BUILDING BRIDGES
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) Twelve Bridge project, a comprehensive infrastructure investment, was initiated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in 2019. The DGS is responsible for new construction, alterations, and renovations to existing commonwealth properties, as well as capital improvement projects for all state agencies.
The Twelve Bridge Project is focused on improving and repairing some of the bridges and sub-culverts that span the canal. This undertaking does not include repairs to structures damaged by storm events.
The impact of this construction, along with the other repair work managed by the DCNR, has created a de-watered canal with many towpath closures along the way. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
This plan was divided into three phases. The first includes rebuilding Bridges 3 and 4 in the historic Smithtown area and the Raubsville sub-canal culvert. Construction on all three projects is well underway.
Phase two of the plan focuses on replacing the Tebola Beans (AKA Amber Beech) Bridge in Washington Crossing and the Canal Lane Bridge in Upper Black Eddy. Both of these projects are now complete, improving access along the towpath. We anticipate the completion of the canal crossing bridge at Buckstone Farm in Washington Crossing, which should be finished shortly.
An additional bridge replacement undertaken by the Park Staff, was recently completed near Lock 20. While its purpose is to improve the Delaware Canal State Park employees’ access to the other side of the canal, it also provides pedestrians with the same benefit.
As the momentum of completed projects continues, we look forward to a day when we can roam freely along the towpath again.
Marking the Miles – Or how the Mile Markers came to be
While walking or biking along the 58.9-mile Delaware Canal, it’s natural to wonder “What mile is this?” Fifty-nine answers to that question exist if you look down and to the side of the towpath.
The current system of granite Belgium blocks cut with the appropriate mile numbers and set in concrete at ground level is the successor to two earlier marking projects. A few older wooden markers followed by plastic “flippers” installed in the mid-1990’s by former Board member John Nay and his grandson Josh still can still be found. The wood and the plastic, which stood above ground level, could not withstand the wrath of park mowers.
Then along came Pete Sperry, who, after participating in his first Canal Walk, was filled with “where” questions. He became a member of the Friends’ Board of Directors in 2002, and jumped into documenting and setting distances correctly on the towpath. His approach was two-pronged. A more lasting type of mile marker had to be found and installed at accurate intervals, and a detailed chart of mileage and landmarks needed to be developed.
After consulting with the park manager of Delaware Canal State Park, Pete set his course to install the Belgium block system. He inspired his fellow Board members to embark upon a mile marker fund-raising campaign, which was enthusiastically supported and quickly completed. (A list of the donors can be found at www.fodc.org under The Canal/Maps/Mile Markers.). Pete’s next step was to determine the correct locations. Through a painstaking process of using historic maps, a measuring wheel, and his GPS unit, he found that the beginning point of the canal now lies in the Delaware River in Bristol. From that point, he measured and calculated the points going north to the end in Easton.
With locations pinpointed, Pete hand-selected the granite blocks, had the numbers sandblasted by a local gravestone maker, and then drilled and fastened an anchor bar in each stone. Twenty-four energetic volunteers came forth to undertake the digging, concrete mixing, pouring, placing, filling and finishing needed to place the 59 markers.
As with most Canal stories, there are a few buts. The floods of 2004, 2005, and 2006 greatly impacted the mile marker project. The severe damage to the canal’s banks prevented the installation of some of the markers, and earth had to be replaced around some of the already installed markers. (It is a testament to the quality of the volunteers’ work that mile markers stayed in place even though the banks around them were heavily eroded.) Lastly, quite a few markers did not survive the heavy construction involved with the flood repair work.
Since the time of their original installation, mile markers have been replaced and or repaired by volunteers as needed and the Canal Tenders make sure they are weeded.
So, when you’re out on the towpath, look for the markers and thank all the people who were dedicated to putting them there.
Original article written by Susan Taylor
Life is Better with Butterflies
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE DELAWARE CANAL REGION
Our photographers have recently focused on capturing the flitting beauty of the many species of butterflies in our area. According to the Penn State Extension, 146 species of butterflies have been sighted in our state; however, some are rare or infrequent visitors. If you add moths to the equation, the number grows to over 500.
In the summer, volunteers from several nature groups conduct butterfly counts to determine the health and diversity of the butterfly population.
It takes a keen eye and a calm hand to capture these engaging insects in a photograph. Some butterflies, like the very common cabbage white, have wingspans of less than 2”, while others, like the eastern tiger swallowtail, have wingspans of over 5”. There are many online resources that provide lists of the top butterfly populations in Eastern Pennsylvania. Here we will focus on some of the species recorded by Carole Mebus in the northern part of the county and Judy Greger in the central region.
