New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has begun this month offering pontoon boat and canoe tours of the Hackensack River, some embarking from Secaucus, that will run through Saturday, Sept. 17.
The boat rides are two hours long and the canoe rides are three hours, and both allow views of the Manhattan skyline through the preserved wetlands.
“We make our way through the Meadowlands marshes. There’s interesting history, and it’s a natural area that’s worth exploring,” said Gaby Bennett-Meany, the senior natural resource specialist of NJSEA and one of the narrators for the boat tours.
“Each tour is about two hours along the Hackensack River to get a view of the flat tidal marsh area,” she said. “Depending on the tides, the boats can go through channels off the river, which is really neat.”
Tours leave two times for each day, early morning and late evening, making each trip different than the last due to the tides. Brian Aberback, NJSEA public information officer, said, “More than one trip gives you the chance to see different wildlife and birds.”
“You’re in the Meadowlands, and away from the every day hustle and bustle of the city.” — Gaby Bennett-Meany
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Around this time of year, Bennett-Meany said, “You can view early spring migrants, and later in the summer there are more migrant birds. Right now we can see red-winged black bird, osprey, egret, and sometimes turtles in mid-low tides basking in the mudflats.”
“This is for everyone, [including] those who have had the experience to see the city from the Meadowlands, and haven’t gotten (or did get) the opportunity to see the Meadowlands and Hackensack River in this light. You’re in the Meadowlands and away from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city.”
Aberback said it’d be easier for people to see how beautiful the marshes are if they knew exactly what they were looking at. “It’s a great way to explore the Meadowlands and experience the Meadowlands in a whole new way. People are amazed by what they see.”
Bring a camera or binoculars along the trips. Each boat tour launches from River Barge Park, 260 Outwater Lane, Carlstadt. Children must be at least 10 years old for the pontoon rides. Each boat tour is donation-based, suggested at $15, and all proceeds go towards the restoration of the Hackensack River ecosystem. Each boat holds up to 12 people, and group tours are welcomed in advance. Call 201-460-4677 or email cathy.vonk@njmeadowlands.gov for more information, and for all 40 boat tour dates and times. Pre-registration is required at njsea.com.
There are four canoe tours for $15 per person. Each canoe holds up to three people, and it’s suggested that one person have canoe experience. Children 10 and up are allowed. The first three canoe tours, June 25 at 10 a.m., July 23 at 8:30 a.m., and Aug. 20 at 8:30 a.m., launch from River Barge Park, 260 Outwater Lane, Carlstadt. The last one, on Sept. 10 at 8:30 a.m., will launch from Laurel Hill County Park, Secaucus. Pre-registration is required at njsea.com.
Walking Tours
In addition to boat and canoe tours, the NJSEA offers free guided nature walks led by the Bergen County Audubon Society. These walks take place year-round, on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of each month. They run throughout the Meadowlands District, including in Secaucus. The free guided tours run from 10 a.m. to noon and BCAS guides will point out birds and other wildlife.
There will be a walk on Tuesday June 21 in Mill Creek Point and Secaucus High School boardwalk.
On Sunday July 3, a butterfly walk will be held in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. The last walk will be Tuesday July 19 at Mill Creek Marsh.
For more information about the nature walks call 201-230-4983 or email greatauk4@gmail.com.
Samantha Meyers can be reached at samantham@hudsonreporter.com .