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Register now for the Delaware River Sojourn

Posted 6/6/23

WEST TRENTON, NJ— Interested paddlers of all ages and experience levels are reminded that it is not too late to register for the 28th Delaware River Sojourn taking place June 17-23. …

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Register now for the Delaware River Sojourn

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WEST TRENTON, NJ— Interested paddlers of all ages and experience levels are reminded that it is not too late to register for the 28th Delaware River Sojourn taking place June 17-23. Participants may sign up for the entire trip or for the day(s) of their choice.

The Delaware River Sojourn combines guided paddling excursions, educational programs, camping and camaraderie. Geared for everyone, the Sojourn helps people learn about and appreciate the Delaware River first-hand, creating stewards of this important natural resource. 

“The Sojourn theme this year is Running Free, highlighting the un-dammed nature of the mainstem river,” said Mark Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement for the Appalachian Mountain Club and Chair of the Sojourn Steering Committee. “From migratory fish to dam removals to aquatic invasive species, sojourn programming will focus on the history and unique habitat of a free-flowing Delaware River.”

Roughly 65 miles will be paddled in 2023, split into daily trips ranging from five to 13 miles. In brief, the Sojourn will paddle the following stretches:

• Saturday, June 17 – Hancock (N.Y.) to Buckingham Access (Pa.)

• Sunday, June 18 – Buckingham Access to NEWE Camp (Pa.)

• Monday, June 19 – NEWE Camp to Callicoon (Pa.)

• Tuesday, June 20 – Dingmans (Pa.) to Bushkill (Pa.)

• Wednesday, June 21 – Shawnee Inn (Pa.) to Driftstone Campground, Delaware River (Pa.)

• Thursday, June 22 – Driftstone Campground to Martin’s Creek Boat Launch (Pa.)

• Friday, June 23 – Martin’s Creek Boat Launch to Phillipsburg, N.J.

“The DRBC recognizes that the Delaware River Sojourn fosters important connections to our shared water resources and to one another,” said Steve Tambini, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC).  “There is no better way to experience and discover the Delaware River than on the Sojourn.”

On Wednesday, June 21, the Sojourn is pleased to welcome U.S. EPA Region 3 Administrator Adam Ortiz as an honorary guest. Ortiz will address sojourners during the lunch program at the Kittatinny Point Visitors Center, Columbia, N.J., and will be introduced by Steve Tambini, DRBC’s Executive Director. Another programming highlight this year is a talk by David C. Pierce, author of Tocks Island: Dammed If You Do The Homegrown Movement that Defeated the Delaware River Dam. And, as we travel downriver through Northampton County, Pa. and Warren County, N.J., participants will be greeted by and hear from county executives.  Mayor of Phillipsburg Todd M. Tersigni is expected to give remarks at Phillipsburg on June 23.

Registration fees in 2023 are $100 per day for adults and $70 per day for children (ages 15 and under). Fees cover the guided river trip, single or tandem kayak rental (with paddle and life jacket), shuttle transportation, educational programs, most meals and optional overnight camping sites. Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but please note that neither aluminum nor wooden canoes are recommended. There is an additional one-time insurance fee of $10 per person for this American Canoe Association (ACA)-sanctioned event, except for current ACA members.

Registration details, itinerary overview and sojourn safety guidelines are available at https://delawareriversojourn.com/. Sojourners can register online using Paypal.  Registration-related questions and first-time paddler discount inquiries should be directed to Dejay Branch at info@delawareriversojourn.com.

The Delaware River Sojourn appreciates the support of its donors and grantors.  The regional supermarket cooperative ShopRite has sponsored the Delaware River Sojourn annually since 2013; individual donors also provide valuable support. The sojourn receives grant funding from the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program and PPL. These funds help keep costs as low as possible for participants.

This non-profit, annual event is planned by a steering committee with representatives from federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations and individual volunteers.  These include the Appalachian Mountain Club, Northeast Wilderness Experience, National Canoe Safety Patrol, Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition, Upper Delaware Council, National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Northampton County, Musconetcong Watershed Association, Brodhead Watershed Association, Friends of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Warren County, Penn State Watershed Extension Lehigh Valley, Martins Jacoby Watershed Association and the DRBC. 

The DRBC is proud to have been a part of the Sojourn steering committee since its early years; Communications Specialist Kate Schmidt has served as the Commission’s representative since 2006.  

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