Friends Of Princeton Nursery Lands

National Public Lands Day Cleanup at Mapleton Preserve

2010-09-01T17:18:00.003-05:00

National Public Lands Day Cleanup at Mapleton Preserve

Sat., September 25, 2 to 4 PM

Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands will sponsor a work session in the Mapleton Preserve for National Public Lands Day on Saturday Sept 25 from 2-4 pm. Meet us outside the D & R Canal State Park Headquarters Building at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston, and choose the task that suits you: tree planting, brush cutting, litter removal, or vine clearing. Last year, over 20 people joined us for this event - we are hoping to attract at least as many volunteers this year.

An expert arborist from Woodwinds, a family-owned Kingston business that specializes in tree care and maintenance, will be on hand to treat the newly planted trees with an injection of worm tea - an organic brew that acts as a soil conditioner, improves water retention in the soil, and gives new trees a vigorous start. Questions about fall tree care (including fall tree maintenance basics, including mulching, deer protection, pruning, and other seasonal care will also be fielded.

Some tools will be available on site, but participants are encouraged to bring their own favorites (loppers, saws, clippers, rakes etc). Work gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats are advised. For more information, contact tari@panrui.net or call 609-683-0483 (after Sept 12).

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. In 2008, 120,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants and planted over 1.6 million trees.

This annual event:

* Educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these irreplaceable lands
* Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands
* Improves public lands for the benefit and enjoyment of the public, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.

To learn more, please visit http://www.publiclandsday.org/

FPNL Annual Meeting - The Ancient Forest - Native Plants of the Sourlands (FPNL Annual Meeting)

2010-05-13T14:16:00.008-05:00

Wild Yam Leaves - photo by Jared Rosenbaum

Wednesday, June 2, 7:30-9 PM

Jared Rosenbaum, Associate Director of Stewardship at D&R Greenway Land Trust will be the featured speaker at the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands Annual Meeting on June 2 from 7:30-9 pm. He will be speaking on "The Ancient Forest - Native plants of the Sourlands".

The program will be held in the Education Building at the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park, 145 Mapleton Rd, Kingston.

The program is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 609-683-0483 or see www.fpnl.org.

About the Sourlands: The boulder-strewn ridge of the Sourland Mountain avoided severe disturbance during the colonial period. It continues to be a sparsely settled remnant retaining the ancient forest plant and animal communities of our region. This presentation will discuss the wildflowers, ferns and woody plants of the Sourlands, as well as the area’s unique history and ecology.

About the speaker: Jared Rosenbaum lives on the Sourland Mountain ridge, deep in a forest he cherishes for its intricacy, beauty and power to teach.

An Associate Director of Stewardship at D&R Greenway Land Trust, Jared joined the staff in 2007 after serving as a volunteer land steward for D&R Greenway for several years. This organization has preserved over 14,000 acres of open space in New Jersey. He is the guiding force behind their new Native Plant Nursery (http://www.drgreenway.org/nursery/), which is dedicated to restoring a rich diversity of native flora to the local landscape.

Clean-up Day - National Day of Service

2009-12-21T19:12:00.004-05:00

MONDAY, JAN 18, 12 - 3 PM (Martin Luther King Day)

Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston (For MapQuest etc, use 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton 08540 for address).

Join Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands for an invigorating Clean-Up Day at Mapleton Preserve! We will be clearing small trees, brush, and trash around the Propagation House and the Flemer Arboretum in preparation for our ARBOR DAY EVENT, later in the spring.

Bring tools such as saws, clippers, loppers and rakes. Dress for the weather, whatever it is. It is free and all are welcome.

In case of extreme weather, the event will be postponed until Saturday, January 23, 2010 (from 12-3).

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!
From the trustees of Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands"

Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands
http://www.fpnl.org/
For more information, call 609-683-0483

Kingston Loop Trail Hike

2009-10-26T19:04:00.001-05:00

Sat. Nov. 14th, 10:00 am:

Join the naturalist and historian of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in a walk along the loop trail system in Kingston, NJ. The trail leads through the historic D & R Canal State Park, Mapleton Preserve (former site of Princeton Nurseries), Cook Natural Area and Middlesex County Open Space Park, Heathcote Meadow Preserve and is ~3.5 miles along mostly dirt/gravel pathways and is along flat terrain. The program will start at 10:00 am. Participants will meet at the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park’s Kingston Office located at 145 Mapleton Road. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED (609-924-5705). Weather permitting.

