During the past 40 years, over 40 species of shorebirds (including rare and accidental vagrants) have been recorded at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s East and West Ponds from mid-July through October, with the greatest diversity and abundance usually occurring in August.
Come see these feathered visitors at the 13th Annual Shorebird Festival, held at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Broad Channel, NY) on Saturday, August 25. Event activities include guided shorebird walks, family programming, and talks from experts on shorebird conservation, shorebird identification, and Jamaica Bay.
Free bus transportation from Manhattan to Jamaica Bay is available for NYC Audubon members at the Student/Senior level and up. Meet at 71 West 23rd Street at 7:30 a.m. Contact NYC Audubon at 212-691-7483 to reserve a seat.
For more information, contact American Littoral Society at 718-474-0896, or Don Riepe at don@littoralsociety.org. The program is free, but suggested donations of $20 for adults (children are free) are most welcome to offset the festival cost.
The Shorebird Festival is a partnership program between the American Littoral Society, NYC Audubon and Gateway National Recreation Area.
American Littoral Societylittoralsociety.org Caring for the Coast Since 1961
To: Barnegat Bay Partnership Committees and Interested Parties; Education and Outreach Practitioners; Master Naturalists
The Barnegat Bay Partnership (BBP)is soliciting nominations for the 2018 Guardian of Barnegat Bay awards. The BBP plans to present the awards at the screening of "The Oyster Farmers" documentary at the Grunin Center at Ocean County College on September 23, 2018. Visit https://grunincenter.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0F3600000KnTaTEAV for more information about this event.
We are accepting nominations for the Guardian of Barnegat Bay awards in the following award categories:
1.Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honors an individual who has made outstanding, long-term contributions to protecting and restoring the water quality and natural resources of the Barnegat Bay and its watershed.
2.Pete McLain Young Environmental Stewards Award
This award recognizes a young person, or group of young people, for efforts to protect and restore the Barnegat Bay and its watershed. Nominees should be in grades K through 12 or working towards an undergraduate degree (up to age 21). The award is named in honor of Pete McLain, a dedicated steward of the bay’s resources and a mentor to generations of young environmentalists.
Please submit only one nomination for each category. A nomination should include the name(s) of the individual and/or group and a short paragraph about why you think that person or group deserves the award. Additional letters of support are also welcome.
Please email nominations to Karen Walzer (kwalzer@ocean.edu) by Monday, September 10th. Members of the Barnegat Bay Partnership’s Advisory Committee will select the award recipients through a voting process.
Thank you for your nominations!
Barnegat Bay Partnership Ocean County College, Building #10
Join New Jersey Audubon and our partner organizations for some historic first looks at Petty’s Island!
Situated in the Delaware River between Camden and Philadelphia, Petty’s Island is an oasis for birds and other wildlife.
Please note that registration may be limited to accommodate program requirements.
Access to the island is restricted; directions are provided upon registration.
Registration is required – no exceptions.
To register please go to the registration link provided. Registration links available 4 to 6 weeks prior to event.
Sorry, no phone or email registrations accepted.
All participants MUST be 12 years or older. (grade 6 and up)
Email questions about programs or registration to: Kelly Wenzel
Petty’s Island History Hike Saturday, September 15 10:00 a.m. to Noon Explore this gem with local historian and author, Bob Shinn, on a hike through time on Petty’s Island. Hike along the Delaware River where points of interest will bring history to life. Leafless trees will give opportunities for spectacular views of Philadelphia and other significant landmarks. Registration is REQUIRED for this trip. Details are given upon registration. Registration opens August 9. Register Here:https://pifallhh2018.eventbrite.com
Early Fall Birding on the Delaware River Saturday, September 22 7:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This wooded island in the Delaware River is truly an urban oasis for woodland, wading andshore birds. Learn some interesting history along the way and discover how this industrial port is transforming into a wildlife sanctuary. Registration opens August 16. Register Here:https://birdpetty-fall2018.eventbrite.com
Petty’s Island Community Clean Up Day Saturday, October 6 8:30 a.m. to Noon Here’s your chance to be part of the restoration of Petty’s Island. Join our team of enthusiastic volunteers to help clean up and restore the shoreline of this majestic island as part of the larger restoration project taking place. This cleanup is great for scout, religious, after school and other civic groups looking for a local volunteer project.
