Over 270 people came out to the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s headquarters on July 25 for the area’s first celebration of butterflies. While the center is located in Lyndhurst, it offers free events for residents from all over the state, including towns in the state-designated Meadowlands District like Secaucus, North Bergen, and Jersey City.
“The whole idea is to get people to appreciate nature,” said NJMC Communications Officer Jim Wright. “And butterflies are a great way to get kids involved – they don’t bite, sting, or buzz.”
The NJMC was joined by members of the North Jersey chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) and the Bergen County Audubon Society (BCAS) for the event.
Many of the activities on Sunday took place around the Jill Ann Ziemkiewicz Butterfly Garden, a memorial to a Rutherford resident who died in the TWA Flight 800 crash off the coast of Long Island in 1996.
Also, in conjunction with the event, the NJMC released a new butterfly guide.
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The day-long event included guided butterfly walks, an introductory slideshow to butterflies, information tables, and scavenger hunts and butterfly cupcakes for the kids (and kids at heart).
Reaching out to Hudson County
The NJMC is a state agency that watches over development in the Meadowlands region, making sure it’s environmentally sound. But they also offer nature events in the area.
The BCAS has been promoting their events in Hudson County to let residents know that, despite their name, their organization is actually open to all North Jersey residents – as it is the only Audubon society in the area.
BCAS President Beth Goldberg said there has been an overall increase of attendees at their events lately and she added that nature lovers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.
“It’s a wonderful turnout,” she said. “[We’ve had] a lot of people who have never been here before. It’s exciting that they’re finding this place and exploring it.”
Also, in conjunction with the event, the NJMC released a new butterfly guide that details 18 different species of butterflies and two moths, all of which were seen and photographed in the Meadowlands.
The guide is available to all Hudson County residents for free through the NJMC.
For more information on Meadowlands Commission events, visit www.meadowblog.net or call (201) 460-2002. For more information on the Bergen County Audubon Society, visit www.bergencountyaudubon.org.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 5, 6, 7: Hackensack River Pontoon Boat Cruises. Suggested donation $15 per person. Call (201) 460-4640 for more information and to confirm departure location.
Aug, 21, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Noted shorebird expert and nature photographer Kevin Karlson will be at DeKorte for a day’s worth of free events.
Every Monday and Wednesday: Public Viewing Nights at William D. McDowell Observatory.
Every Tuesday and Thursday at noon: Free, 90-minute “Marsh Discovery” trail walks in DeKorte Park in Kearny.
First Sunday and Third Tuesday of Each Month: Free Guided Bird Walks. Visit www.meadowblog.net for updated information on walks.