Register for this program

Why go Native?? The Importance of Biodiversity

2009-10-26T18:55:00.005-05:00

November 7th - 10:00 am:

Robert Wells, Certified Tree Expert and Associate Director of Arboriculture Outreach of the Morris Arboretum, will be at the old Princeton Nursery headquaters located at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston (now the Kingston office for the D & R Canal State Park) to discuss NJ native plants and the importance of biodiversity. His presentation will be based on Dr. Doug Tallamy’s book, Bringing Nature Home: How native plants sustain wildlife in our gardens.

Did you know:

Around 50,000 alien species of plant and animals have colonized North America.

Native plants supported 35 times more caterpillar biomass (amount by weight) than did alien plants.

96% of North American birds rely on insects, and the spiders that eat them, to feed young.

One large sugar maple can sequester 450 pounds of CO2 per year!

Fall is a perfect time to landscape your yards. Please join us in learning how landscape designs can create critical wildlife habitat, and the importance of "Going Native". The presentation will last approximately 45 minutes. Afterwards visitor are encouraged to explore the trails in the Mapleton Preserve. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE!

For MapQuest/Google directions to the site, use 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton 08540 as the address, as the D&R Canal Kingston office has a Princeton mailing address.

Fall bird walk with John Maret

2009-10-23T17:16:00.001-05:00

Sat. Oct. 24th, 8:00 am:
Join John Maret and the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands for an early morning bird walk through the Mapleton Preserve. The Preserve and its surroundings contain both wooded and grassland habitats – the varied offerings of evergreens, hardwood trees, open fields and bountiful berries draw many species of birds, ranging from sparrows to hawks.

On the walk, the group will be watching for bird behaviors that provide clues to identification, as well their songs and call notes. Learning these sounds takes a good pair of ears and lots of practice. John Maret, the leader for this walk, has “educated ears”, is an excellent birder and a fabulous teacher. Meet at the D&R Canal State Park Headquarters/Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston. The event will be held rain or shine. It is free and all are welcome. Call 609-683-0483 for more information.

National Public Lands Day at Mapleton Preserve

2009-09-12T11:01:00.002-05:00

Sat., September 26, 1 to 4 PM

Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands, Kingston Greenways Association, and the D&R Canal State Park will jointly sponsor a work session in the Mapleton Preserve. Meet us at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston, and choose the task that suits you: Brush cutting, Litter removal, vine clearing, tree planting or photo documentation.

Some tools will be available on site, but participants are welcome to bring their own favorites (loppers, saws, clippers, rakes etc). Work gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats are advised. For more information, contact tari@kingstongreenways.org, or call the Park at 924-5705.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers.

In 2008, 120,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants and planted over 1.6 million trees. It keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933 to 1942 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.

This annual event:

Educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these irreplaceable lands
Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands
Improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.

To learn more, please visit http://www.publiclandsday.org/

Fall foliage walk with a history focus

2009-09-03T18:00:00.006-05:00

Saturday, October 24h, 1:00 p.m.

The Kingston Greenways Association will be holding their annual Fall Foliage Walk on Saturday, Oct. 24th at 1:00 p.m. (The walk was rained out on Oct. 17th, so has been rescheduled.)

This year's event will be led by the D & R Canal State Park's historian, Vicki Chirco. This leisurely 2-mile stroll will start at the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston, NJ.

We will proceed from the headquarters building through a portion of the Mapleton Preserve (the former Princeton Nurseries site) towards the canal towpath and the Kingston Canal House before turning back.

The fall foliage should be in full display so come enjoy an afternoon outdoors, learning a bit about the historic and natural resources of the D & R Canal State Park and the Princeton Nursery Lands! For more information, call 924-5705, or email tari@kingstongreenways.org

"Bug’s-Eye View” - A Macro Photography Workshop with Wil and Donna Hershberger

2009-07-08T17:47:00.010-05:00

Common virtuoso katydid

photo by Wil Hershberger

Saturday, August 8th, 7:00-11:00 am

On Sat. August 8, 2009 from 7 to 11 am, Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands (FPNL) is sponsoring a four-hour macro photography workshop by noted naturalist and photographer Wil Hershberger, focusing on insects and other natural subjects. A “classroom” session exploring equipment, shooting techniques, and ways of handling small, difficult subjects at close range will be followed by an outdoor photography session.

The workshop will start at the Education Building, D&R Canal State Park Headquarters, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. The cost of the four-hour session is $20 for FPNL members, $25 for non-members. In addition to cameras, tripods are desirable.

