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Upcoming Events

 

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RRWA 30th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday December 7th, 7 to 10pm
$75 per person

The event will be held at Bistro 1051, 1051 Raritan Road, Clark, NJ, and include buffet dinner, beer and wine.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS –
Register through eventbrite, then send a check to our PO box.

Please make check out to the Rahway River Watershed Association and send with the following information to:

Rahway River Watershed Association
PO Box 1101, Rahway, NJ 07065

• Number of people
• Names and email addresses of all attendees
• Amount enclosed

REGISTER HERE

 

Spanktown Splash Canoe and Kayak Race
Saturday October 1st, with a rain date of Sunday October 2

THIS EVENT WAS CANCELED

11:30am: check in, 12:30pm: race start time, 2:30pm: finish line, awards and after party

Here's the event you have all been waiting for! The Spanktown Splash Canoe and Kayak Race! Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one from us. There are a limited quantity of boats available, so make sure you register asap to insure you get one. In an effort to avoid what happened last year when we had to cancle the race because of the threat of thunder storms, we will have a rain date. The race will be on Oct 1st, with a rain date of Oct 2. If you are participating in the race, make sure you are available both days, just in case. Price includes afterparty at the Rahway Yacht Club.

Registeration is required. Register here: https://qio8hbj0.paperform.co

 

Rahway RiverFest 2022

Click for Details

 

Exploring Watersheds
Rahway River Watershed: South Mountain Reservation
Sunday May 15, 3pm to 5:30pm

Register here:
https://south_mountain_may_2022.eventbrite.com

 

The Whys and Hows of Pathogen Monitoring
Volunteer Training Sessions
Wednesday May 11 (virtual) 6:30PM to 7:30PM
Thursday May 12 (in person) at Rahway Yacht Club, 2PM to 4PM

Register here:
https://rrwa_pathogens.eventbrite.com

 

NJ Freshwater Habitat Assessment & Benthic Macroinvertebrate Identification
Volunteer Training Sessions

VIRTUAL SESSIONS: 6-8PM
Wed, May 11: Overview and Intro to Field Sampling
Thu, May 12: Habitat Assessment
Fri, May 13: Macroinvertebrate ID

FIELD SESSIONS: 9:30AM to 3:30PM
Sat, May 14: Field Training
Sat, May 21: Field Accreditation & Macroinvertebrate ID Testing
~ Location TBD ~

Register here:
https://rrwa_habitat_macros.eventbrite.com

 

Dury's River Ride
Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area
June 4, 2022 • 12:30PM to 2:30PM

We will put in at Rahway Riverfront Park off Lawrence Street in Rahway, and exit the river at Carteret Waterfront Park.

Register here:
https://dury_river_ride.eventbrite.com

 

Rahway RiverFest 2022!
June 25th 2:30PM to 8:30PM
June 26 11AM to 5PM

 

Balance is something we all struggle with. Balance between work life, and home life. A balanced diet. Spending vs. saving. Balance between recreational activities and self-improvement. Balance between social interactions and time to yourself, outdoor activities, and screen time. The list goes on. The ability to strike a healthy balance is something to strive for.

Sustainability is just that --  a balance between the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of human activity. Everything we do affects the world we live in, and it is just as important to strike a balance in this respect, as it is in our own personal lives. It can be boiled down to one sentence, very simply; The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level - Balance!; Yet almost everything we do can be viewed through this lens.

Our inability to live in balance with nature and the environment has led to the single biggest threat to our world, climate change. Only alterations to human activities can correct climate change.

Digging deeper, and speaking first to individual responsibility, acting sustainably means making lifestyle changes to reduce an individual's ecological footprint. These lifestyle changes include many things, such as:
• Becoming a mindful consumer
• Landscaping to replace lawn area with native plants, which don't need pesticides, and provide habitat for pollinating insects
• Taking action to improve water quality and reduce flooding, such as installing rain barrels, disconnecting downspouts, creating a rain garden, or using permeable pavement on your property
• Purchasing an electric vehicle
• Putting solar panels on your house or signing up for clean power
• Recycle, upcycle, reuse, and reduce before purchasing new
• Carrying reusable bags to reduce pollution from single-use plastic bags

Municipalities are learning that acting sustainably has benefits. A town's development and redevelopment plans can go a long way toward creating a more sustainable community. For instance, Circular Flow Land Use Management, or CircUse, puts neglected urban land to better use and reduces the consumption of un-built land. CircUse supports new innovative ways to “reduce” the consumption of land by new development, “recycle” or put back into use abandoned and derelict sites, and “avoid” future land use decisions that are not sustainable. 

