2004 Eco-Program Schedule

 

As you read this, your thermometer may be reading somewhere in the 20s, your closest body of water is probably frozen over and the last thing on your mind is a boat ride. However, we at Hackensack Riverkeeper know that the mercury will creep up, the ice will melt and soon enough, you will want to join us for some fun on or around the river.

 

Our Eco-Programs are a central part of our mission to restore river-based recreation on the Hackensack River. To learn more about our programs, contact us at 201-968-0808 or e-mail Hugh@HackensackRiverkeeper.org. Tens of thousands of people have already taken part in Eco-Cruises, Eco-Walks and our Canoe Project over the years. We hope that 2004 is your year to join us on the water, on the trail, or both.

 

See you at the river!

 

Eco-Cruises

Again this year, we have scheduled 35 Open Boat Eco-Cruises from May through October. These trips are set aside for individuals, couples, families and the like; not for groups. If your group would like to charter a private Eco-Cruise, give us a call and we’ll arrange one for you on any date at any time. Eco-Cruises are conducted aboard one of our comfortable Aqua Patio® pontoon cruisers and last for 2 to 2 ½ hours. The cruises originate at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus.

 

 

Cost: For an Open Eco-Cruise, we ask a donation of $20 per adult; $10 for children 12 and under. (Eco-Cruises are not recommended for babies or toddlers.) For Group Eco-Cruises, we ask a donation of $275 for an adult group and $200 for a school or Scout group. Call for information about school field trips or trips requiring two boats. Reservations are required and can be held with a credit card number. Eco-Cruises fill up fast so call 201-968-0808 as soon as possible.

 

Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Canoes and kayaks can be rented for independent exploration of the Hackensack River and Meadowlands from our livery at Laurel Hill Park on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 3 through October 31 and during the week by appointment. Rates include use of the craft, paddles, personal flotation devices and an aerial photo. We recommend that you bring a whistle, water, camera, binoculars, hat, sunscreen, etc.

 

Costs. Canoes: $15 per paddler, $5 per passenger. Kayaks: $20 per paddler; no passengers.

 

 

 

Guided Paddles

Once again, we will be leading guided trips into the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area with our trusty 17-foot Marathon canoes.  But, this year, we’re also introducing 12 Old Town kayaks (8 single-seaters and 4 tandems) to our fleet and are waiting to explore the Meadowlands with you.

Low tide trips are better for viewing wildlife and high tide trips are generally better for scenery

 

Costs. Canoes: $20 per paddler; $15 per passenger. Kayaks: $25 per paddler; no passengers. Boats and seating are limited so be sure to call 201-968-0808 for reservations.

 

 

Eco-Walks

Spring and fall are the best times to hit the trails in our watershed since that is when birds and other wildlife are most active. We return to three of our region’s best examples of healthy and unique wildlife habitats, Mill Creek Marsh Trail, Celery Farm Natural Area and Mehrhof Pond Nature Trail. Open Eco-Cruises are for individuals and families. Special Group Walks (for adults or students) can be booked and conducted at any of those locations or at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. Reservations are required.

 

Cost: For an Open Eco-Walk, we ask a donation of $10 per adult; $5 for children 12 and under. (Eco-walks are not recommended for children under five.) Reservations are required and can be held with a credit card number; please call 201-968-0808.

 

 

River Cleanups

We invite you to join Hackensack Riverkeeper and its community partners to help restore the beauty and health of the Hackensack River. In most cases, we will be cleaning the banks of the river by foot and canoe. Except where noted, the cleanups run from 9am-noon and are followed by lunch. Refreshments, lunch, garbage bags, gloves, trash pick-up sticks, rakes and shovels are provided.  For more information, contact Kathy at 201-968-0808, or kathyu@hackensackriverkeeper.org.