Congratulations to Stiles Thomas, Marsh Warden Emeritus of the Celery Farm in Allendale. Stiles was honored by the Borough yesterday for his service to his country in World War II and his pivotal role in saving the Celery Farm, a 107-acre natural area, from development. Read more on the Celery Farm and Beyond Blog.
Hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day weekend and took some time to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedoms we hold so dear.
We’ll start off the week with some photos that Ron Shields took on Saturday capturing several elusive Least Bitterns at the Kearny Marsh.
Rich Brown sent the neat picture of a Sandpiper above that he took at the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge in Galloway. As the weather gets nicer and you head south, you’ll want to take note that some parts of the refuge will be closed at certain times due to construction work. Read about it here
We’re looking for your photos and stories from the past couple beautiful days! You can share by emailing brian.aberback@njmeadowlands.gov. Enjoy the long weekend!
Black-and-White Warbler
This female Black-and-White Warbler at the Kearny Marsh appears to be training for gymnastics for the Avian Olympics! She’s one of several wonderful warblers that Ron Shields recently photographed at the marsh. More below.
Wilson’s Warbler
Redstart Warbler
Canada Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Last week I was doing some yard work, getting my garden ready for the Hummingbirds and Butterflies that I had faith would visit my tiny backyard this summer. As I was planting, weeding and performing some basic garden chores I was suddenly startled by a small slithering surprise that was hiding in a small flower pot which still held some soil from the previous year. A Brown Snake! A wonderful sight to behold, especially since it had been many years since I enjoyed the pleasure of having one of these lovely creatures grace my backyard. As it glided into the underbrush of my backyard wilderness I had a feeling of reprieve that this tiny creature still managed to survive the onslaught of suburban life.
For a young boy growing up in the Meadowlands, searching for snakes was a rite of passage. Garter, Milk and Brown Snakes occupied many of our summer days as we explored the woods and marshes of our Meadowlands home. As I grew up I came to understand how important snakes were to our environment and how my backyard inhabitant, the Northern Brown Snake, was keeping my garden healthy and in balance.
Mickey Raine is becoming our ace contributor! He sent in these photos from his Monday triple-play of Mill Creek Marsh, Mill Creek Point Park and DeKorte. By the way, that’s an insect fying near the Marsh Wren in the last photo, not a pint-sized UFO 🙂
Marsh Wren Mill Creek Marsh
Red-eared Terrapin Mill Creek Marsh
Groundhog Mill Creek Marsh
Mill Creek Point Park
Yellow Iris Mill Creek Point Park
Praying Mantis Egg Casing Mill Creek Point Park
Black Swallowtail Mill Creek Point Park
Marsh Wren DeKorte Park
Mickey Raine sent in these photos of an Eastern Milk Snake from Schmidts Woods in Secaucus. Some people recoil (pun intended) at the sight of snakes. Personally I love them!
Purple Cone Flower
Join the Bergen County Audubon Society for a Native Plant Walk at DeKorte Park on Sunday, June 5, from 10 am to noon. They’ll tell you all about the native vegetation found at DeKorte and the pollinators, birds and wildlife they attract. Meets at the Meadowlands Environment Center.
For more information email greatauk4@gmail.com or call 201-230-4983.
It’s that time of year: The NJSEA’s Guided Pontoon Boat and Canoe tours of the Hackensack River launch in just a couple of weeks!
The first pontoon boat cruise of the 2016 season departs from River Barge Park in Carlstadt on Tuesday, June 7, while the canoe season kicks off on Saturday, June 25, also from River Barge Park.
The two-hour boat trips and three-hour canoe tours offer an excellent way to see the natural beauty of the Meadowlands and its wildlife up-close. Guides talk about the history of the Hackensack River and its surrounding environs and structures, and point out wildlife along the way.
So come on out and experience the Hackensack River and the Meadowlands in a totally new, amazing light from the vantage point of a pontoon boat or canoe!
Tours run through September. For dates and to register click here.