Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament

The annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is held on the first Sunday in October at Island Beach State Park and this year that is Sunday, October 3.
A variety of species are eligible for entry in the tournament each year. Overall length determines the winner. All fish must meet minimum length tournament requirements.

The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award," and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category. Winners from the early entry drawing and the tournament must be present during the afternoon awards ceremony to claim their prizes or they will be forfeited.

Brochure and Registration Form (pdf, 130kb)

The early entry incentive ended September 11, so anglers will be required to register at the tournament. Questions can be directed to 609-748-4347.

Earth Science Week October 10-16

The American Geological Institute (AGI) invites teachers and students to take part in Earth Science Week 2010 during October 10-16.

Earth Science Week 2010 will encourage people everywhere to explore the natural world and learn about the geosciences.

“Exploring Energy,” the theme of Earth Science Week 2010, will engage young people and the public in learning about Earth's energy reources.

Since October 1998, the American Geological Institute has organized this national and international event to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth.

Click on the following links to see the many ways that everyone can participate in Earth Science Week.

• Mission and Theme:
  Check out the Earth Science Week mission and objectives.
• Events Near You:
  Find Earth Science Week events in your community.
• Earth Science Week Newsletter:
  Read our newsletter.
  
• Past Earth Science Week Highlights:
  Look at what went on during past Earth Science Weeks.
• Future Dates:
  Link here to information about future Earth Science Week dates and themes.
• Our Sponsors:
  AGI would like to extend a special thank you to all who have provided support for Earth Science Week.
• Order an Earth Science Week Toolkit!

 AGI hosts Earth Science Week in cooperation with sponsors as a service to the public and the geoscience community. Each year, local groups, educators, and interested individuals organize celebratory events. Earth Science Week offers opportunities to discover the Earth sciences and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. The program is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, the National Park Service, the AAPG Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, ExxonMobil, ESRI, and other geoscience groups.

Free NJ WILD Outdoor Expo

The first ever NJ WILD Outdoor Expo will be held this weekend, September 25 and 26, at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, just off Rt. I-195.

Parking and entrance to the event are free.

The Expo will highlight a host of outdoors adventures such as fishing, hiking, kayaking, camping and hunting that are available in New Jersey's forests, parks and wildlife management areas. There will be demonstrations and hands-on activities geared to avid outdoorsmen and women, as well as to novices, throughout the weekend. An outdoors-supplies flea market and food vendors will also be on site.

Camping demonstrations will be held for families looking to get outdoors together. An "Orienteering Treasure Hunt'' will test participants' compass skills. Archery and shooting ranges will be operating. And there's fun for the kids too, including an opportunity to meet and take photos with the wolves appearing in the new movie "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."

The Expo will be held each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Some activities will be offered at a modest fee, and some events require pre-registration.

For a listing of programs and directions to the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, visit http://www.wildoutdoorexpo.com/

The Expo is sponsored by the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, as well as the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. It is partly financed by a $10,000 grant from the Weatherby Foundation International.

Detecting When A Species Is Nearing Extinction

It doesn't take a scientist to know what the major causes of animal extinctions are today. Even youngsters learn in school that habitat loss or degradation, invasive species, hunting, and pollution are the major causes.

A much more difficult topic is trying to to predict when a population will become so endangered that it it is doomed to extinction if no action is taken.

Theoretical biologists study this "tipping point" and look for signals of a critical slowing down that indicates that a population is taking longer to bounce back from small declines.

A recent article in Science magazine, discusses a simple laboratory experiment that might help land managers know when they need to step up their conservation efforts.

Using tanks with established populations of water fleas,  the scientists mimicked environmental degradation in half the tanks by gradually cutting back on the blue-green algae they were fed and watching for that tipping point.

The study provides experimental evidence for generic early-warning signals that have been theoretically predicted, so that studies of populations might not require detailed knowledge of the species, but only a comparison group or baseline data on population trends.

The Next 2 Weeks at the Essex Environmental Center

A variety of programs are offered each month at the Essex County Environmental Center that will teach children and adults about nature and help them gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment.

