Photograph by Marc Schrieks, NJMC
Observatory Schedule for May
The William D. McDowell Observatory in DeKorte Park has a full schedule for May, including several free public observation nights, a month-long Tuesday-night astronomy course, and a special program on how NASA technology has been applied to everyday life.
Public Viewing Schedule
Observe the skies through the 20-inch diameter telescope of the William D. McDowell Observatory each Monday and Wednesday evening. Because of the later sunsets, the viewing hours will begin at 9 pm.
Each free session focuses on two major objects on the night sky, plus one or two other celestial objects or events depending on the observing conditions.
Observing is weather dependent and will be canceled for that night if the skies are cloudy at the beginning of the observing session.
Click "Continue reading …" to view entire May observatory schedule.
Flyway Gallery: Exhibit for May
Image by Lisa Cameron
Nature-themed works in a variety of media will be on display at the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s (NJMC) Flyway Gallery during the month of May.
The exhibit, “Works by Members of the Highland Park Artists’ collective,” runs from Sunday, May 3, through Saturday, May 30. A reception for the artists is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.
Click "Continue reading…" for more information and a look at a photo from the exhibit.
Welcome, May!
This photo was taken in one of DeKorte Park's many gardens.
These Daffodils were brought to you by April showers.
Robin Mom in DeKorte
One thing about American Robins — they don't seem to mind making their nests in the middle of things.
This robin built her nest atop a light fixture above the entrance to the Meadowlands Environment Center, and don't seem to mind all the visitors walking back and forth under their apartment.
She and Pops have been feeding their young — we've seen at least two — like clockwork.
More on America Robins here.
The Meadowlands is looking more and more like an avian maternity ward. Stay tuned for some nifty news.
DeKorte Park Groundhog
Our resident Groundhog is back and in fine fettle. Saw her shadow — 16 more weeks of summer…
About Those Midges …
In the past week, those pesky little bugs called Midges returned to the region big-time.
The good news is: They don't bite. They provide plenty of food for all those beautiful little birds that hang out in DeKorte and elsewhere in the Meadowlands. And their larvae is great food for fish. All part of nature's great food chain.
More on Midges here.
TUESDAY TEASER 042809
Can you identify this bird?
For answer, click on "Continue reading…" immediately below.
For more Tuesday Teasers, click here.
Spring Research
Photo by Dr. Francisco Artigas, copyright 2009, MERI
Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute staff have been busy in the field. In the photo above, (left to right) Danielle Cioce, Ed Konsevick and Joe Gryzb take sediment samples at the Secaucus High School Marsh to see if the new clean sediments brought into the site remain clean after being exposed to the tide.
More on MERI here.
More on the project here.
Shot o’ the Day
Thomas Knoop caught this recent shot of a Tree Swallow in flight at DeKorte Park.
Thanks, Tom!