Middlesex Greenway HIA Final Report Issued by NJHIC

The Middlesex Greenway is a rails-to-trails project within the communities of Metuchen, Edison, and Woodbridge in Middlesex County, NJ. Situated on an abandoned portion of Lehigh Valley rail corridor, the completed portion of the Greenway is a 3.5 mile long, 42-acre corridor that provides a 10-foot wide, paved trail suitable for walking, biking and jogging.

The New Jersey Health Impact Collaborative (NJHIC) at Rutgers University carried out the Middlesex Greenway Access Plan Health Impact Assessment (HIA) concurrently with a Together North Jersey Local Demonstration Project (LDP). Partners on the LDP team were Middlesex County, Metuchen Borough, Edison Township, Woodbridge Township, and Edison Greenways. The purpose of the LDP project was to create a Middlesex Greenway Access Plan to provide the Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation and the Edison Greenways Group with recommendations for improving access to the Greenway and increasing usage of the Greenway by residents and visitors.

The Middlesex Greenway HIA investigated the potential health impacts associated with increasing access and utilization of the Greenway and made recommendations for how managers can add infrastructure, signage, facilities and programming to best protect and promote health, focusing on providing benefits to populations that could benefit disproportionately, such as senior citizens and lower income populations. The study included review of literature, analysis of data, focus groups and a survey of over 500 residents.

View/download the final report: Middlesex Greenway Access Plan HIA. To learn more about how Health Impact Assessments can lead to healthier outcomes for your land use plans, sign up for the May 7 NJHIC Conference.

	June 2017
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				1 Grappling with Unconscious Bias for More Inclusive Water Protection and Restoration - Webinar Grappling with Unconscious Bias for More Inclusive Water Protection and Restoration - Webinar Starts: 1:00 pm Ends: June 1, 2017 - 2:30 pm Description: DEI webinar series: Grappling with Unconscious Bias for More Inclusive Water Protection and Restoration (part 2 of 2) Jun 1 Thursday, 06/01/2017 1:00pm EST - 2:30pm EST Event Info Webinar: Grappling with Unconscious Bias for More Inclusive Water Protection and Restoration Join this River Network webinar, the second in a 2-part series. This interactive 90-minute session will build on the first webinar, which will be recorded and available for viewing before June 1st. Session 2 will explore the concept of unconscious bias and how it prevents us from doing our best diversity, equity, and inclusion work. The presenters will examine bias through three lenses: (1) our individual thoughts and actions; (2) within our organizational policies, practices, procedures, and programs; (3) in the water conservation and environmental sectors. For each lens, presenters will provide examples of how bias manifests and ways to mitigate it. Participants will be introduced to a framework they can use to begin exploring unconscious bias as well as some tips on how to begin mitigating and interrupting bias. This 2-part DEI webinar series is designed to support local river and watershed organizations wrestling with the question of how they can become more diverse organizations working toward more equitable solutions to their water challenges. Our work to protect and restore the rivers and other waters exists within the context of a society that is increasingly diverse. Nearly 40% of the U.S. population are people of color, and predictions suggest that by the mid-2040s non-whites and people of mixed-race will be a majority of our population. To remain socially relevant, River Network believes that our organizations should reflect the diversity of society as a whole, requiring us to both reform our institutions from the inside and our approach to our river protection and restoration work. This webinar will be presented by staff of the Avarna Group and is sponsored by the Urban Waters Learning Network and the Kresge Foundation. It is free of charge. If you have any questions, please contact Diana Toledo. Register: https://www.rivernetwork.org/events/dei-session-2/ More details... •	2 Green Eggs & Sands Teacher Workshop Green Eggs & Sands Teacher Workshop Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 4, 2017 - 11:59 pm Description: A limited number of spaces remain available for the June 2-4 Green Eggs Sand workshop. This horseshoe crab workshop introduces educators to the experts in the field presenting all aspects of what makes the horseshoe crab such an important species. Participants who attend the workshop receive the Green Eggs and Sand DVD with videos and lessons ready to be incorporated into the classroom, plus a variety of other resources. For information, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/greeneggs.htm on the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website. More details... •	3 National Fishing and Boating Week National Fishing and Boating Week Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 11, 2017 - 11:59 pm Description: For information and updates visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqoh.htm on the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website. Visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NJFishandWildlife More details... Save the Date - Westons Mill Pond Cleanup and Nature Walk Save the Date - Westons Mill Pond Cleanup and Nature Walk Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 3, 2017 - 11:59 pm Description: Cleanup and Nature Walk, Saturday, June 3rd, at Westons Mill Pond - Rutgers Gardens. - For more information, contact Alan Godber, President, Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership at agodber@turbousa.com. More details... Sustainability Walk - Duke Farms Sustainability Walk - Duke Farms Starts: 9:30 am Ends: June 3, 2017 - 11:30 am Description: Sustainability Walk - Duke Farms Ever want to see how a geothermal well works? Or learn how about how we filter up to 10,000 gallons a day of wastewater - by feeding plants?! There are unbelievable things happening behind the scenes at Duke Farms, which make the buildings and landscapes minimally impactful on the environment. During this walk, you’ll get a chance to see behind the scenes and learn more about green technologies such as rain gardens, a green roof, our solar array, geothermal wells, and constructed wetlands and more. DATE: Saturday, June 3 from 9:30am to 11:30am. COST: $5 Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustainability-walk-tickets-32466510206?aff=ebapi&mc_cid=21bd4fb076&mc_eid=20e0d16acd More details... Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 3, 2017 - 4:00 pm Description: [Rescheduled from April 1] Pequest Open House Fundraising Event If you're like me, you have probably accumulated a lot of fishing, hunting and camping gear over the years. While many of these items are prized possessions, you probably also have some gear lying around that has fallen out of regular use and is just collecting dust. If your married like me, these items are taking up valuable space that your significant other feels could be better served storing something else. Chances are you can't bring yourself to throw the stuff away. What if I told you you could clean out that garage, basement or spare room and help out Central Jersey Trout Unlimited at the same time? We are now accepting donations of any type of outdoor sporting gear. Every year, Central Jersey Trout Unlimited attends the Pequest Open House/Sportsman's Flea Market at the Pequest Hatchery. This year the event will be taking place on April 1st and 2nd, 2017. Your unused gear could be used to support our 2017 fundraising efforts. In past years we have raised several hundred to over a thousand dollars selling CJTU members old, unwanted gear. This money goes directly to our conservation efforts. We are currently looking to raise funds to support another restoration project on public water, on the Musconetcong River. Please consider making a donation of your unwanted gear to CJTU. You can bring the gear to any monthly meeting December thru March. If that is not possible, we can make arrangements to pick the items up at your convienance. If you want arrange for a pick-up please send an email to bartlombardo@optonline.net. Thank you in advance for your support. http://www.cjtu.org/ More details... • • • •
