Herons and Turtles and Ducks! Oh My!

Over the next week or so, you will begin to notice signs popping up throughout Cinnaminson, Moorestown and Riverton—signs that say "Walk the Walk," and have herons, snapping turtles and rubber ducks on them. 

So what does "Walk the Walk" mean? You've heard the expression "You've talked the talk, now walk the walk," I'm sure. We stole it to use for this event.

The Pompeston Creek Watershed Association is pleased to announce its 3rd Annual Walk the Walk, a five-mile trek that begins at Pompeston Park in Moorestown and winds its way through the watershed ending at Riverton Memorial Park. The walk is designed to raise not only funds but awareness of the Pompeston Creek—from the environmental issues we all face every day to all that the watershed has to offer. This year the event is being held on Earth Day, which is Sunday, April 22.

There are four checkpoints along the route. Each has water, snacks and a couple of chairs for those who want to rest for a bit. Checkpoints are manned by volunteers who will also have environmental displays or educational information on some aspect of the watershed. (They will also have cell phones to call for rides for anyone who doesn't want to walk anymore.) The map given to walkers includes historical and fun facts about the places they'll see as they walk.

When we held our first event in 2010, my son Jay designed a logo for us—a cartoon snapping turtle and great blue heron. (I've got a turtle suit, but I'm not wearing it for the walk until I find someone to dress up like the heron!) Hence the "egrets and turtles" in the title of this post. But what about the ducks, you say?

This year we are adding the first ever "Great Pompeston Rubber Duck Race!" Those of us who live next to the creek often refer to the Pompeston as "The creek of Fundy" because of the strength and speed with which the tide changes. The walkers will be arriving at the finish line in Riverton between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., just in time for the turning of the tide from coming in to going out, at about 3:45. The ducks will be "released" into the creek at the base of the first trail along the creek.

"Duck wranglers" will be patrolling the creek in kayaks to rescue any ducks that get stuck in the marsh plants or wander into the lily pond, and a couple will be positioned at the finish line at the Broad Street bridge. They'll have nets to capture the ducks before they make a break for the Delaware.

Numbered ducks can be purchased for $5 each starting this week, or you can get them the day of the event. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the people whose ducks finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Everyone who enters will receive a small prize, and depending on the response to this blog post, there may be additional prizes in the form of gift baskets or gift certificates.

The suggested donation for walkers is $10, however, we are very flexible. Walkers are encouraged to get their family and friends to sponsor them. Larger donations are gratefully accepted. The PCWA is a tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be deducted as provided by law.

The walk starts at 1 p.m. at Pompeston Park in Moorestown, finish line festivities, refreshments and registration for the duck race (and duck purchases) begin at 3 p.m. at Riverton Memorial Park. Post time for the ducks is 4 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. Information is available at www.pompestoncreek.org or by calling 609-760-3223 or emailing turtlelady527@comcast.net. You can also find out more by visiting www.Earthday.org/2012.

Please help us celebrate Earth Day, and the Pompeston Creek watershed at this fun family event. Hope to see you there!