I guess this is my last post, so I figured I should go with an image of a Bald Eagle over a Meadowlands marsh. This is a new illustration by Tom Yezerski, who has graciously shared his work with the Meadowlands Commission over the years. (Thanks for everything, Tom!)
I have loved my job at the Meadowlands Commission these past 6.5 years — lots of incredibly talented and generous people.
It has also been a pleasure to work with all the amazing nature photographers in this neck of the woods, and to share the wonders of the Meadowlands with so many people on our nature walks with the Bergen County Audubon Society and our Butterfly Days and Moth Nights.
Hope to see you in the Meadowlands. Until then, as my second-favorite cowboy, Roy Rogers, used to say, “Happy Trails.”
— Jim W.
Congratulations, Jim. See you out there!
Congratulations. Looking forward to more books, and articles and being in your company on the trails.
I want to wish you all the best in your new “chapter.” Thank you for all you have done to educate, inform, share and get us all excited about the beauty of the Meadowlands. See you in the field!!! -Lisa Fanning
Thanks for everything, Jim. Best wishes in whatever you may do.
Jim,
Sorry to see you go. You have left big shoes to fill.
Hope you will keep up the Celery Farm blog.
Happy Days ahead.
Rosemarie Widmer
You did great Jim, and you will be missed. Best wishes on your retirement. Hope to still see you around.
Congratulations on your retirement, but especially congratulations on all the wonderful work you’ve done at the NJMC. You have made a big difference and a significant impact . Thank you for sharing your passion for nature and the Meadowlands, and for playing such a large part in strengthening the local nature-loving community.
It will be a little hawkward without you, if toucan believe it, but no egrets, beak-ause you deserve a break! 🙂
See you soon!!
– Julie McCall, who definitely can’t compete with your punnability.
Julie, very good!
Best of luck to you going forward Jim. Looking forward to seeing what kind of projects you come up with in this new phase of your life. Your contributions to the N.J. Meadowlands and the blog have been so very valuable – you have certainly made your mark. Hope to be seeing you around the paths and trails. Regina
Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for always welcoming us and the little ones I’ve always brought along (even if they weren’t always on their best behavior). We’ve always enjoyed coming to your programs and events. Hope to still see you around.
Best wishes!
The Anthony Family (John, Anita and Freya-the butterfly girl)
Well kud ,, Jim, as expressed in the other recent posting, you will be missed, but with your active personality and passion for nature, you will continue to enjoy life. Making the Meadowlands noticed as a place to learn and appreciate the great wonders offered in the region was a goal achieved, so kudos to you.
We have always loved nature and the great importance it serves in the endless interrelationships of the environment, and the Meadowlands is a perfect example of that, and promoting the beauty of these wetlands in countering many of the preconceived notions held by outsiders through photos has been rewarding–thanks to much learned from the NJMC.
So, thank you.
Best wishes . . . See you on the trails.
Mickey & Elaine Raine
Dear Jim,
congratulations with your retirement, you will be dearly missed.
It was fun working with you on the book, thanks again for the opportunity.
No doubt we will hear from you in the future and I hope to walk into you at De Korte once in a while.
Thanks for all the wonderful things you have done, for the Meadowlands in particular.
All the best,
–Marco
Well kiddo . . . Jim, as expressed in the other recent posting, you will be missed, but with your active personality and passion for nature, you will continue to enjoy life. Making the Meadowlands noticed as a place to learn and appreciate the great wonders offered in the region was a goal achieved, so kudos to you.
We have always loved nature and the great importance it serves in the endless interrelationships of the environment, and the Meadowlands is a perfect example of that, and promoting the beauty of these wetlands in countering many of the preconceived notions held by outsiders through photos has been rewarding–thanks to much learned from the NJMC.
So, thank you.
Best wishes . . . See you on the trails.
Mickey & Elaine Raine
…until we meet again.”
and…you will never be replaced as Don Torino said to Tesh and I and it is true. A man of character and love for all things in nature. Kind and gentle….Get ready Pat…
Congratulations, Jim! Thank you for all you have done to promote environmental awareness in NJ- now it’s time to enjoy it! Your life begins anew!
You have done such a wonderful job as has been so well described in previous comments. Congratulations. Thank you for all your hard work and for introducing us to DeKorte and the Meadowlands!
We’ll be seeing you.
Alice & Al Leurck
Echoing the sentiments of so many others, I wish you well, thank you for the tremendous job you’ve done communicating the wonders of nature to so many and for having the most unusual sense of humor. I hope you are staying in the area and that there will be opportunities to be in the field with you yet.
By the way, Roy was only your second favorite cowboy? Who is your favorite?
Thank you so much, Jim, for all you have done promoting the Meadowlands, and also for your warm response to any birding question I have had over the years. I will miss your wonderful contribution to this blog that I check every day.
I hope you enjoy this next phase of your life, and I look forward to seeing you on the trail.
Carol Dickman