We are pleased to announce that the first copies of "The Nature of the Meadowlands," our coffee-table book about the region's incredible nature and unnatural history, have arrived in our gift shop in the Meadowlands Environment Center.

Written by the NJMC's Jim Wright and featuring a Foreword by Governor Thomas H. Kean, the lavishly illustrated, 128-page book illuminates the region's checkered past —  including its darkest days of a half-century ago and its inspiring environmental revival.

The book 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.

You can buy a copy any time during gift shop hours — and have it signed by Governor Kean and Jim Wright at a special book event on Oct. 15.

More about the Oct. 15 event here.