Friends of the Delaware Canal
145 South Main Street
New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: 215.862.2021
Michael Ginder, Executive Director
BRIDGE CLOSURE * NEW HOPE [River House @ Odette’s] (MP 24) – The bridge over the inlet gate is *closed* to all pedestrian traffic starting JULY 28 until further notice due to storm damage. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY. Trail users should use the alternate gravel route around the hotel and NOT attempt to get by the closure.
Canal News – Spring 2023
The Magnificent Mule
Few people who lived and worked along the Canal could imagine building a life without the mule. Mules, it is said, were the engines of the Canal. Or put another way, the workhorses
moving coal from Mauch Chunk (present-day Jim Thorpe) to Bristol.
Mules—The Heart of the Canal
Favored by the founding fathers of our country, the mules established a stellar reputation when they came to the new world. Spanish missions used mules in their western North American missions in the early 1700s. George Washington, an avid farmer, became interested in utilizing mules and imported two male donkeys from Spain to begin a breeding program.
When the King of Spain and Marquis de Lafayette, both close friends of Washington heard of the new president’s breeding efforts, they also sent male donkeys to increase the stock. These donkeys from Spain and Andalusia were prized for their size and were called mammoth donkeys.
A mule is the asexual bi-product of breeding a female horse or mare with a male donkey or jack. Washington already owned mares to breed with these donkeys and eventually had more mules than horses on his estate.
The interest in mules spread throughout the South as Washington promoted using these animals in agriculture, even campaigning one of his donkeys to breed with mares. Thomas Jefferson also became a convert and soon had a breeding program and his own mules on the grounds of Monticello.
Man and Mule
Mules were put to work across America. They were used in agriculture, construction, mining, Continued on following page and transportation. These hardy equines pulled wagons, carriages, and canal boats.
So, when commerce on the Delaware Canal began, mules were the logical choice. From the perspective of the canal boat operator, mules had several distinct advantages. They had a sturdy constitution and were not prone to health problems. They could work long hours, perhaps slower than a horse, but they would keep going. The structure of the mule’s hoof increases its stability, and mules have fewer foot-related problems than horses. And mules seem to be calmer, exhibiting more common sense than a horse. According to author Rinker Buck, who wrote a book about his experience retracing the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon pulled by three mules, “Mules have a larger cranial capacity and thus larger brains than horses—a gift from their feral, burro side—and they ponder things a lot more.”
Buck also admired the strong constitution of the mule. “Draft horses are too highly bred and, at almost a ton apiece, too heavy for long wagon journeys. They have stamina for only about 10 to 15 miles a day, have tremendous appetites, and cannot last very long without water or in the extreme heat of the deserts. Draft mules, however, weigh about 700 pounds less, can go long distances without water and barely perspire in the heat.”2
For the Canal Boatmen, mules were a perfect fit. They were calm, smart, and could work long hours without needing a rest. The tough
skin of this equine helped protect them from harness sores even after an 18-hour day.
Outfitting a Canal Mule
Canal boatmen purchased most of their mules from the company operating the Canal. For the Delaware Canal, that company was the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. Boatmen would also buy the harness and other supplies from Lehigh Coal. The company would then deduct these expenses from the captain’s pay.
The Delaware Canal Journal describes the sale of young mules that the company would import from Kentucky and Missouri. According to one boatman, Grant Emery, “The Kentucky
mules were better, or fancier looking, but they didn’t hold up as well. I know my people were always Missouri mule men.”1
Once the young mule was purchased and fitted for a harness, they were shod and tattooed with a number on the sole of a front foot. That number was used not only to identify the owner of the mule but to ensure the company could track and charge the boatman for the cost of the animal and equipment.
Getting to Work
The canal boat crew could vary, but at the very least, it included a captain, a tiller, and mule driver. Very often, the family of the Canal boat operator was on board to help with the daily routine. Often small children were called into service as mule drivers. One woman told of her experience as a mule driver on her father’s boat. Madeline Free Rilleria said, “I loved the animals,
and they loved me, and they used to cry for me and whinny every once in a while, when they knew I was getting tired and then I would crawl up on their backs and make a bed on there.”1
A day on the Canal started at 3:30 a.m. with grooming the mules and getting them ready for the day’s journey. Some boatmen liked to feed their animals a ration of food before starting the day; others liked to get the mules moving before feeding them on the towpath with a feedbag. After harnessing the mule team was done, the captain would toss the towline to a helper on the towpath, who would attach it to the mule team.
Once they started, the crew would take turns at the tiller while someone cooked breakfast. Often, boat captains, who were confident in their mule teams, could leave them unattended to continue their towpath journey while the mule drivers took a break. Some captains were not lucky, and their animals would nibble greenery along the way. This annoying habit was called bushwhacking, a term generally used for clearing a path; its use seems appropriate here.