Registration is required for all programs at the Essex County Environmental Center, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, please call 973-228-8776.

"Horticulture for Seniors" will be presented by the Master Gardeners of Essex County. Designed for senior citizens, this month's topic is making the most of the summer harvest. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. This is a free program. Advance registration is required one week prior to program. For information, call 973-379-5488 or 973-731-0717. Horticulture for Seniors will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, September 20, 2010
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"4-H Lego Club" is for children in grades 3 through 6. Students will use their imagination and build animals, castles and more with other children who are interested in Legos. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338. 4-H Lego Club will meet as follows:

Date: Monday, September 20, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Green Kids Club" is for children ages 7 to 14. Discover all areas of environmental science with hands-on fun and service projects! Advance registration and payment are required. Cost is $6 per child per session. (Additional material fees may apply.) For information, call 973-228-8776. Green Kids Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Nature Discovery Garden Club" is for children ages 6 to 12. Discover the wonderful world of plants. Participants will dry the last flowers of summer, pick fresh herbs and save seeds for next year's plantings. Cost is $6 per child per session. (Additional material fees may apply.)Advance registration and payment are required; call 973-228-8776. Nature Discovery Garden Club will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Flower Press Workshop" will be presented by professional designer, lecturer and published author Bernice Peitzer. Over the years, Peitzer has sold pictures and stationary to Lord and Taylor, The Bombay Shops, and others. She will share some of her favorite projects from her book "Forever Flowers," which illustrates over 40 different flower projects for adults and children to enjoy. Cost is $25 per person. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. All materials are included. Projects made in class will be taken home. Flower Press Workshop will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Montclair Hawk Watch" is presented by the New Jersey Audubon Society. With fall migration in full swing, participants are sure to see a variety of hawks. Meet at the parking area on Edgecliff Road in Montclair or, if you arrive late, join the group by climbing the stairway. Bring a hat, water and a folding chair. Cost is $6 for NJAS member and $8 for non-members. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Montclair Hawk Watch will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, September 23, 2010
Time: 9 a.m.
Meeting Site: Essex County Mills Reservation
Edgecliff Road
Montclair, NJ

"4-H Stamp Club" is for children in grades 4 through 7. Learn about the history of stamps and stamp collecting. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, please call 973-353-1338. 4-H Stamp Club will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, September 23, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Eco Friendly Melt & Pour Soap Making" will be a hands-on experience for participants to learn how to use natural bases and additives to create textured and colored soaps that are perfect for at home self-care, gifts or business inspiration. Students will be guided through the workshops in a way that allows them to easily replicate the process at home. Bring a snack/lunch to eat while your soap hardens. Students will leave with soap creations from each workshop. Please bring tie-backs for hair longer than shoulder length. Product ingredients are generously provided by Whole Foods Market Montclair. Cost is $45 per class for adults and $35 per class for children. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-619-2855. Eco Friendly Melt & Pour Soap Making will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"4-H Junior Engineers: Electricity Exploration" is for children ages 8 to 12. This interactive workshop provides participants with the opportunity to create simple electric circuits and design electrical devices, including flashlights and switches. Cost is $10 per person. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338. 4-H Junior Engineers will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, September 27, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"New Jersey Woodturners" is presented by the New Jersey Woodturners Association. Discover the wonders of creating art from found pieces of wood, wood species, and turning tips and techniques. Topics vary month to month; call the Environmental Center for details. Cost is $8 per adult and free for NJWA members. New Jersey Woodturners will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, September 27, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Rock-N-Roll Geology Club" is for children ages 7 to 12. Revel in the fascinating formations of Earth's geologic creations. Hands-on club activities include exploring local geology, discovering what's in local soil, and identifying rocks and minerals. Cost is $6 per child per session. (Additional material fees may apply.) Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Rock-N-Roll Geology Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Nature Crafts with Children" is for children ages 6 to 12. Take a walk through the woods and discover imaginative ways to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by making art from nature. Make apple faced people, autumn leaves under glass, edible turkeys and more! Cost is $6 per child per session. (Additional material fees may apply.) Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Nature Crafts will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Time: 3:45 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

Weekend Day Trips

The summer heat is fading but it's still great weather for getting out for a day, especially with kids. In fact, lots of these activities are better when it's cooler.

