Canal News – Spring 2021

Sharing Stories Virtually

A Yellow Warbler along the Delaware Canal — A spring sight and sound along the Canal – A Yellow Warbler. PHOTO: Carole Mebus

Zoom meetings, webinars, a YouTube channel. The Friends have been changing their storytelling game since March 2020 when we held our last in-person public program. Please
visit the Friends of the Delaware Canal YouTube channel to find the Canal Times I and II programs and a video interview with Will Rivinus, who tells about his first venture into canal walking. Unfortunately, our two Postcards from the Past presentations aren’t there because the Zoom recordings cut off after 30 seconds in spite of our best efforts.

The dates and times of the future webinars will be sent via Constant Contact. If you aren’t signed up, just scroll down to the form on the homepage of fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. The information will also be posted in the Events section on the homepage of fodc.org.

There are still lots of stories to share, and videos will be part of the mix. Want to help? The Friends could really use someone who is relatively experienced and enthusiastic about making “informal” videos. Interested? Please let us know.

See you one way or another!

JOIN US FOR THESE UPCOMING WEBINARS:

The Canal’s Spring Flowers
The Birds of Spring
Invasives Watch
Canal landmarks and mileage Chart 101
A program featuring the old postcards contributed to the Friends by long-time members Kathleen and Bob Stalgaitis.

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The High and Low Points of Last Winter

Snowy towpath along the Delaware Canal — Conditions were perfect for cross-country skiing along the Canal. PHOTO: Kent and Marion Smith

The snow just kept falling this past winter making the Delaware Canal an extraordinarily beautiful white wonder. By all reports, it was the best winter for cross-country skiing on the towpath in at least ten years.

Unfortunately, the season’s weather also created some serious problems along the Canal. Torrential rainfall at Christmas caused inland streams to overtop their banks and the Delaware River to rise to Minor Flood stage.

Culvert collapse in Raubsville — The culvert collapse in Raubsville.

The relentless flow of stream water into the sub-canal culvert just north of Locks 22-23 in Raubsville caused its stone headwall to collapse. With the falling stone came a portion of the Canal berm bank, bringing the situation perilously close to completely blowing out the bank and seriously flooding the inland residential property. Thankfully, the erosion stopped short of that. The collapse was designated as an “emergency repair” by the DCNR engineers and Park staff, and Bi-State Construction was on site within days of December 26 to clear the culvert opening so that stream water could flow through it and to begin the repair of the culvert itself. Good progress was made, but then the snow and ice came making it too dangerous for the equipment to maneuver at the site, which is both narrow and steep. The project has resumed and is expected to be complete within weeks.

The flooding Delaware River rose to levels where its water overtopped the banks of the Canal in low areas. The flood waters caused damage to the towpath surface in several sections, particularly in the northern end of the Canal, and, just south of Easton, the earth sloughed off the slope of the towpath bank.

River flooding damaged the towpath banks south of Easton

The high and rushing water in the Canal itself caused problems. The interior decking in the new Fry’s Run Aqueduct experienced some displacement, which can be repaired by the Park staff. More complicated will be the task of removing some rocks that lodged themselves between the layers of the synthetic liner at the Tinicum Aqueduct.

In the case of all these problems, as well as projects that were underway last fall, the snowy conditions prevented work from progressing, but spring is on its way, and with it will come the renewal of repair work.

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PARK MANAGER’S REPORT

By Devin Buzard

One of my favorite idioms is “Make hay while the sun shines.” Over the past year, while in service to the Delaware Canal, I have found this expression to be meaningful on multiple levels. I would go as far as to say that it encapsulates the general concept of confronting the challenges of Canal maintenance and management. There is never a shortage of work to be done and always an appropriate time to do it.

Repair projects along the Canal have recommenced with the melting of the snow. The large excavators, currently located in Raubsville, once again have come back to life. The removal of a sycamore tree with a destructive root system kickstarted our extensive efforts to reline the Canal and restore its ability to retain water.

sycamore tree cut down new towpath — A large sycamore tree was downed at the site of the collapse north of Woody’s Bridge. Its roots were undermining the Canal’s prism. PHOTO: Carole Mebus

Over these past snowy months, I am happy to report great success in filling several vacant full-time Canal positions in our Southern offices. These include a Park Maintenance Supervisor and a Maintenance Repairman (skilled tradesman), who was recently added to our staff complement. Newly hired Park Maintenance Supervisor Matthew Overbeck of Pipersville replaces Brad King, who retired after his 35 years of service to the Commonwealth.

On the heels of former Delaware Canal Assistant Manager Bethany Hare taking a promotional opportunity, we are just weeks away from announcing the hiring of two new Assistant Managers. This is all good news as we are looking to the future of the Canal with a dedicated administrative presence and offices in both the Northern and the Southern sections. The concept is similar in nature to how our maintenance responsibilities are currently established. This is all taking place in conjunction with the recent acquisition of the former David Library of the American Revolution and the Sol and Rose Preserve properties in Washington Crossing.

As you may already know or gleaned from this newsletter, the Canal sustained significant damage during the December heavy rains and river flooding event. While timelines for all of the repairs to be completed are still unknown due to the severity of the damages, I am certain that the appropriate resources are being committed, and we are pushing towards the goal of opening the Easton feeder gate as soon as possible.

While on the surface it would appear that work is weather dependent, I would argue that work is perpetually progressing forward and with your support we will “continue to make hay”.

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The Limber CAT

Volunteers paint a camelback bridge. bridge. — Painting the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge faux camelback trusses required agility on the part of CAT volunteers.

Before winter set in, seven Canal Action Team members gave the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge over the Canal two much-needed coats of barn-red stain. The bridge, located on the line between Lower Makefield and Upper Makefield Townships, is one of, if not the only, public road bridge over the Canal owned by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Under the direction of Team leader Bob Ketler, the CAT members came laden with their most trusty painting tools and went to work—bending, stretching, leaning, and crawling to reach all the components of the two faux camelback trusses.

After a full morning’s worth of work with Delaware Canal State Park Rangers handling traffic control, CAT brought the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge back to an appearance worthy of a Canal landmark.

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Fingers Crossed

The Friends are planning to bring back our series of “Green Phase” COVID-precautioned short walks as soon as the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) allows public programs to resume. To account for the uncertainty of conditions and time frames, these walks will again be Pop-Ups, but we are scheduling a Spring Beauties Walk on Sunday, April 18, just to try to get things back to being a little more normal.

Canal Walk POP-UP SHORT WALKS
Locations, Dates, and Times are sent via
Constant Contact and posted on fodc.org.

We were able to get 11 short walks in last season and have another 20 walk itineraries ready to go as opportunities arise. The walk lengths vary from 2 to 6 miles roundtrip. In addition to late afternoon ventures, we anticipate that weekend and morning walks can be added to the schedule.

To walk with the Friends, watch for our Constant Contact e-mails and check Events on the homepage of fodc.org. If you are not on our Constant Contact list, please scroll down to the bottom of the homepage to sign up or call 215-862-2021.

To discourage the spread of COVID, these walks will once again be limited to 10 people, masks must be worn, and physical distancing encouraged. Reservations must be made in advance. All information will be included in our event notices.

These walks fill up very quickly, so when you receive the notices, don’t hesitate to make your reservations. To be fair, preference will be given to those who have not participated in other short walks during the current season.

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Upcoming Events

SPRING BEAUTIES WALK
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 1:30 PM
Meet at the I-295 Park and Ride Lot
1140 Woodside Road, Yardley, PA 19067

Beauty comes in different forms. On this 2-mileroundtrip walk, you can take in the Canal’s beauty at Lock 7. Daffodils dance on the towpath bank and trees will be blossoming. The Lock with its stone walls restored by the Friends, the little board and batten shanty, and the Locktender’s House complete the spring scene.

Another kind of beauty shows itself at the 1799 House sitting by the Canal at Woodside Road. This historic stone house was purchased by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission as part of the Scudder Falls Bridge project. The house has been sensitively rehabilitated and serves as a restroom facility for Canal visitors. Having a new bathroom facility near the Park, in a saved historic structure, no less, is a beautiful thing.

The Spring Beauty Walk will be led by veteran Canal Walker Jeff Connell, who also serves on the Friends’ Board of Directors. He will share the story of the Scudder Falls Bridge pedestrian pathway, which will be the seventh river bridge crossing connecting the Delaware Canal towpath to the D&R Canal towpath in Ewing, NJ. Along the way to Lock 7, he will point out the newly replaced 9-11 memorial bench and a wildlife haven.

Applicable COVID precautions, as described in Pop-Ups, will be taken. Reservations are required no later than April 14. Please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.

