You've Talked the Talk, Now Walk the Walk!

By now, I'm sure you've seen one of the signs announcing the 3rd annual "Walk the Walk." This event is being held on Earth Day 2012, April 22, this year. With all of the talk about environmental issues recently, both globally and here in Cinnaminson, this is a great opportunity to get a firsthand look at just what the Pompeston Creek has to offer, and how important it is that we consider the impact of our actions on this valuable natural resource.

The walk is a 5-mile trek that begins at Pompeston Park in Moorestown (turn onto N. Riding Drive from Riverton Road, then turn left on Georgian Drive and follow to the park entrance at the end). We recommend that you get dropped off at the starting line and make arrangements to be picked up at Riverton Park. If you would like to leave your vehicle in Riverton, a shuttle will be available to take you to Pompeston Park, leaving from the Riverton Park at noon. The shuttle will also be available to take you back to Pompeston Park after the event if you left your car there.

Registration begins at noon. Walkers will be given directions, a map and information about some of the places and things they will pass along the way, and a trash bag for litter they pick as they walk. The route winds along the creek where it can, through Cinnaminson to the finish line at Riverton Memorial Park. There will be educational displays at the start and finish, and at four checkpoints along the way. Volunteers at each checkpoint will have water, snacks and a place to rest, and they can call for a rescue ride for any walker who wants or needs one.

The finish line festivities begin at 3 p.m. at Riverton Memorial Park. There will be the usual hoopla—prizes for those who finish first, who saw the most bird species, who picked up the most litter, as well as refreshments. Just when you think the day couldn't get better, it does!

Registration and sign-in for the Great Pompeston Rubber Duck Race will be held from 3 until 3:50 p.m. Those who got their ducks prior to the event should have their ducks checked in by 3:50 p.m. as well. Post time is 4 p.m., when the ducks will be released into the Pompeston Creek from the base of the trail that leads from the 8th Street parking area. Spectators can then head to the Turtle Lady dock or the Aguilar's yard to watch the race, or head down to the Broad Street bridge to watch the finish. There will be "duck wranglers" in kayaks in the creek to guide wayward ducks or rescue any that get caught in the marsh.
Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the ducks (or duck owners) that finish in first, second and third place. And you get to keep your duck!

While the PCWA would have course be happy to raise some money to help us with our ongoing mission to protect and preserve the watershed, we are hoping to raise awareness of the creek, and encourage people to appreciate just how much the Pompeston has to offer, and the importance of the role it plays in our lives. Perhaps if we see the impact humans have on the environment first hand, we will all try a little harder to take care of the planet. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children some simple lessons about responsiblility and civic pride, a chance to meet your neighbors and make new friends, to find out where the best bird watching spots are, to find out where the best spot to fish or launch a canoe might be, to learn a little history about this part of New Jersey and to get answers to your questions & clear up any misconceptions about the Pompeston Creek Watershed Association and what they do.

Details about the event and how to sign up can be obtained at www.pompestoncreek.org or by calling 609-760-3223 or by visiting www.earthday.org and looking under events. Don't just talk the talk, "Walk the Walk"! Come on out, learn something, have some fun and make a difference by helping us celebrate Earth Day 2012!