Municipalities can follow other sustainable practices including:
• Bolstering public transportation systems to limit the use of cars
• Implementing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing plans 
• Using only native plants in municipal landscaping design
• Adding EV charging stations
• Developing a community solar program
• Hiring a Sustainability Director to advise the municipality on balancing economic, social and environmental aspects of development
• Incentivizing development and redevelopment to be LEED certified
• Creating more green public spaces
• Creating an environmental commission and/or shade tree commission
• Implementing green (sustainable) infrastructure
• Creating pedestrian friendly communities
• Developing a Mitigation Plan for floods and other natural disasters

Large scale industry has a profound effect on the environment. Local, state and federal legislative policies and technical innovations can make industrial production more sustainable.  Following are some examples:

• Agriculture can be regenerative
• Factory farms can be replaced by smaller local farms
• Construction or building can follow LEED standards
• Energy can be obtained from renewable sources
• Fishing can be accomplished sustainably
• We can move to a Closed Circle Manufacturing model

Often environmental costs of doing business are not factored into a company’s bottom line. If industry was required to pay for the pollution they create, and if they were incentivized to develop circular manufacturing practices, our natural resources would be depleted at a much slower rate. In an ideal sustainable world, resources would not be depleted at all. That is the balance we should all be striving for.

Reduce • Re-use • Re-cycle

Past Events

Earth Day Cleanup
Winfield Park
April 23, 2022 • 9:00AM to 12NOON

Details on our facebook page, or direct any questions to email: rivercleanup@comcast.net

No advance registration necessary

 

Spring Migration Birding at Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area
April 24, 2022 • 9:00AM to 11AM

Meet in Parking Lot M

Register here:
https://spring-migration-with-jordan.eventbrite.com

Cherry Blossom Walk
Branchbrook Park, Newark
April 2, 2022 • 9:30am to 12noon

Meet at the Prudential Concert Grove on Branch Brook Park road just south of the Park Ave. underpass, Newark NJ • GPS coordinates 40.756467, -74.183164

Register here:
https://spring_cherry_blossom.eventbrite.com

 

Click to view photos from RiverFest 2021!!

Rahway RiverFest!

August 21 to August 28

Rahway RiverFest is a week-long celebration of the Rahway River taking place in downtown Rahway, New Jersey. We are offering this opportunity to support a truly unique event. The River is ingrained in our lives here in Rahway, as it is in many communities throughout the Rahway River Watershed.

In true Rahway style, we are using the arts to bring attention to our river and environment. Music and art will be used to create a scene that will inspire people to rejoice in the spirit of the river and appreciate its many gifts. We will be exploring the connection between rivers, and other bodies of water, in history and mythology in a tongue and cheek nod to the Loch Ness monster and other mythical and magical water creatures.

The theme of the week will celebrate the river and mythical creatures in any manner of ways including art exhibits, live music, poetry readings, performance art, costuming, as well as programming for children and young adults. A big community cleanup and canoe and kayak race are among the events and activities.

Click for call to artists, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities

For more information, contact: RRWA Executive Director Clea Carchia
email: cleacarchia@outlook.com • Phone: 908-472-6152

Click for a full listing of RiverFest events!

Join the RRWA for a walk at Hawk Rise Santuary in Linden this Saturday at 8am!

Celebrate City of Water Day with Rahway River Watershed Association Board Member Jordan Parham who will lead an informative walk through Hawk Rise Sanctuary this Saturday to look for summer birds. Jordan is a recent graduate from Delaware Valley University and majored in conservation and wildlife management. He is an avid birder and amateur wildlife photographer who is currently pursuing a career in wildlife conservation, photography and education. Jordan just started a job as naturalist for Trailside Nature and Science Center in Watchung Reservation!

No registration neccessary. Meet in the parking lot/entrance to Hawk Rise. 
Please be puncual or you might miss us!

CLICK HERE FOR MEETING LOCATION (Map)

Call Clea at 908-472-6152 for more info

JOIN THE RRWA STREAM TEAM!

