Roughly two dozen folks were on hand at DeKorte Park to see the twin beams of light emanating from Lower Manhattan to mark the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Most were there with cameras, others were there just to reflect.

This has been an unofficial annual gathering that seems to be attracting more and more people.

If you have suggestions for next year, please let us know.

If you have photos of last night that you'd like to share on this blog, e-mail Jim Wright at jim.wright(at) njmeadowlands.gov.

The Meadowlands Commission is pleased to announce an official publication date of Oct. 15 for the coffee-table book “The Nature of the Meadowlands,” by the NJMC's own Jim Wright. 

With a foreword by Governor Thomas H. Kean, the lavishly illustrated, 128-page book illuminates the region's natural and unnatural history —  including its darkest days of a half-century ago and its inspiring environmental revival.

The book also celebrates the amazing landscapes and parks to be found here, including DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, the Kearny Marsh and Laurel Hill in Secaucus.

In addition, The Nature of the Meadowlands features dozens of striking images, including present-day nature and landscape photography,  pictures of an old Secaucus pig farm, a "Sopranos" landmark, a Harp Seal in Carlstadt, an Eastern Coyote on a Meadowlands landfill, and rare Laurel Hill minerals. In short, expect the unexpected.

“The Nature of the Meadowlands” is a great resource and beautiful keepsake — and the perfect gift  for the upcoming holidays.

More information follows.

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We are expecting a strong turnout for the free special screening of "The Lost Bird Project" tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in DeKorte Park.

We advise allowing plenty of time to get to the park, find a parking space and get a seat.

If you arrive early, you can always mark your seat as "reserved" and visit the nearby butterfly garden, check out our excellent gift shop, or enjoy the Manhattan skyline and marsh views.

For Google Map directions to DeKorte Park, click here.

To learn more and reserve a seat, click here.

We had a Least Bittern on the Marsh Discovery Trail on the left-side as you leave the gurad-station entrance. Saw it around 5:30 p.m., on the big island before you get to the Ruddy Duck Channel.

Two photographers reported good if sporadic looks at a Sora on the right, just past the first seating area.

Pretty sure I had a Clapper Rail on the edges in the East Pool, but some loud yutes arrived and it disappeared into the reeds before we could get a pic.