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Note: Below is a tentative list of possible activities. The final schedule will likely change as the event draws nearer. Activities may be added, deleted, or modified.
6:30 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
6:30 am – 9:00 am Pack up & Check Out - Bring your luggage to the front desk for safekeeping during the day. If your driving put your luggage in the car, everyone must be checked out of their rooms before heading out for the day.
9 am Meet in the lobby.
9:15 am Drive to Thursday morning activities’ Eco Cruise and kayaking at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus and Meadowlands birding walk at Richard Del Korte Park in Lyndhurst.
Then enjoy the one of the following options:
Join us for an incredible journey on the Hackensack River, through the marshes of the New Jersey Meadowlands, and more!
Eco-Cruises are fun, educational tours aboard Hackensack Riverkeeper’s specially rigged 30-foot pontoon boats, the r/v Robert H. Boyle II and the r/v Geraldine Theresa. Captain Bill Sheehan started Eco-Cruises in 1994 to increase awareness of the lower Hackensack River as a vital natural and recreational resource. Since then, more than 50,000 people have traveled with us. Most Eco-Cruises include 2 ½ hours on the water and are fully narrated by either Capt. Bill or Program Director Capt. Hugh Carola – both of whom are US Coast Guard-licensed captains.
This trip takes participants on an excursion through the lower tidal reaches of the Hackensack River and its wildlife-rich estuary, the Meadowlands. The shallow draft of our boats enables us to visit numerous wetlands including the Mill Creek Marsh, Kingsland Creek, and the Berry’s Creek Canal; but the highlight of every Meadowlands Eco-Cruise is a trip through the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area – the “Jewel of the Meadowlands.” The Sawmill WMA is home to a staggering amount of wildlife including shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, raptors, muskrats, and terrapins.
Experience Level: Intermediate Level and Above. May not be suitable for beginners.
Paddle through the rich and diverse waters of the Hackensack River and adjacent Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area. This tidal estuary comprises a unique mix of natural and human-made features. As you paddle the river, marshes, and creeks, you may see snowy egrets wading and feeding in the murky waters. Hear the rush of marsh grasses blowing in the breeze. The panoramic views include geologically-ancient Palisade outcroppings, in-use commuter railroad trestles, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Manhattan skyline, featuring the Freedom Tower and Empire State Building towering above the reeds.
The waters of the NJ Meadowlands are now home to more than 60 species of fish and shellfish. At last count, 63 species of birds were found to nest there, with an additional 200 species utilizing the marsh and adjacent uplands as migratory stopovers. Endangered northern harrier and yellow-crowned night heron are confirmed nesters, and resident ospreys and peregrine falcons utilize the marshes as a primary hunting ground.
Hackensack Riverkeeper with a leisurely pace on a Bird-Walk that takes about two hours from start to finish with plenty of stops along the way for birding (and botanizing and discussion as well). The guide will offer you a chance to gain a more thorough understanding of the birds and other wildlife that inhabit our region. Beginning birders and amateur naturalists are always welcome! Bird-Walks are guided birding trips to unique habitat areas within the Hackensack River watershed (and sometimes beyond). We will explore the Richard W. DeKorte Park and the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lyndhurst, NJ. DeKorte is a very productive birding destination because of its varied habitats.
Even though Bird-Walks are walks, not hikes, trails are sometimes muddy, or a little uneven, so be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Also, bring sunscreen, bug juice and don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
2:30 pm Departure from the La Quinta Inn & Suites
4:00 pm Arrive at Cedar Lake Camp, Milford, PA
The Mosaic shuttle will leave promptly for camp on Thursday, August 29th at 2:30 pm. Please meet outside the lobby with your luggage by 2:15 pm. The shuttle WILL NOT WAIT FOR ANYONE who is not ready for pickup when the shuttle departs the hotel. Anyone left behind because they were not waiting for the shuttle at the appointed time will need to arrange their transportation to camp and forfeit the cost of the Mosaic Shuttle.
Cost of Mosaic Shuttle: Round trip/$65 One-Way $40. (Round trip will return you to the airport after the main event.)
Pre-Trip Chairperson: Marlisse Marcus and Peter Small at Pre-Trip@MosaicOutdoor.org