 

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Spring Tour - Great Falls of the Passaic River
Sunday May 2
10AM to 12PM


Join RRWA President Dr. Kirk Barrett on a guided Spring tour of the beautiful Great Falls, Passaic River in Paterson, NJ
Dr. Barrett is former director of the Passaic River Institute of Montclair State University. The area, which is now a National Historic Park, was re-landscaped in 2015 and 2018 providing spectacular views!
$10 per person, 15 person limit
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Call Clea at 908-472-6152 to register
!
Meet at 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501
CLICK FOR MAP

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Spring Pine Barrens Tour with Emile DeVito
Sunday May 16
9:30AM to 3:30PM

Join the RRWA for this special treat inside the protected area of the Franklin Parker Preserve. Emile is guaranteed to lead us on an entertaining, educational and engaging adventure!
• Registration required
• Meet in the Pine Barrens at 9:30AM(meeting location will be sent to you once you register)
• Wear hiking boots or sneakers and long pants
• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen
• Social distancing will be practiced
• Binoculars recommended
• Bring a bagged lunch
• Masks required
$15 per person, 15 person limit
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Call Clea at 908-472-6152 to register
!

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How are Road Salts Impacting Our Environment?
Thursday February 18th • 7pm to 8pm

 

AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassador Heather Miara will be providing a virtual presentation about the impacts of road salt on our environment as well as a way to get involved in monitoring these impacts in your own neighborhood! If you have any interest in monitoring a local stream's changes in salinity throughout the winter (which is a quick and easy process!) or how to use road and sidewalk salt at home, please join in to view this virtual program to see how you can become a citizen scientist and be a part of this important effort!

This event is FREE!

Registration Required. Registration closes 24 hours before the event! An email will be sent to you with a link to the zoom presentation the day before (February 17).

THIS EVENT WAS RECORDED. CLICK TO VIEW.

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WINTER SHOREBIRDS -- THIS EVENT WAS POSTPONED DUE TO THE WEATHER!
NEW DATE -- SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20, NEW TIME -- 11AM TO 12 NOON!

 

Join the Rahway River Watershed Association and the Lower Raritain Watershed Partnership at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy for for a short walk to enjoy the seasonal and winter migrants of New Jersey’s waters.
Turn your eyes to the shoreline and you will find a plethora of migratory aquatic birds. Common Loons, Horned Grebes, Long-Tailed Ducks and Red-Breasted Mergansers are just some of the species that can be expected. The Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy provides the opportunity to see these magnificent migrants as they pass through or rest before heading back north for the Spring and Summer. 
The walk will be guided by RRWA intern and bird enthusiast Jordan Parham!
• Binoculars are recommended
• Beginner and novice birders are welcome
• Masks must always be worn
• Social distancing rules and guidelines must be followed
• Waterproof boots and gloves recommended
• Dress for the weather

This event is free however registration is required
REGISTER HERE!!!
Call 908-472-6152 for more info

Meet at the Gazebo at  
Raritain Bay Waterfront Park
201 John T O'Leary Blvd
South Amboy, NJ 08879 

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Representation Matters: Black and Brown Voices in New Jersey's Environmental Community

Addressing the Organizational Culture and Under-Representation of People of Color in New Jersey Environmental Non-Profit and Government Agencies
Monday November 9, 2020
2PM to 3:30

THIS EVENT WAS RECORDED. TO VIEW, CLICK THIS LINK –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwVF066dj1k

Join the RRWA and former Deputy Director for the NJDEP Debbie Mans for an important roundtable discussion on the subject of the representation of people of color in the environmental community. Current Deputy Director for the NJDEP Olivia Glenn will be our Keynote speaker and we have several very exciting panelists. Respond to the event for more information and to receive updates, including a detailed agenda, coming soon.

 


HOSTED BY –
Rahway River Watershed Association
NY/NJ Baykeeper
Pinelands Preservation Alliance
NJ Audubon
ANJEC
New Jersey Future
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
The Watershed Institute
The Greater Newark Conservancy
New Jersey League of Conservation Voters
New York - New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program
PowerMarket

REGISTER BY EMAILING – debbie@twentytwentypublicaffairs.com
• Include “Representation Roundtable” in the subject line
• Watch for email with ZOOM link and PHONE IN option

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Hawk Rise Raptor Ramble

Bird Walk at Hawk Rise Sancuary, Linden
Saturday October 10
8am to 10am

Look for late fall migrants and resident birds settling in to the wooded wetlands at Hawk Rise. We'll walk over the salt marsh and have great views of the Rahway River to look for wading birds.