Hope to see you on the towpath!

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CANAL CLEAN-UP DAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 10
PLUS
Any Day, especially during the month of April

Usually, the Friends’ annual Clean-Up Day takes place on the first Saturday in April, and hundreds of volunteers tackle the trash that has accumulated in and along the Canal’s 58.9-mile length. Of COVID Times necessity, this year’s clean-up will focus on individual and family group efforts—no large groups will be encouraged. The official date is also different because the first Saturday in April is the opening day of trout season in Pennsylvania and occurs during the Easter holiday weekend. To compensate for these unusual circumstances, we are extending Clean-Up Day and encouraging volunteers to give the Canal its spring cleaning anytime, particularly during the month of April.

Nearly all of our photos from past Canal Clean-Up Days feature groups of people working together—not the visual message that we want to communicate this year. So, here’s a rare exception. This volunteer showed off the very large and mossy sneaker that she found along the towpath in Falls Township.

Here’s how to help this spring –
On Saturday, April 10, go out to any section of the Canal and pick up trash, debris, and anything that doesn’t allow the Canal to look its best. Both on-land and by-boat clean-ups are welcome. In fact, using canoes and kayaks is sometimes the only way to get to trash on the berm side or just hiding below the water surface.

If you can’t be out on the 10th, please work anytime the weather and your energy encourage you to do so.

For the safety of all, volunteers must comply with federal CDC, State, and local COVID-19 precautions, including, but not limited to, wearing a face mask, practicing physical distancing, and following proper hygiene protocols. (Handwashing is and always has been a good idea on Clean-Up Day.)

Please wear gloves and sturdy shoes and bring along any pick-up tools that work well for you.

If you need trash bags or gloves, we can supply them. Contactless pick-up can be done at either the Locktender’s House in New Hope (call 215-862- 2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org) or at the State Park Headquarters in Upper Black Eddy (call 610-982-5560 or e-mail kmartens@pa.gov).

If you collect things that are too heavy or unwieldy to take home for disposal, please let the Friends know the location, and the Park staff will make pick-up arrangements.

And don’t forget to let the Friends know that you’ve been out there working, so that we can thank you as well as count the number of volunteers who participated and determine what areas might need attention after April. Please take pictures and share them!

The Friends have done clean-ups ever since the organization’s founding in 1982, and we intend to keep up that tradition because our goal is always to be of help to the Delaware Canal.

If you have questions about these new circumstances, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org. And THANK YOU for your concern and help!

GIVING BACK

To all of you who invested in the Friends’ efforts by contributing to our Year-End Appeal, THANK YOU! After nine months when the Delaware Canal provided much-needed refuge, serenity, and recreation, it was clear that you wanted to help the Friends improve and maintain the place that had given you so much. Many people who contributed at year-end had never done so before.

YOUR GENEROSITY HAS EASED THE WAY INTO WHAT WE HOPE WILL BE A YEAR OF SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS.

THE 6TH FOR THE 4OTH

Can the sixth and final historic camelback bridge over the Canal be restored in time for the Friends of the Delaware Canal’s 40th anniversary in 2022?

Yes, we feel confident that it can be—with your help. Out of the 100+ bridges that once crossed the Delaware Canal, Spahr’s Bridge in Upper Black Eddy is one of only six that retains its authentic and iconic camelback structure. The Friends spearheaded the restoration of four of the other camelbacks, encouraged the fifth, and have had Spahr’s on our to-do list for years.

Deteriorating abutment on camelback bridge. — The Spahr’s Camelback Bridge east abutment is in especially bad shape.

Spahr’s Bridge has been a formidable project to tackle because not only is the superstructure severely deteriorated, but also both stone abutments are cracked, a condition exacerbated by two earthquakes. The $350,000-$400,000 cost of restoring Spahr’s Bridge has been an obstacle.

Now the stars are aligning. The relatively new owner of the property on either side of the Bridge believes in historic preservation and supports its restoration rather than modernization. The condition of Bridge is now so poor that action by the State is inevitable. The Friends have been very vocal in our support of handling the project using historic preservation best practices, and the State agrees. Plans are now underway to hire a highly qualified contractor to dismantle the superstructure taking care to inventory and record the existing members and store and reuse timber and hardware when possible. The State plans to contract with a consultant to prepare the plans and specifications for the repair of the stone abutments. The State will fund both the dismantling and the abutment projects.

And we come to the part of the Spahr’s Bridge project with which you can help. Private contributions are being sought to fund the superstructure portion. In simpler terms, the trusses, the deck, the cross beams, and the hardware. Putting Spahr’s Bridge together requires expertise, skills, and passion. The Friends contribution to the project will help ensure that those requirements are met. We are very pleased and thankful for two very generous donations from the Goodfellow Fund and Barbara and Peter Sperry. They have given the Spahr’s Bridge restoration a great jump start.

More information about how you can help will be coming soon. If you’re already convinced, you can donate now by scrolling down on the www.fodc.org homepage to the Spahr’s Bridge contribution block or, even better, send your check to Friends of the Delaware Canal, 145 South Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938.

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Get ’em Before They Hatch

A Spotted Lanternfly egg mass. Please seek and destroy.

As we learned last year, getting rid of Spotted Lanternflies while they are alive is a challenge. They jump; they fly; they jump; they fly…

There is still time to control these destructive insects before they hatch and fly off on their pretty wings. Start finding and destroying their egg masses now. Spotted Lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall, usually on flat surfaces like tree trunks, rocks, walls, wood fencing, even outdoor equipment.

It may take a bit of investigating, but you will become better at tracking them down once you know what to look for. If you have an Ailanthus tree aka Tree of Heaven on your property, check there first. These trees are a Lanternfly favorite. If you noticed an infestation on your property, be sure to scan that area as well.

You can remove their mud-like egg masses with a paring knife or a small plastic card, like a credit card. Using a rigid surface, you can crush the eggs or, even better, remove and destroy the entire casing by scraping it into a plastic bag containing rubbing alcohol. Once the eggs come in contact with the liquid, they will die. Killing eggs now will help curb this pest this summer.

So, harness your pent-up pandemic energy and go Lanternfly hunting.

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Canal Tenders—More Important Than Ever

The Delaware Canal State Park has experienced a historic increase in visitation since last March when the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic set in. We’re pleased to say that the many people didn’t cause a dramatic increase in the amount of trash left behind, thanks to the care taken by visitors and the diligence of the sixty volunteers who serve in the Friends’ Canal Tenders program.

Many, many thanks to all the Tenders, who pick up trash, clear branches, and report problems throughout the year. Their pandemic precautioned clean-up efforts make the Canal a better place for both people and critters.

We are pleased to welcome two new Canal Tenders to the crew!

David Weiss has volunteered to co-tend the Canal from Black Rock Road to East Afton Avenue in Yardley along with veterans Ann and Keith Webb.

A. J. Zolton has taken on the section from Lock 17 (Treasure Island Lock) in Tinicum Township to Lock 18 in Uhlerstown.

Several sections in the southern end of the Canal remain without Tenders including:

• Riverfront Park to Beaver Street: Bristol Borough
• Beaver Street to the Bristol Lagoon at Jefferson Avenue: Bristol Borough
• The Bristol Lagoon to Green Lane: Bristol Borough
• Green Lane to Edgely Avenue: Bristol Township
• Edgely Avenue to Levittown Shopping Center: Bristol Township/Tullytown Borough
• Wheatsheaf Road to the Conrail Tunnel: Falls Township

Please let us know if you can help with any of these sections. The boundaries are not set in concrete, so feel free to propose a length other than those shown.

Being a Canal Tender is a rewarding experience in so many ways, and you’ll be in very good company. To find out more about what’s involved, visit the HELP page at fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. And while you’re there, check out the Canal Action Team (CAT) page. Perhaps, it’s a volunteer opportunity just right for you.

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At the Board Table

Thanks to the convenience of being able to attend from home via a Zoom webinar, participation in our 2020 Annual Meeting on November 10 was the highest ever. Many were in attendance for the first time. This was a positive consequence of the pandemic, even though everyone missed not being together and sharing covered dishes.

During the webinar, the activities of 2020 were reviewed in a PowerPoint presentation, and a short video featuring Will Rivinus telling about his first canal walk made its debut. Friends’ organization business was conducted; and Delaware Canal State Park/PA DCNR representatives covered current and upcoming issues. These speakers were Jason Zimmerman, Assistant Director of the Bureau of State Parks; Devin Buzard, Park Manager; and Beth Hare, Assistant Manager. Beth included in her report the visual evidence of the success of her and her four-year-old daughter’s venture into mule cookie making.

