After weeks of expert care at The Raptor Trust, these two rehabilitated juvenile were released back into the wild with the help of NJ Fish & Wildlife, Bergen County Audubon Society, and the NJSEA Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute. Watching them take flight again was a powerful reminder of why conservation partnerships matter.
From rescue to recovery to release, every step brings us closer to ensuring these incredible raptors continue to soar over New Jersey skies. 
The NJSEA administrative offices will be closing at noon today, Friday, Aug. 29, and will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. The offices will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
The Bergen County Audubon Society and New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority are thrilled to announce that Sydney Walsh will be the special guest speaker at the Meadowlands Birding Festival on Sunday, Oct. 5. She will give a talk on “Photography as a Conservation Tool and Ethical Conservation Photography.”
Sydney is the staff photographer at the National Audubon Society. Her work explores the connection between humans and the natural world to document climate change and conservation stories with a focus on people and birds across the Americas.
Sydney is also an independent photojournalist for publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Guardian, CNN, NPR and NBC News, among others.
Read more about the Meadowlands Birding Festival
Terry Doss and Don Torino
The latest episode of The Nature Connection radio program is online at https://wfdu.fm/ under the Archives header. On the show, which aired yesterday, Don spoke with Terry Doss, Co-Director of the NJSEA Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute. The pair talked about Osprey, threatened and endangered species, Meadowlands habitat projects, and more
The monthly program features Don interviewing guests who are involved in nature-related fields. The lively discussions focuses on raising awareness about protecting natural resources and wildlife, with the goal of fostering a deeper connection between people and nature by inspiring them to get outdoors and appreciate the environment.
The Nature Connection airs from 6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month and is archived for the following two weeks.
The Meadowlands Birding Festival is Sunday, Oct. 5, and it’s already drawing anticipation! The Festival is co-sponsored by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and the Bergen County Audubon Society in DeKorte Park and the Meadowlands Environment Center in Lyndhurst. Time and schedule to be announced.
The day’s events include guided walks, talks and kid’s activities. A live raptor show is always a favorite.
The Meadowlands Environment Center is located at 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst.
Join the NJSEA and BCAS as we celebrate the Meadowlands’ abundant avian population, including Bald Eagles, Great Egrets, Osprey and many more.
For more information email info@njsea.com or greatauk@gmail.com
Due to the forecast for inclement weather, the William D. McDowell Observatory public viewing session scheduled for tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 13) has been cancelled.
There’s an absolutely awesome article about Bergen County Audubon Society President Don Torino in The Jersey Vindicator.
In the story, Five Minutes with Don Torino: Defender of the Meadowlands, Don gives powerful insight into how to counter inaccurate perceptions of the area, and how to reconnect people with nature so that they join us in the fight to protect natural resources and wildlife.
Ever wondered how Don became a birder? The article has the origin story. A great read through and through.
Thank you Don for everything you do!
It’s a double-play of evening nature walks at DeKorte Park with the Bergen County Audubon Society! Enjoy a relaxing evening and take in the park’s natural beauty starting at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday (Aug. 13). Come on back for more on Wednesday, Aug. 20! We hope to see migratory songbirds, wading birds and shorebirds, such as the Semi-palmated Plover.
Meet outside the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst.
Contact: Don Torino – greatauk4@gmail.com or (201) 230-4983
It’s a double-play of evening nature walks at DeKorte Park with the Bergen County Audubon Society! Enjoy a relaxing evening and take in the park’s natural beauty . We hope to see migratory songbirds, wading birds and shorebirds, such as the Semi-palmated Plover.
Meet outside the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst.
Contact: Don Torino – greatauk4@gmail.com or (201) 230-4983
A huge thank you to James Falletti, who shared his fantastic Butterfly Day photos with us. The butterflies and other pollinators showcased below are stunning, and remind us of the vital importance of everyone playing their part to protect butterflies and all pollinators.
Enjoy the pictures and thank you again, James!
Black Swallowtail – State Butterfly
Tiger Swallowtail
Silver-spotted skipper
Tawny-edged skipper
Broad-winged skipper
Duskywing
Monarch
Summer Azure
Small Cabbage White
Additional Pollinators
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Special Guest
Orchard Orbweaver Spider