View Nature on Boat and Kayak Tours at Mercer County Park

By: Anthony Bellano

The Mercer County Park Commission adds Pontoon Boat Nature Tours to the new Kayak Tours of Mercer Lake at Mercer County Park in West Windsor this summer, Mercer County officials announced.

Those participating in the 90-minute educational Pontoon tour will receive binoculars for spotting various birds and wildlife. They are ongoing through Sept. 6, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Mercer County Park is in an area of transition between inland and coastal forests. Its sandy soils are host to an array of specialist plant species, and many types of wildlife can be seen at the lake’s edge. Mercer Lake is a 365-acre stretch of land that plays host to to many native plants and wildlife that are seldom seen in central New Jersey.

No registration is required. Tickets can be purchased at the Mercer County Park Marina.  Ticket sales begin at noon on the day of the tour, and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and seniors. Ticket holders can enter the dock at 1 p.m. Each tour runs from 1- 2:30 p.m.

The Kayak tours offer everyone from beginners to experienced paddlers the opportunity for views of wildflowers or the chance to float alongside a beaver dam. Binoculars are also available for Kayak tour participants.

The tours take place on Friday, July 19; Saturday, Aug. 3 and Saturday, Aug. 17.

Mercer Lake is the largest body of water in Mercer County at 2,500 acres, county officials said. It plays host to many native plants and wildlife: great blue herons, double-crested cormorants and aquatic turtles are common on the lake, and bald eagles, osprey and beavers are occasionally sighted.

This program is $16 per person and requires registration. To register, please notify Jenn Rogers at jrogers@mercercounty.org or (609) 303-0706.  Be sure to bring plenty of water and shoes that can get wet. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and binoculars for wildlife viewing will be provided.

This program meets at the Marina at Mercer County Park. Each Kayak Tour runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.