It's August, and we are asking for Meadowlands Big Year participants to e-mail us their totals so far (if they have not done so already; please include the words "Meadowlands Big Year" in the e-mail). 

There's five months left, so feel free to jump in and join the fun. It costs nothing to participate, and we are offering some nifty prizes.

If you are competing off the radar, please e-mail Jim Wright at jim.wright (at) njmeadowlands.gov so we know you are out there. 

Much appreciated, and good luck to all.  Thanks to those who have updated their numbers already!

Competition details are here.

Now is a great time to see Marsh Mallows in the Meadowlands.

These are just off Disposal Road in Lyndhurst/North Arlington. (Thanks, Marcia!)

All about Marsh Mallows and marshmallows here.

To anticipate what we might see in the Meadowlands this month, we thought we'd look back to see what was seen last year at this time.

Here are some August 2011 highlights:

August 5: Osprey Report

August 15: DeKorte Park's Disabled-friendly Trails

August 18: A Thatched Roof From Phrags

August 22: Kevin Karlson Day: The Full List

August 22: Stilt Sandpipers

August 29: American Avocet, Harrier Meadow

The William D. McDowell Observatory in DeKorte Park begins a new month of programming tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 1).

Free public access is from 8:30 to 10:30 on Monday and Wednesday nights  this month — weather permitting, of course.

Dress for the weather; with the dome open, you are basically outside.

Each evening at least two major objects in the night sky will be viewed, plus one or two other celestial objects or events depending on the observing conditions.

For more information about free public viewing nights and to check out the observatory's website, click here.

For a South Bergenite column by the NJMC's Jim Wright about the observatory, click here.