THE KERNEY

Not far from my home is this place named The Kerney. It get’s it’s name from the old Kernsville Dam that is located just about a quarter mile away.

Many years ago, this was the site where excess coal dirt was dumped from dredging the river nearby. Excess coal dirt from the coal area up North was starting to clog the river, so it was decided to dredge the river and keep it free to navigate with the old coal barges that traveled up and down the old Union Canal. The old Union Canal is still visible at places.

I used to play in this area when I was much younger and living in Hamburg. I had no idea how this coal got here or why. It was just a great place to mess around. Most everyday I would be down here riding my bicycle with other friends and just having a good time. I used to drag the coal dirt along in my shoes and have to clean them before going home. When it was wet it made a black mess.

Now, many yrs. later the place has become a Wildlife area for walking, bicycle, and jogging up and down the path that has been built for everyone’s enjoyment. Lots of people come here for the History and exercise area. Back yrs. ago it was not as full of under-brush as it is now. One problem here is that I’ve never seen any wildlife here, such as deer. I see their tracks, but nothing in the late evening. I think they are just passing thru, cause I don’t think there is much to eat in this place for them. During the Fall the trees and bushes turn all different colors, thus making it a nice place to walk around.