4 Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 4, 2017 - 4:00 pm Description: [Rescheduled from April 2] Pequest Open House Fundraising Event If you're like me, you have probably accumulated a lot of fishing, hunting and camping gear over the years. While many of these items are prized possessions, you probably also have some gear lying around that has fallen out of regular use and is just collecting dust. If your married like me, these items are taking up valuable space that your significant other feels could be better served storing something else. Chances are you can't bring yourself to throw the stuff away. What if I told you you could clean out that garage, basement or spare room and help out Central Jersey Trout Unlimited at the same time? We are now accepting donations of any type of outdoor sporting gear. Every year, Central Jersey Trout Unlimited attends the Pequest Open House/Sportsman's Flea Market at the Pequest Hatchery. This year the event will be taking place on April 1st and 2nd, 2017. Your unused gear could be used to support our 2017 fundraising efforts. In past years we have raised several hundred to over a thousand dollars selling CJTU members old, unwanted gear. This money goes directly to our conservation efforts. We are currently looking to raise funds to support another restoration project on public water, on the Musconetcong River. Please consider making a donation of your unwanted gear to CJTU. You can bring the gear to any monthly meeting December thru March. If that is not possible, we can make arrangements to pick the items up at your convienance. If you want arrange for a pick-up please send an email to bartlombardo@optonline.net. Thank you in advance for your support. http://www.cjtu.org/ More details... Paddling the Abbott Marshlands - D&R Greenway Land Trust Paddling the Abbott Marshlands - D&R Greenway Land Trust Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 4, 2017 - 2:00 pm Description: D&R Greenway Land Trust is premiering the TravelStorys app for Abbott Marshlands Paddling tours on three river trips: Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.: Canoe/kayak the Abbott Marshlands for Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of the undermanned Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. The tidal trip is eight miles from Bordentown Beach to Watson Woods/Roebling Park and back. After lunch, tour the Tulpehaking Nature Center, the educational gateway to the Abbott Marshlands. Sunday, Jun 4, 10 a.m.: Canoe/kayak the Abbott Marshlands. Trip begins on the Crosswicks Creek in Bordentown. Paddle to Roebling Park and walk the trails before returning to Bordentown. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park Street. July 19, 9:30 a.m. Canoe/kayak the Abbott Marshlands. Trip begins on the Crosswicks Creek in Bordentown. Paddle to Roebling Park and walk the trails before returning to Bordentown. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park Street. For all trips: Bring lunch, snacks and beverage. Wear boots and bring gloves. Trash bags will be provided. Bring lunch and beverage. Sombreros optional/ participants must have their own boats (rentals not available). Please contact trip leaders to confirm trip and participation and for further details: George & Leona F., 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. End time approximate. More details... • •	5	6	7 10th Anniversary Heroes of the Harbor - Save the Date! 10th Anniversary Heroes of the Harbor - Save the Date! Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 7, 2017 - 11:59 pm Description: Heroes of the Harbor Heroes of the Harbor 2015 Heroes of the Harbor honors members of our waterfront community for their unique contributions to making the New York Harbor and waterfront an exceptional place to live, work, and play. A highlight of the evening is the Parade of Boats, an urban flotilla of dozens of boats—big and small—that delights our guests and the public as it passes Chelsea Piers. Personalized ring buoys are presented to our “heroes” during dinner. As our signature annual fundraising event, Heroes of the Harbor raises critical funds to support our work to protect, transform, and revitalize the New York and New Jersey harbor and waterfront. http://waterfrontalliance.org/support-our-work/heroes-of-the-harbor/ More details... From the Ashes - Film Screening From the Ashes - Film Screening Starts: 7:00 pm Ends: June 7, 2017 - 9:00 pm Description: You’re invited to an advanced free screening of the film, “From The Ashes” on Wednesday, June 7th. The groundbreaking new documentary goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal.” The film takes a compelling and often heartbreaking look at what’s at stake for our economy, health, and climate. Please join us to learn more about an industry on the edge and what it means for our future on June 7th at Panico’s Brick Oven Pizza at 94 Church Street in New Brunswick at 7:00 PM. Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. “From The Ashes” is produced by RadicalMedia in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and presented by National Geographic TV. This event is hosted by the Raritan Valley Group of the New Jersey Sierra Club. Please let us know you are attending with an RSVP to https://sierra.secure.force.com/events/details?formcampaignid=70131000001uhtnAAA. This event is free and open to all, including non-Sierra Club members. There is metered street parking available, as well as a public garage (90 Church Street) just steps away from Panico’s Brick Oven Pizza. We hope you can join us on June 7th for this special advanced screening before the documentary airs on National Geographic TV on June 25th. The screening runs from 7 to 9 PM and includes a brief discussion after the film. Raritan Valley Sierra Club 145 W. Hanover Street • Trenton, NJ 08618 • Telephone: 609.656.7612 More details... • •	8 Changes in the Quality of our Nation’s Rivers and Streams - Webinar Changes in the Quality of our Nation’s Rivers and Streams - Webinar Starts: 1:00 pm Ends: June 8, 2017 - 2:00 pm Description: NWQMC Webinar Series Long-term Look at Changes in the Quality of our Nation’s Rivers and Streams Presented by Lori Sprague, U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Program Thursday, June 8th, 2017, 1:00 –2:00p.m. EST The webinar is free; pre-registration is required. Please login 10 minutes early. A new U.S. Geological Survey study provides a comprehensive, long-term look at changes in the quality of our Nation’s rivers and streams over the last four decades. For the first time, monitoring data collected by 74 organizations at almost 1,400 sites have been combined to provide a nationwide look at changes in stream quality in the 40 years since passage of the Clean Water Act. Tracking changes in the quality of these waterways over multiple decades is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of pollution control efforts and protecting the Nation’s water resources into the future. A new interactive map can be used to track trends of 51 water-quality constituents and 38 aquatic-life metrics during four time periods: 1972-2012, 1982-2012, 1992-2012, and 2002-2012. This online interactive visualization tool can be used to:track decadal changes in concentrations and loads of nutrients, pesticides,carbon, major ions, and sediment; track changes in 38 aquatic-life metrics (types and numbers of fish,macroinvertebrates, and algae); and view trend graphs and download results.This map was developed by the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Project, which conducts regional and national assessments of the Nation’s water quality to provide an understanding of current water- quality conditions, whether conditions are getting better or worse over time, and how natural processes and human activities affect those conditions. To register for this session: Go to https://doilearn2.webex.com/doilearn2onstageg.php?MTID=e69ddea193fe3179d588eb03244c54133 and register. You will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the session. For more infomration: National Water Quality Monitoring Council: http://acwi.gov/monitoring/ More details... Free Kayaking Free Kayaking Starts: 5:30 pm Ends: June 8, 2017 - 6:30 pm Description: We welcome you to join us on your local waterway! Whether you’re into ship graveyards, or just want to learn how to kayak, our on-the-water activities offer something for everyone! Free Kayaking June 8, 15, 22 at 5:30pm at the Keyport Waterfront at the intersection of Broad St. and First St, Keyport NJ August 2, 16, and 30 at 6:00pm at the corner of Beachway and Main Ave, Keansburg, NJ No registration required – first come, first served. Kayaks and personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be provided. Participants will kayak in two 30 minute time slots. More Info: http://nynjbaykeeper.org/summer/ More details... Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Meeting Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Meeting Starts: 8:00 pm Ends: June 8, 2017 - 10:00 pm Location: Hall Place, Hall Pl, Keyport, NJ 07735, USA Description: Monthly Meeting of the Bayshore Regional Watershed Council The watershed council is an all-volunteer organization. Since 2000, we have been dedicated to improving water quality and restoring wildlife habitat along Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay. Please consider joining the watershed council. Membership is always free. We depend on the time and generosity of volunteers for everything we do. Join us for a watershed meeting. Meetings are always informal and a great way to learn about your watershed. We meet the second Thursday of every month at 7:30pm inside Keyport Borough Hall located on Front Street. www.restoreraritanbay.org Greetings everyone! Please join us for our next Bayshore Watershed meeting on Thursday, June 8, 2017. Our meetings are always open to the public and the public is always welcome! Membership is always free! Your input, ideas, and suggestions are always greatly appreciated. Thanks & Fair winds, Joe Reynolds Co-Chair www.restoreraritanbay.org ——————————————————————— Draft Agenda Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Thursday, June 8, 2017 8:00pm Borough Hall, Keyport, NJ MAIN AGENDA ITEMS 1) Proposed Williams Natural Gas Pipeline in Raritan Bay. 2) Horseshoe Crab Monitoring 3) Seine the Bay Day - Sunday, June 11 4) State of NY-NJ Harbor Estuary 5) Army Corps Work post Superstorm Sandy 6) Preservation of Stone Road Meadows 7) Dirtiest Sites in the Bayshore 9) Update on Activities Around Watershed ITEMS NOT TO FORGET 1) Establishment of Keansburg Env. Commission: petition 2) Keansburg Open Space Issues 3) Conaskonck Point Preservation Access 4) Dredge Material Mgmt. & Monmouth County/Phase II of Bayshore DMMP 5) Against LNG & Fracking/ For Sustainable Energy Policy 6) Progress on Watershed Outreach table 7) Oyster Restoration VOLUNTEER PROJECTS a) Spring Horseshoe Crab Monitoring b) Osprey Nest Monitoring & Installation c) Harbor Heron Monitoring d) Green Map for Bayshore e) Storm Drain marking f) Summer & Fall Seining Survey g) Outreach table & Display More details... • • •	9 Sustainable Raritan River Conference & Awards Ceremony Sustainable Raritan River Conference & Awards Ceremony Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 9, 2017 - 11:59 pm Location: Rutgers University, Douglass Student Center, Trayes Hall, 100 George Street, New Brunwick, NJ 08901 Description: Save the Date for more information, visit: http://raritan.rutgers.edu/events/upcoming-events/ or contact Sara Malone, sjmalone@ejb.rutgers.edu, (908) 892-0020 More details... Horsehoe Crab Walk - Sandy Hook Horsehoe Crab Walk - Sandy Hook Starts: 6:00 pm Ends: June 9, 2017 - 8:00 pm Description: Fri Jun 9th 6:00pm - 8:00pm Parking Lot B, Sandy Hook, Plum Island, Middletown, NJ 07732, USA Get up close and personal with a living fossil. Take an evening walk along Plum Island, Sandy Hook to look for spawning horseshoe crabs. Learn about an animal that has survived virtually unchanged for 400 million years. Wear foot gear that can get wet. Great for families. Meet at Parking Lot B, 6:00 p.m. Cost : Free Contact: 732-291-0055 for more information and to reserve Third Raritan Bay - Sandy Hook Bay Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Event Scheduled for Friday, June 9 starting at 8:45pm View this email in your browser Greetings fellow Horseshoe Crab (HSC) monitoring and tagging folks, I hope this email finds you well. Our THIRD monitoring and tagging date for Horseshoe Crabs along Sandy Hook Bay & Raritan Bay in Monmouth County, NJ is set for Friday, June 9 starting at 8:45pm. We should be done within an hour, but later if there are many crabs. Remember: All HSC monitoring events are rain or shine! The event will only be cancelled if conditions are dangerous or life-threatening for crabs or people. Water temperatures around Lower New York Bay have jumped to the low to mid 60s. Conditions are prime for an abundance of spawning activity if the weather is favorable. But you never know, this is why we go out. Please dress for the weather. Please bring all necessary tools and equipment, including tags, drills and disinfectant solutions to tag single HSC. Please read the important information below before heading out. Thanks for your help! We could not do this project without you! Joe Reynolds Co-Chair Bayshore Regional Watershed Council www.restoreraritanbay.org P.S. Any questions, concerns, or comments please let me know. Your suggestions are always appreciated. Monitoring Dates & Times for 2017 Wednesday, May 10 starting at 8:30pm Thursday, May 25 starting at 8:00pm Friday, June 9 starting at 8:45pm Friday, June 23 starting at 8:00pm Monitoring Locations: Sandy Hook NRA at Plum Island. Volunteers meet at Parking Lot B near the Bathroom Pavilion. Beach Captains: Laura Bagwell & Shannon Evens *Please make sure you get a parking pass from Laura Bagwell. Mouth of Many Mind Creek in Atlantic Highlands. Volunteers meet in gravel parking lot at the end of First Avenue located on the side opposite the marina. Beach Captains: Joe Reynolds & Joe Sheridan and family Leonardo Beach in Middletown Township. Volunteers meet near the parking lot at the end of Beach Avenue located near the state marina. Beach Captain: Sue Provost & Donna MacDonald Mouth of Flat Creek in Union Beach. Volunteers meet along Brook Avenue. The entrance to Brook Ave. is located beside Front Street near where the small bridge to go over Flat Creek is situated. Beach Captains: Ron Dente & Margaret Casagrande Cliffwood Beach in Aberdeen Township. Volunteers meet inside the parking lot nearest the beach located on Ocean Blvd, situated on the border of Aberdeen Township and Old Bridge Township. * Please note that access roads to this site through Aberdeen Township may be flooded during high tide. Please access via Old Bridge Township for safety. Beach Captains: Christine Balint & Frank Huza SAFETY Arrive at the designated beach at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time to meet the Beach Captain. The Beach Captain will provide any specific instructions for your location. You will be surveying in a group. No individuals! NO BARE FEET! Shoes are a necessity. We recommend rubber boots, waders, hip boots, water shoes, or old sneakers. A good pair of waterproof boots is preferred for May monitoring dates when water temperatures are still chilly. Don't forget to dress for the weather. Dress warmly, but also wear something to get dirty and/or wet in. Work gloves may be useful to hold crabs. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Headlamps are useful because they free up both hands. Consider using insect repellent at night. Please be careful and mindful of your surroundings. Always think safety first! Never do anything you feel uncomfortable doing. Take your time, No running, especially in the dark. Please be mindful of large rocks, bricks, buckets, driftwood and other objects on the beach that might cause you to trip and fall. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children, scouts, or students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, teacher, scout leader, or a legal guardian. IF THUNDERSTORMS ARE PRESENT, OR CONDITIONS ARE UNSAFE, DO NOT GO ONTO THE BEACH. The beach captain will determine if the survey should be cancelled or continued later that same evening. Protocol to Tag HSC Here is the protocol when attaching button tags (Beach captains at each site will have alcohol, cotton swabs, and antiseptic solutions to carry out this system): 1. Tags will be attached to the left posterior (rear) point of the prosoma (first section of body). There is a high concentration of fibrous material within the body in this area, which minimizes bleeding. Before drilling the attachment hole, clean off any epibionts (barnacles, etc.) near the attachment site. 2.USFWS recommends first cleaning the area where the hole will be drilled by rubbing the spot with alcohol. 3.Then the drill should be dipped into a Betadine antiseptic solution to disinfect the drill before making the hole in the shell (prosoma). 4. This procedure should be repeated for every individual that is being tagged. 5. All tags will be used in consecutive sequential procedure. One number after another. 