At the end of the day, around 10:00 pm, the captain would stop at a stable. Stables were located near locks and at other points along the canal. Some canal towns, like Uhlerstown not only offered a stable but blacksmith and boat repair services along with food and other supplies.
Once the harnesses were removed, most mules liked to have a good roll (a characteristic they are well known for), scratching and stretching before their evening repast and rest.
Caring for the mules
The value and importance of this equine cannot be understated. Mules played an essential role in the boatman’s success, and canallers ensured their animals were well cared for, including
regular feeding as they walked the towpath, watering, grooming, and farrier care.
And to keep everyone honest, an SPCA inspector would travel the length of the Canal inspecting the condition of the mules. One boatman recalls, “You didn’t dare to be mean to your animals on the Delaware. They had a woman down there, she’d make you stop the mules and lift the collar; and, if there was a sore on his shoulder, you had to take that mule out, you couldn’t use him. She was all through the Delaware. You never know when you’d run into her.”1
A Most Noble Creature
Historically, mules have worked tirelessly for us. They ask little. They are easy keepers and very loyal to their owners. Once they bond with you, you have a friend for life. Mules are also
quick learners, so working with a mule requires consistency. When they know what is expected, they will provide hours of service.
Studies show mules are generally more intelligent than horses or donkeys. This intelligence means they will not do anything to harm themselves and they can be protective of their
owners. When handled and trained properly, they are gentle, loving members of a family.
Author Rinker Buck states, “A horse will pretty much respond like a dog to a master’s request; their first instinct is to obey. A mule says, at a difficult stream crossing or a narrow gate opening, “Now wait a minute here, let’s consider the safety of this.” That, too, comes from the burro side. Mules have a very strong feral instinct to protect themselves.” 2
So, mules may not dive off a steel pier with you, but they will be glad to stand by and cheer you on.
Flowers are Everywhere–on the Ground and in the Air
The Delaware Canal towpath spans 58.9 miles, and in that distance, you can spot many flowering plants along the way. Some are relatively obvious, and others require a keen eye. Here are a
few to look for.
< Dame’s Rocket is a flowering biennial member of the mustard family. This plant has some historical significance as it was recorded as one of the first wildflowers imported to the colonies from Europe. Also known as Sweet Rocket, its fragrance is most pronounced in the evening sometimes confused with Phlox, the flower of Dame’s Rocket has four petals, versus Phlox, which has five. The flowers come in an assortment of spring colors, including white, pink, and purple. It prefers to grow in sunny, moist locations and can be found on the margins of marshes and woodlands. It is considered an invasive species in Pennsylvania.
< Dutchman’s Breeches is a perennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America. This diminutive woodland plant has white flowers that resemble pants hanging from a clothesline. According to the Bowman’s Flower Preserve Native Plant Guide, the flower is an early nectar source for emerging queen bees. As a member of the Dicentra family (bleeding heart), it is also called Little Blue Staggers because it appears to have a narcotic effect on cows causing them to seem drunk.
< Jack-in-the-Pulpit is an herbaceous, woodland, flowering perennial. This unusual, illusive plant generally flowers from April to June in Pennsylvania. And while they are not easy to spot, they are well worth the effort. These plants typically grow about 1 foot tall and have an interesting construction. The “pulpit” of the flower is called a spathe, a long leaf covering a cluster of flowers. The “jack” is a long stalk with flowers that can be male or female. However, this plant is not self-pollinating. It relies on small flies to help in that regard. The pungent odor of the plant tends to attract flies and other small insects. Jack-in-the-pulpit is often confused with the carnivorous pitcher plant. At the end of the summer, while the remaining plant withers. The female flowers turn into small red berries, which are a food source for birds. One source noted that native Americans used the red coloring as a dye.
< Mayapples bloom in late spring after many ephemerals have faded. They grow in colonies in forested areas creating a canopy of umbrella-like plants. The plants bear one white flower, which matures into a yellow fruit and can be used to make jam. Harry Potter fans will be pleased to know that this herbaceous perennial is also known as mandrake.
< Swamp Rose-mallow is a showy hibiscus and one of the largest perennials in our area. It can be spotted in wet and boggy areas next to the towpath and along the Canal banks in some areas and has established some large colonies. This is a winter-hardy plant with a decidedly tropical flair. The flower color ranges from white to pink to red with a crimson center and yellow stamen. These plants are host to several butterfly larvae and are a food source for hummingbirds as well.