Preregistration is required; the workshop is limited to 15 participants, and it is almost full. To reserve, please call 609-514-2416 to make sure that there is still space, and then send name and contact information with payment to: FPNL, PO Box 113, Kingston NJ 08528-0113.

Wil Hershberger - workshop presenter

Wil Hershberger first learned photography in his dad’s basement darkroom, and honed his skills after becoming an accomplished and well-respected birder. He is best known for his high quality recordings of insect and bird song (to date he has archived nearly 2,000 recordings at Cornell’s Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds). This collection, in concert with recordings in a friend’s library, was the genesis of an audio CD guide to the “Songs and Calls of the Crickets and Katydids of the Mid-Atlantic States.”

As a result of the popularity of this CD, Wil was approached to be co-author of a book/CD project to be called, “The Songs of Insects.” Using film, and then digital cameras, he has shot thousands of insect photos through the macro lens, and his photography has become an extension of his passion for the natural world. He has an innate ability to capture the natural world in an artistic way.

A few years ago, Wil and his wife Donna formed Nature Images and Sounds, LLC. Together, they photograph everything from birds to bugs, participate in art shows and teach photography workshops. Through their photography and sound recordings, they hope to instill in others the desire to protect and save these sacred natural treasures.
____________________________________________________________
Please visit http://www.musicofnature.com/

for more information about insect songs, song samples, nature recording and photography, Wil and Donna Hershberger, Lang Elliott, and the Society for the Appreciation of Insect Songs.

Eagle scout project "clearing" project at Flemer Arboretum

2009-05-20T17:59:00.004-05:00

Sunday, May 31st, 10 am-4 pm

Greetings Friends,

As many of you may know, the Flemer Arboretum, located in the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston, has fallen into disrepair and dishevelment. This once beautiful swath of land, punctuated by tree rows, has become overgrown with weeds and undesirable plants.

I desire, as I am sure you do, to see this land returned to its original splendor. I have taken on the task of helping to restore the arboretum as an Eagle Scout project. I can not accomplish this on my own. Therefore, I request your help in assisting me in my eagle project and in cleaning up this wonderful piece of park land.

Please, join me and other volunteers on Saturday, May 31st from 10 am to 4 pm, and also on June 6th and 7th to help clear a row of flowering crab apples from their shroud of vines.

For more information call Brian Dixon at 732-940-3101. The project will be postponed for a reasonable amount of rain, if you have doubts call the number above. If you can attend please email me at b.bri5@verizon.net, and put 'Eagle' in the subject line.

Thank you,
Brian Dixon, Troop 90

FPNL Annual Meeting - Elegant Little-Known Native Plants

2009-05-13T18:37:00.004-05:00

Virginia Bluebells - Photo by Anne Zeman

Wednesday, June 10th, 7:30-9 pm

Noted Princeton author, Patricia A. Taylor will present a slide talk on “Elegant, Little-Known Native Plants” at the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands Annual Meeting. The presentation will be given on Wednesday, June 10th (7:30-9:00 p.m.) in the Education Building at the D&R Canal State Park Headquarters/Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston. It is free and all are welcome. Call 609-683-0483 or see http://www.fpnl.org/ for directions.

The speaker is the author of many gardening books and hundreds of articles that have appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Horticulture, and Green Scene. Her talk will focus on elegant but mysteriously unappreciated native plants, especially those that can survive benign neglect and the presence of munching animals.

Bluegrass at Mapleton Preserve

2009-05-05T19:29:00.002-05:00

Saturday May 9th, ~11 a.m. -1 p.m.

After the Hands Across the Canal event, come hear Central New Jersey’s favorite Bluegrass band, “Riverside” at Mapleton Preserve, at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston.

Bill Flemer, Jerry Steele, David Olsen, and Steve Hendershott are longtime Princeton-area musicians, and central Jersey's favorite bluegrass band. The band’s collective experience in rock, country, and folk idioms gives Riverside a unique approach to traditional bluegrass music and adds a bluegrass flavor to songs by the Beatles, the Byrds, and to country and western swing favorites.

It’s free and all are welcome! This concert is sponsored by Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands, in the hope that participants in the Hands Along the Canal event (and others) will want to pack a lawnchair and a picnic lunch, and plan to make a day of it.

For more information, contact Karen Linder, Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands at 609-683-0483.

