Essex County Environmental Center Fall 2014 Public Programs
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And The Board of Chosen Freeholders Present
Led by Dave Hall, Associate Naturalist
Once again, Dave Hall has prepared an ambitious schedule of birding field trips in Essex County. Dave will set an easy pace. Most of the trails are level and wide. A few trails may have steep sections and are a little muddy. Trips are designed for adults and children 12 and older. Space is limited; please contact Kelly Wenzel at 908.766.5787 for more information and to register.
THURSDAY MORNING FIELD TRIPS
ESSEX COUNTY HILLTOP RESERVATION
- Thursday, September 11; 8:30am to 11am
Explore edge and meadow habitats for early fall migrants with an easy walk through the reservation. Meet at Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane, North Caldwell. Free
MONTCLAIR HAWK WATCH IN ESSEX COUNTY MILLS RESERVATION
- Thursday, September 18; 9am to 12pm
Join NJ Audubon staff and volunteers for fantastic views of migrating hawks. We’ll be on hand to help you spot and identify hawks as they move through the ridges of the Watchung Mountains. Park along Edgecliff Road (just off of Bradford Avenue in Cedar Grove) and look for the pathway to the stairs. The stairway is steep, but worth the effort. Bring a hat, water and a folding chair. Pre-registration is requested. Meet at Edgecliff Road, Cedar Grove/Montclair, NJ. Free
GREENWOOD GARDENS
- Thursday, October 2; 8am to 11am
Discover how the gardens change in early fall and look for fall migrants. For more information about Greenwood Gardens, visit www.greenwoodgardens.org. Registration with Greenwood Gardens is required for this trip; please email info@greenwoodgardens.org or call 973.258.4026. Meet at Greenwood Gardens, 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills. Fee: $10 NJA and Greenwood Gardens members, $12 non-members
ESSEX COUNTY HILLTOP RESERVATION
- Thursday, October 9; 8:30am to 11am
Migrants might include many southbound birds and some winter arrivals. Footing might be muddy, depending on the weather. Meet at Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane, North Caldwell. Free
ESSEX COUNTY BRANCH BROOK PARK
- Thursday, October 16; 8am to 11:30am
Take a leisurely walk in this Olmstead-designed park. This is an amazing place for migrating birds including thrushes, wrens, waterfowl and more. Meet at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Branch Brook Park Drive between Heller Parkway and Mill Street/Park Drive, Newark. Free
ESSEX COUNTY WEEQUAHIC PARK
- Thursday, November 13; 8:30am to 11am
This area attracts a wonderful set of waterfowl in the fall, and all can be viewed along an easy trail around the lake. We expect to find a good selection of wintering ducks. Meet in the parking area near the exercise station at the lake-front. Meet at the Essex County Weequahic Park, Meeker Avenue entrance, Newark. Free
ESSEX COUNTY HILLTOP RESERVATION
- Thursday, November 20; 8:30am to 11am
Explore edge and meadow habitats for late fall migrants with an easy walk through the reservation. Meet at Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane, North Caldwell. Free
SATURDAY MORNING FIELD TRIPS
ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
Saturday, September 20; 8:30am to 11am
Essex County’s largest developed park has many good hiking trails leading into different habitats. At the peak of the fall migration, we will search for passerines, raptors, and maybe a few waterfowl. Meet in the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo parking lot, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, where we will carpool to various locations within the park. Fee: $6 NJA members, $8 non-members
TROY MEADOWS
Saturday, October 11; 8:30am to 12pm
Troy Meadows in East Hanover is an excellent place to encounter ducks, herons, and marsh birds, plus migrating passerines. We will carpool to the trail head. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center, 621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland. Fee: $6 NJA members, $8 non-members
CANOE BROOK RESERVOIR
Saturday, November 15; 8am to 11:30am
NJ Audubon has been granted access to New Jersey American Water reservoirs, one of the best places in Essex County for wintering waterfowl. We may catch a glimpse of hawks and perhaps a Bald Eagle. Pre-registration is required for this field trip. Map and directions provided upon registration. Location given upon registration. Fee: $10 NJA members, $12 non-members
The Essex County Environmental Center is located at 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland in Essex County West Essex Park and is a facility of the Essex County Park System. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Essex County West Essex Park is open to the public every day from dawn until dusk. Pre-registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. For more information, please call 973-228-8776