< Wild Ginger is a plant with a lot to offer. It grows in most forested areas and has some interesting adaptations. The flower has three triangular petals, which are hidden beneath heart-shaped leaves. Like the jack-in-the-pulpit, this plant relies on flying insects for pollination. As flies emerge in the spring, they are attracted to the flower, which looks and smells like carrion. The seeds are covered in an oily substance favored by ants who carry the seed back to their colony, eat the oily covering, and plant the seed. Native Americans and early settlers used the dried root of wild ginger as a spice. These plants also contain two antibiotic compounds and were used to make a poultice to treat wounds.
DON’T FORGET TO LOOK UP!
We have many flowering trees in the Delaware Canal state park as well. These include dogwoods, catalpa trees, magnolias, and Tuliptrees or Tulip Poplars. This poplar is fast growing and
can get very large. The trees provide a source of nutrition for many species. The large yellow flowers appear in early summer and are a source of nectar for ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Dogwoods can be seen throughout the park in early spring. They are understory trees, showing off a display of white blooms against the bright green of budding trees. The berries of the dogwood
are a favorite snack of birds and squirrels.
Northern Catalpas are fast-growing showy trees with large heart-shaped tropical-looking leaves. Due in part to its size and its abundant display of flowers, this shade tree has become a popular addition to suburban landscapes. The USDA, however, considers it an invasive weed tree, so if you like the almost wisteria-like blossoms
and the shade, a regular pruning is recommended.
Do you have a favorite flowering plant in the park?
Let us know, and please send pictures. We love pictures.
SOURCES:
USDA: fs.usda.gov/wildflowers
Bowman’s Wildflower preserve: bhwp.org/grow/native-plant-nursery/native-plant-catalog
High Park Nature Centre: highparknaturecentre.com
PA Enflowered: paenflowered.org
Morton Arboretum: mortonarb.org
PHOTO CREDITS:
Jack in the Pulpit by CCCP: Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5 ca, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58750771
Wild Ginger courtesy of Fritz Flohr Reynolds, Wikipedia
PARK MANAGER’S REPORT
By Brian Heath
Park Manager, Delaware Canal State Park
We want to thank the Friends and all the volunteers who participated in the Annual Canal Clean-up event. Volunteers who are willing to sacrifice their time to help keep the park beautiful are invaluable.
STAFFING
A joint on-site hiring event with Tyler State Park was held at the Buckstone Farm Conference Center to fill vacant positions, including a laborer and a park resource ranger. The event attracted 17 candidates, with 14 interviewed. Interviews are underway for the remaining online applicants. Other vacancies continued to be posted for various positions. Interested applicants should visit employment.pa.gov or contact the park.
PROJECT UPDATES
Three project bids have been approved and will be awarded to a selected contractor. Once the contracts are finalized, scheduling, logistics, and closure information will be provided. The projects include:
● Flood damage repairs to a section of the berm and towpath in Easton(MP 59-53).
● Phase One of the 12 Bridge Project will target repairs for Smithtown Bridges 3 and 4 and the Sub-canal Culvert in Raubsville.
● Phase Two of the 12 Bridge Project will target repairs for two bridges in Upper Makefield, including Tebola Beans Bridge and the David Library Bridge. In the north, the bridges include the Canal
Road, North Bridge in Williams Township, and the Canal Lane Bridge in Bridgeton Township.
- High Falls Culvert replacement: A Hydrologic and Hydraulic Study that analyzes the movement of
water, including the volume and rate of flow, is nearing completion. A conceptual design is in review. - Spahr’s Authentic Camelback Truss Bridge: A conceptual design was presented to the Advisory Committee.
- Lumberville Aqueduct project: This rebuilding project is in the design phase, which is scheduled for completion before the end of the year.
NEW INITIATIVES
Giving Pond Naturalization Project: We are currently working on re-establishing the fields at the giving
pond. The open field near river road was once a wildflower field. It has been prepped and reseeded with a Pennsylvania native annual/ perennial mix of wildflower seeds. The fields by the towpath will require ongoing attention as grasses start to emerge and the autumn olive infestation is removed. We are working with Natural Resources staff as we re-establish the field moving forward. An improved access project is also underway to connect the towpath with giving Pond Parking area.
Ralph Stover Tree Planting:
Thirteen sapling trees have been planted at Ralph Stover to replace fallen Ash trees. The trees will take time to mature, but they will help restore the canopy over the picnic area. A memorial donation funded the purchase of these trees, including some flowering understory trees such as dogwoods, redbuds, and shade trees, including American Red Maple, American Beech, Black Gum, and Willow Oak. The park staff will continue to plant trees, as possible, to restore the rustic wooded nature of the park.