Two retiring Board members were recognized for their service. During her eight-year tenure, JUDY FRANLIN was a dynamo serving as Secretary and Treasurer at different times. She will continue to be active as a member of the Finance and Development Committee. NANCY SMALL, a more recent Board member, shared her breadth of knowledge of the operations of other non-profits.

The membership re-elected JOAN FULLERTON, DAVID SCHAEFFER, and JACK TORRES to additional two-year terms. Elected to their first terms were Gordon Heisler and Ken Standig.

Here’s a bit about them.

GORDON HEISLER
Living within a half-mile of the Delaware Canal for over forty years in Lower and Upper Makefield Townships and enjoying trips along the towpath since the 1970’s, Gordon has a unique appreciation for the waterway and towpath. He has been a Canal Tender for the Washington Crossing section for eight years and participated in several Canal Action Team projects. Gordon realizes the importance of preserving and improving this one-of-a-kind park. A member of the Friends for many years, Gordon joined the Board to assist in implementing improvements and spreading the word about the canal and towpath experience.

Professionally, after graduating from Rider University, Gordon spent forty years in oil and chemical logistics industries with FMC, Sunoco, and consulting. He also volunteers at the Morrisville Food Bank. Gordon and his wife Barbara enjoy biking and hiking on the Canal and traveling to visit many other trails throughout the United States and Europe.

KEN STANDIG
Ken and his wife Julie moved to Buckingham Township full time from New York City and Long Island in 2019, but they have enjoyed life along the Delaware River for much longer than that. Annual summer camping trips with the Boy Scouts at Treasure Island Scout Reservation, canoe trips in high schooland college days, and family camping in the Delaware Water Gap were all part of their lives. Now they enjoy the views along the Canal towpath while biking, hiking, and walking their dog Dizzi.

Ken retired in 2018 after a 43-year career in engineering, during which he managed the planning, design, and rehabilitation of infrastructure projects. He found working on dams, locks, and canals to be the most interesting and challenging, including more than a dozen projects along the New York State (Erie) Canal and the D & R Canal in New Jersey. He hopes that his experience will be put to good use along the Delaware Canal. Ken has been a member of the Friends’ Advocacy, Restoration & Maintenance Committee for the last year. He has degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Lehigh University and is a licensed Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Welcome Gordon and Ken!

The departure of veteran Board member JACK DONOHUE at the beginning of January 2021 left a void on the Board. Well known for his enthusiasm and reasonable thinking, Jack was a great asset to the Friends during his two terms.

As always, the Board welcomes your participation and input. And, if you are interested in serving, please raise your hand.

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The Need Isn’t New

Waterwheels pump water into canal — Waterwheels once provided additional water to the southern end of the Canal.

Even before the Delaware Canal was fully opened in 1832, those responsible for its construction realized that the water supplied by the Lehigh River in Easton was not enough to maintain a full Canal, particularly in the southern end. To solve this problem, an “ingenious device” was erected at the Union Mill (since converted into The Waterworks, a residential condominium complex) in New Hope.

In June of 1831, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania contracted with Lewis S. Coryell and three of his business partners to erect a wing dam at Well’s Falls in the Delaware River and water wheels. The purpose of the dam was to supply water to a two-wheel system. There was an undershot water wheel driven by the power of the river flow, which was coupled with another wheel with buckets that scooped river water, raised it, and then allowed it to flow through a trunk leading to the Canal.

A traveler to New Hope in 1832 wrote, “This simple contrivance, without gearing or valves, or anything else liable to get out of order is more than sufficient to supply the Canal from New Hope downwards.” The waterwheels were capable of raising 3,500 cubic feet of water per minute. Although not as repair-free as the New Hope visitor envisioned, they remained in place until June of 1923 and then were carried away in a flood in 1936.

After 1923, the issue of insufficient water flowing southward reemerged, particularly when the level of the Delaware River dropped below the level of the New Hope inlet. Various remedies were tried, but none worked well enough.

As you have read in past issues of Canal News, the Friends, in partnership with the Delaware Canal State Park, are working to install a centrifugal pump in the River in the northern section of Washington Crossing Park. The pump and the electrical installation, financed by the Friends, are ready to go. The pipe leading from the River to the Canal is in place. Before putting the pump in operation, there is one approval that must be granted from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The new “Bowman’s Hill” pump will augment the flow of water to Bristol as the New Hope waterwheels once did.

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Canal News – Summer 2020

Another Camelback Bridge Project Crossed Off the To-Do List

Work in progress at the Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge

Extensive repair work on the historic camelback bridge that crosses the Delaware Canal in the northern section of Washington Crossing Historic Park has been completed. To preserve one the canal’s most iconic and well-used structures, the Friends raised $78,000 in private contributions to fund the project. Thank you!

The work was completed by camelback bridge restoration expert Randall Myer of R-Shell Exteriors, Lancaster, PA. Myer and his assistant Jane Martin arrived on site in late January. The weather was cooperative, but the pandemic wasn’t. They were drawn off the job by the COVID-19 restrictions, and then returned to the project in May when construction activities were allowed.

After elevating, then stabilizing the bridge on cribbing, the main floor beams, posts, cross bracing, X braces, roof boards, and many deck boards were replaced with appropriate timber. The bridge then received its coatings of signature barn red stain. The final inspection by representatives from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Friends took place on June 3.

The Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge is one of only six along the 58.9-mile-long canal that still retains its authentic structure. The camelback design was used on the Delaware Canal because it has a slight hump in the middle allowing clear passage of canal boats underneath. Today they are picturesque and useful reminders of the canal’s colorful past.

At the final inspection of the Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge (from left) – Jane Martin and Randall Myer from R-Shell Exteriors, Bethany Hare, Delaware Canal State Park Assistant Manager; Eugene Gelfand, consulting engineer to DCNR; and Susan Taylor, Friends of the Delaware Canal.

The Friends of the Delaware Canal’s quest to restore and preserve the six remaining camelbacks began in 2002. Since then, five of the six have been restored. Their quest continues.

Friends’ volunteers undertake maintenance projects each year to keep the already restored bridges in good condition. The Upper Black Eddy Ready Response Team (UBERRT) will be restaining Hazzard’s Camelback Bridge this summer, and the Canal Action Team (CAT) will be applying their stain brushes to the Goat Farm Camelback Bridge, as well as cutting back vegetation that tries its best to engulf the bridge approaches.

The sixth bridge, Spahr’s Camelback Bridge in Upper Black Eddy, is a victim of earthquake damage and extensive deterioration. Its restoration is a major undertaking and remains a goal.

We are very grateful to the many generous contributors to this project, who love the camelback bridges and ensure their preservation. With special thanks to the Goodfellow Fund, Judy and Joe Franlin, Barbara and Peter Sperry, and Susan Taylor.

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Park Manager’s Report

by Devin Buzard

As you may have already gleaned from other articles in this issue of Canal News, we are nearing a predictable end to several large-scale construction projects along the northern end of the Canal.

These much needed replacements and repairs necessitated the dewatering of the Canal. The bypass gate that feeds Lehigh River water into the Canal was closed last fall. The waterway is essentially without water, but when it can be found in sporadic stretches, its source is stormwater runoff or local streams that flow directly into the Canal.

While there have been setbacks with recent events and the temporary cessation of some work, I am still optimistic that we will be able to introduce water once again as early as August.

As spring transitions into summer, I am finding it is difficult to predict what the next few months will bring. You will see an increase in boom mowing (long reach) along the banks as summer continues. We recently replaced this critical piece of machinery that was lost to a roll-over accident last year.

And, despite being faced with so much recent uncertainty, I have been inspired to see that the good work of the Friends has not faltered over the past few months. Most notably, I witnessed the fulfillment of a primary mission of the Friends – the restoration of an authentic camelback bridge in the skilled hands of an expert craftsman.

While there could be no large ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge when the project was completed, I know that one would have been well-attended. A repair of this scale only exists with many supporters. I appreciate the Friend’s commitment to preserving our historic structures and proud to know that this bridge will go on to bear the footsteps of future generations.

Out on the towpath, I am sure you have noticed the increase in visitation and may have even personally witnessed a new user, who is still unfamiliar with trail etiquette. While the increase in traffic may at times be frustrating, it is important to remember that this influx of recreational users truly indicates the importance of our public lands that you, as Friends of the Delaware Canal, already know and support. While this trend in visitation may not last forever, it is my hope that the appreciation for places like the Delaware Canal will not fade.

The Friends heartily thank all the Delaware Canal State Park staff for keeping the towpath and waterway open during these extremely challenging times!

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Calendar of Events

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Person walking on the canal path — Always open.

