Join the Bergen County Audubon Society and traverse the Mill Creek Marsh Trail as they search for “Secaucus Sam,” the first muskrat of spring, and all the great birds of the Meadowlands! The walk runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The trail entrance is located off the parking lot behind Bob’s Discount Furniture, 3 Mill Creek Drive, Secaucus.
Contact: Don Torino at greatauk4@gmail.com or 201-230-4983.
Photo Credit: Mike Turso
Fifty years ago, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law as a framework to prevent the loss and harm of endangered and threatened species. The law currently protects 1,662 U.S. species and 638 foreign species, including fish, plants, and other forms of wildlife. Since its signing on December 28th, 1973, the ESA has been credited with saving 99% of the species it protects and is largely considered one of the most effective wildlife conservation laws.
In honor of the ESA’s 50th anniversary, this week MRRI will be sharing some examples of threatened or endangered species that we have the opportunity to work alongside!
To finish off the week we have the Bald Eagle, one of North America’s most charismatic and well-known wildlife species. Once extraordinarily rare, their numbers now represent one of the greatest success stories in conservation history due to massive efforts to ban the pesticide DDT.
They are a shining example of what happens when we all come together to conserve and protect imperiled species. To celebrate this magnificent bird, join us this Sunday, January 14th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Meadowlands Eagle Festival! Further information about this special event can be found here
It was a thrill to see Bergen County Audubon Society President Don Torino discussing the Meadowlands Eagle Festival this Sunday, Jan. 14, and the comeback of the Bald Eagle this morning on CBS News. You can view the video by clicking here
See everyone on Sunday!
Fifty years ago, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law as a framework to prevent the loss and harm of endangered and threatened species. The law currently protects 1,662 U.S. species and 638 foreign species, including fish, plants, and other forms of wildlife. Since its signing on December 28th, 1973, the ESA has been credited with saving 99% of the species it protects and is largely considered one of the most effective wildlife conservation laws.
In honor of the ESA’s 50th anniversary, this week MRRI will be sharing some examples of threatened or endangered species that we have the opportunity to work alongside! Let’s look at the peregrine falcon.
The peregrine falcon is a highly charismatic raptor species that can be seen anywhere at any time in the Meadowlands. Reaching diving speeds of over 200 miles per hour, the peregrine falcon is not only the fastest bird in the world but also the fastest animal. However, increased use of harmful pesticides, specifically DDT, has led to toxic chemicals entering the food chain.
When peregrine falcons consume these toxins, it decreases the rate of chicks that survive until maturity. In 1969, the raptors were federally listed as endangered. With the help of intensive conservation and restoration programs, the species was removed from the list in 1999. We are lucky to host several breeding pairs in the Meadowlands that produce young every year
The Meadowlands Eagle Festival is three days away! Above please
find a complete schedule of the day’s activities.
The NJSEA and the Bergen County Audubon Society have a plethora of activities lined up for the entire
family in DeKorte Park and the Meadowlands Environment Center. The event takes
place on Sunday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Snow date is Sunday, Jan. 21.
We’ll be taking visitors on guided Eagle walks throughout the day. Fun, educational and engaging activities taking place in the Meadowlands Environment Center include a presentation by BCAS President Don Torino and the
ever-popular live raptor show that enthralls kids and adults alike. The raptor show is ongoing throughout the day.
Environmental groups will be on-hand with information tables featuring materials that impart valuable knowledge about the majestic species. There are also Eagle crafts and other activities for kids, art exhibits and more. Youngsters are invited to bring their own Eagle artwork to the event.
Join us in learning all about Eagles, and the importance of protecting them and their habitat. You can make a difference in helping to sustain and further their incredible comeback and to help them thrive
Fifty years ago, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law as a framework to prevent the loss and harm of endangered and threatened species. The law currently protects 1,662 U.S. species and 638 foreign species, including fish, plants, and other forms of wildlife. Since its signing on December 28th, 1973, the ESA has been credited with saving 99% of the species it protects and is largely considered one of the most effective wildlife conservation laws.
In honor of the ESA’s 50th anniversary, this week MRRI will be sharing some examples of threatened or endangered species that we have the opportunity to work alongside! Today we spotlight the American Bittern
The American Bittern is a cryptic and seldom-seen species that is found mostly in the winter and spring during migration in the Meadowlands. They face threats primarily related to the loss of quality wetland habitats across their range. This habitat loss is largely associated with human development and runoff of agricultural chemicals. Look for them camouflaged in reeds and tall grasses where they silently search for small fish to feed on.
Fifty years ago, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law as a
framework to prevent the loss and harm of endangered and threatened species.
The law currently protects 1,662 U.S. species and 638 foreign species,
including fish, plants and other forms of wildlife. Since its signing on
December 28, 1973, the ESA has been credited with saving 99% of the species
it protects and is largely considered one of the most effective wildlife
conservation laws.
In honor of the ESA’s 50th anniversary, this week the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) will be sharing some examples of threatened or endangered species that we have the opportunity to
work alongside!
Our second species of the week, the Black-crowned night heron, is an abundant but seldom-seen wading bird species found year-round in the Meadowlands. They are most abundant in the summer due to the high number of young born in colonies throughout the region.
Given that Black-crowned night herons are found in fresh and saltwater aquatic habitats, their largest threats are wetland loss and water pollution. While they are not listed as endangered or threatened species nationally, they are listed as State-endangered in Pennsylvania and Illinois. Look for these birds skulking through the marsh in search of food mostly around dawn and dusk.