WATER
The Centre Bridge Pump is now online, providing water for the 3-mile stretch between Centre Bridge and Lock 11. The Friends are working as intermediaries with residents, collecting money to fund the electricity needed to run the pump. New Hope, and areas north of Lock 11, usually are watered from the Delaware River inlet in Easton. However, damage sustained during Hurricane Ida in Upper Black Eddy and Lumberville has stopped the flow. DCNR is working diligently to repair these structural failures. The Delaware River inlet in New Hope feeds the Canal south of Lock 11. In advance of significant forecasted rain events, staff will lower the water in anticipation of higher volumes, but after the storm, we resume normal levels. As the dry summer months approach, if the Delaware River falls below 9 feet on the Trenton River gauge, the water stops flowing in from the inlet. If this continues for several days, areas south of New Hope will begin to dry up. The river level and the level of the canal during times of drought are beyond the control of the park.
MOWING AND TREE REMOVAL
Our staff in the northern section of the park is starting mowing operations. The purchase of additional equipment should speed up our process as long as the staff is available to run the tractors. Due to the difficulty of getting the parts needed for a clam jaw, we are getting a late start on removing fallen trees which may impact mowing in the early season. However, we are moving along and catching up.
Mowing operations in the south will commence soon, likely starting in Bristol toward the end of this month. This year, in certain areas, such as Buckstone Farm, we will cut the grass slightly higher than in previous years to see if it will help deter the geese. Geese like the young grass shoots that grow after a cutting. Allowing the grass to grow longer makes it less palatable for these birds.
The southern maintenance staff has been removing trees that have fallen into the canal and working on towpath repair. These are time consuming tasks requiring personnel and equipment. Some sections of the towpath are narrow, challenging our access with certain vehicles. In other cases, access alone to parts of the towpath that need attention is extremely difficult. We are working to ensure that the towpath is safe for towpath users as they make repairs to potholes and other muddy sections. We understand the frustrations with gravel size and
are working to improve the issue as time and manpower allow.
CLOSURES
Giving Pond River Access: The river access at the Giving Pond Recreation Area will be CLOSED. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY and RESOURCE PROTECTION. The closure will be in effect until further notice. Park users should NOT attempt to get by the closure. Trespassing violations will be addressed accordingly.
IT’S A WRAP
Our annual Clean-up Day event got off to a rainy start, but we are pleased to announce that nearly all sections of the towpath were given a proper spring cleaning throughout the month
of April. Groups of volunteers, armed with rakes, grabbers, bags and gloves got to work. Many sections of the canal and towpath were very clean. Other areas needed a thorough scrubbing.
This year, we had several volunteers who bought along their canoes and kayaks to clean some hard-to-reach spots on the berm bank and of course, in the water.
We had over 100 people sign-up to help. And the teams gathered nearly 100 bags of trash along with a bicycle, a few shopping carts and, tires, lots of tires.
WE GREATLY
APPRECIATE EVERYONE’S
EFFORTS AND WANT TO
SEND A BIG SHOUT OUT
TO THE FRIENDS WHO
HELPED SCHEDULE,
COORDINATE AND
EQUIP OUR VOLUNTEER
CLEAN-UP TEAMS.
CANAL TENDERS. OUR PARK HEROES.
They bike, they jog
They poke, they prod
They search and grab
Until they have
A bag full of trash.
With our annual Canal Clean-up behind us, it is time to reflect on the year-round dedication of our Canal Tenders. After our annual spring-cleaning
event, many Clean-up Crews reported less trash and debris. We know our Canal Tenders are making an impact.
This year was the first year all, but three sections of the Canal had someone to look after it, cleaning up trash as they could and reporting problems they encountered. These dedicated volunteers regularly provide feedback on downed trees, sinkholes, tough towpath conditions, and sightings of large debris in the Canal. So, our Canal Tenders play an essential role in keeping the public safe.
We send this information to the Park Management team with location information so the park staff can follow up and resolve any hazardous issues.
The towpath is nearly 60 miles long, making it difficult to manage in the best circumstances. When you combine the park’s size with the effect of storms, trees, and people, DCNR has a lot
of ground to cover. The park staff is well aware of the positive impact the Canal Tenders have on the preservation and improvement of our beloved Delaware Canal State Park. They appreciate this team of people who regularly monitor the entire length of the Canal and towpath.
If you would like to become a Canal Tender, we have several openings in the southern area of the Canal. These sections include:
● Beaver Street to Bristol Lagoon – Bristol Borough
● Bristol Lagoon to Green Lane – Bristol Borough
● Green Lane to Edgely Avenue – Bristol Township
Our Canal Tenders are passionate about preserving and maintaining the Canal and towpath for future generations. We are so grateful for their commitment to the park and the community.
So, next time you are on the towpath, you can show your solidarity and pick up trash along the way. Together we can all make a difference.
