Rare Wildlife of NJ Photography

If you are a nature photographer or just a fan of New Jersey's wildlife, check out Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ's photo group on Flickr of Rare Wildlife of New Jersey. This group pool has over 700 photos currently and is intended for individuals to be able to post and share their photos of wildlife and their habitat that are listed as endangered, threatened, or are species of special concern in New Jersey.

Bobcat, Sparta Mountain by BirdsPlus on Flickr

Peregrine Falcon by Brian E Kushner on Flickr

New Jersey Wildlife and Conservation Conference

New Jersey Wildlife and Conservation Conference

Friday & Saturday, April 26 and 27

Sheraton Eatontown Hotel, Eatontown

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is inviting the public to join wildlife enthusiasts and sportsmen in sharing knowledge, insights, and recommendations for strengthening New Jersey's wildlife diversity and habitats at the NJ Wildlife and Conservation Conference.

Hosted by Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, the NJ State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and the Division, the NJWCC will present panels and seminars about New Jersey's wildlife and how sportsmen, wildlife enthusiasts, biologists and others can come together around our shared commitment and passion for protecting New Jersey's wildlife. Together, we can set the stage for innovative, productive partnerships in the years to come.

Conference panels will bring together experts with a diverse array of backgrounds, expertise, and opinions - all sharing a commitment and passion for protecting New Jersey's wildlife.

* Meet leading wildlife biologists working on rare wildlife
* Friday evening reception with keynote speech by Anthony Mauro, NJ Outdoor Alliance
* Register for Friday expert panels, Friday evening reception, and/or additional sportsmen seminars on Saturday

For more information, agendas, panel and seminar descriptions, and to register, visit the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ website at http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/getinvolved/event/njwcc/ .

Cherry Blossom Time in Essex County

You can celebrate the blooms of spring by racing, running or walking through Essex County Branch Brook Park.  Some events require advance registration.


Saturday, April 6: Cherry Blossom Challenge
Race through the Park in the Cherry Blossom Challenge, a competitive New Jersey bike tradition, or cheer on the cyclists while enjoying a day in the fresh spring air. Registration fees apply. To register, visit www.bikereg.com


Saturday, April 6: Essex in Bloom Photo Workshop
Celebrate the arrival of spring by honing your photography skills in the cherry tree groves. All levels of experience welcome. Registration fees apply. To register, call 973.377.6454. Sponsored by Unique Photo.


Sunday, April 7: Cherry Blossom 10K Run
Run through the cherry tree groves in this USATF-sanctioned race that benefits Special Olympics of NJ. Registration fees apply to the 10K. To register, visit www.compuscore.com


Saturday, April 20: Essex County One-Mile Fun Run/Walk
The school registration deadline for the annual Essex County One-Mile Fun Run/Walk in Essex County Branch Brook Park is almost here. This year’s fun run/walk will be held at 10am near the Prudential Concert Grove in the Southern Division of the Park. As always, this event is free to participate, but schools should register in advance to guarantee T-shirts for their students.

Branch Brook Park webcam

Lawmakers want gray wolf off endangered list

More than 70 lawmakers are asking the Obama administration to take the gray wolf off the endangered species list.

Sixty-six Republicans and six Democrats in the House and Senate signed a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that argues the gray wolf is no longer in need of federal protection. They said the endangered species designation is making it harder for ranchers and farmers to protect livestock.

“Unmanaged wolves are devastating to livestock and indigenous wildlife. Currently, state wildlife officials have their hands tied any time wolves are involved,” the lawmakers, led by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in the Senate and Reps. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) in the House.

“They need to be able to respond to the needs of their native wildlife without being burdened by the impediments of the federal bureaucracy created by the [Endangered Species Act].”

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/290125-lawmakers-want-gray-wolf-off-endangered-list