Adopt a Creek P.A.R.T.Y. Rancocas Creek Water Trail, Mt. Holly Oxbow Flood Channel and Mill Race Spring Clean-up. Support Local Commerce Before, During and After Paddling and or Time Trial Kayak Races. For beta zap back a note.

Summary of Coates Bar and Rancocas River dredging. Coates Bar was once found at the entrance of Mill Creek on the Rancocas. Mile 25 enjoys a fascinating history. This is where tides run rapid and at full force. West of Willingboro, Rancocas shoals can emerge aggressively, as tidal action tend to accentuate given ever-closer proximity to the Delaware River.

The beach at Mill Creek Park has become an informal landing for PWC and other vessels. The beach is also used by Willingboro residents for fishing, paddling access and relaxation along the creek. It’s a mere 5-minute walk from Mill Creek ‘s parking lot (for free!) along the marl-shelf overlooking one of the most expansive viewsheds between the Delaware River and the confluence of the Creek’s north and south branches. At low-tide, the Willingboro Flats offer welcome refuge to sandpipers, herons, hawks, eagles, and the occasional seal (and, of course, much more).

The Coates Bar Booklet is undergoing some editing. US Army Corps of Engineer reports of tide-water creeks and rivers of the late 1800s is available online. All the archival photos and accompanying discussion taking place is quite informative. Click here for the “in-development” booklet. Please note that the “cut and barge” diagram will be repositioned.

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the natural world simply vanishes out of sight. While many critters hibernate, other ecological systems truly thrive in the cold. Below-ice organisms serve as a marker of sorts for the health of a watershed while other indicators of a vibrant, winter ecology abound. “Ice is vice” is a tongue-in-cheek expression, Yet, the impact of ice on the natural habitats found along the Rancocas are far from one-dimensional. To the contrary, these subtle but dynamic influences merit our attention and appreciation.

Some time-tested advice is “get out there” and embrace the winter season. Start discovering some of the little critter tracks in the snow. Enjoy taking in the slow-motion ballet of creek-ice formation.

Relish winter wildlife in all its glory.

And after some wandering about through nature’s resplendent classroom, head into one of the creekside communities, like historic Mt. Holly Village, for a savory meal, a belly-warming cup of Joe, or glass or two of “attitude-adjustment.” Who knows, you may discover what we have over at Rancocas Pathways, “a natural treasure hidden in plain sight.”

Evolution of Ice

Winter Ecology

Ice Letter

Scottish Article on Ice formation and Ice Pancakes https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2879346/Ice-pancakes-floating-Scottish-river-Bizarre-formations-occur-frozen-crystals-collect-circular-disks.html

Under Ice Microbes

Rancocas Creek Water Trail – Creek Mile 14 found at Mt. Holly Village’s Ironworks Park–where the mill dam “rips”. Please paddle safely, as tidal ice is starting to form. Yes, you will likely get a bit cold while undertaking some winter observations of the water trails natural wonders. Ice surely offers a remarkable environment. Very chill is one way to put it. Videography introduces people to the Rancocas Creek Water Trail with its head of tide and westerly outflow from the famed NJ Pine Barrens. “Ice is vice” offers the early phases in the evolution of ice formation on the Rancocas. Still photos and video help capture the beauty of foamed crystals (a natural science in itself) consolidating as bubbles and the as circular, flat pans of slush. Hoping to post the entire cycle from freeze-up to the Mid-winter thaw. Feel free to zap along any questions you may have on this subject. And, yeah, it’s always a fine time to get out there paddling, so long as the “creek -ice don’t rise’ (too much ;)!