Environmental Stewardship Award
The Friends of the Delaware Canal is proud to have received an award for Environmental Stewardship from the Lower Makefield Township Board of Supervisors.
Over the past 15 years, the board’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) has given this recognition to groups “who have made significant achievements in improving and sustaining
the quality of our environment.” The Friends’ commitment to restoring, preserving, and improving the Delaware Canal and Towpath resonated with the EAC. They look
for organizations that impact several areas, including pollution prevention, resource conservation, sustainability, environmental education, and environmental leadership.
In attendance to receive the award were FODC Board President Brett Webber, Secretary Jack Torres, Executive Director Michael Ginder, and retired FODC Executive Director Susan Taylor. “We are very honored to have received the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award from the Lower Makefield Township Environmental Action Council and the Board of Supervisors.” said Michael Ginder, “The award recognizes our achievements over the last 40 years to help improve, restore, and promote the Delaware Canal and empower us to continue our work to protect this important natural resource.”
PENNSBURY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Last year, the Pennsbury School District asked Michael Ginder, Executive Director of the Friends, to present a program on the Delaware Canal, including a towpath clean-up and scavenger hunt to a group of seventh-grade students. They had a chance to learn about the history of the canal and its impact on our area while making their own impact by picking up trash along the way.
As a result of our participation, Pennsbury selected the Friends as a recipient of the Annual Pennsbury Partnership Award. The Pennsbury Partners Program was launched 20 years ago and has grown to over 1,000 partners. Each year the Partners Program recognizes a Business Partner and a Non- Profit Partner for their contributions to the school district.
The official ceremony occurred on Wednesday, April 19, at the Middle School in Yardley. Michael Ginder accepted the award for the Friends. The corporate recipient this year was Yogamazia. Michelle El Khoury, the owner of Yogamazia, was on hand to receive this recognition.
Along with the Pennsbury Partners Award, the Friends received a Certificate of Recognition from State Representative Perry Warren, who also attended the ceremony, recognition from State Senator Steve Santarsiero’s office and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who recognized the Friends with a special commendation and flag which flew over the Capital.
Towpath Closure – Upper Black Eddy – May 1st until further noticeTOWPATH CLOSURE *(MM 46.73)* –The towpath will be closed at the Lock 20 Narrowsville Vehicle Access (MM 46.73) starting Tuesday 5/1/23 until further notice. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY due to the replacement of the vehicular bridge. Trail users should turn around at the closure and NOT attempt to get by it.
Canal News – Winter 2023BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Photographic Inspiration Along the Canal
Since the development of photography, this technology has been used to record important events, inspiring vistas, family gatherings, and simple pleasures. Photographs help give context to a place and time.
If you are familiar with our Facebook Page, you have seen many images provided by two outstanding photographers who generously share their talent with us weekly. Sometimes it is challenging to choose which image to post next.
Our photographer in the northern part of the towpath is Carole Mebus. She is a great photographer and has a deep knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region. Carole is exceptionally knowledgeable about birds, often using their bird calls to guide her way.
If you have tried to photograph a bird, you know it can be frustrating. The little creatures won’t sit still. But Carole has a talent for finding and capturing birds in a unique and artistic way.
We are also blessed to have a photographer in the southern section of the towpath, Judy Greger. Judy will tell you she has learned a great deal from Carole and has become an excellent photographer in her own right. Judy has a great talent for finding and capturing patterns made by nature. Whether it is ice crystals forming on the Canal or glistening autumn leaves, Judy finds beauty in the seemingly random order found around us.
A Tale of Two Nature Lovers
Even though these women share a passion for nature and photography, their backgrounds are very different. Carole taught in the Easton School District for many years and became an environmental advocate after taking a summer course on Ecology at Lehigh University with Dr. Francis Trembly, the curriculum creator for the conservation major and head of the Ecology Department at Lehigh. At the time, he warned of DDT’s dangers on the Bald Eagle populations. As Carole points out, in the 1970’s, only two active bald eagle nests existed in Pennsylvania. Today, there are 300.
And while Carole spent a lot of time on walks and bird counts, she was not a photographer. That interest came when her husband gave her a camera for her retirement from teaching. From there, Carole has continued looking for just the right photograph.
Judy’s photographic journey was a bit different. She and her husband, another avid conservationist nicknamed “Mr. Earth Day”, were frequent visitors to the towpath. Judy would take her point-and-shoot camera on walks and was very disappointed with the results. So much so that she decided to enroll in a photography class at Bucks County Community College. The teacher asked the students to bring their cameras to class, and when he saw what Judy had been using, he said simply “That is not a camera.”
Since then, Judy has invested in better equipment, which has paid off. From Red-shouldered hawks to Blue dasher dragonflies, Judy’s images capture the true nature of her subjects.
