Liberty State Park is a site for all seasons. In fall, marsh vegetation turns to muted reds and ambers, not as vibrant as hardwood trees farther north but subtly beautiful in their own way. In winter the park’s huge open spaces are like a tundra with wind-swept drifts of snow and icy sheets sparkling in the light.
When spring arrives, the park comes to life, not just with budding trees and flowers but with local inhabitants eager to get outside after the long, hard winter. There’s also no better place to view the New York City skyline.
“I share the spring yearning to get back to enjoying the park’s open spaces, flowers, and inspiring views.” – Sam Pesin
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On the calendar
Here are some upcoming events:
-Starting immediately gardeners can volunteer any Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Starting March 26, 8-11 a.m.
-Saturday, April 9, salt marsh shoreline clean-up 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the gate at the end of Pesin Drive at LSP’s south end. RSVP to pesinliberty@earthlink.net or call (201) 792-1993 by April 6. Light lunch for volunteers supplied by Pioneers, a volunteer network.
-Saturday April 16, FOLSP holds its Walk for LSP beginning at 10 a.m. Proceeds from the walk will go toward park beautification projects. The Hudson County Improvement Authority 5K run and Earth Day festival will also be held.
-On April 18, there will be a fundraiser to raise $20,000 for the planting of 100 trees. The trees will be planted by the New Jersey Tree Foundation which selects and delivers the trees and donates labor.
-Sunday May 21, FOLSP luncheon from noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate LSP’s 35th anniversary at Liberty House Restaurant. $60 per person.
–Saturday May 21, walk into the interior of the park, guided by Dr. Frank Gallagher. The walk will be preceded by an interior restoration update from 1-2 p.m.
–Starting after July 4, free Summerfest concerts will be held Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. About 10 concerts are slated for this summer.
“I share the spring yearning of the many urban people who love Liberty State Park to get back to enjoying the park’s open spaces, flowers, and inspiring views of Lady Liberty,” said FOLSP president Sam Pesin.
He urged park lovers to take advantage of other attractions in the park, such as the two restaurants, Liberty Science Center, and Statue Cruises to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Environmental studies
Anyone driving south through the park or jogging, walking, or biking on the adjacent path can’t help but notice the very interesting building on the lefthand side just before the road ends.
It’s called the Interpretive Center and it was designed by well-known architect Michael Graves.
Its mission is to be a “wildlife interpretive center for the study and exhibition of the indigenous wildlife and environmental aspects of the park.”
Sarajane Bruno is the center’s resources interpretive specialist. She encourages park goers to enjoy the nature path and pond adjacent to the center.
“They’re a habitat for different species of birds and insects,” she said. The path around the pond has benches where humans can sit and enjoy the flora and fauna.
There’s also a red brick path that leads from the center back to the main road in a u-shape.
“This is the official nature path,” she said. “It’s good for sighting song birds, migrating warblers, occasional rabbits, and butterflies – monarchs and swallowtails.”
Bruno also suggests that visitors head over to the river walk which abuts Liberty National Golf Course.
“A lot of people are starting to discover it,” Bruno said. “It’s another great place to connect and see habitats in an urban area.”
Viewing “wading birds is a summer rite,” she said. “It’s fun to watch great blue herons, egrets, night herons, and feel breezes off the water.”
Bruno, who specializes in marine science environmental studies, said, “People are interested in seeing what lives in the Hudson River.” The center’s “Explore the Estuary” program is enlightening on that score.
“We’ll carpool over to Caven Point,” she said. “People put on chest waders and drag seine nets through the water.”
Among the finds are striped bass, killifish, juvenile blue crabs, hermit crabs, and horseshoe crabs in May and June.
Bruno has one big caveat: Do not do this on your own. Only do it with the official group from the Interpretive Center.
Learn more
Throughout the summer, visitors can join a free supervised kayaking group. If you are interested in being a kayak trip leader call (201) 915-3409. No experience necessary.
The Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) train terminal, located in the park, offers historic tours and lectures. Among other topics, look for presentations on tugboats on the Hudson and the Port of New York and New Jersey waterways.
For further information on Liberty State Park, its events, and attractions, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html.
Kate Rounds can be reached at krounds@hudsonreporter.com..