6. Any crabs found with tags already attached to the shell are to be reported to the Beach Captain and recorded on the re-sighting form. If you plan to tag crabs, please bring a cordless drill with tape on a 5/32-inch drill bit up 1/8" from the tip to tag the crabs. Also, we will need measuring tape and rulers that measure in millimeters. Bring plenty of clipboards, pens/pencils, flashlights or headlamps. Method to Count Crabs Bring a clipboard or a hard surface to write on. Also, bring a couple of pens or pencils and a sharpener. Each beach will be sampled along a transect of 1,000 feet. To survey horseshoe crabs, you will start at one end of a marked section of beach. At exactly the scheduled “start time,” you should begin counting all horseshoe crabs (dead or alive, single male and females, swimming pairs, buried pairs, and clusters) along a 1,000 feet of beach within 6 feet of either side of the high tide mark. You can stop while counting, but do not walk backwards and re-count. The Observer will walk near the high tide line and count out loud the number of horseshoe crabs (Males and Females) on the beach in the “Surf Zone” (typically the area where the waves break and wash over the horseshoe crabs), and the Recorder (second person) records these observations on the Data Sheet. The Observer should always focus on counting horseshoe crabs that are spawning on the beach according to the following rules: a. Crabs above the Surf Zone (on beach): Count all that are present. b. Crabs in the Surf Zone: Count all that are present. c. Count all individuals in the Surf Zone and include the submerged crabs that are obviously part of the spawning event. Count each sex separately. Female horseshoe crabs can be easily identified since they are buried. If, however, a horseshoe crab is not buried, the two most common ways to determine its sex are its size and position. Males are for the most part, smaller and 'clasped' or crowding on top of females. There also tends to be more males than females. This project is part of Bayshore Watershed Council’s approach to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat, increase volunteer participation in habitat stewardship projects, enhance low-impact outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities, and promote associated environmentally compatible economic development. For more information, check our website at www.restoreraritanbay.org More details... • •	10 Free Fishing Day! Free Fishing Day! Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 10, 2017 - 11:59 pm Description: For information and updates visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqoh.htm on the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website. Visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NJFishandWildlife More details... Stream Monitoring Training for New Volunteers Stream Monitoring Training for New Volunteers Starts: 9:00 am Ends: June 10, 2017 - 3:00 pm Description: Stream Monitoring Training for New Volunteers: June 10th Interested in protecting clean water in your community? Learn how to monitor streams in the Raritan River headwaters region at this FREE workshop. You will visit your assigned stream with a partner between June 15th and 30th. All equipment will be provided. No background is necessary. Must be 15 years or older. (12+ if accompanied by an adult.) Contact Angela Gorczyca Raritan Headwaters Association 908-234-1852, ext. 315 agorczyca@raritanheadwaters.org Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07edyrvr8m191d944b&oseq=&c=&ch= More details... Ride for the River - Raritan Headwaters Ride for the River - Raritan Headwaters Starts: 9:00 am Ends: June 10, 2017 - 3:00 pm Description: Motorcycle Poker Run/Fund Raiser Saturday, June 10, 2017 Rain or Shine All Make of Bikes Welcome! Riders check in: 9:00 – 11:00 am Spruce Run Recreation Area 68 Van Syckles Rd, Clinton, NJ :: REGISTER TODAY :: at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ee02j9v50ce724c9&oseq=&c=&ch= Advanced Registration includes T-Shirt! Starting at $30 Picnic only – $15 (11:00 – 3:00 pm) On Saturday, June 10, 2017 Raritan Headwaters is holding their 14th Annual Ride for the River- a 60 mile Motorcycle Poker Run Ride that travels through the 470 square mile headwaters region. Registration goes from 9am to 11am. There will be live music by “The Elevator Operators” playing Jazzy Fusion at the lunch picnic. Bring the to enjoy the volleyball and playground too. ~Sponsors~ Platinum Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants, Inc. http://amygreene.com/ Gold Basil Bandwagon Natural Market, 276 US Highway 202/31, Flemington, NJ 08822 – 908-788-5737 Silver Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. John Fellgraff, A.I.A Prestige Environmental, Inc. Ray Palmer Association, Inc. The Doggett Corporation Thomas F. DiBianca, Esq. Van Doren Oil Company VS Land Data LLC More details... Bring Nature to Your Backyard Bring Nature to Your Backyard Starts: 9:00 am Ends: June 10, 2017 - 12:00 pm Description: Rutgers Master Gardeners Date: 05/18/2017 8:55 AM Bring Nature to Your Backyard Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 9 am - 12 pm @ 310 Milltown Rd. Bridgewater Join Rutgers Master Gardeners as they discuss: Insects as Pollinators Monarch Butterflies (life cycle, food preference & migration) Backyard Habitats for Birds, Butterflies and other Wildlife After the lectures there will be demonstration on how to build a blue bird nesting box. Registration cost is $40 per person (includes the three lectures and a 4" potted milkweed plant). There will be an extra charge of $20 for a blue bird nesting box. Complete the registration form and return it, along with your check to 310 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater NJ 08807. Want to be notified of upcoming events? It's easy...just sign up for Rutgers Master Gardeners e-newsletters. Follow, Like and Share our posts. Need More Master Gardener Information? Email: gyurian@co.somerset.nj.us or awhite@co.somerset.nj.us - or - Contact the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County Helpline: Phone icon.908-526-6293, ext. 3 (March - October, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 12 Noon. Email: rcemastergardener@co.somerset.nj.us (Year-Round). In case we need to reach you for further information, please include your phone number within your email message. More details... Members Day - American Littoral Society - Sandy Hook Members Day - American Littoral Society - Sandy Hook Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 10, 2017 - 5:00 pm Description: Members Day - Sandy Hook, NJ Sat Jun 10th 11:00am - 5:00pm American Littoral Society, Building 18, 18 Hartshorne Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA A day of celebration for Littoral Society members. Activities include seining, the Holly Forest walk, birding, a tour of the historic Sandy Hook lighthouse. Members of the Society have the right to vote on the incoming class of trustees on or before Members Day. Event is rain or shine, dress for the weather and for comfort. Bring chairs or blankets for picnic style lunch that will be served courtesy of the Littoral Society. Not a member? Click here to join today! More details... Invasive Species in Central Jersey - EARTH Center Invasive Species in Central Jersey - EARTH Center Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 10, 2017 - 12:00 pm Description: Contact: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County 732-398-5262 County Offers Seminars to Help Protect New Jersey’s Native Species MAY 15, 2017-- June of each year is designated as “Native Plant Appreciation Month” in order to celebrate the diversity and value of New Jersey’s native plants, recognize the critical role they play in the ecosystem and encourage citizens to learn more about these plants and how to protect them. In observance of this event, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is offering two free seminars that will help residents care for their plants and identify and eliminate the invasive species that can threaten them. The first seminar, “Invasive Species in Central Jersey,” is scheduled to be held 10 a.m. to noon June 10 at the EARTH Center located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, located at 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick. This seminar will discuss how invasive plants, insects and animals, not native to a given area, can cause harm to local ecosystems, human health and the economy. Learn how to identify these plants and how removing, or choosing not to plant them in the first place, will help make way for valuable, native flora and fauna. The second seminar, “Plant This, Not That!” is scheduled to be held 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. June 14, also at the EARTH Center. Learn what native plant species can be added to a home landscape, in lieu of more common plants that home owners may not know are invasive. “Invasive species threaten biodiversity and cause billions of dollars of economic loss and damage,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “Here in Middlesex County, we are always looking to maintain a balanced and healthy environment and ask residents to do the same in their own homes. Workshops like these are a great way to start.” “I know all our residents appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity of Middlesex County,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee. “That is why it is so important to be aware of factors that can threaten what we love most about our home, and to put a stop to dangers like invasive species before they cause serious damage.” The workshop is free, but registration is required by June 8 at 732-398-5262. For more information, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov and search “extension”. More details... • • • • • •
