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May 28 - June 4 Father and son look out from Sunrise Mountain. (Mary Jasch)
Feeling your oats? Here comes the sun, so take advantage by following any number of paths and trails in Northwest New Jersey. Here's your essential guide to the adventures ahead. And keep our calendar close! It's filled with events that will help navigate this most gratifying of seasons. Stretch your legs, breath fresh air and stay strong!
Brass Castle to Marble Mountain
Lake Marguerite Wildlife Refuge
While Warren County does not provide an official network of "improved" parks, there are municipal parks and several trail networks known as Natural Resource Areas (NRAs). Similar to the state-owned WMAs, they are minimally improved tracts of land reserved for passive recreational use by the public. Though not well-known, these places provide pristine destinations for family jaunts, hikes full of historical fabric, even the excitement of cave exploration.
Feather Quest
Once they're in their breeding finery, the American goldfinch becomes the NJ state bird we all know.
Birds are scientifically classified in the class Aves, divided into orders, families, genus, and species. Some orders contain only a single species, like the common loon, while others, such as Passeriformes, include more than 5,000 species of mostly small perching and migratory songbirds. The ridges, valleys, and wetlands of our region create an ideal setting for enjoying their seasonal chorus from trails, roadsides, or even backyard windows.
Among the most recognizable bird groups are the diurnal raptors—vultures, osprey, falcons, hawks, and eagles. Since 1983, The Raptor Trust has rehabilitated injured and orphaned wild birds while helping foster public appreciation for raptors through education programs. This Sunday’s FeatherFest (May 31) offers a chance to learn about bird rehabilitation and do some up-close raptor watching. The free event requires registration. 1452 White Bridge Road, Millington. 908-647-2353.
Carping
A Grass Carp caught by James Dempsey, Jr of Ewing New Jersey on May 12, 2011 is the official state record. The huge fish weighed an astounding 55 lbs. 8 oz.!
No, we are not talking about complaining here. To an angler, in particular, a fisherman from Great Britain, the word denotes someone who is dedicated--no, devoted--to the fine art of seeking and catching what some Americans foolishly call "Trash Fish". Carp! You see, more people fish for carp in the world than for any other species. Here in New Jersey, we have countless lakes, rivers, ponds and streams that hold carp. Go fishin!
Seed to Stem
Young Red Mountain winter lettuce has not yet formed a stem. It makes a great early spring salad green. (William Woys Weaver)
Roughly seventy true lettuce heirlooms and a mosaic of varieties make this leafy annual of the aster family far from ordinary. It is great for you, delicious, accessible, easy to grow with varieties to harvest in every season in Skylands territory. Start now!
Up and Coming
Guided bird walks, Manor House tours, avian wildlife lectures, photography contest, plant sale, barn sale, cottage sale, vendors and more at Lusscroft's Spring Fest. Presented by The Heritage and Agriculture Association, Inc., in cooperation with the NJ DEP/Div. of Parks & Forestry. 50 Neilson Road, Wantage.
A colorful and spectacular festival with an array of crafters and vendors, food trucks, a car and truck show, live music and family entertainment at the Hot Air Balloons, Arts and Crafts Festival, June 6 & 7 at Warren County Community College.
A live music, original art, and crafts, celebration in conjunction with GreenFest and the Washington Borough Farmers Market kick off, Explore upcycled and recycled goods vendors, gardening and outdoor groups, environmental preservation exhibitors and related non-profit organizations and vendors. 10am - 5pm.
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 operation increasingly relies 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.
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