The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ)

Invitation to remove invasive weed and enjoy nature in Roebling Park

- L.A. Parker Columnist email him at LAParker@ Trentonian.com.

Years have passed since a city resident attempted to launch an education initiative that included outdoor learning as part of the curriculum.

Trenton certainly owns a historical, industrial and social enriched past that makes for an interestin­g classroom. It’s still an idea worth considerin­g as education needs a pushed envelope to inspire learning even if the experience happens out of town.

Spring Lake offers a fabulous learning environmen­t as part of the intricate and fascinatin­g ecosystem inside John A. Roebling Park in Hamilton Twp.

Roebling Park is part of the Abbott Marshlands, a freshwater marsh packed with fascinatio­n adjoining the Delaware River. Visitors to the Mercer County Parks System venue have options to fish in Spring Lake, kayak the marsh, hike the wooded trails, and enjoy nature.

Look. A tiny frog just zipped across one of the many trails that sidetrack Spring Lake.

A previous article included discovery of a beaver that haunts the area andmy girlfriend eyed a snaked coiled up in grass.

On Sunday, August 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., nature enthusiast­s can help maintain the area’s trail systems with some hands-on fun.

An invitation sirens guests to join a land steward at Spring Lake at Roebling Park and “remove invasive species at the Abbott Marshlands. One particular species we will be paying attention to is the Japanese Knotweed, this particular perennial can grow up to 15 feet tall, has bamboolike stems and thrives in disturbed areas. Once this plant is establishe­d it can grow rapidly, where it outcompete­s native plants and causes the natural habitat and ecology to diminish.”

This program is suitable for ages 12+, children under 16 must be accompanie­d by an adult. This program is free although registrati­on required.

Sounds like fun and an interestin­g opportunit­y for learning.

For any questions or concerns please contact Alex Rivera at (609) 303-0706 or email arivera@mercercoun­ty.org. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or

 ?? L.A. PARKER - THE TRENTONIAN ?? Spring Lake in John A. Roebling Park Hamilton Twp. a treasure trove for nature exploratio­n.
L.A. PARKER - THE TRENTONIAN Spring Lake in John A. Roebling Park Hamilton Twp. a treasure trove for nature exploratio­n.
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