Hands Along the Canal

2009-05-05T19:19:00.003-05:00

Saturday, May 9th at 10 a.m.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. To celebrate the Park and raise awareness of this important recreational resource, the Kingston Historical Society and East Coast Greenways are sponsoring Hands Along the Canal —a bold undertaking that will attempt to line thousands of hand-holding park users along the historic towpath from Millstone Aqueduct to Rocky Hill.

Those of you who love and use the D&R should mark your calendars, register at the website and plan to be a part of this show of support for the park!

Participants will link hands at 10 am, and you must plan to arrive early, in order to be in place at this time. If you plan to be a part of this "human chain", please register ASAP at the East Coast Greenways website (www.greenwaynj.org) so the organizers can keep track of where everyone will enter the park. The registration form is also available at the D & R Canal State Park website (www.dandrcanal.com/programs.html#hands).

Because there is limited parking at the entrances to the D&R Canal, organizers are asking bicyclists and runners to park a distance away and bike or walk/run to the park entrance of their choice (Rocky Hill at Rt. 518; Rockingham Historic Site at Rt. 603/Laurel Ave; Kingston Lock at Rt. 27; D&R Canal State Park/Mapleton Preserve at 145 Mapleton Road; Millstone Aqueduct and Footbridge at Mapleton Road). These locations highlighted in yellow on the map in the April 2009 newsletter at www.fpnl.org.

If you plan to enter the Canal at the Kingston Lock on Rt. 27, parking is limited. However, ample parking will be available at Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston – those who park there can follow a trail to the canal. Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands will be at the Preserve to provide directions to the Canal.

After the event, there will be a special bluegrass concert from ~11-1 at the Headquarters for the D&R Canal State Park (D&R Canal State Park/Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540) by Riverside, Central New Jersey’s favorite bluegrass band. Its free, and all are welcome.

Birding "Big Day" at Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal

2009-04-29T18:10:00.007-05:00

Male baltimore oriole photo courtesy of Mdf (Wikipedia)

Saturday, May 2nd, 8:00-11:00 am

Join Karen Linder and the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands for a Birding “Big Day” on Saturday, May 2nd. We want to find as many bird species as we can at Mapleton Preserve and along the adjacent sections of the D&R Canal. Meet at the D&R Canal State Park Headquarters, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston for an 8 am start. See http://www.fpnl.org/ for directions and map.

Expect good birding, as breeding season and spring migration will be in full swing. Birds that reside here year round, those that winter here and those passing through on their way north in migration should be present. The event is free and will be held "rain or shine" from 8 am to ~11. Volunteers do not need to be experts - just a pair of eyes and the desire for a fun day are required, but binoculars are recommended. Strong birders are especially welcome. If this has piqued your interest, please contact Karen Linder at 609-683-0483.

This walk is part of a larger effort to inventory all the bird species seen along the D&R Canal and adjacent preserved areas in one day. The effort is being championed by NJ Audubon volunteer Arlene Oley and the D&R Canal State Park in recognition of the 175th anniversary of the Canal. FPNL will be covering the Princeton Nursery Lands on Mapleton Road and adjacent sections of the D&R Canal.

If you want to help cover another section of the Canal or volunteer to lead a walk on the Canal on that day, please contact Arlene Oley (arobirder@aol.com). It is free and all are welcome.

Early morning bird walk with John Maret at Mapleton Preserve

2008-09-07T10:16:00.003-05:00

Palm Warbler photo by Brenda Jones

Saturday Sept. 20, 8:00 -10:30 am

Join John Maret and the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands on Saturday, Sept. 20th at 8:00 a.m. for an early morning bird walk through the Mapleton Preserve. This walk holds the promise of early fall migrants. Meet at the D&R Canal State Park Headquarters/Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston. The event will be held rain or shine. It is free and all are welcome. Call 609-683-0483 for more information.

BACKGROUND

D & R Canal State Park Headquarters/Mapleton Preserve – where this event will take place--contain the historical heart of Princeton Nurseries, a wholesale tree nursery that once operated a thriving business in Kingston. The Preserve and its surroundings contain both wooded and grassland habitats – the varied offerings of evergreens, hardwood trees, open fields and bountiful berries draw many interesting species of birds, including sparrows and warblers.

John Maret, an avid and experienced birder, will lead the walk. He is a an active member of the Washington Crossing Audubon Society (WCAS), and is a keen participant in their annual World Series of Birding.

