OPEN PROGRAM SCHEDULE 2002
ECO CRUISES
Eco-Cruises are pleasure tours of the Hackensack River and Meadowlands aboard the Riverkeeper's specially-designed, 28 foot pontoon boat, the Robert H. Boyle. The Eco-Cruise program was created in 1994 to increase public awareness of the lower Hackensack River watershed as a surprisingly vital natural and recreational resource.
Eco-Cruises originate from the boat ramp at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus, NJ. We operate in the tidal portion of the Hackensack River and in several of its creeks. Most Eco-Cruises take place in a seven mile stretch of river between Little Ferry in the north and Jersey City to the south.
Our choice of sailing route depends on the tides and the time of day. Some of the places we might visit are: Bellman's Creek, Chromakill Creek, the Mill Creek Marsh, Kingsland Creek, Berry's Creeks and the Berry's Creek Canal.
The highlight of every Eco-Cruise is a tour of the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area, called by many "The Jewel of the Meadowlands." Wherever we travel, our passengers are treated to views of the region's abundant wildlife.
All Eco-Cruises take about 2.5 hours. It is always cooler on the water, so expect at least a 10°F difference from the temperature on shore. Be sure to dress accordingly.
For more information, contact Hugh Carola at 201-692-8440 or hugh@hackensackriverkeeper.org.
For a current 2002 schedule, visit our Eco-Cruises page.
ECO WALKS
Eco-walks are guided field trips to unique habitat areas within the Hackensack River watershed. They were begun in early 1999 to compliment our Eco-Cruise Program and offer you a chance to gain a more thorough understanding of the ecosystem. They are always led by an experienced and qualified trip leader.
Depending on the time of year, there are several places that we might visit for an Eco-Walk. In the Fall, we visit the Mehrhof Pond Nature Trail in Little Ferry, NJ. Closed to the general public, Hackensack Riverkeeper has an agreement with the landowner to allow guided tours of this fine example of remnant lowland forest - the kind that once covered 21,000 acres in the Meadowlands.
Just a hundred yards or so from the River, Mehrhof was once the site of a thriving clay pit and brickmaking factory. Now however, nature has been able to reclaim this land and transform it into a thriving wildlife habitat filled with native plants and abundant birdlife.
The 2002 Spring Eco-Walks will take place at the Celery Farm Natural Area, a 107-acre municipally-owned wildlife preserve in Allendale, NJ. The Celery Farm is co-managed by the Fyke Nature Association, the Bergen County based conservation organization that was founded in 1952. The preserve is home to more than fifty species of breeding birds and nearly 200 more that use it during migration. For all Eco-Walks don't forget your binoculars!
At a leisurely pace, an Eco-Walk takes about 1 to 2 hours from start to finish. Because we walk over a variety of terrains, please be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
For more information, contact Hugh Carola at 201-692-8440 or hugh@hackensackriverkeeper.org.
For a current 2002 schedule, visit our Eco-Walks page.
RIVER CLEANUPS
Hackensack Riverkeeper, in its mission to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River and its living resources, announces our river cleanup schedule planned for the 2002 season. We invite the community to come together to actively work on restoring the beauty and health of the Hackensack River watershed.
In most cases, we will be cleaning the banks of the river in various areas and trails by foot, as well as pulling trash out of the river from canoes. The cleanups generally run from 9am-1pm and will be followed by lunch. Refreshments, lunch, garbage bags, gloves, trash pick-up sticks, rakes and shovels, will be provided. For further information contact Lisa Ryan at 201-373-1152, or fleabit@aol.com.
For a current 2002 schedule, visit our River Cleanups page.
|
COLES BROOK - STREAM RESTORATION KICKOFF Staib Park, Hackensack, 1pm, Saturday, March 23rd Join us for a description and celebration of this restoration project. Call Kathy Urffer for info: 201-692-8440 |