COVID-19 has sucked the certainty out of the Friends’ plans for 2020. You already know more than you’d like about the hazards of gathering in groups and being in enclosed spaces,
so we won’t belabor the reasons why our organization has decided to cancel some of our traditional events and reconfigure others.

The Friends of the Delaware Canal is a Pennsylvania State Parks friends organization. As such, we must and want to comply with the directives
that are issued by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Those directives are based on the Center for Disease Control and Department of Health guidelines.

When you receive this newsletter, the Counties of Bucks and Northampton may be in the Green Phase, “the new normal.” At this point, the Friends’ “new normal” means that we will plan on having walks, but the number of participants will be limited to 20 people, who will social distance and wear masks. Reservations will be required. And, yes, we will have a sound amplification system, so there won’t be the need to huddle together to hear.

Canal Action Team (CAT) projects, such as bridge painting and vegetation removal, will go forward with precautions in place. The number of volunteers on each project will be limited to five, the work will take place outdoors, and no contact with the general public made. We would dearly love to take on some small group clean-up activities to make up for missing the Friends’ annual Canal Clean-Up Day, but there is just too much poison ivy growing on the banks to risk it. (And now you know why our annual cleanup is scheduled in very early April.)

Later this year, it may be possible to have some programs, such as photo shows or presentations by speakers, but it will depend upon how well COVID-19 is tamed. Plans are being made for virtual alternates, if need be. We will not be having our Paddle the Canal events in partnership with the State Park Educators this summer and fall. The need to sanitize the kayaks, paddles, and PFDs and be in close proximity during instruction and launching has ruled paddling out.

Our practice of carpooling people from the starting and finishing points of the Friends’ annual 58.9-mile long Canal Walk has complicated the decision about whether or not the Walk will be held this year.

Unfortunately, Faces and Places–A Celebration of the Arts and History Along the Delaware Canal has been canceled. Nearly all of the event arrangements for the Friends’ major fundraiser must be made well in advance, so the cancellation became inevitable. Plans are already underway for Faces and Places 2021.

Meanwhile, as the way forward becomes clear, we will let you know the what, where, and whens about upcoming activities. If you’ve provided your e-mail address, you will receive announcements via Constant Contact. The events will be posted on the www.fodc.org and listed on the Friends’ Facebook page.

It’s been very strange to be without events and activities since early March. We very much miss seeing you, and hope to be able to change that, at least somewhat, soon.

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BUTTON, BUTTON

THE FRIENDS HAVE A BUTTON

You can get yours absolutely free at the Locktender’s House in New Hope or at a Friends’ event.
Many thanks to Board member Jeff Connell for being our button benefactor!

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SMILING AT THE LOCKTENDER’S HOUSE

Even though the interior of the little museum at Locktender’s House at Lock 11 in New Hope is currently closed to visitors because of the COVID-19 restrictions, the Friends are still
sharing the Canal’s stories.

On weekends, Susan Schneider, our Locktender’s House guide, sits on the front porch. Decked out in her long skirt, homespun blouse, and mask, she has been greeting visitors and providing
them with information about the many aspects of the towpath and waterway.

Susan Schneider’s expression can’t be seen behind
her mask, but a painted stone, hid by a kind
someone nearby, makes it clear that there’s a smile
under there.

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Hand painted rock reminding people to wear masks

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The Construction Countdown
3 – 2 – 1 – Done

Completion is in sight for three major Canal construction projects. (Please knock on wood. This is no time to jinx anything.)

The northern end of the Canal from Easton to New Hope has been essentially dewatered since last fall. The bypass gate that supplies water from the Lehigh River was closed to allow work to begin on three projects during the winter/early spring. The timing of the dewatering was dictated by the restrictions concerning the habitat of the red belly turtle, a PA threatened species.

The three projects are:

• The replacement of the northern drop gate on Groundhog Lock aka Locks 22/23 in Raubsville
• The replacement of the Fry’s Run aka Kleinhans Aqueduct in Williams Township
• The repair of the berm bank blowout and structural damage at the Tinicum Aqueduct (The steel trough that conveys water over Tinicum Creek is not being replaced as part of this project.)

The first estimate for the completion of the three projects was May 2020, but then came the obstacles. Access agreement issues, problems with bids, a tree falling on a big piece of equipment, and, of course, COVID-19 shutdowns.

Now, in June, it almost seems miraculous to be able to report that all three projects are expected to be completed by early fall, at the latest, thanks to the diligence of DCNR and the contractors. We hope that there are no additional delays to be encountered due to material availability or personnel shortages due to COVID-19.

From North to South:

The massive timber drop gate for Groundhog Lock is being built in the shop of Methods and Materials Building Company of Gilbertsville, PA. (This is the same company that constructed the drop gate and miter gates for the Lock 11 rehabilitation.) The Delaware Canal State Park maintenance staff has cleaned out the gate chamber and is in the process of replacing the timbers on which the gate will rest. When the new gate arrives, the Park staff will install it. The project is anticipated to be finished in August at a cost of $44,000.

On August 11, 2018, three inches of rain fell in less than an hour turning Fry’s Run in Williams Township into a torrent heading to the Delaware River. The Fry’s Run aka Kleinhans Aqueduct stood in its way and lost the fight. Parts of the aqueduct and its supporting structure were torn away. As an interim measure to maintain water f low in the Canal, DCNR installed two pipes where the aqueduct had been. Last winter, Loftus Construction of Cinnaminson, NJ began work on the new aqueduct. In mid-June, the $780,000 project was 99% complete.

The northern berm bank and canal prism at the Tinicum Aqueduct were also victims of torrential rains. Tinicum Creek raged in June of 2017, collapsing the earthen structures at the aqueduct, but the steel trough and its pedestrian bridge remained intact. Tinicum Aqueduct destruction and reconstruction To keep water flowing southward, DCNR installed a temporary channel. Concurrently, an engineering consultant was engaged to develop plans to restore and strengthen the earthen structures, repair the leaks in the aqueduct’s stone abutments, reinforce its stone pier in the Creek, replace the deteriorated footbridge, and refinish the steel trough.

Clearwater Construction of New Cumberland, PA began the many-faceted, $1.045M job late last winter. Work is currently progressing and expected to be completed in July.

The completion of these three major projects holds the key to rewatering the Canal from Easton to New Hope. It really can’t come soon enough, but the progress that’s been made in spite of all the obstacles this year has been impressive.

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Refreshing the Stories

sign installation at Black Rock Road — Canal Action Team (CAT) volunteer Mark Frey installing the new sign panels at the Black Rock Road Picnic Area.

The Friends is very proud of its significant role in sharing the Delaware Canal’s history Our organization has been involved in the placement of nearly all the interpretive signs that can be found from Easton to Bristol. We both create new signs and improve and replace existing ones when needed.

Late last winter, six sign panels that had been suffering from wear and defacement were replaced through a partnership between the Friends and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Trail Towns Amenity Grant Program.

New panels, “Where the Water Flows and “A Modern Timber Aqueduct” were installed at either end of the Tohickon Aqueduct in Point Pleasant. The “Canal Boat Graveyard” panel was replaced in Tullytown, and the kiosk at the Black Rock Road Picnic Area in Lower Makefield received three new generic interpretive signs. Clear, crisp text and photos await your visit.

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Tending the Canal

The Friends’ Canal Tender volunteers watch over and care for their sections of the towpath and waterway year-round. The Delaware Canal is so much better for their efforts.

We welcome:

Bill Low, who is a Co-Tender with Aodan and Linda Peacock for the Phillips’ Mill to Centre Bridge section
Eileen Killeen and volunteers from Yardley Friends Meeting will be adding the Woodside Road to Mt. Eyre Road stretch to their tending territory.

Many thanks to our retiring Tenders

Alex Castner and sons Will and James for tending the Wheatsheaf Road to the Conrail Tunnel section
Bob Ketler: Woodside Road to Mt. Eyre
John Manocchio: Lock 11 to Rabbit Run
Ricki Fisher: Bridge Street to Rabbit Run
Marge Copenhaver: Phillips’ Mill to Centre Bridge
Annette Heinz and the “Housewives of Rolling Hills”: Lock 17 to Uhlerstown Covered Bridge

TENDERS ARE NEEDED for these sections, which can be divided into stretches of any length:

Bristol Borough: Riverfront Park to Lagoon Park
Bristol Borough: Lagoon Park to Green Lane
Bristol Twp: Green Lane to Edgely Road
Bristol Twp/Tullytown.: Edgely Road to Levittown Shopping Center (Arby’s)
Falls Twp.: Mill Creek Road to Wheatsheaf Road
Falls Twp.: Wheatsheaf Road toTyburn Road
Falls Twp.: Tyburn Road to Railroad Obstruction
New Hope: Bridge Street to the Rabbit Run Bridge in New Hope
Tinicum Twp: Lock 17 to the Uhlerstown Covered Bridge In Tinicum Township

Can you help? Find out more at fodc.org/help-the-canal/canal-tenders/

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SHARE THE TOWPATH TRAIL, PLEASE

On a recent weekday morning, we witnessed a scene that is all too common these days. A man, focused on his phone screen, was oblivious to a bicyclist who was coming up
behind him on the towpath, and this in spite of her several calls of “On your left” and finally resorting to “Hey, dude.” The man just
continued up the middle of the towpath, and the bicyclist swerved around him narrowly avoiding a fall into the water.