Trends in Bird Populations
Both Judy and Carole have noticed changes in the bird populations over the years. While it’s true we have seen a growth in the number of bald eagles in Bucks County, other species have not fared as well. Carole has seen the disappearance of Evening Grosbeaks at her bird feeder. Purple finches seem to have been replaced by House finches. And birds that would typically call southern climes their home have become more common in Pennsylvania.
Judy has also noticed a change in the bird populations in the Washington Crossing area. She rarely sees cormorants or egrets; however, the Great Blue Heron populations and Red-shouldered hawks are doing quite well. Both photographers noted that Bluebirds, a favorite photographic subject, seem abundant. This may be due in part to the numerous bluebird houses that residents throughout the county have installed.
Not Just Birds
When not capturing images of our avian neighbors, Carole and Judy love taking pictures of butterflies, dragonflies, and other canal-side creatures. Carole said she became a bit obsessed with butterflies about ten years ago. One of her favorite spots to photograph is the zinnia patch at Trauger’s Farm. The vibrant flowers in the field punctuate the beauty of the butterflies.
Carole and Judy may differ in their locale (remember, Bucks County is a very long county), however they share a similar approach to their photographic endeavors. Both rely on serendipity, the excitement of not knowing what you may see, and the expectation that something magical just might appear for the perfect shot.
A Closing Note
We don’t know if you have ever tried taking a picture of a bird, but they can be the most difficult subjects. They fidget and flit. They can’t seem to sit still. And the minute one appears to want to cooperate, some friends fly by, and off they all go. It takes patience and perseverance to become good at capturing these creatures in their habitat. So, hats off to Carole and Judy for their skill, artistry, and willingness to share with all of us.
SOURCES FOR THE NOVICE BIRDER IN ALL OF US
The Canal inspires artists of every kind. Painters, poets, and photographers have all tried to capture the beauty of this landscape. If you are interested in becoming more knowledgeable about the birds found along the Canal and beyond, our photographers shared some resources you may want to consider.
BIRD GUIDE/IDENTIFYING
Both Carole and Judy recommend the The Crossley ID Guide: Eastern Birds as one of the best bird-identifying resources. The Sibley Guide to Birds is another recognized resource.
If you are interested in bird calls (which is often how bird populations are counted), they recommend Merlin, the phone app developed by The Cornell Lab. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology website is a great source for information.
The Friends website has Flora and Fauna Galleries which feature many of the photographs we have shared over the years.
fodc.org/about-the-canal/photo-galleries/
BIRD WALKS AND NATURE CENTERS
If you are a novice birder, you may want to join some of the local bird walks that take place throughout the county. Here are a few places that organize bird walks along with their contact information.
Bucks County Audubon Society, New Hope, PA offers bird walks on the first and third Saturdays throughout the year. bcas.org/calendar
Bucks County Birders, Churchville, PA: Monthly lectures (except December) as well as monthly birding trips to drivable locations.
Churchville Nature Center, Churchville, PA: They offer walks every Saturday morning from October through February 8AM–10AM and March through September from 7–9AM.
churchvillenaturecenter.org
Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, Easton, PA: Check with the Preserve Manager on the availability of weekly walks.
natlands.org/mariton-weekly-bird-walks/
Peace Valley Park and Nature Center, Doylestown, PA: Along with events, the park offers a birding guide and binoculars to borrow. peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Silver Lake Nature Center, Bristol PA: Free Birding Walks, Saturday Mornings. See website for details: silverlakenaturecenter.org/things-to-do/activitiesworkshopstrips/
PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
Both Carole and Judy have taken advantage of their local community colleges, Bucks County Community College and Northampton Community College.
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Mark Your Calendars for Canal Clean-Up Day
CANAL CLEAN-UP DAY is Saturday, April 1 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All 58.9 miles of the Delaware Canal are ready for the Friends’ annual spring cleaning. Some sections of the Canal are closed for construction projects but we know our volunteers will do their best to get the open sections clean as a whistle.
As in years past, the Canal will be divided into approximately 25 Work Areas. We will assign volunteers (based on their preference) to a Coordinator who will help manage the logistics of the morning. We encourage both on-land and by-boat clean-ups. Last year, one of the kayakers helped retrieve a car seat from the water.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer either as a worker or as a community coordinator, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org. If you know of a group (civic, school, scout…) that may be able to participate, let us know.
The Clean-Up Day Work Areas are listed below with a particular need in the areas marked in RED. We will also include the details on our Events page at fodc.org/event/canal-clean-up-day-2023/ on the Friends of the Delaware Canal Facebook page, and in our early March e-mail campaign. Last year more than 100 volunteers helped out on Clean-Up Day. This year, let’s try for 150. Many hands make light work!
