The NJMC's research arm, the Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute, has been working on a portable device called a Muskrat Tail that harnesses the power of the tides in the Meadowlands.
   An early prototype generates enough power to run a car battery. This video is a sneak preview.
   The MERI website is here.

   
   Looking for a great mid-summer diversion? Join the Meadowlands Commission for a pontoon boat eco-tour of the Hackensack River and its celebrated marshes next week.
   The suggested donation for the guided two-hour cruises is just $15 per person, and the views of the estuary and its birds are often spectacular.
   We still have openings for three late-afternoon cruises  on Tuesday, July 20; Wednesday, July 21; and Thursday July 22 — all departing at 5:30 p.m. We also have a morning cruise available for Wednesday, July 28, at 10 a.m.
   The boats leave from our new River Barge Park in Carlstadt. 
   Directions to River Barge Park are in the left-hand column of this blog. For more information and to download registration forms, click below:

   Download Pontoon Registration

  Want to see the estuary from water level? Join us on our three-hour canoe trip on Saturday, July 24 at 8:30 a.m. at Mill Creek Point. Registration is $15 per paddler.
   Directions to River Barge Park are in the left-hand column of this blog. For more information or download registration forms, click below:

Download Canoe Registration Form

 
   Dennis Cheeseman took this classic Garden State shot — the official state bird on what might as well be the official state weed. (Thanks, Dennis!)
   More on the American Goldfinch here.

   If you have been wondering what is going on near the entrance to the Marsh Discovery Trail, wonder no more.
   Workers are hard at work building a sensory garden, part of the Meadowlands Commission's efforts to make the park accessible to all.
   Here's an update from the NJMC's Lisa Cameron:
   "The new Accessible Sensory Garden at DeKorte Park will enable people with disabilities to more fully explore the plant life of DeKorte Park by using touch, smell, sight, and even hearing.
   "A stone retaining wall along an existing walkway will raise plants to within reach of wheelchair users. A short loop trail will provide further access to a wide variety of plants.
   "Although designed for people with disabilities, the Accessible Garden will help enhance perceptual skills and increase sensory awareness for all park visitors.  
   "Construction will be complete soon, though planting will not take place until the early fall brings more favorable weather.  Signs designed for maximum accessibility will be added later." (Thanks, Lisa!)

   Ron Shields has been in the Kearny Marsh with his camera at the ready again.
   The shot at left is of a baby Common Moorhen taken at the end of last month. The shot below is a Least Bittern.
   Ron writes: "With water levels extremely low, Common Moorhen and their chicks have been numerous throughout the marsh.   The exposed flats have lured them out of the reeds to feed.
   "Least Bitterns continue to be a regular sight at the Kearny Marsh.  I have been frequently kayaking the area this summer and have encountered multiple sightings on more than one day. 
   "They are easily identified in flight but, once in the reeds, they are almost impossible to find.  I've been less than ten feet away at times and still not able to spot them.  Their call and reed-rattling are their only giveaways." 
   (Ron says he has seen the Least Bittern as recently as a week ago. Thanks, Ron!)

    Because of long-term storm damage, DeKorte Park's Marsh Discovery Trail and part of its Saw Mill Creek Trail are closed. We appreciate your patience.
  We now have 60-minute guided walks on the Marsh Discovery Trail at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. See post below or click here.
   (Note: The noon walk for Tuesday, July 20, has been cancelled because of a scheduling conflict.)

  Spring already seems so far away. What is this flower from DeKorte?
  Answer follows.

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    DeKorte is attracting Forster's Terns and other interesting birds of late. We'll be keeping a special eye out for Black Skimmers and Least Terns on our free Tuesday and Thursday noon-time Marsh Discovery Trail walks this week.
    The walks last about an hour, followed by a look at the local butterflies. We have had plenty around, including a Pearl Crescent, Black Swallowtail and Question Mark today — in addition to the sulphurs, Cabbage Whites and skippers.

    The NJMC's Lisa Cameron made this 40-second video of Cabbage Whites chilling by the Meadowlands Commission's offices in DeKorte Park. We hope you'll find it as relaxing as the park itself.    

   A pair of Orange Sulphurs were cavorting recently in the butterfly meadow by the guardhouse at DeKorte Park.