Artist's Guide: Hamilton Trenton Marsh, Trenton area, NJ

Less than a mile from one of the densest populated areas of central New Jersey -- and passed over daily by thousands of state works and travelers speeding over elevated highways -- is an unpopulated area that is home to thousands of wild animals and plants. While few people actually venture into it, this quiet wilderness is a magical place of beauty and history.
The Hamilton Trenton Marsh covers approximately 1250 acres of marshes, woods and waters ways. It offers easy walks along or around lakes, hiking trails that lead through shaded woods, secluded river views, and opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. It also provides ongoing occasions to reflect on natural wonders and the changing of the seasons. Here in winter, the frozen lake gleams like a diamond. The first traces of spring are marked by an explosion of buds and the songs of peepers. Summer offers an abundance of wild rice, the purple glow of pickerel weed, glittering sunfish, and painted turtles basking on logs. And autumn uses the colors of fire to paint the landscape and turn Spring Lake into a mirror.
Spring Lake is also known as White City Lake, taking its name from the amusement park that served as a trolley line attraction around the turn of the last century. White City Amusement Park is just one fact in the strata of history connected with the region. Other interesting elements include the presence of the Abbott Farm, where the ongoing unearthing of Native American artifacts demonstrates the consistent human presence in the area (over 6000 years!); the Watson House, the oldest house in the county was built in 1708 by Isaac Watson; Bow Hill Mansion, where Joseph Bonaparte – the king of Spain and brother of Napolean – lived with his mistress; remains of the Delaware and Raritan Canal; and the grand stairway that led visitors from the previously mentioned trolley stop and down the hill to White City’s roller coaster, plume rides, and row boat outings.
The most accessible way to enter the area is through the 200 acre John A. Roebling Park in Hamilton. Maintained by the Mercer County Parks System and named after the famed Trenton-based designer of the Brooklyn Bridge, the park is free and open daily.
Think of this entrance to the park as a passage to the road less traveled, a road that makes a world of difference.
For more information, check the Internet under Hamilton Trenton Marsh or The Friends of the Hamilton Trenton Marsh. – from the Artist’s Guide by Daniel Aubrey (copyright by DA).