Took an impromptu family canoe and kayak trip in New Jersey's Wharton State Forest in 70 degree November weather on Saturday. A blast! As you float down the West Branch of the narrow and winding Wading River for 3 hours - it's hard to believe you are in New Jersey! I recommend everyone take this trip at least once. You can rent canoes and kayaks at several places such as Bel Haven C&K or Micks C&K in the Wharton Forest - 15 minutes east of Hammonton, NJ. The rental co's drop you off, and you paddle to a pick-up point downstream. The water level was as high as I can remember and there was a bit of speed to the river flow. All the canoes tipped at least once (even Eric) - which was quite amazing - but everyone was a good sport.

It's important for politicians to recognize that saving a piece of land here and there is not all there is to conservation. For example, it's just as important to parcel together contiguous bike and walking paths across jurisdictional lines. The Horseshoe trail which streches 40 miles or so from Valley Forge Park to Reading PA is one such regional effort. The trail runs over both private and public lands and is largely held together by volunteers.

As land is being sucked up across the region, it's important to keep a regional picture of where open space corridors (even if only a few feet wide) can be maintained to allow us all to take long walks and bike rides protected from cars. This type of planning is great for property values, and for getting the most out of where you live -- not to mention healthy hearts!