Here are seven quick takes -

Walk, bike, do some birding   Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area

Watch world-class glass art created, see the Museum of American Glass and Down Jersey Folklife Center  WheatonArts

Ocean, dunes, lighthouse and an interesting Victorian town with a terrific sunset location   Cape May

Beautiful park, the Old Mine Road (oldest road in America), hikes, historic buildings  Delaware Gap National Recreation Area

You might also consider canoeing on the Delaware (it's kid-friendly) try the D&R Canal - with Griggstown Canoe Rental

Walk, enjoys the flowers and plants and picnic   Willowwood Arboretum

Cooler weather makes me think about orchards - fruits, flowers, cider, doughnuts, pies, farm animals...   Terhune Orchards

 

New Jersey Day Trips: A Guide to Outings in NJ and Nearby Areas of NY, Pennsylvania, and Delaware

• Cape May Walking Tours: Short, Fun, No-stress Tours for All Ages and Abilities
• Remembering South Cape May: The Jersey Shore Town That Vanished into the Sea
• Birds And Birding at Cape May

Garden State Nature Photography Exhibition and Sale

Bear cub rescued in Kinnelon

Focus On Wildlife

The First Annual Garden State Nature Photography Exhibition and Sale

A Benefit for Woodlands Wildlife Refuge

Sunday, November 7th

1-5 PM

Unionville Vineyards

9 Rocktown Road

Ringoes, New Jersey

Thirteen of the state’s amateur and professional wildlife photographers will combine their efforts to support Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, a wildlife rehabilitation facility which cares for 800-1000 of New Jersey’s orphaned and injured wild animals annually. Woodlands is a
501c3 charity located in Alexandria Township, New Jersey.

The exhibit will feature over 125 images donated by Matt Bango, Steve Byland, Cheryl Einsiedler, Kurt Hasselman, Craig Haveman, Jessica Kirste, Brett Klaproth, Susan Liddle, Eric C. Reuter, B. N. Singh, James Stephens, Matt Sullivan, and Bill Wilson.

The photographers will be available to greet guests and to discuss their work.

1-3 PM - exclusive VIP viewing, reservations required, $25 includes exhibit, wine, appetizers, raffle of framed images, free raffle ticket, first option to buy, 20% discount on bottled wine

3-5 PM - general admission, reservations strongly suggested $10 includes exhibit, raffle of framed images, 20% discount on bottled wine

For complete information and reservations, please call Woodlands 908-730-8300, ext. 8 or visit woodlandswildlife.org.

Sampling a Stream

Here's a video of a NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife biologist entitled, "Electrofishing a Small Tributary to the South Branch of the Raritan River".

The video follows division biologist Shawn Crouse as he and a team of co-workers sample a 150-meter segment of stream for fish. The technique uses a backpack battery unit and hand held probe to deliver electrical current into the water. Fish near the probe will feel the electrical shock and temporarily lose muscle control. Workers with nets can then collect the fish more easily for the study before they are returned to the water.

The species being targeted are trout since they are an excellent indicator of the health and condition of a stream. The findings of such studies help determine stream classifications, which can influence land-use decisions, in addition to providing valuable biological data for fisheries managers.

Scientists study fish to help determine the health of area streams

To view the video, visit
http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2009/09/scientists_study_fish_to_help.html on the NJ.com website.

Encounters With Black Bears

New Jersey's black bears have their most active period in the spring when they search for food and mates, but there is still plenty of time to encounter them this fall.

The bears are preparing for winter and we are outside cleaning up the garden, walking in the woods and stocking our bird feeders.

Ten years ago, I was working with the Essex County 4-H and running an equestrian group. The group, which included one of my sons, was made up of novice riders in their early and mid-teens. We were riding the trails at Echo Lake Stables in Newfoundland, NJ.

They were novice riders but the horses were experienced trail horses. Still, when we encountered a few bears, horses and riders were equally novice.