- Bristol Riverfront Park to Bristol Lagoon Park
- Bristol Lagoon to Green Lane
- Green Lane to Edgely Avenue
- Edgely Avenue to Levittown Shopping Center
- Levittown Shopping Center to Mill Creek Road
- Wheatsheaf Road to Tyburn Road
- Tyburn Road to Conrail RR Tunnel
- Conrail RR Tunnel to Bridge Street
- Rabbit Run Bridge to Phillips’ Mill
- Virginia Forrest Recreation Area to Lock 12
- Wy-Hit-Tuk Park to Easton
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Winter On The Canal
Life on the canal was not an easy one in the best weather. But what was it like in the winter? Several of our Friends asked the question. So, in the spirit of trying to be a source of information, useful and otherwise, we did a bit of research.
Most Canal boatmen and their families would take to solid ground in the winter. Many Canallers had established homesteads on land, or they would move into the closest town or shanty nearby.
According to some oral histories, there were people, mostly young men, who might spend the colder months on the boat, but that was an exception, not the rule.
People who worked on the canal could not afford to remain idle all winter. Some men were employed to repair boats and other equipment in anticipation of a fresh start in spring. Others may have
gone to the coal mines or worked cutting ice for refrigeration. Still others would work on repairing the canal itself.
In the winter, sections of the canal were drained. Boats that were not housed in a boatyard would be positioned in the middle of the canal. As the water level dropped, the canal boats would rest in the bottom of the canal prism where they would stay until spring.
The ice could damage boats that became frozen in place, so every effort was made to store them safely for the winter. Some accounts describe how ice breakers were drawn through the canal
to release boats that were stuck. This task took a great deal of manpower as well as mule-power. In freezing temperatures, it was an arduous and dangerous process.
Today, a frozen canal no longer traps boats or provides ice. Instead, the canal in winter provides free fun for kids of all ages. Ice skating and hockey are two favorite pastimes. And you often see
cross-country skiers using the snowy towpath as they enjoy a relaxing and level glide.
So, be sure to take advantage of the Delaware Canal State Park in winter. Enjoy the serenity of the towpath covered in snow. Or, if skating is your passion, look for a solidly frozen spot to practice your figure-eights. And remember, always bring a friend or two.
Hope to see you out there!
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REDISCOVERING THE TOWPATH:
The Legacy of William Francis Taylor
Something new is brewing at Lock 11 in New Hope. A new exhibition commemorating the140th Birth Anniversary of William Francis Taylor will open in the old concession building next to the Locktender’s House at 145 South Main Street New Hope. The exhibit will provide a chronology of the life and times of Taylor and his contribution to preserving the Delaware Canal and Towpath.
Who was William Francis Taylor?
Before the Friends of the Delaware Canal came into being, there was the Delaware Valley Protective Association, and William Francis Taylor was its first president. Formed in 1933, the DVPA encouraged the state to restore and maintain the Canal. Later, the organization was also responsible for securing an essential historic national landmark designation, protecting the Canal and towpath for generations to come.
In 1939, Taylor launched a magazine titled Towpath Magazine, a monthly publication focused on preserving “the beauty and value of the valley.” He wrote numerous articles focused on nature and the environment. Notably, the significant beauty of the Delaware River Valley landscape and that of the canals—both the Delaware Canal and the Delaware and Raritan Canal—were frequent subject matter in his writing and his artwork, calling attention to the importance of their preservation.
An Artist of Distinction
As an artist, William F. Taylor was considered part of the New Hope Impressionist School. Taylor was a student of William Lathrop and became well known for his landscapes and depiction of Washington Crossing the Delaware. His works can be found at the Corcoran Gallery and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
William F. Taylor was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where he started his art career as a lithographer and illustrator. In 1905 he moved to New York and studied with John Sloan at the Art Students League. Taylor had swiftly excelled in the illustration field and was appointed art director of the New York Journal in 1908. He held this position for several years while also working as a freelance artist and illustrator for national publications such as Harpers and Century magazines. For many years, Taylor worked for the A.G. Spalding Sporting Goods Company, creating the original art for most of their advertisements. Around 1910, while visiting Phillips Mill, Taylor met fellow artist Mary Smith Perkins, who was studying with his friend William Lathrop. A relationship developed, and in 1913, they married and moved to Lumberville, Pennsylvania. In that same year, Taylor became a naturalized citizen.
Living on the Delaware River, a stone’s throw away from the home of Daniel Garber, Taylor was surrounded by a wealth of subjects for his art. His paintings possess a distinct and appealing style, employing a bright, fresh palette using both a palette knife and brush to apply his paints. Painting the majority of his work within several miles of his home, Taylor also painted on Long Island in New York, and out west in the Yosemite Valley. However, he felt his strength as a painter was his ability to capture the beauty of Bucks County.
