Abbott Marshlands — More Than Meets the Eye

Abbott Marshlands — More Than Meets the Eye

Photo by Mary Anne Borge

September 20 – November 16, 2014

Gallery Talk by the Artists in the Exhibit

November 16, 2 pm

Maia Reim September Reflection

The Abbot Marshlands (formerly known as the Hamilton-Trenton-Bordentown Marsh) are located along Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River near Bordentown. A comprehensive view of the history of the Abbott Marshlands including archaeology and ecology of the area, interpretations by local artists and photography adjudicated by Friends for the Abbott Marshlands are included in this multi-field exhibit.

Visitors to the exhibit can learn about the Lenape Indians who inhabited the area and Charles Conrad Abbott, a 19th and early 20th century archaeologist and naturalist, who lived on the bluffs near the marsh and who wrote extensively about it. The Abbott Farm National Historic Landmark was designated in 1996 by the United States Department of Interior to recognize the importance of the site. According to modern archaeologists, it is the most significant Woodland Indian site along the eastern coast of the United States.

Dumitru Drinovan The Blue Dream

Visitors can also learn about the ecology of the approximently 3000 acres of wetlands and uplands that comprise the mosaic landscape of the Marshlands. Approximately half of the wetland area is tidal, comprising the northernmost tidal freshwater wetland on the Delaware River.  Marsh and swampland are interspersed with meandering streams and channels, and there are ponds and pond-like areas created by beaver dams. Wooded uplands occur along the slopes of the bluffs that surround the marsh. This varied landscape with its tidal and non-tidal wetlands and uplands provides habitats for many kinds of organisms.

This collaborative exhibit features the efforts of volunteers and staff from three organizations: the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands, the soon-to-open Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton and the Trenton Museum Society.  The New Jersey State Museum has also contributed artifacts to the exhibit.

In addition to the exhibit at Ellarslie, many other interactive events are taking place at the Marsh and at other venues during the upcoming months. Overview below.  To download a complete schedule, click here.

Sun., Sept. 21. Meet the Marsh. 2-4 PM. Caravan from Ellarslie 1:30 PM.

Sat., Sept. 27. Historical tours of the Watson House. 1-3:30 PM.

Sun., Sept. 28. [World Rivers Day] Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River at Bordentown. 10 AM-noon

Sun., Sept. 28. [World Rivers Day] The Delaware River – People and Places. 2 PM. at Ellarslie

Sun., Oct 5. Canoe/Kayak the Abbott Marshlands. 10:00 AM.

Sat., Oct. 11. Family Fun Day at the Nature Center. 10 AM – 4 PM.

Sun., Oct. 12. Kayaking Spring Lake. 1 & 3 PM.

Fri., Oct. 24 “River Jam” Singer Songwriter and Eco Artist,Kelly Fragale and Friends perform a live set dedicated to supporting the connection between art, music, and ecology.  7 PM $15

Sun, Oct. 26. en Plein Air Painting with Gail Bracegirdle. 2PM. Cancelled

Sat., Nov. 1. Autumn at the Abbott Marshlands. 9:30-11:30 AM.

Sun., Nov. 2. Indian Life at the Abbott Marshlands: The New Jersey Lenape. 2 PM.

Fri., Nov. 7. Beaver/Night Hike. 6:30-8 PM.

Sat., Nov. 15. Indians of the Abbott Marshlands. 1-3 PM.

Learn More about World Rivers Day.

Friends for the Abbott Marshlands