The township will sponsor a hike May 3 in the Alexauken Creek Wildlife Management Area.
By: Linda Seida
WEST AMWELL The township is set to showcase its open space properties as the West Amwell Open Space Advisory Committee prepares to lead a hike along the Alexauken Creek Wildlife Management Area and adjacent preserved lands on Saturday, May 3.
The total contiguous municipal reserve currently exceeds 600 acres with 425 acres contained within the wildlife area and the balance of remaining acreage to include the Ringus, Brown and Runkle farms, all preserved as part of West Amwell’s attempt to minimize the increasing threat of overdevelopment.
Hoping to draw local attention to the pristine beauty of the wild and unbroken landscape, the township plans to highlight the preserved properties by promoting public accessibility.
West Amwell Mayor Peter Buchsbaum said the township is interested in making sure local residents are aware of the open spaces available to them as preserved land.
"After preservation process is complete, the land is not simply set aside to fossilize," Mayor Buchsbaum said. "It’s available to the public and should be utilized by West Amwell families as an educational resource and as a treasure that enhances our lives and our community."
The hike will be led by committee Chairman Hal Shute. According to his colleagues, Mr. Shute knows the properties well.
Hikers will meet at 9 a.m. at the parking area on Rocktown-Lambertville Road, approximately one half mile from Route 31.
The trek, which is expected to last three to four hours, will cover approximately four miles and will be fairly strenuous.
"It will certainly not be like walking on a D&R (Delaware and Raritan) Canal towpath," Mayor Buchsbaum warned. "It will be rigorous and can become dangerous."
The mayor explained the journey might become somewhat rough because there are few wooded roads and portions of the trail are as yet unblazed. The hike may include some degree of difficulty, and hikers may find themselves scrambling up a hill, he said.
According to committee member Jamie Kamph, poison ivy, prickly bushes, ticks, snakes and slippery rocks will be on the menu.
Participants are advised to wear sturdy boots, long loose-fitting pants and a hat or cap. Water, snacks and insect repellant also are recommended. Dogs and children under 12 will not be permitted to participate.
The hike is open to all but groups will be limited to 12, therefore, advance reservation are requested.
Anyone interested in signing up can reserve a space by contacting Municipal Clerk Betty Jane Hunt at 397-2054.