Saturday, August 24, 2024
Piscataway, NJ 08854,
New Jersey, Central,
NJ United States
Paddle 9 miles on water, with some ripples along the way as the tide goes out along the Raritan River from Riverside Park, Piscataway, to Edison Boat Basin, Edison, NJ. You must be able to steer your boat around obstacles. The Raritan is also the longest river totally contained within New Jersey's boundaries. It flows through seven counties and 100 municipalities and has seen glory days and significant degradation over the past three centuries. Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the Raritan. More than 200 species of bird can be spotted, living, breeding and migrating within its Piedmont flora. The word "Raritan" is believed to be Algonquin for "stream overflows," a translation that aptly describes the river's repeated annual flooding, water which nourishes stretches of northern deciduous floodplain forest. Black cherry, black locust, red and silver maple, elm and ash trees are all fed by the seasonal spill of water and rich silt overflowing the river's banks. Prepare to be amazed by the wildlife that thrives along the Raritan, defying the expectations of an urban landscape. Mallards, cormorants and herons patrol the waters. Mallards, cormorants, and herons gracefully patrol the waters, while dead floodplain snags provide shelter for raccoons, opossums, kingfishers, and woodpeckers. Keep an eye out for browsing deer and wild turkeys, who often venture into local corn fields and vegetable crops, much to the chagrin of local farmers. Contact Leaders for any questions.
Free
Dope Sheet with full details will be sent to one week prior to event.