Taylor was a member of the Salmagundi Club, the Phillips Mill Community Association, the New Hope Artists and Writers Association, the Delaware Valley Protective Association, and the Asbury Park Society of Fine Art.
He exhibited at the Province of Ontario (1902 medal), the National Academy of Design, the Society of Independent Artists (1917), the Salmagundi Club (1924, 1927, and 1932 prizes), the Philadelphia Art Club (1924 prize), the Philadelphia Art Alliance (Purchase Prize), and the Phillips Mill.
A Persistent Preservationist
William F. Taylor is remembered today not only for his fine impressionist landscape paintings but also for his organizing and writing abilities. In October 1928, he was appointed to head a subscription committee that would ultimately be responsible for purchasing the Phillips Mill for use as an exhibition space and community center. In 1963, he published a history of the mill. Additionally, he published several articles on local artists. Taylor remained active until his death at age eighty-seven.
Taylor’s love of history and preservation was also evident in his purchase and restoration of the Cuttalossa Inn. He acquired the 180-year-old building in 1930. He also owned, lived in, and rented rooms at the Hard Times Tavern.
Let’s Celebrate a Life of Art and Impact
We hope you will join us for the opening of the William F. Taylor exhibit. We will send an email with the exhibit opening date in the near future.
*****************************************************************************************************************PARPPARK MANAGER’S REPORT
Leadership:
A new administration is now in Harrisburg, led by the recently elected governor, Josh Shapiro. We were happy to learn that Governor Shapiro nominated Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn to continue to lead DCNR.
Budget: Over $5 million of the Bureau’s $60 million allocation of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funding (ARPA) is coming to the canal in projects that are in design or soon to be under design:
• Lumberville Aqueduct–Design
• High Falls Sub-Canal Culvert–Design
• Towpath Bypass over Inlet at New Hope–Design
• Spahrs Bridge Substructure Rehab–Design
• Bowman’s Wastegate Repair–Bidding
• Repair of Flood Damage (Easton Inlet toCoffeetown) –Bidding
Staffing: We are planning an on-site hiring event for early April at Buckstone Farm. We are looking to fill several vacancies, including:
• Two entry level wage maintenance positions
• Two salaried DCNR Rangers
• One wage DCNR Ranger/Trainee
If you know anyone interested in any of these positions, please ask them to contact the Park Office at 610-982-5560. The Park is working on a residency waiver to open the candidate pool up to non-commonwealth residents. All of these jobs are posted at employment.pa.gov.
New Equipment:
The Southern maintenance crew received a new backhoe. This delivery was delayed due to supply issues. This backhoe and a recently purchased tractor/mower will increase the efficiency and safety of the staff, while supporting the upkeep of the park.
Project updates:
• A significant sinkhole at the wastegate near the Golden Pheasant Inn has re-developed. This problem appeared last year and was repaired. Since that time, it resurfaced at double the size. Crews excavated the site, identified the root cause, and completed the repairs.
• The pump at Center Bridge, which provides water through New Hope, is offline indefinitely. A generous funding source for the monthly utility fee for the operation of this pump is no longer viable, and by policy, the Park does not pay this fee. Anyone interested in providing funding for this pump should contact the Friends of the Delaware Canal directly.
• Rt 532 bridge in Washington Crossing was damaged by a vehicle in early December. PennDOT is responsible for completing repairs; however, they have not provided a timeline for completion. Please use caution in this area and obey posted signage.
• The Park Administration continues to work toward obtaining a grant from NOAA, through DEP, to help develop a plan to address invasive vegetation within the southern end of the Park that falls in the Delaware River Coastal Zone. Once developed and implemented, this will help remove undesirable vegetation from the Park.
New E-Bike Policy Outlined:
The DCNR approved a new E-Bike Policy after receiving input from constituents and Park users. The policy states that department staff will treat E-Bikes the same as human-powered bikes, provided the E-Bikes meet the following criteria:
• Weigh no more than 100 pounds
• Do not exceed 20 mph using the motor functionality
• Are equipped with a motor no more than 750 watts
• Are equipped with fully functional, operable pedals
If you would like to review the policy online, please visit www.dcnr.pa.gov/Pages/EBikePolicy.aspx
Towpath Closure at High Falls Creek in Upper Black EddyTOWPATH CLOSURE*(Mile Post 44.27)*-The towpath will be closed at the High Falls Creek sub-canal culvert(MP 44.27) until further notice due to massive damage that occurred during tropical storm Ida. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY. Trail users should turn around at the closure and NOT attempt to get by it.