Monarch Butterfly: One of summer’s most long-awaited sightings is the Monarch butterfly. It is known for its migratory journey to and from Mexico, which spans several generations. Monarchs rely on the milkweed plant both as caterpillars and as adults. In fact, the milkweed plant is the only plant on which the Monarch will lay its eggs. Populations have declined due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and loss of milkweed. So, if you love this colorful, medium-sized beauty, be sure to plant milkweed in your garden.
Mourning Cloak: This butterfly’s black-brown mournful color is noticeable only when its wings are closed. It is unique as it can withstand the winters in our area as an adult. Nestled in tree crevices and other protected spots, it can hibernate until the warmer spring weather returns. It uses many local tree species, including willow, elm and mulberry, as host plants for its eggs.
Silver-Spotted Skipper: This small and lively butterfly is found around most blooming garden plants. It is very adaptable to changing environments and diets, making it one of the most common butterflies in our area.
Red Admiral: With a wingspan of up to 3”, this butterfly is easy to spot as it is very calm, allowing the observer to take time to admire its beauty. Admirals can be found wicking nutrients from muddy pools and puddles.
Pearl Crescent: This small, nectar-loving butterfly is common in our area. They produce several broods from April to November. Their name comes from a pearly-white marking on the underside of the wing.
Red-Spotted Purple: With a wingspan of up to 4”, this fairly rare butterfly prefers tree sap and rotting fruit to flower nectar. They use native trees such as cottonwood, willows, black oak and host plants for their larvae. Its coloration mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail, an unpleasant-tasting insect that predators avoid.
Eastern Tailed-Blue: This diminutive butterfly tends to stay close to the ground and can be found feasting on clover, wild strawberries and aster, the same plants that act as hosts for the caterpillars. It gets its name from a small tail on the hindwing.
Hackberry Emperor: The Hackberry Emperor, named for the tree where it lays its eggs, doesn’t compete with other butterflies for flower nectar but has an unusual diet of tree sap, feces and even dead animals.
Common Buckeye: The Common Buckeye has a wingspan of 1.5–2”. Named for the target-shaped eyespots on the wings, this sun lover can be found in fields, gardens, parks, and roadsides. The common plantain is one of the host plants for the larvae.
Orange Sulfur: This widespread medium-sized butterfly, is a nectar lover that enjoys a wide variety of flowering plants. When abundant, the orange sulfur caterpillars can devastate crops such as peas and alfalfa. Farms faced with an infestation use a parasitoid wasp to control the caterpillars.
Great Spangled Fritillary: A medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2-3 inches, the orange and black markings make this butterfly easy to distinguish. The butterfly’s diet includes coneflowers, thistle, milkweed and clover. The larvae feed on violas, a species of violets.
Butterflies and their recorded numbers in our area are vital indicators of the health of our region and the planet. When encountering one of these natural marvels, remember that you can enhance their habitat by adding a host plant to your landscape, attracting more of your favorites year after year.
Of course, we must recognize and thank our two photographers and Friends, Carole Mebus and Judy Greger, for a steady supply of captivating photographs.
Sources: Pennlive.com, Butterfliesandmoths.org, Butterflyidentification.org, Wikipedia.
Getting from Here to There: How to Navigate the Towpath
With so much construction underway and resulting closures along the towpath, getting from point A to point B can be challenging. We understand and have added new information to our website to help make the most of your towpath journey. First, our Canal Loop page contains information on the loops that are currently and officially open. Also, we have listed the mile markers for each closure on our blog page, Towpath Talk, from north to south.
However, not everyone is familiar with the mile markers, the best place to park or the location of rest facilities. So, we thought we would review one of the most valuable tools on our website: the Landmark and Mileage chart.
Landmark and Mileage chart
The Friends installed mile markers along the entire length of the towpath. They are granite blocks placed just off the path and are generally visible if you know what to look for. These markers are a reference point for the Landmark and Mileage chart and help you calculate the distance traveled.
History of the Chart
In 2002, Peter Sperry, a member of the Friends’ Board of Directors, took on the task of documenting the locations of the structures, landmarks and amenities along the 58.9-mile Canal from the Bristol Lagoon to Easton.
After four years of research, measurement and compilation, the Landmarks and Mileage Chart debuted in 2006 and is now in its sixth edition. It has become the primary reference tool for visitors, planners, engineers and State Park staff.