11 Second Weekend Walks - D&R Greenway Land Trust Second Weekend Walks - D&R Greenway Land Trust Starts: 9:00 am Ends: June 11, 2017 - 11:00 am Description: D&R Greenway Land Trust invites families to participate in Second Weekend Walks beginning Sunday, March 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m., with an American Woodcock Breeding Display at St. Michaels Farm Preserve, Aunt Molly Road, Hopewell. The walk will be led by D&R Greenway Land Protection Associate Emily Blackman, who is also Manager of the Native Plant Nursery. Additional walks will take place Sunday, April 9, 10 a.m.-noon; Saturday, May 13, 1-3 p.m.; and Sunday, June 11, 9-11 a.m. All walks are free, but space is limited; register early and receive directions at 609-924-4646, or e-mail rsvp@drgreenway.org, and include in your message which walk(s) you are signing up for, how many in your party, and how many cars you will need to park. Sturdy footgear and clothing for outdoor hiking, as well as water for each hiker, is essential. Cameras and binoculars are recommended. Further details and directions at www.drgreenway.org. More details... Seine the Bay Day 2017 Seine the Bay Day 2017 Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 11, 2017 - 3:30 pm Description: Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Seine the Bay Day in 2017 Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 10:00am to 3:30pm Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 10:00am to 3:30pm Visit the Bayshore Regional Watershed Council's Website at http://www.restoreraritanbay.org/ for more information. SEINE THE BAY DAY! SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2017 Join members of the all-volunteer Bayshore Watershed Council on Sunday, June 11, 2017 for Seine the Bay Day! You are invited to help us. Bring a friend or bring your family. The event is free! Seine the Bay Day is an annual early summer event. Volunteers will help drag a long net (called a seine net) through the water to find out what might live in the shallow part of the bay. The catch is never the same; we may catch juvenile fish, shrimp, or even baby puffers or seahorses in the net. It should be a fun day. Times and locations can be found below. Rain or strong winds will cancel the event. Seining team members will be citizen scientists. All fishes, crabs, and other aquatic creatures will be identified, measured, and cataloged; and returned to the water. In addition, watershed members will collect water temperature and turbidity information; and document the tidal stage, and note the aquatic vegetation in the area. We will conduct this early summer seining survey at four (4) sites along Raritan Bay & Sandy Hook Bay. Below are locations & times. High tide is around 10:00am. 10:00am Aberdeen Township/Cliffwood Beach - meet in the gravel parking lot near the beach entrance along Ocean Blvd. (High tide) 11:30am Union Beach/Conaskonck Point - meet in the gravel parking lot where Front and Dock streets meet. (outgoing tide) 1:00pm Middletown Township/Port Monmouth - meet in the gravely parking lot across from the Monmouth Cove Marina on Old Port Monmouth Road. We will seine near the mouth of Pews Creek. (outgoing tide) 2:30pm Atlantic Highlands/Mouth of Many Mind Creek - meet at the end of Avenue A, near the beach entrance to the bay. On-street parking only. (outgoing tide) More details... • •	12	13 Diverse Uses of Volunteer Water-Quality Data - NWQMC Webinar Diverse Uses of Volunteer Water-Quality Data - NWQMC Webinar Starts: 2:00 pm Ends: June 13, 2017 - 3:00 pm Description: National Water Quality Monitoring Council Webinar Series "A small sample of the diversity in how states use Volunteer Monitoring data" Featuring a presentation by James Beckley (Virginia Department of Environmental Quality), Jo Latimore (Michigan Clean Water Corps), and Jody Arthur (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) ABSTRACT: Volunteer monitoring data are used in many ways. Communities often use data on local levels to identify sites for restoration or screen sites for potential pollution while environmental groups might use volunteer monitoring data to increase awareness about issues of concern. But, what about state agencies? How do they use volunteer data to help inform their decision making processes and answer questions about how to best manage our water resources? This webinar will explore how three states – Indiana, Michigan, and Virginia – use volunteer data and the key building blocks to facilitate its broader use. Julie Vastine of the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) will moderate this webinar. The webinar will be offered on June 13th, 2017 at 2:00 pm ET (11:00 am PT). Pre-registration is REQUIRED for this event. To register, please click here and register. Once your registration has been approved, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the Webinar. If you miss the webinar and would like to view them later, please visit our YouTube page to view our archive of webinars, or, visit our website at https://acwi.gov/monitoring/webinars/index.html for more information. Please feel free to distribute this announcement to colleagues on your water monitoring councils and with your organizations. Visit our website at for a PDF version of this announcement. National Water Quality Monitoring Council: http://acwi.gov/monitoring/ More details... Central Jersey Trout Unlimited Picnic Central Jersey Trout Unlimited Picnic Starts: 5:00 pm Ends: June 13, 2017 - 6:00 pm Description: Tuesday, June 13, 2016 CJTU Picnic Meeting Come join us for our very popular event, the 5th annual “A Meeting With Food” to be held in the grove behind the American Legion Hall on Tuesday, June 13th, from 5 to 8 pm. A great opportunity to move into the summer and exchange some fishing stories with new and old friends. We will be cooking up some delicious burgers, hot dogs and sausage along with macaroni and potato salad. Soft drinks and water will be provided and the American Legion Hall will have it's usual full bar available just steps away. Price is only $10.00, please submit payment to Sal Lauro prior to the event. Hope to see all of you there ! American Legion Hall 137 New Market Road Dunellen, NJ Meeting starts at 8 PM - Non Members are always welcome! Visit cjtu.org for more information. More details... • •	14 6th Annual Planning Summit - POSTPONED 6th Annual Planning Summit - POSTPONED Starts: 8:00 am Ends: June 14, 2017 - 12:30 pm Description: Due to circumstances beyond our control, we regret to announce that our Statewide Planning Summit scheduled for June 14 at the War Memorial in Trenton is being postponed. That's the bad news. The good news is, we've rescheduled our event for Thursday, September 14 at Bell Works in Holmdel. The issues that we care about are complex, which is why giving each of the candidates more time to refine their positions on economic development, the state plan, housing, and regulatory reform will provide for a more robust and meaningful discussion. While the schedule of the two gubernatorial candidates will dictate the exact time of the event, we'll keep you posted throughout the summer. Naturally, for everyone that has already registered for the Summit, your place is secured. In the meantime, should you have any questions, I invite you to contact me at soconnor@plansmartnj.org. