New Hope Man Is Next Director Of Friends Of The Delaware Canal

NEW HOPE, PA — Michael D. Ginder of New Hope is the new executive director of Friends of the Delaware Canal, the organization announced Monday.

The organization’s mission includes sustaining a link to cultural heritage, protecting beautiful and diverse natural areas, providing recreational and educational opportunities, and enabling the canal to serve as a community and economic asset. After 30 years in the role, former executive director Susan Taylor has retired.

“The Friends of the Delaware Canal is excited about Michael’s appointment,” said Brett Webber, president of FODC. “We look forward to working with him and building on Susan’s many accomplishments.”

Ginder looks forward to his time at the helm.

“The canal is such a vital part of our region’s history, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to join the Friends as the next executive director,” he said. “It will be exciting to work with the passionate individuals who are stewards of the canal, expanding our membership base and encouraging area residents and visitors to spend time along the canal.”

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Ginder was previously director of Business and Employment Services for the Arc Mercer. He has also served as executive director of the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, NJ, where he was responsible for the organization’s strategic planning, financial well-being, and fundraising.

FODC works in partnership with the State of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks, and with the Delaware Canal State Park, to undertake restoration projects that rescue significant canal structures. FODC has restored five of the six historically authentic camelback bridges, and is collaborating with the state to ensure an accurate restoration of Spahr’s Bridge in Upper Black Eddy — where work has already begun.

In 2022, FODC will mark the 40th anniversary of its founding, with plans underway to celebrate in communities along the entire length of the canal. The canal, which runs nearly 60 miles from Easton to Bristol, is watched over by volunteer FODC canal tenders who inspect the towpaths, pick up trash, clear branches and report problems throughout the year.

To learn more about Friends of the Delaware Canal, visit their website.

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