The Trenton River Days Fair happening this coming Saturday, will draw attention to a major waterway on the Atlantic coast of the United States: The Delaware River. Intersecting tide-water at the junction of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and Trenton, New Jersey, at the Falls of the Delaware, the river brings a wealth of benefits to New Jersey’s Capital City and beyond.
To highlight and celebrate the ecological, recreational and economic benefits from this historic river, several entities including the County of Mercer, the Mercer County Park Commission, the City of Trenton, the Watershed Institute and D&R Greenway Land Trust have organized an environmental education event at South Riverwalk Park in Trenton to build awareness, appreciation and support for the Delaware River.
At the Trenton River Days Fair, a free event that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees will have a chance to explore the diversity that surrounds the Delaware River with fun, educational activities.
Commencing with planting a pollinator garden that will attract native pollinating insects including bees, butterflies, moths and beetles to promote a healthy ecosystem, guests will even have a chance to see pollinators up close through a beehive observation provided by staff at Howell Farm.
Educators at the Tulpehaking Nature Center will be on site with arts and crafts, hands-on activities and environmental displays. For those looking for outdoor tips, Recreational Equipment, Inc., a specialty outdoor retailer and the nation’s largest consumer co-op, will be available to discuss the best trails and locations for camping, hiking, biking and more.
For a different perspective of the river, take a ride with naturalists on the pontoon boat, enjoy canoeing, make fish art, meet some fish up close, and learn how to keep our rivers healthy with staff from The Watershed Institute. Attendees can also try their hands at fly fishing with volunteers from Trout Unlimited.
Live music will be provided by Son 7 under the gazebo at the north entrance of the park. Food, drinks, vendors and more will be available on the lawn. Visitors will park at the Arm & Hammer Park lots adjacent to Route 29 before the tunnel.
South Riverwalk Park is located in South Trenton above the Route 29 tunnel; it is owned by the County of Mercer and maintained by the Mercer County Park Commission. Open to the public from sunrise to sunset, the park offers pedestrian walkways, lawn areas, pavilions, a children’s playground and views of the Delaware River.
This event is partially funded by the Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River, which aims to raise awareness about the 13,500-square-mile system; providing clean drinking water for 15 million people. The 23 member centers are located along the major Circuit Trails or connecting trails throughout the Delaware River watershed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. These centers share a mission to collectively increase and enhance constituent appreciation and stewardship of the Delaware River watershed. The Alliance is funded by the William Penn Foundation.
