Have you heard the dare, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” You can respond newly after West Windsor’s National Trails Day walk on Saturday, June 3. ##M:[more]## The public is invited to hike the Millstone River Preserve, then to refreshments and exploration of nearby Rogers Preserve. Meet at 10 a.m. at Millstone Preserve’s gravel parking lot: 3/10 mile north on Millstone Road, around the corner from Grovers Mill’s historic red barn. [No Martians currently expected.] Rain date: Sunday, June 4, 10 a.m.
For 14 years, National Trails Day has annually inspired nearly a million people to set out on fresh trails. So this is a natural day (pun intended) to introduce the new Preserves. West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, with Friends of West Windsor Open Space (FOWWOS), are co-hosting the trek.
Ken Carlson, president of West Windsor Plainsboro Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, and vice president of Friends of West Windsor Open Space, has a difficult time choosing among his three nature passions — hiking, biking, and kayaking. He admits that both preserves remain works in progress, calling this hike “Early Days on the Trail.” Projected amenities include signage and blazes (color-cued tree-marks to highlight each path), maps, and benches. An information kiosk is planned for the parking lot, a kayak launch for the river’s dappled banks.
Linked greenways and far-flung partnerships are the name of the game in 21st century land preservation. The Millstone River Preserve results from extraordinary cooperation among West Windsor Township, FOWWOS, D&R Greenway Land Trust, NJDEP Green Acres, and Mercer County. The Rogers Preserve, off Clarksville Road, named for Ronald R. Rogers. As West Windsor’s forester, Rogers saw to the planting of indigenous trees and the setting aside of wooded parks, to restore and refresh neighbors and their descendants. Rogers, who died in 1999, invented “community forestry” in our region.
The walk begins on Millstone River Upper Trail, at the aforesaid parking lot. It winds up hill and down dale through the former Yeger Property. This 18-acre parcel borders the curvaceous river, a favorite with kayakers. Leaving the MRT on Melville and Yeger roads, the group will cross over to Grovers Mill Pond at Cranbury and Clarksville roads.
Rogers Preserve, near Landing Lane, is bordered by the lyrical Bear Brook. Currently unsigned, it presents a mystery inside an enigma. Walkers will be guided to access this 13-acre parcel. Locals are already using its trail network to reach Princeton Junction Train Station. Picture days in Manhattan, beginning and ending in a reforested Christmas tree farm. After refreshments, walkers can return to the Millstone River Trail to explore a different path that winds along the river.
On a mid-May foray, the Millstone Upper Trail unfurls in fern groves. American holly vies with tangles of catbrier. The purr of “a red-belly” proves this woods dense enough to lure woodpeckers. Fragrant honeysuckle twines overhead. Mostly flat trails are soft underfoot, mostly bordered by downed saplings. About 20 minutes in, one escapes traffic buzz.
A chipmunk scurries into interlaced roots. Dapper in evening attire, a male nuthatch saunters down an angled trunk. A chickadee sounds his nervous warning, although a jay flashes soundlessly by. A flare of scarlet, unlikely in deep woods, is a male cardinal in full breeding plumage. A freshly dug fox den brings me to a rapt halt. Tawny sand is flung out behind a cantaloupe-sized entry. Foxes being nocturnal, I will not glimpse its energetic occupant.
Birding-by-ear has become an increasingly delightful hobby. In breeding season, walkers can listen for the “pretty pretty me!” of yellow warblers, and the common yellowthroat’s loud “witchety witchety witchety.”
Unfortunately, neither blazes nor saplings come to the hiker’s assistance at various crossroads. “I take the road [most] traveled by,” assuming that’s what leaders will do on June 3. Trail-builder Ken Carlson would later confirm my choice.
For these few hours, I have been transported, far from road rage or corporate posturings. Pungency of evergreen has vied with the sweetness of wild fruit blossoms. One majestic doe has stared long into my startled eyes. Wood thrush shadows have crossed me like a blessing. Their strong/delicate fluting explains why this was Thoreau’s favorite birdsong. All within inches of our busy Washington, Cranbury, and Clarksville roads — either new West Windsor Preserve is a fine candidate for lunch-hour restoration.
– Carolyn Foote Edelmann
National Trails Day, West Windsor launch walk of Millstone River & Rogers Preserves: Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. Free. Rain date Sunday, June 4, 10 a.m.
Anti-deer-tick garb (long pants tucked into socks, closed walking shoes, hat) is recommended. Everyone should carry and drink sufficient water. The walk is 2.5 miles, about 2 hours’ duration. Children welcome. Contact Ken Carlson at 609-275-6355 or kecarlson@comcast.net.
Or visit the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance website: www.princetononline.com/groups/wwbpa/.