Fall can be an excellent time for birding, as waves of warblers are passing through New Jersey during autumn migration. However, fall warblers can be challenging to identify, due to their small size and their preference for protective cover. In early May, they are relatively easy to spot, as they sport bright breeding colors and the males may be singing territorial songs in an attempt to attract a mate.

But in the fall, some birds have color patterns that are more subdued than they are in the spring, calls may be reduced to a single “call note” or chip, and they can easily hide in mature foliage.

The good news is that during fall migration warblers can be plentiful, as they often migrate in large flocks. Most migrate at night and rest during the day. Early morning provides the best time for fall warbler watching, as these songbirds recharge their batteries after the night flight, foraging in trees for insects.

Identification is not just matching the living bird in front of you to a picture in a book – it involves behavior, the habitat the bird is found in, the sounds it makes, and the timing of migration, as well as seasonal changes in feather color.

On the walk, the group will watching for bird behaviors that provide clues to identification. For example, the palm warbler pumps its tail up and down, and feeds close to the ground. American redstarts flutter like butterflies, and their constant motion is characteristic. Songs and call notes, or chips, are helpful means of identification too. Learning these sounds takes a good pair of ears and lots of practice – John Maret, the leader for this walk, has “educated ears” and is an excellent teacher.

DIRECTIONS:

Mapleton Preserve/D & R Canal State Park, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston, NJ

From Route 1: Take Ridge Road exit heading towards the town of Kingston for approximately 1 mile – bear left on Ridge at the intersection of Ridge Road and Heathcote. At the stop sign, turn left onto Academy Street (Academy St. becomes Mapleton Rd). The park office and Mapleton Preserve are located ~0.2 miles on the left side of the road.

From Route 27: Turn onto Academy Street at the traffic light in Kingston (across from the Kingston Cemetery). Academy Street becomes Mapleton Road as it heads towards Route 1. The park office and Mapleton Preserve are located ~ 0.3 miles on the left side of the road.

Walk at the Princeton Nurseries Kingston Site

2008-07-02T18:37:00.002-05:00

Join Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands for a long walk through the preserved lands of the Princeton Nurseries Kingston Site, Kingston, NJ on Saturday, July 19th at 10 a.m.

Meet in the parking area for the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park (145 Mapleton Road, Kingston). We will explore lesser-known corners of the Nursery property.

For further details contact Karen Linder at 609-683-0483. The event is free and open to all.

Photo by Tari Pantaleo

Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands Annual Meeting

2008-05-22T17:25:00.003-05:00

Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 PM

The Princeton Nurseries Kingston Site is being nominated to the NJ State and National Registers of Historic Places. At the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands (FPNL) Annual Meeting, trustees Karen Linder and Robert von Zumbusch will present a slide talk on the Site, its history, and its future. The talk will describe the boundaries and location of the proposed Historic Register District, explain the nomination process, show pictures of key houses, buildings and landscape elements, and relate some of Princeton Nurseries’ unique history.

The presentation will be held in the Education Building (formerly the Nurseries’ blacksmith shop) at the D&R Canal State Park, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. The event is free and open to all. For more information, contact Karen Linder at 609-514-2416. Directions at end.

BACKGROUND: State and National Register Nomination: In 2006, South Brunswick Township Historic Preservation Commission (SBTHPC) received a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission and funding from South Brunswick Township to nominate the Princeton Nurseries Kingston Site to the NJ State and National Registers of Historic Places.

The nomination, prepared by Hunter Research, was reviewed this February by the NJ State Review Board for Historic Sites. By unanimous decision, NJ State Review Board determined that the Princeton Nurseries Kingston Site is of both local and national significance, approving the nomination to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Formal signing of the nomination by NJDEP is imminent. After approval at the State level, the nomination will be forwarded to the Federal Government for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. National Register status, when attained, will allow application for State and federal grants for historic preservation, which is particularly critical in the case of on-site Nursery buildings.

Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands (FPNL) has worked with SBTHPC to prepare an interpretive brochure and a PowerPoint presentation describing the proposed Princeton Nurseries Historic District and the benefits of National Register status. The début of the slide show will be at FPNL’s annual meeting on June 11th.

DIRECTIONS: Mapleton Preserve/D & R Canal State Park Headquarters, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston (on Mapquest or Google Maps, use mailing address of 145 Mapleton Rd. Princeton, NJ 08540)

From Route 1: Exit at Ridge Road heading towards the village of Kingston for approximately 1 mile. Take second left, following Ridge Road (Division St). At the stop sign at the end of Ridge Road, turn left. The D & R Canal State Park Headquarters and Mapleton Preserve are located 0.2 miles on the left side of Mapleton Road. Alternatively, take the Mapleton Road Exit, heading towards the village of Kingston for 1.7 miles. At the stoplight, turn left on Mapleton Rd.. The park office and Mapleton Preserve are located approximately 0.6 miles on the right side of the road.

