The Meadowlands Blog

Don't Forget: NJMC Pontoon Boat Rides

The Meadowlands Commission is running its terrific pontoon boat eco-cruises out of its new marina in Carlstadt,
and NJMC naturalist Gabrielle Bennett-Meany reports that she has some openings on a few upcoming cruises, including Aug. 18 and 19 at 5:30 p.m.

On a cruise earlier this week had more than 1,000 semipalmated sandpipers (above) hanging out on a nearby dock alongside a Yellow-crowned Night Heron (righth). We also had Ospreys and a Peregrine Falcon (Thanks, Marcus!).

All four species are considered threatened, endangered or of special concern statewide.

The suggested donation is $15 per person for the two-hour cruise, making it one of the best deals around. Download a schedule and registration form here. For more information e-mail Gabrielle here.

Other pix from this week's cruise follow.

 

 

Pontoon-Boat and Canoe Tours

  Another season of the Meadowlands Commission's popular eco-cruises and guided canoe trips begins in May, but you can start reserving a spot now.

   Today we are posting information on the pontoon-boat eco-cruises. We'll post the canoe info on Wednesday.

   The cruises leave from the River Barge Park in Carlstadt. The weekday and weeknight cruises last two hours, and are for people ages 10 and up. Suggested minimum donation per person is $15. Pre-registration is required.

   The link to pontoon-boat schedule and registration form is here.

GUIDED CANOE TOURS: Still room available

  The Meadowlands Commission has two upcoming guided canoe tours with room for a few more paddlers.
   These canoe trips are a great way to view scenery and wildlife that cannot be seen from land.
   Tours launch from Mill Creek in Secaucus and Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lyndhurst.    
    All trips are led by an experienced NJMC tour guide. The commission supplies all of the equipment and give you helpful tips before setting out on the water.

 Guiided canoe tours are scheduled the following dates:
    * Sunday July 26, 8:30 a.m. from Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area.
    * Saturday, August 9, 8:30 a.m. from Mill Creek in Secaucus.
   Participants should be at least 10 years old and have some canoeing experience. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $15 per person.

        For directions to the canoe launches, a registration form or more information, contact NJMC Outreach Naturalist Gabrielle Bennett-Meany at 201-460-4640. 
    Registration forms may also be picked up at the NJMC offices at One DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. 
   You may also download them from our Web site, www.njmeadowlands.gov.