The horses reacted first, smelling the two bears, and took off for the stable. We are inadvertently separated a mother and her cub by following the trail. The mother stood up and snorted, but thankfully didn't approach us or pursue us.

We should expect to see black bears in northern NJ when we are out in the woods. But you are just as likely to encounter them in backyards and small wooded lots in the northern part of the state.

“A black bear seen in a residential area should not be considered a problem, as long as it is behaving normally and not posing a threat,” says NJ DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “However, bears that learn to associate food with people can become habituated to easy sources of food and become a nuisance as they forage for more. So the best thing to do is to not give bears the opportunity to equate you or your property with food.

Feeding a bear is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per offense.

The proposed New Jersey Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy developed by the state’s Fish and Game Council and approved by Commissioner Martin emphasizes managing black bears through research and monitoring, non-lethal and lethal control of problem bears, public education on co-existing with bears, law enforcement to reduce conflicts between bears and people, and a controlled hunt.

Bear in Paramus via http://media.nj.com

Here are some of the State's suggestions for avoiding conflicts with bears.

Providing NJ bears with an alternative to their natural food foraging is a big part of deterring them from your living area.

1. Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area. 
2. Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
3. Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
4. Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
5. Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue to minimize odors. Store grills securely.
6. Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
7. Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.

Black bear attacks are extremely rare. These are not grizzly bears. Should a black bear attack, fight back. Do not play dead.

If you do encounter a bear:

• remain calm
• do not run
• make sure the bear has an escape route - don't block its path
• avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak with a low, assertive voice.

Report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the Wildlife Control Unit of the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793. During evenings and weekends, residents should call their local police department or the DEP Hotline at (877)WARN-DEP.

To learn more about New Jersey’s black bears and ways to avoid problems with them, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearinfo.htm

Watching Wildlife Online

If you want to get out of NJ via the Web to see some wildlife, try these.

Forest Animals in Pennsylvania
http://www.wildearth.tv/static/wildearth/channels/we_penn_woods.html

A Raccoon cam http://www.raccooncam.com
and an Eastern Gray Squirrel in Tennessee
http://www.123-cam.com/live-webcam.php?var=http://www.squirrelcam.com

Rainforest Cam at the Buenaventura Reserve in Ecuador
http://www.123-cam.com/live-webcam.php?var=http://www.wildlifefocus.org/webcam/

A Safari Cam in South Africa
http://www.wildearth.tv/static/wildearth/channels/we_safari.html

Watch the NJ Peregrines

Visitors to the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife web site are probably familiar with the Peregrine Webcam. You can view the Jersey City nestbox at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peregrinecam.

But there are about 20 peregrine nests found throughout the state, from river bridges to coastal nesting platforms to the Palisades and beyond.

A Star-Ledger videographer, Andre Malok, went along with NJDEP biologist Kathy Clark on banding day in Atlantic City. Peregrines have been nesting on a ledge outside a Hilton Casino penthouse suite for about 20 years and his video gives you a view of the nest area, biologists at work, and the reactions of hotel staff.

Peregrine falcons nesting on top of Atlantic City casino hotel

State-endangered peregrine falcons have adapted to their urban surroundings.

Urban Falcons

Check out the video at http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/

Autumn Trout Fishing in NJ

A growing number of New Jersey trout anglers now eagerly await the fall trout season.

One reason is that since 2006, all of the trout stocked in the fall measure 14 inches to 24 inches and weigh one and a half pounds to eight pounds. The big fish, cool water, great weather and spectacular scenery combine to make the fall season what many consider to be New Jersey’s premium trout fishing season.

Fall stocking

This year fall stocking begins Tuesday, October 5 and continues through October 13. Over this period approximately 21,000 trout averaging 14 to 16 inches, and weighing 1½ - 2 pounds and 1,000 exceptionally large broodstock trout, measuring 17 - 24 inches, and weighing 3 - 8 pounds, will be distributed in 16 streams and 16 lakes and ponds statewide. All trout are raised at the division's Pequest Trout Hatchery. Comparison of two and three year old trout

Waters stocked during the first week of fall stocking are the 16 large streams and rivers in northern and coastal areas, such as the Big Flatbook, Pequest River, South Branch Raritan River, Musconetcong River, and the Manasquan and Tom's Rivers. All fall-stocked waters may be fished as soon as they are stocked. There are no "closed waters" during fall stocking.