From Route 27: Turn onto Academy Street at the traffic light in Kingston (across from the Kingston Cemetery). Academy Street becomes Mapleton Road as it heads towards Route 1. The park office and Mapleton Preserve are located 0.3 miles on the left side of the road.

Arbor Day Event/Grafting Demonstration

2008-04-21T20:06:00.005-05:00

Saturday, April 26, 2-4 p.m.

An Arbor Day celebration welcomes guests to Mapleton Preserve, the former home of Princeton Nurseries, on Saturday, April 26th, from 2 – 4 p.m. William Flemer IV (a member of the Flemer family that founded the legendary Princeton Nurseries) will present a demonstration of the grafting techniques used by the Nursery. This will be followed by the planting of a specimen tree in the Flemer Arboretum. As in past years, those who worked at the Princeton Nurseries Kingston site have been invited back to share stories and memories with the public. All guests will receive a seedling tree to bring home and plant. This event, sponsored by Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands, will be held at the Headquarters of the D&R Canal State Park, located at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston, 08540. For more information and directions, call 609-514-2416 (weekdays) or 609-683-0483 (evenings and weekends). Registration is NOT required, all are welcome and admission is FREE! Master Gardeners will receive 1 CE unit for attending this event.

BACKGROUND

William Flemer IV has trees in his blood. He is a member of the family that founded the Princeton Nurseries, a legendary wholesale tree nursery that was headquartered for 82 years in Kingston, NJ, and was operated by four generations of the Flemer family.

Princeton Nurseries (now located in Allentown, NJ) has provided a specimen tree to be planted for the 2008 Arbor Day Celebration. This continues their tradition of donating specimens for the Flemer Arboretum. The arboretum is named for legendary plantsman William Flemer, III and his brother, the late Dr. John Flemer. William Flemer III (who passed away last spring) developed some of the best loved plants in American horticulture, including the Princeton Sentry® Gingko, ‘Snow Queen’ Hydrangea, and the October Glory® Maple.

This year's tree is a Maackia amurensis 'Starburst', and was developed by William Flemer III at Princeton Nurseries. A small deciduous tree with exotic, rich-green leaves and reptilian-like copper-colored ornamental bark on younger trees, this urban-tolerant die-hard has a nice display of spiky white flowers in mid to late summer. Amur Maackia is tolerant of poor soil and pollution.

About Mapleton Preserve

Mapleton Preserve contains the historical heart of the Princeton Nurseries lands. This wholesale tree nursery knew global renown for the beauty, quality and longevity of its cultivars. In the 20th century, the property covered well over a thousand Kingston acres, and hundreds of splendid trees remain in Kingston -- as showpiece specimens and towering windrows, one of the key characteristics of the site. Princeton Nurseries now operates on three thousand acres of fertile farmland in Allentown, New Jersey, but they announced last June that they plan to cease operations by the spring of 2010.

In 2005, the 53-acre property now known as Mapleton Preserve was jointly purchased as open space, by the New Jersey Green Acres program and South Brunswick Township. The restored main office for Princeton Nurseries’ Kingston site has now become the D & R Canal State Park Headquarters. Several other historic buildings dot the grounds, including eight greenhouses.

If suitable funding can be obtained, they will be restored and put to nature-related use within the next ten years. Significant progress has been made to this end.

South Brunswick Township Historic Preservation Commission received funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission and South Brunswick Township to nominate the Princeton Nurseries Kingston Site to the NJ State and National Registers of Historic Places. That application was reviewed this February by the NJ State Historic Sites Council. By unanimous decision, it was determined that the site is of both local and national significance. After approval at the State level, the nomination will be forwarded to the Federal Government. National Register status, when attained, will allow application for federal grants for historic preservation.

The South Brunswick Township (SBT) Historic Preservation Commission also obtained a grant from Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund to prepare a Cultural Landscape Report for the Princeton Nurseries Kingston Site. The grant, which was highly competitive, will help document current conditions, formulate a landscape preservation treatment plan and help to guide future restoration at Mapleton Preserve, when funds are released from the State. Additional matching funds will be provided by South Brunswick Township.
Finally, South Brunswick Township Historic Preservation Commission recently received a grant from Middlesex County to prepare a preservation plan and architectural drawings for future stabilization and restoration of three key nursery buildings.