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We look forward to seeing you in September. Have a great summer! More details... Opportunities for Reuse at Capped Sites - Webinar Opportunities for Reuse at Capped Sites - Webinar Starts: 2:00 pm Ends: June 14, 2017 - 3:30 pm Description: EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Initiative (SRI) will be hosting a webinar entitled, Opportunities for Reuse at Capped Sites on Wednesday, June 14, 2017; 2:00-3:30 PM EDT. SUPERFUND REDEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE WEBINAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR REUSE AT CAPPED SITES Former landfills, abandoned dumps, and other contaminated sites throughout the United States, once thought to be of limited value, are being transformed into viable commercial and industrial developments, parks and other recreational areas, and wildlife areas. With forethought and effective planning, communities and site stakeholders can return sites to productive use without jeopardizing the effectiveness of a remedial cap. This webinar will share lessons learned from the successful reuse and assessment of capped sites. PRESENTERS: Melissa Friedland, EPA Superfund Redevelopment Initiative Frank Avvisato, EPA Superfund Redevelopment Initiative Scott Martin, EPA Region 4 Casey Luckett Snyder, EPA Region 6 Nabil Fayoumi, EPA Region 5 WHEN: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 2:00 P.M. TO 3:30 P.M. (EDT) COST: FREE For additional information and to register, please visit: www.cluin.org/sri FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Melissa Friedland at friedland.melissa@epa.gov \| (703) 603-8864 Frank Avvisato at avvisato.frank@epa.gov \| (703) 603-8949 More details... Plant This, Not That! - EARTH Center Plant This, Not That! - EARTH Center Starts: 6:00 pm Ends: June 14, 2017 - 8:00 pm Description: Contact: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County 732-398-5262 County Offers Seminars to Help Protect New Jersey’s Native Species MAY 15, 2017-- June of each year is designated as “Native Plant Appreciation Month” in order to celebrate the diversity and value of New Jersey’s native plants, recognize the critical role they play in the ecosystem and encourage citizens to learn more about these plants and how to protect them. In observance of this event, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is offering two free seminars that will help residents care for their plants and identify and eliminate the invasive species that can threaten them. The first seminar, “Invasive Species in Central Jersey,” is scheduled to be held 10 a.m. to noon June 10 at the EARTH Center located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, located at 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick. This seminar will discuss how invasive plants, insects and animals, not native to a given area, can cause harm to local ecosystems, human health and the economy. Learn how to identify these plants and how removing, or choosing not to plant them in the first place, will help make way for valuable, native flora and fauna. The second seminar, “Plant This, Not That!” is scheduled to be held 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. June 14, also at the EARTH Center. Learn what native plant species can be added to a home landscape, in lieu of more common plants that home owners may not know are invasive. “Invasive species threaten biodiversity and cause billions of dollars of economic loss and damage,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “Here in Middlesex County, we are always looking to maintain a balanced and healthy environment and ask residents to do the same in their own homes. Workshops like these are a great way to start.” “I know all our residents appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity of Middlesex County,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee. “That is why it is so important to be aware of factors that can threaten what we love most about our home, and to put a stop to dangers like invasive species before they cause serious damage.” The workshop is free, but registration is required by June 8 at 732-398-5262. For more information, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov and search “extension”. More details... • • •	15 Call to Action, with Morning Call's Bill Kibler, Raritan Headwaters Call to Action, with Morning Call's Bill Kibler, Raritan Headwaters Starts: 8:30 am Ends: June 15, 2017 - 10:30 am Description: Join Raritan Headwaters to learn how to contact your elected representatives. Talking to politicians may seem like a mysterious and intimidating task. Raritan Headwaters will help you make your voice heard. We will identify your elected representatives and help you contact them directly. Phone, mail, or modern technology, RHA staff will be there to personally guide you through the process. If interested in attending, rsvp to bkibler@raritanheadwaters.org. Fairview Farm 2121 Larger Cross Road Bedminster, NJ 07921 USA 908-234-1852 More details... Green Infrastructrue Training in New Jersey Green Infrastructrue Training in New Jersey Starts: 9:00 am Ends: June 15, 2017 - 3:30 pm Description: Green Infrastructure in New Jersey Training Program - June 15th, Newark, NJ Join the professional staff from the RCE Water Resources Program at this training program hosted by the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. This training program will highlight lessons learned by the RCE Water Resources Program in green infrastructure strategies that work in New Jersey, how to retrofit green infrastructure in urban centers, and the associated costs of implementation and maintenance of these systems. The training will be beneficial to planning and design professionals, municipal engineers and officials, community groups, and inspired residents working to better manage stormwater runoff through the use of green infrastructure practices. Participants will qualify for five continuing education credits (CEUs) for attending this program. The registration fee is $20 per person and space is limited. Priority will be given to CSO permit holders and/or permit representatives in the PVSC service area. Go here to register! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScD-YLchftAc4NVvEtAZZ8RAJ-xVP_p1fHr_-_furRRhFGqYg/viewform?c=0&w=1 (registration closes 6/13 at noon) More details... Free Kayaking - Baykeeper Free Kayaking - Baykeeper Starts: 5:30 pm Ends: June 15, 2017 - 6:30 pm Description: We welcome you to join us on your local waterway! Whether you’re into ship graveyards, or just want to learn how to kayak, our on-the-water activities offer something for everyone! Free Kayaking June 8, 15, 22 at 5:30pm at the Keyport Waterfront at the intersection of Broad St. and First St, Keyport NJ August 2, 16, and 30 at 6:00pm at the corner of Beachway and Main Ave, Keansburg, NJ No registration required – first come, first served. Kayaks and personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be provided. Participants will kayak in two 30 minute time slots. More Info: http://nynjbaykeeper.org/summer/ More details... • • •	16 Navesink River Guided Tour - Baykeeper Navesink River Guided Tour - Baykeeper Starts: 1:00 pm Ends: June 16, 2017 - 3:00 pm Description: Navesink River Tour Sunday, July 16, 1-3pm, Meet at the Hartshorne Woods Park, Claypit Creek Parking Lot, 239 Locust Avenue, Locust, NJ. Register at www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-842-4000 x 1 and mention Program # IMJ73A. More details... Flat Water Paddle - Round Valley Reservoir Flat Water Paddle - Round Valley Reservoir Starts: 6:30 pm Ends: June 16, 2017 - 8:30 pm Description: CANOEING: FLAT WATER PADDLE: SUNSET PADDLE ON ROUND VALLEY RESERVOIR Session A: Friday, June 16 Session B: Friday, July 14 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Round Valley Reservoir Boat Launch, ages 8 through adult, $25 per session Hunterdon County Division of Parks & Recreation Office: H.C. Arboretum, 1020 Route 31 North, Lebanon, NJ 08833 Mailing address: P.O. Box 2900, Flemington, NJ 08822 Phone: (908) 782-1158 Fax: (908) 806-4057 More details... • •	17 Shore Padddle for Clean Ocean Action Shore Padddle for Clean Ocean Action Starts: 8:00 am Ends: June 17, 2017 - 2:00 pm Location: Oceanport, NJ, USA Description: Paddle for Clean Water (Rescheduled from May 13th) Registration is now open! Join us at COA's Shore Paddle event! This stand up paddle board and kayak event welcomes all ages and experience levels. Date: Sunday, May 14, 2017 Time: 9am Location: Shrewsbury River, Oceanport, NJ https://paddleguru.com/races/ShorePaddle2017 More details... With Confidence to the Confluence - CJST Cleanup With Confidence to the Confluence - CJST Cleanup Starts: 8:00 am Ends: June 17, 2017 - 12:00 pm Description: Our Next Cleanup Event is Saturday, June 17, 2017! With Confidence to the Confluence! South Branch Cleanup! Please join CJST for our next cleanup on the South Branch of the Raritan River in Hillsborough and Branchburg! This will be an in-river event from Studdiford Drive to Old York Road, a section that we've done before but still needs work! The event begins at 8:00 AM (note earlier time) at the parking area along Old York Road where the bridge crosses the North Branch (use 529 Old York Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876 as the closest address and look for the CJST truck and trailer). Come on out and join us for sign up, instructions and safety...and enjoy some breakfast on us! From the parking area, we will shuttle to the launch point at Studdiford Drive. We will then clean up around the islands there and then walk downstream. Please note that due to thick vegetation, there will not be a land cleanup this time. Life vests will be provided, but if you do not feel comfortable in the river or don't want to get wet, this is not the cleanup for you. The water depth is fairly shallow most of the way but there is a deep section closer to the takeout spot. Since we will be in the river, higher or cloudy water will probably cancel the event. We will try to keep everyone posted. Please note that registration/RSVP is important so that we know what kind and how many supplies and refreshments to bring and set up. This is especially true if you are bringing a larger group. Volunteer Instructions: 1. Bring along your family and friends! It's going to be a really fun and great day! The more junk we find the more rewarding the experience! 