The moral of this story? We all need to be mindful when using the Canal towpath.

During this time of COVID-19, the towpath is experiencing an unprecedented surge in visitation. Many of the bicyclists and walkers have never been to the Delaware Canal State Park before.
These extraordinary circumstances mean that we need to heighten our awareness of whom and what is on the towpath. The extra dividend in this is that we will be more likely to spot the wildflowers and the wildlife. The sight of a dozen turtles lined up on a log is worth a pause.

Wearig masks on a walk along the Delaware Canal in New Hope — Out for a walk along the Delaware Canal in New Hope

Be prepared to wear a mask and social distance.
If you are close to other walkers, runners, or bicyclists, please be ready to put on a mask. The CDC guidelines suggest that all persons, when possible, should maintain at least six feet of distance. This separation often is not possible on the sometimes very narrow towpath. Wearing a mask is the best solution, and it signals that you care about others.

Ride your bicycle with care.
Bicycle tires rolling on the red argillite towpath don’t create much noise, and walkers can be taken by surprise. Cyclists need to make their approaches known by using a bell, calling “on your left,” or simply saying hello to signal the intention to pass. Be mindful of low bridge clearances and limited lines of sight, and be prepared to walk a bicycle under these structures when necessary. And slow down when passing a walker or other cyclist. It is just common courtesy.

Be a good steward of the Delaware Canal State Park.
Keep the towpath clean for all to enjoy. If you take a bottle of water with you, remember to take it home. Please don’t leave used masks and gloves behind. Most restroom facilities are now open for public use, so take care to keep them clean, too.

Just be nice.
If you are traveling in a group, be sure not to block the path for others. Bicycle riders should yield to pedestrians and hikers should yield to equestrians.

The Canal towpath connects many towns, large and small, to an inspiring natural resource. It can be a beautiful day in the neighborhood for all, if we just be mindful.

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WELCOME NEW FRIENDS
Carol & Dan Achord
Lucille Aquilone
Paul & Christine Angulo
John Augustine
Tom Curry
Cindy DeKraft
Linda Fleck
Zachary Henry
Mary Kocubinski
Walter Kocubinski
Sandra & Tom Lavis
Tamie & Douglas Logan
Joanne McDonald
Patricia & Tim Merkel
Mark Miller
Michael Mitrano
Eileen O’Mahony
Sydney Mason
Paul & Casey Pane
Steve Robinson
Ian Skuse
Kate Smith
Michael Swartley
Michael Tavella
John Wehmiller
Michael Yalowitz

Canal News – Spring 2019

Good Riddance

Thanks to generous year-end contributions from our members, the Friends have been able to contract with T&T Tree Service for the removal of some of the most problematic trees along the Canal.

The dangerous black locust arch in Lower Makefield will be coming down.

Ever since Hurricane Sandy, trees have been falling at much too rapid a rate. The Park staff has admirably persevered, but the removal of some of the trees requires special handling and equipment because of their sizes and locations. T&T Tree Service will have use lift trucks to access out- of-the-way limbs and wield chainsaws while floating in kayaks. A mulberry tree leaning “drastically” over the Canal in New Hope will be removed. A big box elder will be extracted from the water in Morrisville, and a large black locust teetering over the towpath in Lower Makefield will no longer be a threat. Also, T&T will be cutting down a swath of Ailanthus Altissima (Tree of Heaven) that is growing on a 400-foot section of canal bank in New Hope, and then they will treat the stumps with herbicide so that there is no regrowth. Tree of Heaven is the favorite food of the destructive Spotted Lanternfly, which invaded our area last year.

T&T hopes to begin work soon before the ground softens (although the guys in the kayaks are probably wishing for warmer weather.) If all goes well with this project, the Friends may contract for the removal of several leaning trees near Groundhog Lock in Raubsville.

The Friends are pleased to be of help with the Canal’s tree plague. And we thank everyone who clears manageable branches off the towpath to make way for visitors.

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A New One

When it comes to canal problems, many seem like déjà vu. We all know about sinkholes, collapses, overflows…, but now there’s a brand new issue – broken teeth. The feeder gate at Easton, which allows Lehigh River water to flow into the Delaware Canal, has several broken gear teeth. The lack of teeth makes it difficult to open and close the gate, therefore, the Park staff has been maintaining the gate at a half-open level resulting in a typical “winter maintenance level”.

The gear component needs to be removed and taken to a machine shop for tooth repair. To remove the component, the feeder gate must be fully opened, something that the Park staff does not want to do while there is still the threat of a winter solid freeze. (If the Canal freezes over with a full head of water in it, there is the very real possibility that the waste gates would freeze shut and heavy rain or snow would cause the Canal to overtop its banks.) As soon as the threat of frozen waste gates disappears, the gear component will be removed, sent to the repair shop, and, we hope, back in time to allow a full Canal in the spring.

In other news, heavy rain displaced the bypass channel liner at the Tinicum Aqueduct. To stop the liner from being undermined by overflowing water, the Park staff is currently diverting water out of the Canal at the waste gate by the Golden Pheasant Inn, just north of the aqueduct. The liner needs to be pulled back into place, but due to its fragility in freezing weather, the pulling needs to wait for warmer temperatures to arrive.

The Fry’s Run Aqueduct replacement project in Williams Township and the Tinicum Aqueduct repair project are still on track to be put out to bid this spring. The bidding and acceptance process generally takes approximately 90 days with commencement of the work beginning shortly thereafter.

This winter’s cold, rain, high winds, and flu have put a damper on progress along the Canal, but we’ll get beyond it.

Come on, Spring!

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A Familiar Face

George Calaba has been appointed as the new Park Operations Manager for Delaware Canal State Park Complex, which includes Ralph Stover State Park and associated resources such as the Nockamixon Cliffs and the Delaware River Island Natural Areas.

His name and face are familiar because he served as Assistant Park Manager at Delaware Canal under Rick Dalton and, up until March 1, was the Manager at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

George is a veteran of the US Navy and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Geography. Following a brief stint as a counselor for at-risk youth, he attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a Master of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning. Since joining the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in 2000, he has gained invaluable knowledge and skill while working as a manager at seven state parks.

In his first e-mail to the Friends upon his return, he wrote “ Looking forward to working with the Friends and doing good things for the Canal. I really enjoyed my time there under Rick and am excited to further the great work done thus far.”

Welcome Back, George!

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Win – Win

For more than 20 years, the Friends have had the great pleasure of taking part in two local festivals. Each January, we partner with the Delaware and Raritan Canal Watch to host a Two Canal, One River walking tour during the Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival. This year, through the wonders of Facebook sharing, 300 people arrived ready to explore.

Kids decorate Canal Ducks at the Tinicum Arts Festival.

In July, the Friends are invited to set up a booth at the Tinicum Arts Festival where we share information about the Canal and sell some t-shirts and hats, too. Over the years, we’ve introduced thousands of people to the Delaware Canal.

Both festivals are excellent friend-making opportunities – a definite win.

Each year, after the festivals are over, we are privileged to receive generous contributions from the organizers – Twin Rivertown Projects, Inc. and the Tinicum Civic Association. With the objective of improving the community, the organizing groups share their event proceeds with non-profits working in their communities – a second win.

The Friends have benefited from our festival participation in so many ways. We’re very thankful and want to continue to be part of the fun for many years to come.

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The Difference is Clear

The efforts of our dedicated Canal Tenders, who take care of their sections of the waterway and towpath throughout the year, are clearly evident – trash collected, branches and debris cleared, and problems reported promptly to the State Park staff. We are so grateful for their diligence and hard work.

At the beginning of each year, we check in with all the Tenders. This year, four have decided to “retire.” We heartily thank David and Vicky Child, who tended between the Rabbit Run and Phillips’ Mill Bridges in New Hope; Jose Acevado, whose section was from Beaver Street to the Lagoon in Bristol Borough; and Harry Dozer, who helped care for the section of Canal from Bridge 2 to Bridge 3 in Smithtown, for their years of service.