During the second week, 16 ponds and lakes in the central and southern portions of the state were stocked. Some of the more popular waters are Farrington Lake, Oak Pond, Greenwich Lake, and Mary Elmer Lake.

Lesser known are the sea run brown trout who begin returning to freshwater in the Manasquan River during the fall and early winter.



Trout fishing doesn’t end with fall. Trout fishing action extends through the winter months until the spring season begins again in April.

A distinctly different trout-fishing experience awaits anglers who fish the wild trout streams scattered across north Jersey. These small streams are not stocked with trout and anglers can expect to catch small, colorful trout, with most measuring less than ten inches.

Thirty-six streams are managed under special regulations to provide anglers with opportunities to catch stunning, stream-bred trout. All trout captured from designated Wild Trout Streams, from September 16, 2010 to April 9, 2011 at 8 a.m. must be released, and be sure to leave the bait buckets home - these streams are artificials only.



Trout Fishing in NJ information
Trout: The Complete Guide to Catching Trout with Flies, Artificial Lures and Live Bait
The Trout Book: A Complete Anglers Guide
Biology and Ecology of the Brown Sea Trout 

The complete list of fall-stocked waters and the stocking schedule is available at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/flstk.htm or through the Trout Stocking Hotline 609-633-6765.

For more information on fishing this fall in NJ see http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/trtinfo_fall.htm

Merrill Creek Reservoir

Merrill Creek Reservoir is a 650-acre reservoir (manmade lake) surrounded by a 290-acre Environmental Preserve and 2000 additional acres of woods and fields.

Its basic purpose is to provide stored water that can be released to the Delaware River to make up for the evaporative water usage at certain electric generating units in times of low flow in the river.

In addition to that basic purpose, Merrill Creek Reservoir provides a tranquil setting of water and land that allows people to interact with the natural environment.

Though Merrill is probably best known for its fishing opportunities (it is a Trophy Trout lake), it was also designed and managed specifically for low impact recreational uses.

Hiking, cross-country skiing, photography, wildlife observation, and nature study are all encouraged.

The 290-acre preserve features a variety of habitats including woodlands, fields, evergreen plantations, and wetlands.

Merrill Creek Reservoir's resident bald eagles are in their twelfth nesting season in 2010. Though you won't be able to observe the nesting bald eagles, bald eagles are usually spotted gliding over the area during the fall hawk watch. They are occasionally joined by golden eagles also passing through on their migratory journey.


Merrill Creek Reservoir offers a wide variety of environmental education opportunities for all age groups ranging from Pre-K through adults. Check out their current public programs.



For directions:  http://www.merrillcreek.com/directions.html

Early Results of Osprey Surveys Are Encouraging

Photo: Ken Connelly  via http://njospreyproject.blogspot.com/

Ospreys are currently listed as a threatened species in New Jersey. They were first listed as endangered in 1974 after the state population declined to only 50 pairs, from over 500 prior to 1950.

As with eagles, ospreys have made a dramatic recovery in New Jersey because of efforts by state biologists with the Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) and many volunteers.

Ospreys are predators and so they are considered to be an indicator species. These species are sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and can serve as an indicator of an unhealthy marine ecosystem.

Surveys to monitor the population are conducted in late June and early July at all major nesting colonies from Sandy Hook south along the Atlantic Coast to Cape May and west to Salem County.

In NJ, ospreys almost exclusively nest on man-made structures including platforms designed specifically for them, cell towers, duck blinds, channel markers, and boat lifts.

The surveyors check nest structures for birds and, if the nest is occupied, the number of young is recorded and the young are banded for future tracking with a USGS bird band.

Though the results are preliminary, productivity rates appear to be up for all nesting colonies except for Sedge Island WMA.

For more information and survey results later this fall, see http://www.conservewildlifenj.org and http://njospreyproject.blogspot.com.