How to use the chart
The chart is color-coded by type of landmark.
• Pink = Location of a Canal Lock
• Aqua = Location of an Aqueduct
• Light Blue = Location of other Canal Structures (e.g. Waste gates)
• Green = Location of a Camelback Bridge
• Yellow = Municipal Boundary
The chart is also color-coded by type of amenity.
• Grey = Location of a Parking Area
• Green = Location of a Picnic Area
• Blue = Location of a Restroom
The chart provides other important information such as the GPS coordinates. You can use these coordinates with a map locator such as Google Maps, separating each set of coordinates with a space. Then click “Search Maps” to view the map.
Finally, the chart provides street locations and canal structures such as locks, waste gates and aqueducts. However, the most utilized information on the chart is the mileage data. The mileage along the entire 58.9 miles of the canal is calculated based on the distance from Bristol. If you are planning a walk, you can easily calculate the distance between two points using simple subtraction.
Here are two examples
• Starting at the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area take a short walk north or south to grab some lunch.
• Going north to Lumberville and the Lumberville General Store is 1.94 miles (30.914 minus 28.967) or 3.9 miles round trip.
• Going south to Dilly’s Corner is 1.29 miles (28.967 minus 27.681) or 2.6 miles round-trip.
Planning Your Trip
Take a day and visit all of the camelback bridges
• Use the chart to locate the bridges (They are highlighted in green.)
• Then locate the nearest parking area and calculate the distance to the bridge.
Example: Visit Sommer’s Bridge in Yardley at mile 14.693.
• Park at I-295 Park and Ride Lot – mile 15.227
• Walk south ½ mile (15.227 minus 14.693 = .534 miles)
There is a lot to explore along the Delaware Canal. And remember, if you need help planning your next Delaware Canal State Park adventure, please call us at 215-862-2021 or send an email to friends@fodc.org. We would be glad to help.
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK?
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
The Delaware Canal State Park (DCSP) is listed on the United States registry of National Historic Landmarks. The designation includes the park and all of its structures.
A testament to our park’s historical value, this landmark status necessitates a meticulous approach to all construction projects and many repairs. Our aqueducts, waste gates, bridges and culverts, each a piece of history, must be treated with sensitivity and respect.
One recent discovery involved the Lumbervillle Aqueduct replacement project. The contractor uncovered original timber flooring supporting the abutments as work got underway. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), already aware of the project, reviewed the site, and DCNR recommended a new design to lessen the impact on the historic timbers. The assessment also involved input from FEMA, the National Parks Service and the Friends of the Delaware Canal.
Given its historical significance, the High Falls Sub-canal culvert storm damage repair also required input from these entities. In this instance, care is being taken to maintain as much historical character as possible.
In 1992, the DCSP faced a similar challenge when canal boat timbers were discovered before a dredging project in Tullytown. Toward the useful end of the Delaware Canal, some boatmen who could no longer make a living wage on the canal would abandon their boats. Some boats were towed back to a boatyard, but others did not make the journey and were left to decay.
The discovery of the remains of these boats halted the project until an archeological review established its historical importance. It was determined that the timbers should stay in place, and the Friends installed a wayfaring sign indicating the location of what is now known as the “Canal Boat Graveyard.” The Friends also funded the dredging equipment and the archaeological assessment.
While it may add time to the rebuilding process, the involvement of multiple agencies is a testament to the importance of this work. It’s a shared responsibility that ensures that these projects honor the past and protect the future of the Delaware Canal.
As a National Historic Landmark, the Delaware Canal State Park is not just a park, but a national treasure, a community asset that is a source of pride and worth preserving. Its historical significance is evidence of our shared heritage and underscores the importance of our preservation efforts.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DRIVE 2024
In May, we launched the FODC 2024 Membership renewal drive. In our letter, we emphasized the vital work we are doing to advance the accessibility of the canal and towpath. In alignment with these goals, we also encourage resolving the many projects underway along the 58.9-mile park.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) invested a great deal of funding in our beloved Delaware Canal State Park, and we are anxious to see progress, particularly with the larger construction projects such as the Lumberville Aqueduct replacement and the wastegate in Washington Crossing, which, once addressed, will allow water to flow again.
We are grateful to all our present and past members who responded to our appeal. Your support is the lifeblood of our organization, fueling our planning, educational and recreational projects, and our restoration and renovation work.
THANK YOU!
With your help, we are poised to make a significant impact in our community throughout 2024 and beyond. If you haven’t renewed yet this year, there still is time. You can renew on
our website using this QR code.
