“WHEN THE SHADBUSH BLOOMS, THE SHADFISH RETURN”: This acrylic on paper work by Susan Hoenig is featured in “On Lenape Land,” on view October 1 through December 31 at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton.

“On Lenape Land,” an exhibition of paintings and forest compositions by Susan Hoenig, will be on view October 1 through December 31 at the Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton. An opening reception is on October 1 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The artist states: “The land upon which we gather is part of the traditional territory of the Lenape, called Lenapehoking. The Lenape people lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years.

“Crosswicks Creek and the Bordentown Bluffs are at the edge of the Abbott Marshlands, an area in New Jersey that was the largest site for Middle Woodland occupation in the Northeast. For at least 13,000 years Native Americans were drawn to the Bordentown Bluffs overlooking the flood plains around the wetland margins, on the banks of the Delaware River. They often built their settlements on the bluffs; fish and the plants of the marsh areas were an important reason why they came. The size of the groups the Native Americans lived in varied significantly over time. They tended the natural plants on the land and gathered them for food and medicine for thousands of years before they started to plant corn.

“I took many Friends for the Abbott Marshlands walks led by Charlie and Mary (Allessio) Leck to observe avian and plant life. In the spring of 2021, Mary Leck, botanist and emeritus professor at Rider University, invited me to accompany her with naturalists and conservationists to walk the trails along the Bordentown Bluffs edge, 60 feet above Crosswicks Creek. Mary pointed out hemlocks in the least disturbed area of woodlands. We also saw beautiful, blossoming mountain laurel, rhododendron that was yet to flower, chestnut oak, tulip poplar, umbrella magnolia, mapleleaf viburnum, and indigo bush.

“Since then, I have filled sketchbooks and created paintings. I am now interested in the geology of the bluffs; the exposure of marshland’s sediment of clay, silt, sand, and pebbles; and other streambed features. I have a passion for the lives of trees and feel a great spiritual connection in acknowledging the land of the Lenape and its history.

“From our perspective, early cultures stewarded this land wisely. Life that surrounds us can teach valuable lessons in our interactions with the land, air, water, and wildlife. In my paintings, I hope to convey this special, vibrant living place related to a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.”

An artist workshop for young people ages 12-18 is on October 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration is free but required at abbottmarshlands.org/event/rhythms-of-the-land-1.

A workshop for ages 18-plus is on December 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register at abbottmarshlands.org/event/rhythms-of-the-land-2/adults-2.

Both workshops will feature the use of watercolor and oil pastels to express the beauty of trees.

The Tulpehaking Nature Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit abbotmarshlands.org.