March 26 - April 2
Signs and Symptoms
Photo: Trish Romano
It is still an underground movement, but don't be fooled! Spring will be mainstream someday soon.
If you can't feel it every day, you can smell it. That crisp, invigorating scent on an early spring walk through the forest? To a biologist, it’s the aroma of gases released by billions of tiny organisms in the thawing soil, unlocking nutrients essential for the coming explosion of wildflowers. Thank goodness for mud season!
Here's your essential guide to the adventures ahead. Keep our calendar close! It's filled with events that will help navigate this most gratifying of seasons. Go vernal!
Sweet Times & Sticky Fingers
Do you crave real-deal maple syrup? Get all you want at Lusscroft Farm in Sussex County during this Saturday's Maple Sugaring Open House and Barn Sale (March 29, 10am-3pm). You'll see how they tap the trees, collect the sap and boil it down to that deliciously sweet and thick concoction that's so hard to resist. Then buy some to take home and pour it on! It will taste even better when you know that income from the maple sugaring operation benefits the ongoing maintenance of the sugar house and support the restoration of historic Lusscroft Farm, a treasured part of High Point State Park. You can also choose from a variety of items for sale in the barn and cottage sale. And there will be tours of the Manor House (for $5 per adult) on the hour, 11am - 2pm. The event is presented by the Heritage and Agriculture Association, Inc., in cooperation with the NJ DEP/Division of Parks and Forestry. 50 Neilson Road, Wantage. Click or call 973/262-4732.
Destiny's Place
Natirar, home of a clever name and the once and famous King of Morocco, stood for decades after a lifetime of industry and frailty within its elegant walls, until the Somerset Park Commission bought the 491-acre estate with the intent to preserve this crown jewel as open space. And although you might require a king's status to enjoy some of its offerings -- spa, restaurant and
resort accommodations on site -- hiking, horses and fishing and other outdoor pleasures remain available to the common man. More...
Rumblings in the Railroad Earth
The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad’s construction of a line that altered the contour of both the landscape and culture of Northwestern New Jersey has been a source of wonder since the first shovels hit the ground near the turn of the last century. More than a half-century has passed since the last passenger train rolled on the high line tracks, but the story, which has continued through sometimes bizarre twists and turns, promises many more chapters. The Lackawanna Cut-Off’s saga still stirs emotions, and, regardless of rampant political uncertainty, steps continue towards its future revival. Meanwhile, touring the Cut-Off, either all at once or in bits and pieces, is a worthwhile endeavor!
Cold-Blooded, Warm Hearts
Longtail salamanders (Eurycea longicauda longicauda) hide in rock crevices. (Photo: Allegra Mitchell)
As onset of spring eases into milder temperatures, all manner of creatures stretch their bodies and move more freely, searching for food and mates while they patrol their home turfs. Among these are some of the most rare, interesting, and beautiful animals in the Garden State. Often overlooked or misunderstood, reptiles and amphibians play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems—but many of them are facing serious threats.
Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse produces regenerative and sustainable foods that nourish people in harmony with nature. You'll find 100% grass-fed raw cow's milk cheese; pastured meats and charcuterie; wood-fired rustic breads.
Visit their website to learn more about our farm store, farmer’s markets, classes, events, and shipping. And visit the farm and store at 369 Stamets Road, Milford NJ.
Sign up for the Warren County Wanderings newsletter, your guidepost of discovery and a nexus of community in a culturally rich and environmentally singular area.
Thanks for joining us in our appreciation of Northwest New Jersey and all the brilliant ways to get out and enjoy the pleasures of the season. Tap our calendar for the best events for you and your family, or check our current stories.
Pick from a multitude of daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
For the more aerobically inclined, the Outdoor Map shows the way to go, or
choose among dozens of natural attractions or outdoor activities suggested on our website.
Like many other small, independent and specialized information sources, our budget will increasingly rely on reader donations. Help us keep you informed about all the great stuff to do in and around Northwest New Jersey! If you like what we offer, we hope you'll consider a contribution.
Share this email
*|MC:TOPSHARE|*
Skylands Visitor Magazine (Guest Services, LLC), PO Box 329, Columbia, NJ • Privacy Statement
|