Children MUST be 12 and older to participate. Registration opens August 29. Register Here:https://fall2018-cleanup-pettys.eventbrite.com
Artists in the Field Saturday, October 20 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This 3-hour workshop is an introduction to creating art in the field. Our volunteer artist will show you how to use the natural world as inspiration for your next work of art. Our goal is to help you learn...and of course, have fun along the way! Children must be 12 and older to participate. Registration is REQUIRED for this event; space is limited to 25. Registration opens September 6. Register Here:https://pettys-artists2018.eventbrite.com
EARTH Center Open House Offers Fun for Whole Family
Would you like to learn how spruce up your garden, spend a day at the park, or enjoy the fun of a fair? You can do it all at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County's Open House and Folk Fest! This event will be held Saturday, August 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the EARTH Center located in Davidson's Mill Pond Park at 42 Riva Ave. in South Brunswick. The rain date is August 19.
The day will be filled with activities for the whole family, including garden tours, presentations and showcases on gardening and landscaping, plus live music by members of The Einstein Alley Musicians Collaborative and the Folk Project.
Throughout the event, the Agriculture Office and the Rutgers Master Gardeners will offer advice on horticulture and environmental stewardship while guiding visitors through various teaching gardens. Examples of their work include the Children's Garden with Green Roof playhouse, an enormous vegetable display garden, a Native Plant Garden and the popular Butterfly House. Lectures will be offered on topics such as Newest Rutgers Fruit and Vegetable Varieties and Container Gardening.
Are your kids looking for adventure? Visitors age 14 and under can participate in the Master Gardener Scavenger Hunt. in the gardens throughout the park from noon to 3 p.m. There will be plenty of other fun activities for kids, like a bounce house, a 'paint a pot' activity, and free giveaways! Members of local 4-H clubs will also be on hand to show off their animals. In addition to demonstration gardens, Davidson's Mill Pond Park is a great place to boat or fish and is home to a growing network of hiking trails.
Gardeners, get ready to show off your most impressive produce in our 'Greatest of the Garden" contest! Categories include but are not limited to:
" Biggest tomato
" Biggest cucumber
" Biggest watermelon
" Longest gourd
" All Vegetables: Best Likeness to a Celebrity or Historical Figure
Does your family ride bikes together, or have a young rider who's still learning the ropes? Families are encouraged to bring their bikes and helmets this year to take advantage of the South Brunswick Police Department's Bicycle Safety Course.
Attendees are asked to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for MCFOODS, the County's food bank. Contributions will help restock MCFOOD's shelves and assist in providing nutritious food to County residents in need.
"I hope many families will attend this event at our County's EARTH Center," said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, Chair of the County's Business Development and Education Committee. "It's a great chance to enjoy the weather and spend time together as a family."
"This Open House offers more than just outdoor fun for all ages," said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. "You'll learn more about how to keep yourselves and our environment healthier, and have the chance to donate to a good cause! I hope many families will attend."
Many exhibitors who collaborate with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County throughout the year will be on hand to share their programs and accomplishments. For more information, please call 732-398-5268 or e-mail david.smela@co.middlesex.nj.us.
Middlesex County's EARTH Center is home to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County and part of a nationwide network that brings the research of the State land-grant universities to residents. Offices throughout New Jersey are cooperatively funded by the County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Rutgers University-New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County's educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
I hope you can join us at the E.A.R.T.H. Center's Open House and Folk Fest on August 18 from 11 am - 5 pm.
Celebrate women for their valuable contributions to help protect New Jersey’s wildlife, especially endangered and threatened species.
Nominate a woman who has distinguished herself in the service of New Jersey's wildlife.
Nominations for the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ's Women & Wildlife Awards are being accepted through August 31. The awards recognize outstanding women for their achievements in protecting New Jersey's endangered and threatened wildlife in three categories - Leadership, Inspiration, and Education. For information visit CWF web site.
Awards honor individuals, programs and organizations
The Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards is the state's premier environmental awards program for recognizing outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects in the state. These awards honor and recognize individuals, businesses, educators, institutions, communities, youth and others who have made significant contributions to environmental protection in New Jersey. Information Flyer DEP Press Release
The hot and sunny summer weather is great for trips to the beach, but not so for plants - especially new plantings! It's time to be sure your plants are getting enough water.
It's amazing how many questions we get about how to water. Believe it or not - watering can be complicated. There are ways to correctly water. Simply taking a hose out and splashing water on your plants is not effective for the proper growth and health of your plants. Check out out blog post summarizing important watering tips and techniques!
And to help, Back to Nature is offering 20% off all watering tools this weekend only! Plant nannies, watering cans, hoses, sprinklers and more!
Back to Nature's Pool Party Photo Contest!
Win a $100 gift card to Back to Nature
Join the party! Back to Nature's celebrating summer with a new cool pool scene - and we're asking you to be a part of the fun! Visit Back to Nature before the end of the month and take a picture among our summertime celebrators - then post it to our Facebook page! The most creative will win a $100 gift card good at our store!