In addition, Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands, a “friends” group for the property, has received 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from the IRS. Tax exempt status is extremely important, as they can now directly solicit donations for preservation and restoration activities at the Princeton Nurseries Kingston site.

DIRECTIONS:

D & R Canal State Park, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston 08540

From Route 1: Exit at Ridge Road heading towards the town of Kingston for approximately 1 mile. Follow Ridge (previously Division St) when it turns left. At the stop sign turn left onto Academy Street (Academy St. becomes Mapleton Rd). The park office and Mapleton Preserve are located 0.2 miles on the left side of the road.

From Route 27: Turn onto Academy Street at the traffic light in Kingston (across from the Kingston Cemetery). Academy Street becomes Mapleton Road as it heads towards Route 1. The park office and Mapleton Preserve are located 0.3 miles on the left side of the road.

Arbor Day History:

In the 1800’s, J. Sterling Morton, journalist, moved to the generally treeless state of Nebraska from wooded Michigan. Soon becoming editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, Morton set about diligently spreading agricultural information, particularly his enthusiasm for trees to fellow pioneers. All seriously missed trees, --not only aesthetically, but to serve as windbreaks to keep plains soil in place, for fuel and building materials, and for shade from the hot sun.

On January 4, 1872, J. Sterling Morton successfully proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called “Arbor Day” at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture, and one million trees were planted on its first observance. During the 1870s, other states passed legislation to observe Arbor Day. The tradition spread through schools nationwide. Today the most common date for the state observances is the last Friday in April, also known as National Arbor Day.

Mushroom Meander

2007-09-26T18:51:00.000-05:00

Photo by Jim Barg: Scaly Vased Chanterelle

(Gomphus floccusus)

Saturday, October 6, 10 a.m. - noon

Join Glenn Freeman and the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands for a “mushroom meander” at Kingston’s Mapleton Preserve, on Saturday, Oct. 6th from10 am-noon. The event will be held rain or shine. Dr. Freeman is the New Jersey State Mycologist and a fungus fanatic. He really knows mushrooms and delights in sharing his knowledge with others. Participants will explore various Preserve habitats in search of mushrooms and puffballs. As with all FPNL excursions, the group will tune in to birds, wildflowers and other natural phenomena en route. Meet at the D & R Canal State Park's Kingston office (145 Mapleton Road) at 10 am. Call 609-683-0483 for further information and directions. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE!

FRIENDS OF PRINCETON NURSERY LANDS BUTTERFLY WALK

2007-06-23T10:32:00.001-05:00

Photo:Tasha O’Neill

Saturday, July 14, 2:00 PM

Join Frank Bader for an afternoon butterfly walk through the Mapleton Preserve. The leader for this walk knows his butterflies - he founded and has compiled the results of the Mercer Butterfly Count since 2003. Participants will explore the various habitats of the Preserve, and help to compile a list of the butterfly species found. Along the way, the group will take time to enjoy birds, wildflowers and any other natural phenomena observed. Those who have close-focusing binoculars and/or butterfly books are encouraged to bring them along.
Interested participants are asked to meet at the D & R Canal State Park’s main office in Kingston (located at 145 Mapleton Road) for this afternoon walk through the former Princeton Nursery site. Call 609-683-0483 for more information. Registration is NOT required, and admission is FREE!

NOTE: The rain date for this event is July 15th at 2:00.

A 19th Century Ice-Cream Social

2007-06-21T09:03:00.001-05:00

June 23

A 19th Century Ice-Cream Social

It’s just not summer without ice-cream so let’s get busy and welcome the sea-son by whipping-up a batch “the old-fashioned way!” Kids, bring your parents and come prepared to help the D & R's Historian make (and eat - YUM!) this traditional summer treat. We'll churn ice-cream, play a few historic games and learn how this delicious dessert is made. The program begins at 1:00 pm and will be held at the park’s Kingston office (145 Mapleton Road). This program is open to children 5 YEARS OLD AND UP who must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced registration IS Required but admission is FREE! SPACE WILL BE LIMITED SO CALL EARLY AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Compass Basics

2007-06-21T09:02:00.000-05:00

July 7

Compass Basics

Ever wonder how to use a compass? Now is your chance. Join the Naturalist at the park’s Kingston
office (145 Mapleton Road, located approximately 4 miles north of Princeton) to learn about the basics of the map and com-pass.

