Kayak Tours on Mercer County Lake Begin July 1

The Mercer County Park Commission will host several kayak tours of Mercer Lake in West Windsor this summer, county officials announced last week.

County Naturalist Jenn Rogers will lead the tours, which give attendess the chance to explore the nooks and crannies of the 365-acre Mercer Lake that are accessible only via kayak.

Participants 16 years of age and older will have the opportunity to paddle along the lake's edge for views of the native wildflowers in bloom, float alongside a beaver lodge, and maybe see a bald eagle swoop down to grab a snack from the water.

Beginners and experienced kayakers alike are invited to pick up a paddle and survey the shoreline for sun-bathing turtles or spot a great blue heron fishing.

There are five scheduled kayak tour dates: Fridays, July 1 and 29; Aug. 12 and 26; and Sept. 9. The tours are run out of the Mercer County Park Marina in West Windsor, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The Park Commission will provide the kayaks, paddles, binoculars and life jackets, as well as instruction on the basics of kayaking prior to heading out on the lake.

Participants should bring plenty of water and shoes that can get wet.

The tour rates are as follows: Mercer County residents, $25 per person; out-of-county residents, $30 per person. Pre-registration is required.

Call 609-888-3218, e-mail natureprograms@mercercounty.org or visit www.mercercountyparks.org for more information and to register.

Mercer Lake is home to many native plants and wildlife that are seldom seen in central New Jersey.

Situated at the extreme northern reaches of New Jersey's coastal plain, 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.

The attached image is a Patch file photo