Much of the Canal has been adopted by Tenders, but there are still some “orphan” stretches. Please consider volunteering to close these last gaps. Individuals, couples, and groups are very welcome.

Bristol Borough – Riverfront Park to Green Lane
Bristol Township – Green Lane to the south end of the Levittown Shopping Center
Tullytown Borough/ Falls Township – Levittown Shopping Center to Wheatsheaf Road
Solebury Township – Rabbit Run Bridge to Phillips’ Mill Bridge

These sections can be divided into smaller stretches.

To learn more about what’s involved in being a Canal Tender, visit fodc.org and click on Help. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us at 215-862-2021 or friends@fodc.org.

The Canal needs you!

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Delaware Canal Clean-Up Day Work Areas

Saturday, April 6, 2019

The list of this year’s work areas follows. The names of the Clean-Up Day Coordinators or Canal Tenders are included for each area. Help is especially needed in areas highlighted in red. Please contact your local coordinator to volunteer.

Bristol Borough: Lagoon Park to Riverfront Park
Mary Kehoe and Dave McGlynn jodi.marydave@verizon.net

Bristol Borough: Green Lane to Lagoon Park
Brett Webber, Coordinator – 215-840-2034 bw@bwadesign.com

Bristol Twp.: Levittown Shopping Center (former Sonic) to Green Lane
Ed Armstrong & GOAL (Greenbelt Overhaul Alliance of Levittown) –edarmstrong@verizon.net

Falls Twp./Tullytown: Mill Creek Road to Levittown Shopping Center
Jeff Connell, Canal Tender – 732-581-9464 jeffconnell@comcast.net

Falls Twp.: Falls Twp. Park to Mill Creek Road
Boy Scout Troop 46 – Renee Thompson, Coordinator

Falls Twp.: Tyburn Road to Wheatsheaf Road
Susan Taylor – 215-493-6625 susanhtaylor@verizon.net

Falls Twp.: Railroad Obstruction to Wheatsheaf Road
Alex Castner, Canal Tender

Morrisville: Bridge Street to the Railroad Obstruction
Lynn Vogel and Josh Gradwohl, Canal Tenders – 215-595-6114 lvogel419@comcast.net A volunteer with a boat / kayak would be welcome.

Morrisville: Trenton Avenue to Bridge Street
Mayor Dave Rivella, Coordinator – 215-295-5030 mayordaverivella@aol.com

Lower Makefield Twp. /Morrisville: Black Rock Road to Trenton Avenue
Hal Long & Morrisville-Yardley Area Rotary Club, Canal Tenders – 215-493-4962 hlong2306@gmail.com

Yardley/Lower Makefield Twp.: Afton Avenue to Black Rock Road
Ann and Keith Webb, Canal Tenders – 215-295-4063 wweebbss@hotmail.com

Lower Makefield Twp./Yardley: Woodside Road to Afton Avenue
Eileen Kileen & Yardley Friends Meeting – 609-947-4259 eileenk29@gmail.com

Lower Makefield Twp./Yardley: Mt. Eyre Road to Woodside Road
Bob Ketler, Canal Tender – 267-566-2759 rjktlr80@msn.com

Upper Makefield Twp.: Stoney Run Aqueduct to Mt. Eyre Road
Gordon Heisler & Traditions Volunteers, Canal Tenders

Solebury Twp./Upper Makefield Twp.: Bowman’s Hill to Stoney Run Aqueduct
Central Bucks Bicycle Club – Nora and Randy Schenk, Canal Tenders

New Hope: Lock 9 to Bowman’s Hill
Ray and Sara Altieri, Canal Tenders

New Hope: Rabbit Run to Lock 9
Pam Can & New Hope Garden Club

Solebury Twp.: Phillips’ Mill to Rabbit Run
Katie and Jim Wolf, Canal Tenders – wolfdoc70@comcast.net

Solebury Twp.: Centre Bridge to Phillips’ Mill
Marge Copenhaver and Aodan and Linda Peacock, Canal Tenders

Solebury Twp.: Virginia Forrest to Centre Bridge
Daniel Schwager, Canal Tender

Solebury Twp.: Lock 12 to Virginia Forrest Recreation Area
Sheree Cote and Tom Lurz – Canal Tenders

Point Pleasant: Mountainside Inn to Lock 12
Sally and Bill Getchell, Canal Tenders

Point Pleasant: Bridge 2 to Mountainside Inn
Hank Goldberg, Canal Tender

Tinicum Twp.: Bridge 3 to Bridge 2
Peter Shaw, Canal Tender

Tinicum Twp.: Lock 17 to Bridge 3
Thomas Fryer, Canal Tender

Tinicum Twp.: Uhlerstown to Lock 17
Appalachian Mountain Club, Del Val Chapter and the Housewives of Rolling Hills, Canal Tenders

Tinicum Twp.: Lodi to Uhlerstown
Happy & Sam Shipley, Canal Tenders

Upper Black Eddy: Berm Lane to Lodi
Janice Armstrong and Steve Schlosser – Canal Tenders

Upper Black Eddy: Indian Rock to Berm Lane
Larry Reinfeld and Upper Black Eddy Rapid Response Team

Riegelsville/ Upper Black Eddy: Mueller’s Store to Indian Rock Inn
Mark Greaney, Canal Tender

Williams Twp.: Wy-Hit-Tuk Park to Mueller’s Store
Carole Mebus, Canal Tender

Easton to Wy-Hit-Tuk Park
Pete Rosswaag – 610-982-9789 – ruswog@verizon.net

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Spring Returns

As the warblers return to the Canal in May, you will be receiving your Friends of the Delaware Canal membership renewal request for the year 2019.

Please support all that we do to improve the Canal in our ongoing quest to make it a better and more beautiful place for people (and Yellow Warblers) to return.

We welcome checks because we save on credit card fees, but also are happy to have you renew online. Just click Join on the main menu and navigate to the Renew Your Membership page.

Thank You!

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Welcome, New Friends

Mark Greaney

Lynne Kemler

Michael Pietsch

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Just in Case

We are hoping against hope that when spring arrives, the weather will get less quirky, but it doesn’t, here’s what to do. If you are in doubt about whether or not a Friends’ event will be held, please check the list of Coming Events on the homepage of fodc.org. A Go/No Go message will be posted at least 4 hours prior to the starting time.

Canal News – Spring 2018

The Time Has Come

A few of the hikers on our “Winter Footgear Walk,” held on February 18, pause at a muddy stretch of towpath in Lumberville.

After being in place for 15 years, the red argillite stone surface of the Canal towpath is showing its age. The argillite is deteriorating to dust leaving behind an earthen surface punctuated with holes, ruts, and humps. On a sunny day, walking and bicycling require watchfulness. On a rainy day, be prepared for lots of mud and deep puddles.

After the floods of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011, the red argillite surface was replaced with “stabilized turf” in the sections of towpath that were damaged by the floodwaters. The red argillite was allowed to remain in the non-flood prone areas. Now that the argillite is failing, DCNR must step up to the problem and develop and implement a plan to bring the towpath back to a safe and visitor-friendly condition.

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One Pump On, One Pump Off , One Pump To Come

From the Point Pleasant Pumping Station to the Delaware Canal

On January 23 water began flowing into the Delaware Canal via a diversion from the Point Pleasant Pumping Station. The lively stream flowing down the berm bank from the big red barn was a welcome sight made possible by an agreement between the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Forest Park Water Authority, owner-operator of the Point Pleasant Pump. The agreement was brokered by State Senator Chuck McIlhinney at the suggestion of Delaware Canal 21.

The diversion can supply water to the Canal during the periods when the giant pump in the Delaware River is operating. The Delaware River Basin Commission has approved the agreement for a six-month test period with a possible extension of an additional six months.

The Point Pleasant Pump last supplied water to the Canal during the summer of 2000. At that time the Tohickon Aqueduct reconstruction project was running a year behind schedule and recent repair work done in Lumberville desperately needed some stabilizing water. Paul Bogen, a Friends’ member, negotiated a deal with the water authorities operating the pump at that time to supply water to the Canal. The water authorities’ “Water Wizard” mascot turned on the system on May 9. The diversion did supply water to the Canal, but not in sufficient volume to make a significant difference. The white PVC pipes from that attempt can still be seen on the Pumping Station property.

The centrifugal pump that conveys water from the River into the Canal at Centre Bridge has been out of service since the end of January. High river levels and cold temperature have prevented the Park maintenance staff from getting down to and into the river water to determine the cause of the problem. It’s most likely that a supply pipe was dislodged while the River was filled with ice chunks and the repair shouldn’t be too difficult. The water level in the Centre Bridge to Lock 11- New Hope section has not dropped too low because of the snow melt, rain, and runoff. In fact, the entire Canal has benefited from these sources of water.