2. Wear sturdy footwear and clothing you don't mind getting wet and dirty! We will be in the river so you will get wet. We need the space in the canoes for trash! 3. If you have your own canoe and don't mind using it for trash, please let us know when you RSVP. We will provide garbage bags, work gloves, tools, life vests, breakfast, and water for volunteers. So come on out! We look forward to restoring this small piece of the watershed with you! Please contact Jens Riedel at jens.riedel@cjstreamteam.org or 908 240-1346 if you have questions or if you plan on bringing a larger group. More Info: http://www.cjstreamteam.org/ End time approximate - contact CJST for details. More details... Sourland Music Festival Sourland Music Festival Starts: 3:00 pm Ends: June 17, 2017 - 10:00 pm Description: Tickets now on Sale Saturday, June 17th, 3-10 pm Sourland Music Festival! (rain date: Sunday, June 18, 2-9 pm) www.sourlandmusicfest.org sign up to volunteer: https://form.jotform.us/70522590691154 SWEET, SWEET MUSIC... 'TIL WAY PAST SUNSET. The Sourland Music Festival is Central New Jersey's premier live music event of the summer. Every year we bring people together with local food, great music, and a spectacular view. The Sourland Music Festival is hosted by the Sourland Conservancy, a non-profit organization that works to protect the Sourland Mountain region. The 90-square-mile Sourland region is home to the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. The sparsely populated area includes parts of Somerset, Hunterdon and Mercer counties, and encompasses a complex ecosystem of forest, wetlands and grasslands. Tom Marshall, longtime lyricist for the jam band Phish and who now lives in the Sourlands said, "I hike in the Sourland Mountain Preserve all the time. Any charity that helps a cool cause like this, we'd love to take part.” Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, some sun screen, and your sunglasses. Grab some local food, a cold beer, and lose yourself to a music lineup that covers the Blues, Folk, Jazz, and Rock. Enjoy yourself. SAVE THE SOURLANDS!!! More details... • • •
18	19 Lower Raritan Watershed Partership Stakeholder Meeting Lower Raritan Watershed Partership Stakeholder Meeting Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 19, 2017 - 12:00 pm Description: Mark your calendars: LRWP stakeholder meetings through the first half of 2017 will be held in the Middlesex County Office of Planning from 10AM-noon on the following dates: April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17. We look forward to seeing you at our next general meeting on Monday June 19, 2017 from 10:00AM-noon, at the Middlesex County Office of Planning: 75 Bayard Street/New Brunswick, NJ 08901/ 5th floor large conference room. On the agenda is a special presentation by Katee Meckeler, our WMA9 Watershed Ambassador. Katee will present on "Water Quality Assessments Highlights and Restoration Suggestions for the Lower Raritan Watershed." Also on the agenda: -Summer 2017 Monitoring Updates -Introducing our National Endowment for the Arts Resident Artist, Jamie Bruno -Updates on Rail-Arts-River / Watershed Sculpture Project (w/ coLAB and Rutgers Cooperative Extension) =Project WADES -Planning for Regional Stormwater Management =Partner Updates See you in the watershed! More details... •	20 NY/NJ Baykeeper's 6th Annual Oyster Benefit NY/NJ Baykeeper's 6th Annual Oyster Benefit Starts: 6:30 pm Ends: June 20, 2017 - 9:30 pm Description: NY/NJ Baykeeper's 6th Annual Oyster Benefit June 20, 2017 6:30PM Pier A Harbor House, NYC Stay tuned for details. More details... Mosquitos and Public Health - LRWP Meeting Mosquitos and Public Health - LRWP Meeting Starts: 7:30 pm Ends: June 20, 2017 - 9:30 pm Description: We will be holding a Watershed Partnership meeting on Tuesday, June 20th, at the Milltown Senior Center at 7:30PM. Mr. Matthew Bickerton will be the speaker and he will be giving a presentation titled "Mosquitos and Public Health" Don't miss it. This is a must-hear presentation. See 1 below. Contact Alan Godber for more information at agodber@turbousa.com More details... • •	21 New Jersey Sustainability Summit - Local Action, Collective Impact New Jersey Sustainability Summit - Local Action, Collective Impact Starts: 8:30 am Ends: June 21, 2017 - 4:00 pm Location: College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA Description: Announcement and Social Media Posts for Partner Distribution 2017 New Jersey Sustainability Summit on June 21 The 2017 New Jersey Sustainability Summit on June 21 will explore how coordinated local action can achieve an increased collective impact. Participate in conversations that focus on engaging government, community, schools, business and academia in sustainable action. The event attracts over 300 participants from across New Jersey. With 12 sustainability sessions, you will have the opportunity to learn, listen and discuss issues ranging from energy, waste, economic development and education to the arts and creative culture. Sustainable Jersey’s one-day summit includes a key note address by Chris Daggett, President and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Venue sponsors are Investors Bank and Church & Dwight. 2017 Sustainability Summit Register and Learn More: http://bit.ly/2017SustainabilitySummit Don’t miss the 2017 NJ Sustainability Summit. Register: http://bit.ly/2017SustainabilitySummit #SustainableStateNJ More details... •	22 Free Kayaking - Baykeeper Free Kayaking - Baykeeper Starts: 5:30 pm Ends: June 22, 2017 - 6:30 pm Description: We welcome you to join us on your local waterway! Whether you’re into ship graveyards, or just want to learn how to kayak, our on-the-water activities offer something for everyone! Free Kayaking June 8, 15, 22 at 5:30pm at the Keyport Waterfront at the intersection of Broad St. and First St, Keyport NJ August 2, 16, and 30 at 6:00pm at the corner of Beachway and Main Ave, Keansburg, NJ No registration required – first come, first served. Kayaks and personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be provided. Participants will kayak in two 30 minute time slots. More Info: http://nynjbaykeeper.org/summer/ More details... Raritan Headwaters Open House Raritan Headwaters Open House Starts: 5:30 pm Ends: June 22, 2017 - 7:30 pm Description: For a sip of wine, spot of tea, something sweet and something savory. Open House June 22, 2017 5:30 pm to 7:30 in the evening Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve 2121 Larger Cross Road Bedminster, NJ 07921 RSVP By June 21 www.raritanheadwaters.org 908-234-1852 More details... • •	23 Horseshoe Crab Monitoring & Tagging Horseshoe Crab Monitoring & Tagging Starts: 8:00 pm Ends: June 23, 2017 - 10:00 pm Description: Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Our FOURTH & FINAL monitoring and tagging date for Horseshoe Crabs along Sandy Hook Bay & Raritan Bay in Monmouth County, NJ is set for Friday, June 23 starting at 8:00pm. We should be done within an hour, but later if there are many crabs. Remember: All HSC monitoring events are rain or shine! The event will only be cancelled if conditions are dangerous or life-threatening for crabs or people. Water temperatures around Lower New York Bay have jumped to the upper 60s to low 70s. Conditions are prime for a decent turnout of crabs if the weather is favorable. But you never know, this is why we go out. Please dress for the weather. Please bring all necessary tools and equipment, including tags, drills and disinfectant solutions to tag single HSC. Please read the important information below before heading out. Thanks for your help! We could not do this project without you! Joe Reynolds Co-Chair Bayshore Regional Watershed Council www.restoreraritanbay.org More details... •	24 Perth Amboy, Raritan River Guided Tour - Baykeeper Perth Amboy, Raritan River Guided Tour - Baykeeper Starts: 9:00 am Ends: June 24, 2017 - 11:00 am Description: Guided Tours Perth Amboy, Raritan River Tour Saturday, June 24, 9-11am – Launch from Second Street Beach, Perth Amboy, NJ. Click here for tickets: https://act.myngp.com/Forms/-4215801858418669568. Join the NY/NJ Baykeeper on a unique trip through the waters of Raritan River and Bay! Saturday, June 24, 2017, 9:00 - 11:00AM Meet at the Second Street Beach in Perth Amboy, NJ. $30 includes single kayak rental (fits one person), paddle, personal floatation device, and a guided tour. $60 includes tandem kayak rental (fits 2 people), paddle, personal flotation device, and a guided tour. Have your own kayak? $25/person includes a guided tour. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All must be able to sit up straight and paddle for 2+ hours, be able to swim, and be in good physical condition. Kayak trips are not ADA accessible. All cancellations are subject to a $5 cancellation fee. More details... Manalapan Lake Shoreline Planting Manalapan Lake Shoreline Planting Starts: 9:30 am Ends: June 24, 2017 - 12:00 pm Description: June 24, 9:30-noon: Rutgers Cooperative Extension volunteer shoreline planting event at Manalapan Lake, Monroe Township, NJ 08831 (meet across from the Thompson Park Zoo). For more information and registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGXvXi2eyzqOXeBf9XfcNz8WQSjaWbDZsBnnDahZMyOJ6E7Q/viewform?c=0&w=1 or call 908-655-8433. More details... Meet the River - Raritan Headwaters Meet the River - Raritan Headwaters Starts: 10:00 am Ends: June 24, 2017 - 12:00 pm Location: Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve 2121 Larger Cross Road Bedminster, NJ 07921 Description: Meet the River - Raritan Headwaters RHA Educator and Outdoorsman Sam Casqueria will introduce us to the critters that live in the stream and demonstrate fly fishing techniques, fly tying, and more! Suitable for all ages. Contact Lauren Thes Raritan Headwaters 908-234-1852 ltheis@raritanheadwaters.org Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07edza33mr2b59a938&oseq=&c=&ch=&utm_source=May+17+events+update&utm_campaign=May+events&utm_medium=email More details... • • •
25	26 Duke Farms Climate Science & Sustainable Actions Academy Duke Farms Climate Science & Sustainable Actions Academy Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 29, 2017 - 11:59 pm Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, USA Description: Duke Farms Climate Science & Sustainable Actions Academy For dates and time please see schedule below. Cost: $150 per educator Weather, climate, and sustainable actions are prominent in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Science. Let the 2,700 acre Duke Farms property serve as your living laboratory and source of inspiration for exciting new lessons on these topics. Participating K-12 educators, administrators and non-formal educators will conduct hands-on outdoor fieldwork, hear lectures from NJ’s top experts, and develop NGSS/NJSLS-aligned lesson plans that bring the concepts of climate change and sustainability to life for students. Academy Topics: 1. The processes that lead to climate change 2. How human activity contributes to climate change 3. Local and global impacts of climate change 4. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies 5. Sustainable actions within educational institutions Academy Schedule: - Registration Deadline April 15, 2017 - In-Person Orientation Dinner (Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 4:30 to 7:30pm) - Pre-Academy Distance Learning (April-June; roughly 12 hours of independent work) - In-Person Summer Academy Sessions (June 26 - June 29, 2017 8:00am-4:30pm) - FINAL NGSS-Aligned Teaching Plan (Due: September 30, 2017) Cost: $150 includes all course materials, orientation dinner and on-site housing (June 26-29) for the first eight registered participants. Lead Faculty for the Academy are Ms. Laura Gallagher and Dr. Missy Holzer. Participants can also earn points for Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. More Information and to Register: http://dukefarms.org/en/Programs/educators/Professional-Development/?mc_cid=ad117b2589&mc_eid=20e0d16acd More details... Somerset Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority Somerset Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority Starts: 7:30 pm Ends: June 26, 2017 - 9:30 pm Location: 50 Polhemus Ln, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA Description: Meetings of the Somerset Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority are held the fourth Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the Authority conference room located in the Administrative Office. Open session meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and there is an opportunity for public participation. Anyone from the public wishing to be heard should arrive promptly for the start of a meeting as the public participation portion is early on the agenda. http://srvsa.org/ More details... Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Authority Meeting Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Authority Meeting Starts: 7:30 pm Ends: June 26, 2017 - 9:30 pm Location: 290 River Road, Princeton, NJ Description: Authority Board Meeting Schedule A RESOLUTION SETTING REGULAR MEETING DATES FOR THE STONY BROOK REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT Resolution No. 2015-78 BE IT RESOLVED by the Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Authority: That the regular meeting day of the Authority be held on the fourth Monday of each month, except in November, when it will be held on the second Monday, and June and December when the meeting will be held on the third Monday of the month. http://www.sbrsa.com/ More details... • • •	27	28 RMRFCC Meeting RMRFCC Meeting Starts: 7:00 pm Ends: June 28, 2017 - 9:00 pm Location: TBD Description: The Raritan & Millstone Rivers Flood Control Commission meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm at various municipal buildings, unless otherwise noted. The purpose of the Commission shall be to foster the design, construction and long-term mitigation for the effective flood control measures for the prevention and alleviation of flooding within the basins of the Raritan and Millstone Rivers, State of New Jersey through actions in the following priority areas: Communication / Education Legislation Policy http://www.rmrfcc.org/ More details... •	29 Rally for the Navesink Meeting Rally for the Navesink Meeting Starts: 6:30 pm Ends: June 29, 2017 - 8:30 pm Description: The next Rally for the Navesink meeting will be held on June 29th at Bingham Hall in Rumson. It will be the One Year Anniversary of the campaign to restore the Navesink River by 2020. Rally for the Navesink is a coalition of groups dedicated to improving and maintaining water quality in the Navesink River watershed through research, education and policy. The coalition was formed in 2016 in response to a downgrade of over 500 acres of of shellfishing area due to pollution. Pollution sources include urban and agricultural stormwater runoff and failing infrastructure. Clean Ocean Action released an in-depth report on these issues in June of 2016, and as part of Rally for the Navesink, has been organizing public meetings, source tracking efforts, and pursuing regulatory and policy tools as well as education and outreach in the watershed. Rally for the Navesink is an alliance of groups coordinated by Clean Ocean Action including: American Littoral Society, Bayshore Regional Watershed Council, Clean Ocean Action, Fair Haven Sailing Club/River Rats, Hartshorne Woods Association, Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Navesink Maritime Heritage Association Navesink River Rowing, Navesink Shrewsbury River Fishing Club, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Oceanport Waterwatch, Pirates Care, Recreational Fishing Club - NJ Chapter, Riverview Medical Center, Shrewsbury Yacht Club, Sierra Club - Shore Group If you would like to become involved please contact outreach@CleanOceanAction.org More details... •	30 SAVE THE DATE: TNJ Resources and Grant Workshop SAVE THE DATE: TNJ Resources and Grant Workshop Starts: 12:00 am Ends: June 30, 2017 - 11:59 pm Description: SAVE THE DATE: Resources and Grant Workshop - June 30, 2017 The Together North Jersey Institute will be hosting a full-day event on resources and grant writing. The workshop will provide TNJ stakeholders with information about the potential sources for grants aligned with advancing strategies from the Together North Jersey Plan. It will also share information and best practices to improve finding the right grant opportunities and preparing stronger proposals to increase success in getting grants. The event will take place in New Brunswick at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. A notification will go out when registration is open. More details... •