Led by New Jersey Audubon. This hike is free, however we ask that you register at the url below so that we can best prepare.

https://hr-songbirdsearch20.eventbrite.com

Meet at Hawk Rise Sanctuary - 8AM
1811 Lower Road
Linden, NJ 07036

Register here: https://hr-songbirdsearch20.eventbrite.com

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Explore the Pine Barrens
with Emile DeVito
Saturday October 17

10am to 3pm

$15 per person

Join us for a special experience – Autumn in the Pine Barrens with New Jersey Conservation Foundation's Manager of Science & Stewardship, and RRWA Vice President Emile DeVito! We will be going out with a small group to explore and see what we can find in NJCF's Franklin Parker Perserve. This expansive property, New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s largest, encompasses 16 square miles in the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Learn more about the Preserve

Call 908-472-6152 to register. Meeting location provided upon registration.

 

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SPANKTOWN SPLASH CANOE & KAYAK RACE
Saturday September 12, 2:30pm to the evening

Race Info

2:30PM – Check in at the Rahway Yacht Club1706 Paterson St., Rahway
3:30PM – Race start time
4:30PM– Finish line, awards & post race gathering outside on the beautiful deck of the Rahway Yacht Club, right on the bank of the Rahway River. Food is included in the price. Cash bar for beer, cocktails and other beverages.

NOTE: CREDIT CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED, SO BE SURE TO BRING CASH FOR BEVERAGES!

 

Join Us!

The Rahway River Watershed Association, the Friends of the Rahway Library, the Rahway Chamber of Commerce, & the Rahway Yacht Club host the Spanktown Splash Canoe & Kayak Race!

Categories: Canoe/Kayak

$35 per person
$ 25 for Canoe Rental*
(no kayaks are available to rent, however you are welcome to use your own canoe or kayak)
* Life vest included in canoe rental

Registration Required

Call 908-472-6152 to register

Age 18 & above. Life vests required.

We will be practicing a responsible social distancing protocol. Masks and social distancing are required.

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STREAM SCHOOL
Going Virtual! (Partially)

Wednesday Sept. 16
6:30-8:30PM (Virtual)
Intro to New Jersey Monitoring Program
Intro to Visual/Habitat High Gradient Assessments

Thursday Sept. 17
6:30-8:30PM (Virtual)
Intro to Biological Assessments
Macroinvertebrate Identification

Friday Sept. 18
6:30-7:30pm (Virtual)
Intro to Field Experience
Prep for In-Person Stream Day

Sunday Sept. 20
9:30am-4:30pm (Stream Side)
Stream Day at South Mountain Reservation

We have finally worked out the kinks in our Stream School program. We are offering the powerpoint portion of the program virtually, and then one stream side in-person class. In lieu of having folks sit in front of a monitor for an entire day, we are providing the information on 3 consecutive evenings, details below. The exact location of Sunday's stream side session TBD.

Get involved in your community. Monitor water quality in local rivers and lakes. This intensive workshop will introduce volunteers to water quality monitoring in the Rahway River Watershed. Learn stream side techniques for visual and biological assessments including the identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. Join the Rahway River Watershed Association Stream Team and become part of a community-based monitoring program.
It is our goal to train citizen scientists in assessing the health of the Rahway River. After training, participants will be able to assess physical conditions and identify macroinvertebrate populations to determine the quality of water and health of the river. The program is free and open to the interested public ages 16 and above who are willing to commit to ongoing involvement with program. To sign up click the "Ticket Link" below.
Stream School will be taught by Erin Stretz of the Watershed Institute located in Pennington, NJ and is funded by a grant from the Watershed Institute. Sunday's session will include a light breakfast and afternoon snack. For more information, contact Clea Carchia, RRWA Executive Director, at cleacarchia@outlook.com.
This is a free workshop, however we ask that you only register if you are serious about attending, joining our volunteer Stream Team, and becoming involved in our water quality monitoring program. 
This workshop is presented by the Watershed Institute and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with the Rahway River Watershed Association, South Mountain Conservancy, and Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.

REGISTER AT – https://thewatershed.doubleknot.com/event/stream-school-with-blended-virtual-and-field-training/2722338

This workshop is presented by the Watershed Institute and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with the Rahway River Watershed Association, South Mountain Conservancy, and Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.