The Friends and DCNR will be working out the final details of installing a centrifugal pump in the River at the northern section of Washington Crossing Historic Park. The distance between the River and the Canal at that location is fairly short and a power supply is available. The pump that will be utilized is one purchased by the Friends for use by the Park. Its purpose will be to supply water to the southern end of the Canal when the Delaware River drops below the level of the New Hope inlet, which often happens in late summer and early fall.

The quest for a fully watered Canal goes on.

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Delaware Canal Bound

The site of the waterwheels that once supplied water to the southern end of the Delaware Canal will be the first stop on the NY and PA Canal Societies’ spring field trip.

An annual field trip is a part of nearly every state canal society’s schedule of events. This year the Canal Society of New York State and the Pennsylvania Canal Society are collaborating on a spring field trip to the Delaware Canal.

The trip will extend from Friday afternoon, April 27 to Sunday afternoon, April 29. The main feature will be a guided bus tour from the south end of New Hope to the Forks of the Delaware in Easton on Saturday, April 28. Stops will be made along the way, and lunch will be served at the Homestead Store in Upper Black Eddy. After the tour, the group will have dinner at the Wyndham Philadelphia-Bucks County Hotel, and Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Friends of the Delaware Canal, will present a program “What You Didn’t See on the Bus.”

Friends’ members are invited to join the two canal societies for this exploration. Seeing the Delaware Canal in the company of canal experts and enthusiasts will be an enlightening treat, and the extensive illustrated tour guide developed by trip organizer Bruce Schwendy will be a resource well worth having.

To see a full schedule of activities and register for the trip, go to www.newyorkcanals.org and click on Upcoming Events.

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Park Manager’s Report

The snow and ice is melting, and spring will be here soon. I am looking forward to warmer temperatures and the return of our seasonal staff to the Park. Trout season opens on March 31, and with it comes the return of eager fishermen looking forward to the first cast of the season.

We are still anticipating the beginning of several projects along the Canal this year. They are:

the Kleinhans Aqueduct replacement in Williams Township
the Phillips’ Mill bridge replacement in Solebury Township
the construction of a passageway through the Conrail embankment in Falls Township
the trail bypass along Tyburn Road, also in Falls Township

Also underway this year is a large capital project to repair, replace, and/or restore ten bridges and two sub-canal culverts within the Park. This project will be completed in three phases over the course of about three to five years. The first phase of this project will include Canal Lane in Upper Black Eddy, Smithtown Bridges 3 & 4, and a sub-canal culvert in Raubsville just north of the Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area. Right now, we have an engineering consulting firm working on the design and planning for this project. We anticipate having the three bridges and one sub-canal culvert in Phase One of this project ready for bid in November of 2018. Phase Two will include Canal Road North in Raubsville, Canal Road South in Raubsville, Berm Lane in Upper Black Eddy, and Island Road in Kintnersville. Phase Three will include the Tebola Beans Bridge in Washington Crossing, the Buckstone/David Library Bridge in Upper Makefield, the Rabbit Run sub-canal culvert just north of New Hope, and the Mechanic Street Bridge in New Hope. This large capital project will make a huge difference and will help in addressing the numerous infrastructure needs along the Canal.

Enjoy the Canal!

Josh Swartley, Park Manager

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What’s on the CAT To-Do List?

Repairing the roofs on lock doghouses
Painting camelback bridges
Installing new interpretive sign panels
Building another Potty Barn
Be a CAT member and you can be in the doghouse, too.
Plus whatever comes along

Do you want to work on these substantial projects and enjoy working with your fellow Friends?

Be a part of the Canal Action Team (CAT)

Who: Anyone who wants to and can be physically active.

When: CAT projects can be undertaken both on weekdays and weekends. Usually they take no longer than 3-4 hours.

Where: Work sites can be located anywhere from Easton to Bristol. They are determined by the urgency of the job and the location and number of available volunteers.

The Plan: If you want to be part of CAT, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org and give us your contact info and your preferred work locations (north, central, south). When a work project is developed, an e-mail notice containing the job details is sent to all the prospective volunteers about two weeks prior. Those who can help on a particular project just respond to the e-mail and show up on the appointed day.

CAT is expert at getting things done well while still having a good time.

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Sharing the Towpath Trail

Spring brings sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and great numbers of Delaware Canal State Park visitors – bicyclists, hikers, runners, walkers, equestrians, birders, scenery lovers, etc. The Canal towpath, with its many quirks, is required to accommodate everyone, making it so much more important for visitors to be aware of and courteous to each other.

Here are two tips for sharing the towpath trail:

Bicyclists: Please signal your approach verbally or by ringing a bicycle bell. It’s easy to startle others when you’re coming up quickly and quietly. Slowing down would be nice, too.

Walkers: Please stay to the right on the towpath, so that others can pass by safely.

The Delaware Canal towpath is a trail for all.

An old-fashioned bicycle bell is a good way to let other towpath users know that you’re about to pass them and very appropriate for the old-fashioned Canal.

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Opportunities to the North and South

Dedicated Canal Tenders are taking care of 45 miles of the Delaware Canal – 13.9 miles are still in need of adoption. These miles lie on the northern and southern ends. Please consider volunteering to close these last gaps.

Easton – Forks of the Delaware to Wy-Hit-Tuk Park – 2.3 miles
Riegelsville/Upper Black Eddy – Mueller’s Store to Indian Rock Inn – 5.5 miles
Falls Township – Conrail Obstruction to Wheatsheaf Road – 2.5 miles
Bristol Township/Bristol Borough – Levittown Center to Bristol Lagoon Park – 2.8 miles
Bristol Borough – Beaver Street to Riverfront Park – 0.8 mile

The sections can be divided into smaller stretches.

We have a very willing volunteer for the Bristol Township area, but she wants to work with at least one other person.

Three Canal Tenders have “retired.” We heartily thank Tom and Carol Grube, who tended from the Forks of the Delaware to Wy-Hit-Tuk Park, and Daniel Duffin, who tended from Mueller’s Store to Indian Rock Inn, for all their years of hard work.

Marge Copenhaver retired from her section from Lock 17 to Bridge 3 in Smithtown, but has decided to get right back into tending by adopting the Centre Bridge to Phillips’ Mill section. Linda and Aodan Peacock have volunteered to partner with her.

New Friends’ member Thomas Fryer has adopted the Lock 17 to Bridge 3 section.

We’re so grateful to our Canal Tenders – new, current, and retired for helping to improve the towpath and waterway. If you would like to be part of the program, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.

The Canal needs you!

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In the Merry Month of May

You will be receiving your Friends of the Delaware membership renewal request for the year 2018. Please support all that we do to improve the Canal.

We welcome checks because we save on credit card fees, but also are happy to have you renew online. Just click on Join in the main menu and navigate to the Renew Your Membership page.

Thank you so much!

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Welcome, New Friends!

Anna Maria Caldara
Thomas Fryer
Michael Solomon

Canal News – Winter 2018

The Canal Gets Signs With Help from Our Friends

The Friends of the Delaware Canal are pleased to report that four interpretive sign projects will move forward this year. Two involve replacement of sign panels that are the worse for wear after 20+ years. The other two will create new and long-awaited signs that will allow visitors to better understand what took place at special sites.

The Friends, Bristol Borough Council, the Grundy Foundation, Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau, and the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation have collaborated to replace the nine interpretive signs that tell the story of the Delaware Canal as it passed through Historic Bristol Borough from the Lagoon to Riverfront Park. Not only will the panels be replaced, but the content will be revised to include new information and photographs.

More interpretive signs are on their way, all the better for visitors to read.

Eighteen wayside signs that tell the basic story of the Delaware Canal will be replaced thanks to the generosity of thirteen guests who enthusiastically contributed to their cost during the auction at October’s Faces and Places benefit.

The lost town of Uhlersville and the powerhouse at Groundhog Lock in Raubsville will have their stories shared on a new three-panel kiosk sign thanks to the initiative of several local residents and a generous contribution from the Williams Township Board of Supervisors.

A wayside sign about the fascinating history of Smithtown in Tinicum Township will be created through a contribution in memory of dedicated, long-time member Tom Copenhaver.

Exciting and challenging days lie ahead as text is written, illustrations are found, and the signs are designed – all in the quest to share the Delaware Canal’s rich history in the best, most understandable way.

We are so grateful to all our partners for their support of these efforts.

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The Flowable Fill Solution

by Tony Giacobbe, Regional Engineer, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Park Region #4, and Bilal Baqai, Civil Engineer, PA DCNR, Park Region #4

Sinkholes have been an issue in the more recent history of the Delaware Canal, and an especially incessant and serious problem in 2017. Sinkholes are openings that develop in the canal prism and tend to be most prevalent in areas where the Canal is adjacent to high rock walls and their associated shallow bedrock.

