Be an advocate of the river

DINGMANS FERRY — Kittatinny Canoes is proud to announce the dates for their 13th annual “On and Under the Delaware River Cleanup.” This year’s event will take place on July 16, 17 and 18.

During the 2001 cleanup, a total of 17.5 tons of tires, aluminum cans, scrap metal and just plain garbage was collected and properly disposed of by 526 devoted volunteers, plus Kittatinny staff members. That was cleanup number 12, but the numbers get more impressive, in the past 12 years, with an annual average of 468 volunteers, Kittatinny has rid the river of approximately 206 tons of refuse and 5,892 tires. That sounds grim, but actually the numbers improve by decreasing annually, showing that more and more people are becoming ecologically minded. Canoeing, wading, snorkeling, and diving, the cleanup crew covers 70 underwater and shoreline miles from Ten Mile River, NY to Delaware Water Gap in PA and NJ.

To participate in this year’s event or donate goods or services call 570/828-2338.

Kittatinny Canoes announces events

DINGMANS FERRY — Learn to kayak on July 14 and July 28. Challenge the river one-on-one in our easy to use kayaks. Certified instructors will meet and give you instruction at Kittatinny’s Matamoras Base, and then accompany you on a ten-mile whitewater river trip from Pond Eddy, NY to Matamoras.

For information call 800/float-KC or visit our web site at www.kittatinny.com.

Rafting trip and barbeque

NARROWSBURG — The Sullivan County Republican Committee is sponsoring a rafting trip on the Delaware River to be followed by a chicken barbeque on Sunday, July 21. Participants will meet at Lander’s River Trips at Narrowsburg, New York by 10:00 a.m. and will proceed by van to Skinner’s Falls for the rafting trip, which will take approximately three hours.

Upon return to Narrowsburg at 1:00 p.m., there will be a chicken barbeque. Tickets for this event must be purchased by July 15 and are $25 for the raft trip and the barbeque. For children under 12, the charge is $20. Barbeque tickets only are $10. There is a rain date of August 11.

For tickets, call Alga at 845/794-5482 or Greg at 845/985-0027.

At the markets

SULLIVAN COUNTY — The Sullivan County Area Farmers’ Market will be open at all four locations this week. On Thursday at Wurtsboro on Canal Street from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., on Friday in Liberty at Darbee Lane from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday in Callicoon at A. Dorrer Drive from 11:00 a.m. to 2 ;00 p.m. and also on Sunday in Roscoe at Highland Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Bill Engle will entertain at the Callicoon Market on Sunday, July 14. He plays a variety of old-time folk songs on the hammer dulcimer. Bill Is a native of Callicoon Center.

At the markets this week will be fresh local sweet corn, tomatoes, herbs, summer squash, onions, goat cheese, area photographs, handmade soap, smoked trout, wine, annuals and perennials, snow peas, baked goods, fingerling potatoes, cut flowers and fine crafts and maple products.

Defend Our Watershed!

HONESDALE — Defend Our Watershed! is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, protection and restoration of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s watersheds. Watershed lands play a critical role in protecting our drinking water. Their biological, recreational and aesthetic values are vital to the ecological and economic well being of our region. Defend Our Watershed! seeks to educate the public and government officials about the importance of our watersheds; encourage and facilitate the public ownership of the region’s watersheds where possible; and otherwise promote the environmentally responsible and sustainable use of watershed lands. Join us on Friday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wayne County Visitor’s Center, 303 Commercial Street.

Open to the public. Visit the new website at www.rescue-nepa.org.

Woodland Ramble at Shelley Preserve

By MARY ELLEN SNIVELY

THOMPSON — Last year a young boy’s parents suddenly decided not to paper the bathroom. Instead, they took him for a walk at the Florence Shelly Preserve. The 10 year old was the only one in a group of 18 walkers who was sharp enough to catch a glimpse of a coyote darting by. In his later years, would the boy remember having spruced up the bathroom? He is sure to remember spotting the coyote. His parents made a wise decision.

On July 21 at 2:00 p.m. bring the whole family to the Shelly Preserve for a Woodland Ramble. Andy Gardner, the walk’s leader, will greet you at the preserve, which is located one mile north of Thompson. The group will meet at the parking lot on PA Route 171, immediately across from Stack Road. Sturdy waterproof footwear is advised, as some areas are usually wet underfoot.

For more information call 570/879-4244.