Contest ends 7/31/18
Upcoming Events
Make & Take: All Natural After Sun Soothing Spray
Saturday, July 28th - 11 a
Fee: $15
Sun exposure is good, but too much of it can cause irritation. Join us to Make & Take your own batch of after-sun soothing spray with essential oils!
The heat of the summer is here! Are you sure your garden is getting enough water? Just because it rains a little doesn't mean that you're plants have enough. Find out the tips and techniques to ensure your garden continues to thrive even in the summer heat!
For gardener's looking to get the best harvest out of the time left in the season, join us to learn how, what and when to plant fall growing vegetables!
Join Ocean County Soil Conservation District, Barnegat Bay Partnership, The Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education and The Watershed Institute for our Jersey-Friendly Yards Series of Programs this growing season! FREE plant giveaways!
Showcasing the Island Heights Library's Jersey-Friendly Garden
Come explore the newly installed Jersey-Friendly Garden at the Island Heights Library. We will showcase native and Jersey-Friendly plants, and discuss the numerous benefits to wildlife and the Barnegat Bay watershed that these colorful and hardy plants provide. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTRATION opens June 12, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org, click on the calendar of events tab, search and register for program; or call (732) 270-6266. PROGRAM LOCATION: 121 Central Ave, Island Heights, NJ 08732. Program hosted by the Friends of the Island Heights Library and funded by the Barnegat Bay Partnership.
Jersey-Friendly Yards: Landscaping for a Healthier Barnegat Bay
What we do in our yards has a direct impact on our health and the health of the Barnegat Bay. Learn how to create a beautiful, low-maintenance, bay-friendly landscape using the Jersey-Friendly Yards website. Be inspired by examples of successful Jersey-Friendly gardens. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTRATION opens June 26, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org, click on the calendar of events tab, search and register for program, or call (609) 693-8566. PROGRAM LOCATION: 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731. Program hosted by the Lacey Library and funded by the Barnegat Bay Partnership.
The Jersey-Friendly Yardswebsite is a tool for home gardeners to plan, design and install your own Jersey-Friendly garden. Explore the steps to a Jersey-Friendly Yard and learn how to select plants appropriate for your own landscape. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.org or call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114, or complete this Registration Form. PROGRAM LOCATION: Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, 7th Street & Navajo Drive, Waretown, NJ 08758. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.
Explore "Jersey-Friendly Yards" and tour the gardens at Cattus Island to discover the beautiful native and Jersey-Friendly plants that thrive in this environment. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.orgor call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114. PROGRAM LOCATION: Cattus Island County Park Nature Center. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.
Designing a Jersey-Friendly Garden for the Benefit of Wildlife
Jersey-Friendly plants offer myriad benefits to wildlife. Learn how to use the Jersey-Friendly Yardswebsite to design a garden or yard that will attract and support birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.org or call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114, or complete this Registration Form. PROGRAM LOCATION: Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, 7th Street & Navajo Drive, Waretown, NJ 08758. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.
Come explore the newly installed Jersey-Friendly Gardenin Pine Beach. Join us for an indoor presentation and an outdoor tour of the garden. We will showcase native and Jersey-Friendly plants, and discuss the numerous benefits to wildlife and the Barnegat Bay watershed that these colorful and hardy plants provide. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Juliane Esposito, pinebeachutilities@comcast.net. PROGRAM LOCATION: To be determined. Program hosted by the Pine Beach Environmental Commission and funded by the Barnegat Bay Partnership.
Explore "Jersey-Friendly Yards" and tour the gardens at Cattus Island to discover the beautiful native and Jersey-Friendly plants that thrive in this environment. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.orgor call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114. PROGRAM LOCATION: Cattus Island County Park Nature Center. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.
Save-the-date for our 2nd Annual Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference. Featuring an array of workshops, exhibitors, keynote speaker and a native plant sale. Registration opens in August.
Experience the magic of Sedge Island in Barnegat Bay as you gain skills in fishing, crabbing, clamming and kayaking. The New Jersey Outdoors Program offers day-long programs for Outdoor Women and Outdoor Families at the Division's Sedge House. Learn more!
Team RHA is taking part in the Gran Fondo NJ bike ride with a goal to raise $10,000 toward our mission protecting water in our rivers, our streams and our homes.
Please consider supporting this much-anticipated event where participants will have the opportunity to learn about water conservation, soils in their yards, attracting wildlife and enhancing their landscaping!
Featuring an array of workshops, exhibitors, keynote speaker and a native plant sale.
Registration opens in August. Conference location: Ocean County College campus, Gateway Building.
This Conference is being cooperatively organized by the Ocean County Soil Conservation District, Barnegat Bay Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County
