Local advocates hope exploring the Delaware River Heritage Trail will spur love for the Delaware River among hikers and bikers, resulting in a cleaner environment, writes Kyle Bagenstose for the Delaware Currents.

The Delaware River Heritage Trail, which passes through Bucks County, has been in the works for over two decades. It is part of the plan to develop a larger, 75-mile trail network from Trenton, New Jersey to Philadelphia’s Old City on both sides of the river.

But while the trail passes by many historic and other sightseeing sites, there is currently an initiative to focus on a different idea: lead people to the water and let them fall in love.

A ride in October that started in Bristol, near the Bristol Marsh, a rare freshwater tidal marsh in Lower Bucks County, was part of that initiative.

“If people are coming out to the area to recreate, they’re going to care about keeping [the river] clean and keeping it usable so they can continue recreating,” said Cindy Kunnas, projects coordinator for the Delaware River Greenway Partnership.

Read more about the beauty and mystique of the Delaware River Heritage Trail in Delaware Currents.

Delaware River Trail opens in Philly area.