Park Commission To Hold Pontoon Boat Tours On Mercer Lake

Press release from the Mercer County Government:

July 28, 2021

WEST WINDSOR – Mercer County Park Commission Naturalists will hold fun and informative pontoon boat nature tours of Mercer Lake on Wednesdays throughout August. These family-friendly tours will give attendees access to rarely seen areas of the 365-acre lake.

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 special plant species, and many types of wildlife can be seen at the lake's edge. From their seat on the boat, participants may be able to view painted turtles, beavers and songbirds, and majestic bald eagles that frequent the lake for lunch. Shores lined with native wildflowers and a rose mallow in bloom will also be sure to please those along for the tour.

Rates for in-county residents are $10 per person for adults and $8 per person for children and seniors. Out-of-county rates are $12 per person for adults and $10 per person for children and seniors.

Tours will be held on Wednesdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25. There are two tours each day from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to noon, weather permitting. Tour tickets are sold at the Mercer County Park Marina on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. on the day of the tour. The boat seats 12 people. Children must be at least 6 years old.

To learn more about upcoming Nature Programs and environmental education activities open to the public please visit http://mercercountyparks.org/#!/activities/nature-programs.

This press release was produced by the Mercer County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.