After last year’s exciting maiden voyage, the D&R Greenway Land Trust, in conjunction with the Latin American Legal Defense Fund (LALDEF), have once again returned for this year’s installment of FUTURO kayaking. This day of fun empowered students from the Trenton area to get outdoors, get connected, and make a splash on a day of kayaking fun. Both educational and engaging, students of all ability levels had the opportunity to get on the water and put their newfound skills to the test. After a morning of learning the basics of kayaking, students had a chance to take a scenic and serene tour of Black’s Creek in Bordentown, NJ.
Per Cecy Jimenez-Weeast, Executive Director of LALDEF, “LALDEF thanks D&R for the opportunity to teach our FUTURO students the basics of kayaking. This field trip will allow students to explore the outdoors, develop an appreciation for our community’s natural resources, and end the Summer with this incredible experience. This kayaking trip kicks off the beginning of our FUTURO 2024-2025 program year. This year, we are welcoming 33 students, including newcomers and returning students. This fun activity will allow new students to connect with their peers and our excellent FUTURO Coordinator. Twelve students graduated this year. They are attending TCNJ, Penn State University, Rutgers University, and the University of Chicago, among others.”
Beyond just a fun field trip, the D&R Greenway Land Trust’s kayaking initiative plays a vital role in assuring equitable outdoor access for all residents of the Delaware Watershed. Although Trenton sits directly adjacent to the Delaware River, countless residents of our community do not have access to the resources necessary to take advantage of this natural resource and recreational gem. The D&R Greenway Land Trust’s kayaking program offers participants of all ages the opportunity to engage with the natural world around us and foster an appreciation and care for the great outdoors.
Nancy Faherty, Director of Donor & Community Engagement for D&R Greenway, shared “The mission of D&R Greenway is to preserve and care for land and to inspire a conservation ethic, now and into the future. D&RG’s partnership with the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund is important in many ways. The FUTURO students, empowered and guided by LALDEF’s mentors, understand the impact they make in our communities by bringing new energy to initiatives like protecting our environment.”
Continuing, she noted “The Delaware River watershed provides drinking water to millions of people. Thanks to D&R Greenway and The William Penn Foundation, the students are getting out onto the water to think about this more deeply. They are in good hands with Lisa Bruno, our D&R Greenway’s Kayak Program Manager, and it has become a special part of their annual program.”
Lisa Bruno, the D&R Greenway Kayak Program Manager, chimed in, noting “The annual D&R Greenway/LALDEF kayak trip brings great excitement, fun, and bonding while exploring nature together.”
Regarding what comes next for this year’s FUTURO cohort, Ms. Faherty stated “The FUTURO students will also soon be visiting the Discovery Center at Point Breeze to learn about more of the natural resources along the Delaware River bluffs, as well as the rich history there, as told by Native Americans who have cared about this treasured region for 13,000 years … to the present day. We are hoping they will engage with the historic gardens that provide produce to the local food pantries. Our harvest season will be perfect time to witness what can happen when many people come together with a purpose.”
To learn more about how you can help preserve and protect the Delaware River for generations to enjoy, please visit the D&R Greenway Land Trust’s website, linked here: D&R Greenway. You can also follow along with the D&R Greenway team on Facebook, as well as YouTube. Likewise, to learn more about LALDEF’s extensive programming and resources, please visit their website, linked here: LALDEF. You can also keep up with LALDEF on social media, including Facebook, X, and Instagram. A memorable afternoon for all who attended, this beloved yearly tradition continues to inspire hearts and minds!