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Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve - Woodbridge

Saturday September 19th
9:00AM to 10:30AM

RRWA Vice President, and Manager of Science and Stewardship for NJ Conservation Foundation Emile DeVito, will lead an ecology walk in search of plant and animal life in Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve. The Preserve is a biodiversity hotspot in an otherwise highly developed area.
The Oros Preserve is an urban wildlife refuge consisting of forests, wetlands, fields, and ponds that make it an unexpected haven for wildlife. A Bio-Blitz (a 24 hour biological inventory) of the preserve conducted in June of 2017 by Rutgers University identified 388 species of birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, fungi, plants, and other organisms.

We will be practicing a responsible social distancing protocol. Masks are required. There is a 15 person limit to insure distancing can be maintained.

This event is free.

Registration is required.

Call 908-472-6152 to register

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The Joy of Backyard Birdfeeding
Saturday July 18, 9AM to 10:30AM

RRWA Watershed Learning Center
337 East Milton Ave, Rahway

Registration Required, call Clea at 908-472-6152 to register

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Nature Photography Traveling Exhibit
February 7 to June 30

Unfortunately our traveleing exhibit was stalled at the Linden Library due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The public will get a chance to view first, second and third place, and people’s choice winners, plus a select group of honorable mention photographs in a traveling exhibit.
Framed and matted photos will be displayed at several locations around Union County.

TRAVELING EXHIBIT

February 6 to February 28
Watershed Learning Center
337 East Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ

March 2 to April 9
Linden Public Library
31 East Henry Street, Linden, NJ

April 11 to April 24
The Gallery Space
1670 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ

May 1 to May 30
Fanwood Memorial Library
5 Forest Road, Fanwood, NJ

June 1 to June 30
Springfield Library
Donald B. Palmer Museum
66 Mountain Avenue, Springfield, NJ

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Native Plant Garden Maintenance Workshop
Saturday April 4th, 10AM to 12 NOON
Trailside Nature and Science Center
452 New Providence Road
Mountainside, NJ 07092

AND

Wednesday April 15th, 7:30PM to 9PM
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County
300 North Avenue East
Westfield, NJ 07090


The Native Plant Garden Maintenece Workshop was given virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Learn how to maintain: Rain Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Wildflower Meadows and Residential Native Plant Gardens

Native Plants are popular for use in rain gardens, pollinator gardens and in home landscapes because of their adaptability to our soils, resistance to insect and disease problems and natural beauty! Yet, like all gardens, native plant gardens need some tender love and care (TLC) too! This workshop will discuss routine maintenance of your garden such as watering and mulching. We’ll talk about pruning trees and shrubs in your garden. To keep your garden from getting too overgrown, how and when to cut back perennial herbaceous plants will be described. Native plants are fun to share, so we will discuss methods of propagating your plants to keep them healthy and provide plant material for other gardens! The workshop will include hands-on demonstrations in a rain garden, so please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for working outdoors. (April 15th: Classroom lecture only)

The event is free, but registration is limited. Register at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-plant-garden-maintenance-workshop-tickets-92208069819

Led by Madeline Flahive DiNardo, County Agent / Associate Professor,
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County

 

Nature Photography Opening and Traveling Exhibit!

OPENING RECEPTION

Friday February 7th from 6 to 8pm
at the RRWA Watershed Learning Center
337 East Milton Ave, Rahway NJ

Join us for an opening reception of our Nature Photography Contest winners! The exhibit will be featured at five Union County locations starting at the Rahway River Watershed Association offices and environmental information center, The Watershed Learning Center. Light refreshments will be served at the opening. No reservation required. The event is free.

 

Nature Photography Field Session
Rahway River Park
Walter E. Ulrich Pool
Saturday October 19th
9am to 10:30

FREE! Union County photographer and educator Jacki Dickert (www.lightdance.org) is passionate about the beauty of nature. Her images reflect an open and creative way of viewing the natural world. She has exhibited at photography clubs, libraries and nature centers all over the state.

Using the Rahway River Park as an outdoor classroom, Jacki will supplement the information from the September 28 Workshop at the Rahway Library. On this guided photowalk, she will provide hands-on technical assistance and specific suggestions to realize your vision.

The Field Session will explore:
• Tips for finding and photographing wildlife
• Composing scenic images
• Using light to your advantage
• Useful tools and camera settings
• The “art of seeing”
• Creative options for portraying your subject

Meet in the parking lot near Walter E. Ulrich Pool.

