Paddle from Balls Eddy to Philadelphia

LACKAWAXEN — Registration is open for the 21st annual Delaware River Sojourn, which will take place June 20 to 27.

The Delaware Sojourn is one of the oldest river sojourns in the nation, and combines the experiences of guided paddling excursions with interpretive programs, camping, and camaraderie. Participants may sign up for the entire eight-day trip or for the day, or days, of their choice.

“The Delaware River is one of our nation’s most important waterways, and this year's theme, "Birthplace of America," will celebrate the river and region’s rich history,” said Ian Kindle, Environmental Educator with Delaware Canal State Park, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and co-chair of the 2015 Sojourn steering committee.

Close to 75 miles of the main stem Delaware River will be paddled in 2015, split into daily trips ranging from eight to 13 miles. This year’s sojourn will also visit Crosswicks Creek, a New Jersey tributary to the Delaware River.

“The Delaware Sojourn is a wonderful way to see the Delaware River from the river and to experience first-hand its beauty and the inherent diversity of its different sections,” said Steve Tambini, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). “DRBC has been working for more than 50 years to manage this shared water resource. We encourage the public to consider enjoying this family-friendly paddling and learning adventure.”

Programs being offered this year include a tour of the Fort Delaware Museum in Narrowsburg, N.Y.; a visit to the new Tulpehaking Nature Center, part of the Abbott Marshlands, in Hamilton Township, N.J.; and an overnight stay at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pa. While in Philadelphia on June 27, sojourners may participate in Tall Ships Philadelphia-Camden, the largest sailing event of its kind in the U.S. in 2015.

A shared resourceThe non-profit, annual event is organized by a steering committee that includes representatives from federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and individual volunteers. The Delaware River Basin Commission has served on the steering committee since the sojourn’s early years. Communications Assistant Kate Schmidt has served as DRBC’s representative on the steering committee since 2006.

ShopRite, S.J. Shrubsole, and Pennsylvania Power & Light have donated to the sojourn, which is also financed by grants from the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.

Space is limited, so register early. Registration details, itinerary overview, and sojourn guidelines are available at www.delawareriversojourn.org. For more information call Dejay Branch at 646-205-2724 or email info@riversojourn.com.