The fractures in the upper strata of the bedrock serve as erosion channels or “pipelines” for the materials, such as soil and gravel, which lie under the Canal’s clay liner. The channels were revealed by the use of ground penetration radar (GPR) during DCNR’s latest study to understand why sinkholes form.

Previously, DCNR’s best practices included over-excavating the sinkhole, placing some bentomat (a geosynthetic clay liner), then finally packing clay above the liner to canal-bed elevation. This practice did not seem effective since there were locations where this repair had been done multiple times.

To minimize costs of repairing the same areas, alternatives were considered for repairing sinkholes. “Flowable fill” was chosen as an inexpensive and effective material for the task. Flowable fill consists of Portland cement, fine aggregate, fly ash, water, and may contain other admixtures as needed (admixtures are materials that are added to the basic mix to change or improve the quality of the product). Like concrete, flowable fill cures over time, but its curing process is less restrictive. The use of flowable fill has become much more common by PennDOT for structural backfilling, pipe and bedding backfilling, and utility trench back filling, among many other uses.

The unique aspect about flowable fill is that it can flow into interstitial spaces without the need of vibrators, and once it settles and cures, it leaves a level surface. Along the Delaware Canal, it has become a much-needed solution to preventing leaks through the fractured bedrock under the Canal.

Once a sinkhole or cavity is identified, it is excavated, if needed, to identify the extent of the cavity. Flowable fill is then poured into the hole to ensure that all voids are plugged. After placement of the flowable fill, the area is lined with clay and compacted. With the restoration of the clay liner, the repair process is complete.

The area where a sinkhole had been repaired with “flowable fill” is covered with clay to restore the Canal’s ability to hold water.

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Thank You So Much!

2018 is off to a splendid start thanks to all of you who so generously responded to the Friends’ Year-End Appeal. We asked you to help us accomplish more in the new year, and you did just that. Your contributions replenish the Canal Improvement Fund.

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See It Before It’s Gone

Beginning in 1794, the River House accommodated rafters and boaters who tied up before making their way through the formidable Wells Falls on the Delaware River in New Hope. When the Delaware Canal opened in 1831, the River House also welcomed canal boatmen on their way south to Bristol. In the 20th century, the River House came to be Odette’s, a popular cabaret and restaurant.

Preparations are well underway to move the original portion of the fieldstone River House inland to the American Legion triangle on South Main Street. The move will make way for the new Riverhouse at Odette’s, a luxury boutique hotel catering to weddings, meetings and special events.

Soon the River House that has stood between the Delaware River and the Delaware Canal for nearly two hundred years will no longer be at the site that gives it meaning. It’s time to take a last look.

Many purposes will be served by the new Riverhouse at Odette’s complex. Sadly, historic preservation is not one of them.

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Park Manager’s Report

Happy New Year!

It has been a cold, snowy winter so far with much of the Canal frozen and snow on the towpath. We still have several weeks of winter to come with, I’m willing to bet, several more snow storms. It may be a good time to dust off the cross-country skis and get them ready for a trip out on the Canal.

We are anticipating the beginning of several projects along the Canal this year. They are: the Kleinhans Aqueduct replacement in Williams Township, the Phillips’ Mill bridge replacement in Solebury Township, the construction of a tunnel through the Conrail embankment near Fairless Hills, and the trail bypass along Tyburn Road.

In addition, development in New Hope at Odette’s is beginning to move forward. The Gateway to New Hope group is in the process of installing a temporary access road at the northern end of Odette’s to provide trail access to Park visitors. They are also preparing and shoring up the oldest portion of the Odette’s building so that it can be moved to its new location at the intersection of New Street and Riverwoods Drive. The move is anticipated to be within the next few months. DCNR is in the process of developing a preliminary plan for its facilities in New Hope including the relocated Odette’s building. The Department is looking at the feasibility of building a classroom space, public restrooms, and a new concession building in New Hope along with repurposing the Odette’s building into a space where educational and interpretive activities can take place. We would also like to make the towpath more accessible by installing an ADA accessible ramp from South Main Street up to the Canal.

Enjoy the Canal!

Josh Swartley

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Want to be a Canal Tender?

Canal Tenders are at work along the entire length of the Canal, and their year-round help is very much appreciated by visitors and the State Park staff. Tenders pick up litter and debris, remove any small obstructions from the towpath, make notifications concerning creeping invasive species, watch for and report significant changes or anything unusual about their section of the Canal, and submit written reports twice each year.

Two of our long-time Tenders have retired because they’ve moved inland. Marge Copenhaver and Robert McEwan cared for their sections for many years and we thank them for all of their efforts and concern.

The “Housewives of Rolling Hills” and their helpers following their tending session out on the Canal from the Uhlerstown Covered Bridge to Lock 17 in Tinicum Township

Although nearly all of the Canal is covered from Easton to Bristol are covered, there are five sections that need adoption.

Bristol Riverfront Park to the Lagoon (0.97 miles)
Beaver Street to Home Depot/Levittown Shopping Center (2.91 miles)
Wheatsheaf Road to the Conrail Obstruction (2.52 miles)
Phillips’ Mill to Centre Bridge (1.54 miles)
Smithtown Bridge 3 to Treasure Island Lock 17 (1.01 miles)

Please let us know if you can help fill these gaps. The sections can be divided into shorter lengths to suit Canal Tender’s needs.

Being a Canal Tender is an interesting and exciting volunteer opportunity. The Canal is ever-changing and Tenders get to experience it all. Please call 215-862-2021 or email friends@fodc.org for more information.

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Opportunity Knocks

Want to help the Friends help the Canal?

Here are some of the ways that you can –

Work with the Canal Action Team (CAT) on projects that require some heft.
Become a Canal Tender. Several sections of the Canal need adoption.
Be part of a Friends’ committee and make things happen. The standing committees are:

Advocacy, Restoration and Maintenance
Development
Education and Recreation
Finance
Fundraising
Membership

Check out the Help the Canal page to learn more and feel free to call Susan at 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org with questions or suggestions.

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At the Board Table

During our Annual Meeting on November 14, several actions were taken concerning the Friends’ Board of Directors.

Retiring, but still active, Board member Peter Sperry was honored and thanked for his many accomplishments. The membership re-elected Jeff Connell, Bob Ketler, Eileen O’Neil, Pete Rosswaag, and Brett Webber to additional two-year terms.

Elected to their first terms were Laure Duval and Lawrence Reinfeld.

At its first meeting of the new year, the Board of Directors elected its officers:
Brett Webber – President
Pam Can – Vice- President
Lynn Vogel – Secretary
Judith Franlin – Treasurer

The Board looks forward to making progress in 2018 and having some fun, too.

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Canal News – Spring 2021

Sharing Stories Virtually

The High and Low Points of Last Winter

PARK MANAGER’S REPORT

The Limber CAT

Fingers Crossed

Upcoming Events

GIVING BACK

THE 6TH FOR THE 4OTH

Get ’em Before They Hatch

Canal Tenders—More Important Than Ever

At the Board Table

The Need Isn’t New

Welcome, New Friends

Canal News – Summer 2020

Another Camelback Bridge Project Crossed Off the To-Do List

Park Manager’s Report

The Friends heartily thank all the Delaware Canal State Park staff for keeping the towpath and waterway open during these extremely challenging times!

Calendar of Events

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BUTTON, BUTTON

SMILING AT THE LOCKTENDER’S HOUSE

The Construction Countdown 3 – 2 – 1 – Done

Refreshing the Stories

Tending the Canal

SHARE THE TOWPATH TRAIL, PLEASE

Canal News – Spring 2019

Good Riddance

A New One

A Familiar Face

Win – Win

The Difference is Clear

Delaware Canal Clean-Up Day Work Areas

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Spring Returns

Welcome, New Friends

Just in Case

Canal News – Spring 2018

The Time Has Come

One Pump On, One Pump Off , One Pump To Come

Delaware Canal Bound

Park Manager’s Report

What’s on the CAT To-Do List?

Sharing the Towpath Trail

Opportunities to the North and South

In the Merry Month of May

Welcome, New Friends!

Canal News – Winter 2018

The Canal Gets Signs With Help from Our Friends

The Flowable Fill Solution

Thank You So Much!

See It Before It’s Gone

Park Manager’s Report

Want to be a Canal Tender?

Opportunity Knocks

At the Board Table

Welcome, New Friends

Contact Us

Help the Canal

Get Email Updates

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The Construction Countdown
3 – 2 – 1 – Done