The Field Session is free
Registration required: Call or text Clea at 908-892-7229, or email her at cleacarchia@yahoo.com to register

*** Rain Date Oct 20 ***

 

Nature Photography Workshop
Rahway Public Library
2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway, NJ 07065
Saturday September 28th
10am to noon

The Classroom Session will explore:
• Local spots for finding wildlife and beautiful scenery
• How to get the most out of whatever kind of camera you have
• Best practices for photographing animals as well as landscapes
• Tips for creating compelling compositions
• Using light to your advantage
• Safety and ethics in the outdoors
• Basic photo editing
• Sharing your photos (printing, online, clubs, contests)

Union County photographer and educator Jacki Dickert will be leading this workshop. Jacki is passionate about the beauty of nature. Her images reflect an open and creative way of viewing the natural world. She has exhibited at photography clubs, libraries and nature centers all over the state.

She is an active member of the Camera Naturalist Photo Club, a delegate to the NJ Federation of Camera Clubs, and an Ambassador for the Adoramapix printing company.

Jacki’s work has been published in Backpacker, The Sun Magazine, numerous online blogs, and book covers. She won first place in the Ansel Adams contest at the Fenimore Art Museum. In her mission as an “Ambassador of Wonder,” Jacki self-publishes the annual "World of Wonder" photography calendar, and curated and judged many photography contests.

A Field Session will be given on October 19th. Hands on assistance will be given during a guided photo walk.

Her photos can be viewed on her website:
www.lightdance.org

 

RRWA Watershed Learning Center Stream Big Celebration
337 East Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
Saturday, June 15th
1pm to 5pm

See home page for details

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Community Cleanup - Rahway!
Saturday June 29th
9:30AM to 1:00PM
2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway, NJ 07065

Come One! Come All! Join the Rahway River Watershed Association, the Central Jersey Stream Team, the Rahway Library and the Rahway Environmental Commission to help clean up the Rahway River! This year we are tackling the area just upstream from the Milton Ave Bridge.

Don’t like to see tires, shopping carts and other debris littering the bed of the Rahway River? JOIN US for a fun event where we will get down and dirty to get that stuff out! We again welcome the help of the Central Jersey Stream Team to provide their expertise with this type of cleanup. Let’s show them that Rahway Community Spirit by providing a great turnout!

• No registration is required!
• All ages are welcome!
• Please wear a long sleeved shirt, and long pants you won't mind getting dirty or wet.
• High boots or waders will also be appreciated.
• Bags and gloves will be provided.

Meet in back of Rahway Public Library,
2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway, NJ 07065 at 9:30AM

Lunch provided for volunteers after the clean up
Call Clea at 908.892.7229 for more info

VISUAL & BIOLOGICAL STREAM ASSESSMENT TRAINING
SATURDAY APRIL 6TH
107 RIDGEDALE AVE.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ

Come out and learn how to monitor
a stream, or simply gain a better
understanding about stream health.
An indoor classroom session teaches
you to conduct visual and biological
stream assessments, identify
macroinvertebrates, and recognize
environmental factors that may
impact stream health. An outdoor
session lets you practice your newfound
skills at a local stream site. By
afternoon, you will be a fully trained
visual-stream assessment volunteer
and ready to conduct an assessment!

Register online at GreatSwamp.org
or call 973-538-3500
This is a FREE training session!

Registration is required.

 

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
BATS OF NEW JERSEY
THURSDAY OCTOBER 4TH
Watershed Learning Center
337 East Milton Ave, Rahway
6:30pm to 8:30 pm

The Rahway River Watershed Association welcomes Stephanie Feigin from Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ to give an educational presentation about the bats of NJ.

Bats have a reputation of being spooky or dangerous, but they are actually some of the most beneficial animals to people.

All of New Jersey's bats are insectivores. They feed on a huge variety of night-flying insects, including the beetles that devour our crops, the gypsy moths that denude our forests, and of course, those awful mosquitoes. A single little brown bat can eat 3,000 mosquito-sized insects per night!

Stephanie is a Wildlife Ecologist for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ. She is CWF’s lead ecologist running the bat project. She is responsible for projects designed to protect and enhance habitats for forest bats throughout New Jersey. Stephanie received her B.S. in Ecology & Natural Resource Management from Rutgers University in 2013. Stephanie will bring a LIVE BAT to the preentation!

