous signs that spring has returned.
Surprisingly, this raucous din often ema-
Wood Frog - Photo courtesy of William Groves
Continued from page 11
nates from apparently nothing more than puddles
in the forest, far away from rivers, lakes, and other
wetlands. One author refers to these wet depresVLRQV DV ³DUFKLSHODJRV LQ UHYHUVH ZHWODQG LVODQGV
LQ D VHD RI ODQG´ &DUUROO ,QGHHG WKRXJK VRPH
may comprise several acres, many such areas are
only a few square feet in size. However, the unasVXPLQJ DSSHDUDQFH RI WKHVH ³YHUQDO SRROV´ EHOLHV
their critical importance to the survival of breeding
amphibians and to the health of the forest ecosystem as a whole.
There is no better season in which to experience the special significance of vernal pools
Vernal Pool in Kittatinny Valley State Park
- Photo courtesy of Lynn K. Groves
than spring. Holding water for perhaps only two
consecutive months of the year, they typically fill
with snowmelt and spring rains and then dry up
during the summer. Vernal pool inhabitants like
fairy shrimp, newts, salamanders, and wood frogs
have adapted to these ephemeral conditions by
completing the aquatic part of their life cycle by
the time the water evaporates.
0RVW LPSRUWDQWO\ WKLV DQQXDO ³GU\LQJ XS´
of vernal pools prevents the establishment of fish
populations. As a result, there are fewer predators
in vernal pools to eat the eggs and developing
young of frogs and salamanders than would be present in permanent bodies of water. Consequently,
YHUQDO SRROV DUH UHIHUUHG WR DV WKH ³QXUVHU\ RI WKH
IRUHVW´0DQ\RIWKHDQLPDOVWKDWGHSHQGRQYHUQDO
pools cannot successfully reproduce anywhere
else.
In addition to their critical role as breeding
sanctuaries, vernal pools serve as irreplaceable
links in the overland passage of various amphibians and reptiles as they travel from one wetland to
another. Each spring, after spending the winter underground in upland areas, wood frogs, spotted
salamanders, and other amphibians migrate by the
hundreds, sometimes all on one warm rainy night,
to vernal pools and nearby wetlands to breed, returning to the place in which they were born to
mate and lay eggs themselves. Unfortunately, these
critical migration corridors are disrupted and fragmented by new construction and roads, making
safe passage difficult. Sadly, many of these amphibians are killed by vehicles while crossing roads
during this spectacular annual spring migration.
To aid these vulnerable species in their
journeys, the Endangered and Nongame Species
Program (ENSP) conducts the Amphibian Rescue
& Survey each spring. Volunteers help the animals
make it safely across busy roads, as well as record
information vital to understanding the needs of
these species. (If you are interested in participating
in the Rescue in March 2007, please contact Brad
Yucius at the ENSP at brad.yucius@yahoo.com.)
$V 1HZ -HUVH\¶V QDWXUDO ODQGVFDSH FRQWLQ
ues to be devoured by more housing and commercial developments, vernal pools and other wildlife
sanctuaries are permanently lost. As these habitats
vanish, so do the plants and animals that depend
upon them for their survival. Amphibians are
YLHZHG E\ VFLHQWLVWV DV WKH ³FDQDULHV LQ WKH FRDO
PLQH´ GXH WR WKHLU VHQVLWLYLW\ WR HQYLURQPHQWDO
change. What happens to them will happen to us.
We humans have a responsibility to act as stewards
of the land, ensuring its vitality not only for our
own health but for the health of future generations
of all living beings.
To learn more and visit a protected vernal pool,
UHJLVWHUIRU³The 1DWXUHRI9HUQDO3RROV´ program for
adults and children ages 10 & up, to be held at Kittatinny Valley State Park on either March 21 or 29
from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. by calling (973) 786-6445.
For a listing of all KVSP Spring & Summer programs,
please refer to the schedule included in this newsletter.
SOURCES
Carroll, David M. 7KH6ZDPSZDONHU¶V-RXUQDO. 2001.
Kenney, Leo P., and Matthew R. Burne. Salamanders, Frogs
DQG7XUWOHVRI1HZ-HUVH\¶V9HUQDO3RROV. Trenton: New
Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, 2003.
Schwartz, Vicki, and David M. Golden. Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of New Jersey. Trenton: New Jersey
Division of Fish and Wildlife, 2002.
Preview of Coming Attractions!
T
hree terrific quarterly meeting programs are
coming up in 2007. Reserve March 27th,
June 26th and September 25th. Mark your
calendar now!
Culture and Wildlife of Northern India
Visit several areas in northern India with Marge
Barrett as she presents her photos of a recent tour.
Cultural sites, birds and other animals will be featured. Don't miss the magnificent Taj Mahal, the
crow-like Rufous Treepie, the endangered Bengal
Tiger or the rare Gharial! The program will be held
at the Hackettstown Community Center on Main
Street in Hackettstown on Tuesday, March 27th at
7:30PM. No charge. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee.
Phone 908-684-4820 for more information.
Meet Molly Pitcher
Come and meet Molly Pitcher, legendary Revolu-
tionary War heroine. Myths surround her! What is
fact? What is fiction? Learn her story from Molly
herself at one of her rare appearances in the world
of the living on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:30PM at
the Hackettstown Community Center on Main
Street in Hackettstown. No charge. Refreshments
provided. Sponsored by the Paulinskill Valley Trail
Committee. Phone 908-684-4820 for more information.
Global Warming: A Clear And Present Danger
Join Roger Gutzwiller for a slide presentation that
will answer the following questions: What is global
warming? What are the effects of global warming?
What is currently being done about global warming? And, possibly the most important, what can
you do about global warming? Show up on Tuesday, September 25th at 7:30PM at the Hackettstown Community Center on Main Street in Hackettstown to view this informative program. No
charge. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by the
Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee. Phone 908684-4820 for more information.
Please say thanks to our advertisers by patronizing their business
Call 973-383-6265
For information on how to Advertise in
The Signal and on the PVT Website.
PVTC
P.O. Box 175
Andover, NJ 07821
Visit our new and
improved web site at:
www.pvtc-kvsp.org
PAULINSKILL VALLEY TRAIL COMMITTEE
Membership Application
The annual membership contribution is $10 for an individual and $20 for a family.
Larger contributions are encouraged to help carry out our programs. Please make checks
SD\DEOHWR³3DXOLQVNLOO9DOOH\7UDLO&RPPLWWHH´RU³397&´DQGPDLOWR397&32%R[
175, Andover, NJ 07821.
Please print clearly.
Name________________________________________________Tel. (______)-______-______________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code____________________________________________________________________
E-mail Address_________________________________________________________________________
Membership year is from Jan. 1 To Dec. 31.

March 2007 - Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee

Transcription

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