A note from Charlie: As someone involved in many recreational organizations, we all wish our natural and open spaces to be enjoyed by all. Please be mindful of health and safety while visiting the sites mentioned in this column, as well as all public spaces, especially during this pandemic. Sites on the national and local level are experiencing many challenges and you can help ensure sites remain safe and clean for all. Please follow personal safety precautions, carry out what you carry in, and follow site guidelines as necessary.

STORY BEHIND PHOTO OF THE WEEK

I have driven by this small lake numerous times, often pulling over to enjoy and photograph birds perched on the tall reeds alongside the lake or to see what birds are swimming around on the open water. There is always something!

Delaware Lake is on the route of one of my “Looking for Stuff Auto Tours” and, I have to say, I have been pretty lucky coming across stuff here! One case in point happened not too long ago, just down the road from here. Remember the Piebald Deer Fawn?

During my photo stops along the lake, which was listed in Only in Your State’s “14 Secret Spots in New Jersey Where Nature Will Relax You,” I’ve also noticed quite a bit of boating and fishing activity. So, I decided to check out the main entrance.  What a pleasant surprise! A beautiful view of the small lake, with its grass-covered, earthen dam by the metal dock and its forested and reed shorelines. Just beautiful! 

What caught my eye, as a special addition/feature, off in the distance, was the Kittatinny Ridge, traversing Worthington State Forest and The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area! I found myself pausing. Here was nature’s billboard. The message: “What a special place we live in!!”  Think of it; out of sight just to the left of those mountains is the Delaware Water Gap, and, traversing the top of those mountains, traveling between Maine and Georgia, THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL!! 

That’s it, I am adding this site/sight to my auto tour!

OBSERVATION:  I’m sure glad that I take the time to smell the roses! I’m also very thankful and mindful that I have had the health and support of others over the years to do my traveling about and to SHARE those travels with stories and photos!!!  It is very important that the public is aware of (and places a value on) these sites in order that they may be properly supported, preserved, protected and presented!!

Delaware Lake is part of the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection’s Columbia Wildlife Management Area, which covers about 1,159 acres.  It is located on CR-605 and is visible from Interstate-80. 

Please visit my Flickr site for more photos of the lake.

Please Stay Safe!!

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Charlie Fineran is Allamuchy’s Director of Open Space, Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission Chairman and Allamuchy Historical Society President.