$5 per person

Call 908-892-7229 for more information

 

VOLUNTEER DAY POSTPONED UNTIL
SATURDAY OCTOBER 6TH!

Watershed Learning Center
337 East Milton Ave, Rahway
10am to 3pm

The RRWA and the Rahway Environmental Commission have partnered up on a project to put 3 demonstration gardens at the site of the Rahway River Watershed Associaiton's new office and environmental information center, the Watershed Learning Center. A day-time pollinator garden will attract birds, butterflies, bees and any manor of beneficial insects. The garden will provide food and a place for these important members of our biological community to live. A night-time pollinator garden will attract moths and other nocturnal insects, which will in turn attract bats, an important ally in our battle against mosquitos! A rain garden will function to reduce the amount of roof runoff by directing it to the garden. Native plants will soak up stormwater before it has a chance to make it to the river, thereby helping to reduce flooding. This project is made possible by a grant from ANJEC.

Volunteers are needed on SATURDAY OCTOBER 6TH to prepare the beds and paths for the garden. Please come rested and prepare to do some work. No need to go to the gym this day! You can come any time within the 10am to 3pm window and stay as long as you wish. Any contribution of your time is appreciated! Proper attire would be – weather appropriate pants, shirt and shoes that you won't mind getting dirty.

Food and beverages will be provided for volunteers!

Please call Clea at 908-892-7229 for more information about Volunteer Day.

 

VISUAL ASSESSMENT TRAINING
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
Cranford Community Center
220 Walnut Ave, Cranford

10am to 1pm

The RRWA will be holding our FREE water quality monitoring training workshop on Saturday October 13th at the Cranford Community Center from 10am to 1pm. This will be our only training session this fall, so if you are interested in finding out more about the quality of the water in the Rahway River, and the condition of habitat that surrounds it, join us. This is your opportunity to Give Back by participating in a program that benefits the community in which you live.

Join our Stream Team and learn streamside tequniques for visual assessment monitoring. Perform your first assessment and get a free Stream Big t-shirt!

Registration is Required. Call Clea at 908-892-7229 to register

 

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
TO HELP CLEAN UP THE RAHWAY RIVER

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH
11:00AM to 2:00PM

We apologize for canceling the last scheduled cleanup, but the threat of thunderstorms, THE THUNDERSTORMS THAT NEVER CAME! made the prospect of doing it dangerous.

The plan for September 8th is – there will be 2 teams -- one "river team" to assist the Central Jersey Stream Team in locating and securing items from the riverbed to be pulled out of the river by ropes, and one "bank team" to pull the items up and out of the river.

For anyone else, there is ALWAYS trash that needs to be picked up, so everyone of all ages is needed!

A late lunch will be served after the cleanup at 337 E Milton, directly across from the cleanup site, in the new Rahway River Watershed Association office!

Call Executive Director Clea Carchia at 908-892-7229 with any questions.

Call Tim Valente at 732-675-1426 if you would like to donate food for the event. Pot luck is welcome!

 

Water Quality Awareness Workshop
Wednesday May 9th, 7:30pm to 9pm
Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St. Chatham

The Loantaka Group of the Sierra Club, in collaboration with the Rahway River Watershed Association present . . .

A Water Quality Awareness Workshop

Sandra LaVigne, Director of Water Quality Programs at the Great Swamp Watershed Association, will present a brief talk on water quality in our region. Topics include the various ways pollution makes its way into our waterways, the types of contaminents we see in our water, what we test for, the results of recent testing and what we can do to improve the quality of our water.

Sandra will present the newly released 2017 GSWA Water Quality Report Card, including the new Downstream Passaic River expansion. The report card shows the status of streams and rivers throughout the Great Swamp Watershed and in the region of the Passaic River between Millington Gorge and Stanley Ave Park in Chatham and Summit. Sandra will also address how our own actions can affect water quality, and what simple life choices we can make to help preserve the quality of water that makes its way to our tap.

 

Join the Rahway River Watershed Association Stream Team!
April 28th/May5th (see flyer for more info on times and locations)

As part of a new initiative by the Rahway River Watershed Association, and funded by a grant from The Watershed Institute, we are excited to be starting a Water Quality Monitoring Program in the Rahway River Watershed!

To kick it off, training sessions will be held on Saturday April 28th and Saturday May 5th.

Please call RRWA Executive Director Clea Carchia at 908-892-7229 to register for training sessions.

FREE!