Participants will learn how to interpret topographic maps and use a magnetic compass. Afterwards everyone will then try their new skills on a small orienteering course. This program will begin at 1:00 pm and is appropriate for ages 8 and over. The park will provide compasses for use during the program.

Story of the D & R Canal

2007-06-21T09:01:00.000-05:00

July 21

Story of the D & R Canal: Come join the D & R Canal State Park's Historian for a PowerPoint talk focusing on the history of the canal. Both historic and modern photographs will be included to illuminate the waterway's past and present life. This hour-long adult afternoon program will begin at 1:30 pm and be held in the park’s education building located at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. Come join us and learn about the old canal’s past through photographs. Here’s your chance to ask all those questions you may have about the waterway’s history. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE!

History Walk ~ From Nursery to Canal

2007-06-21T08:58:00.000-05:00

Aug 25
History Walk ~ From Nursery to Canal

Enjoy a round-trip walk with the D & R's Historian leading from the main office at Kingston to the canal towpath and the Kingston Canal House. Participants will meet at the new Kingston office located at 145 Mapleton Road at 10:00 am for a leisurely 2-mile round trip walk. The group will proceed from the headquarters through a portion of the Mapleton Preserve (the former Princeton Nursery site) towards the canal tow- path and the Kingston Canal House before turning back. Come enjoy a summer morning outdoors while burning a few calories and learning a bit about the historic resources of the D & R Canal State Park!

RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEAS IN NEW JERSEY: IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK

2007-05-21T21:01:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, June 6th. 7:30 PM

Hank Schannen slide presentation:

“Rhododendrons and Azaleas in New Jersey: It's Easier Than You Think"

Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands Annual Meeting

Henry (Hank) Schannen, of the RareFind Nursery will present a lecture and slide show entitled “Rhododendrons and Azaleas in New Jersey: It's Easier Than You Think”, at the Annual Meeting of the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands, June 6th, 7:30 pm. The event will be held at Mapleton Preserve/D & R Canal State Park, 145 Mapleton Rd., in Kingston. It is free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 609-514-2416 or www.fpnl.org

The speaker for this program, Hank Schannen, is a plantsman extraordinaire and the owner of the RareFind Nursery, located in Jackson, NJ. Mr. Schannen is a walking rhododendron encyclopedia – his expertise in this area is reflected by the fact that RareFind offers over 200 varieties of rhododendrons and 130 varieties of deciduous and evergreen azaleas. Judging from the photos in his nursery’s on-line catalog (http://www.rarefindnursery.com) the slides he will show should be visually stunning, as he shares with us the beauty of this genus. He will also provide handouts and information on planting and growing rhododendrons and azaleas, and provide copies of his nursery catalog.

BACKGROUND:

Hank Schannen is an avid rhododendron collector and hybridizer. His interest in rhododendrons and azaleas is very long standing. He joined American Rhododendron Society (ARS) in 1966, and has served on the ARS national board and as the president of the Princeton Chapter of this prestigious society. Hank currently serves as Chairman of the ARS Research Foundation, and is a Board member of the Rhododendron Species Foundation. He has personally introduced 10 new rhododendron hybrids and was a 1997 recipient of the Gold Medal of the American Rhododendron Society. He has a BS from Rider University and an MBA from Rutgers University. Interestingly, in his former life (BR-Before Rarefind), Hank Schannen was a marketing specialist and co-founded and served as President of the multi-million dollar market research firm Hase-Schannen Research Associates, in Princeton, NJ. Hank is a frequent and entertaining lecturer on the subject of rhododendrons, and also . collects Japanese maples, hollies and magnolias.

He is the proprietor of RareFind Nursery, which is located at the northwestern tip of the famous New Jersey Pine Barrens. The nursery, which is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays, is centered around a four-acre rhododendron display garden in a natural wooded setting. The garden is home to a large and diverse collection of shrubs and contains many thousands of rhododendron seedlings from their own hybridizing efforts. The nursery offers over 2500 types of unusual hardy plants, including over 200 varieties of rhododendrons, and 130 types of azaleas. Their offerings also include native perennials, trees, shrubs, dogwoods, magnolias, conifers, Japanese maples, variegated plants, shade plants and deer-resistant plants.

Mapleton Preserve/D & R Canal State Park , 145 Mapleton Rd., Kingston

Free. Open to Public.

Further information: 609-514-2416.