Duck Island (New Jersey) facts for kids
 Duck Island
Location in New Jersey
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates | 40°10′37″N 74°43′39″W / 40.17694°N 74.72750°W |
| Highest elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Mercer |
| Township and City | Hamilton and Trenton |
Duck Island is a unique piece of land in New Jersey. It used to be a true island, completely surrounded by water. Today, it is a peninsula, meaning it's connected to the mainland on one side.
This area is located where the Delaware River meets Crosswicks Creek. Most of Duck Island is found within Hamilton Township. However, its northwest edge reaches into the city limits of Trenton. A small community, also called Duck Island, is located near this border. The beautiful Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park runs right alongside this interesting landform.
Contents
History of Duck Island
Duck Island has an interesting past, showing how land can change over time. It also highlights how local communities can make a difference.
From Island to Peninsula
For a long time, Duck Island was separated from the rest of New Jersey. A natural waterway called Duck Creek flowed around it. This creek acted like a channel, making Duck Island a true island.
By 1947, parts of Duck Creek had been filled in. This change connected Duck Island to the mainland. That's why it is now considered a peninsula instead of an island.
Modern Changes and Development
In more recent times, new developments have shaped Duck Island. Since 1995, a major highway, Interstate 295, crosses the southeastern part of the peninsula. This highway helps people travel through the area.
Community Action and the Incinerator Plan
In 1996, there were plans to build a large trash incinerator on Duck Island. An incinerator is a facility that burns trash to get rid of it. This project would have cost about $260 million.
However, local citizens and leaders were concerned about the plan. The Board of chosen freeholders for Mercer County, New Jersey listened to these concerns. They are a group of elected officials who manage the county's business. After careful consideration, they decided to reject the proposal. This showed the power of community action in protecting local areas.