 

 

 

 

 

Rahway River Earth Day Cleanup
Saturday April 21st, 9 am to 12 noon
** Meet at the parking area adjacent to the waterfall of the Rahway River by the dam at Winfield Park at 8:45am

All volunteers are invited to celebrate Earth Day with Boy Scout Troop 330, Cub Scout Pack 30 and members of the Rahway River Watershed Association, Rahway Environmental Commission and Clark Environmental Commission in a clean-up of the Rahway River on Saturday, April 21st (with a rain date of Sunday, April 22nd). The clean-up will focus on areas upstream and downstream of the dam at Winfield Park, New Jersey. It is our hope to have enough folks participate that we can have teams work as far upstream as the Garden State Parkway and downstream through Rahway River Park in Clark, Linden and Rahway all the way to Elizabeth Avenue. Plans are to meet at the parking area adjacent to the waterfall of the Rahway River by the dam at Winfield Park at 8:45. This is a great way to celebrate Earth Day and if you haven't participated in an event like this before, you will find it invigorating, and you will feel good about what you have accomplished . . . it is also a lot of fun . . . especially for scouts and young adults as they always find something interesting. This adds both education and adventure to the event.

The clean-up will generally be between 9-12, but any amount of time or effort that folks can volunteer is appreciated. There is always a large volume of floatable debris to pick up. This includes tires and of course floatables (cans, bottles, plastics, etc.). The County of Union generously supplies gloves and garbage bags, and we solicit material donations (donuts, bagels, coffee, bottled water, paper towels, hand-wipes, etc.) for all volunteers.

Last year, nearly 150 folks participated, including girl scouts, cub scouts, boy scouts, fishermen, local activists and citizens, and we pulled some amazing things from the river. Sponsors came through with coffee, bagels, danish, donuts, cookies, bottled water, and juice boxes, and we had grilled hot dogs for lunch. We also had other giveaways for the participants.

All participants should wear jeans, long-sleeved shirts, gloves and boots, and waders are welcome for folks who like to get a little wet. Each participant should bring a standard 5-gallon carry bucket with a handle (put your name on the bottom)...this makes for easy carrying of "stuff" for transfer to the large garbage bags. When we complete the event we do a basic inventory of the "big stuff" that we removed....and within approximately 24 hours Union County Parks removes and disposes of all the trash. There is no RSVP required but if you need more information or think you will attend please let us know by e-mail at rivercleanup@comcast.net

Please do not hesitate to forward or let us know if there are any questions . . . hope to see you on April 21st!

– Joe Seebode

 

Good Clean Fun!
Sunday April 15th, 10AM to 12PM
Rahway Library

Volunteers needed for a community clean up

Join the Rahway River Watershed Association, NY/NJ Baykeeper and the Rahway Environmental Commission to help clean up the banks of Rahway River behind City Hall and the Library.

Sunday, April 15, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• No registration is required!
• All ages are welcome!
• Please wear a long sleeved shirt, and long pants you won't mind getting dirty or wet. High boots or waders will also be appreciated.
• Bags and gloves will be provided.

Meet in front of Rahway Public Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway, NJ 07065 at 9:45 AM

Lunch provided for volunteers after the clean up
Call RRWA Executive Director Clea Carchia at 908.892.7229

 

 

Green Earth Day at The Gallery Space
Sunday April 8th, 12 noon to 4pm
1670 Irving Street, Rahway

The Gallery Space, Rahway River Watershed Association and The Rahway Environmental Commission invite you to join us on Sunday April 8th from 12 noon to 4 pm for a fun, Earth themed event on the grounds of the gallery, located at 1670 Irving Street in Rahway.

Get a chance to sign up for fun upcoming events, learn about the BAG IT program and come inside to see the new Earth Month art exhibit inside THE GALLERY SPACE.

April is when we celebrate the Earth worldwide. Please join us at The Gallery Space and experience a visual appreciation of our only home in this galaxy, EARTH. The art exhibit will be up for the entire month.

 

Great Falls Tour - Patterson NJ
Saturday March 24th, 10 to 11:30AM

This tour will be led by Kirk Barrett, Asst. Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering at Manhattan College.

Call 908-892-7229 to register. Space is limited.

The Great Falls of the Passaic River is a prominent waterfall, 77 feet high, on the Passaic River in the city of Paterson. The falls and surrounding area are protected as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, administered by the National Park Service. The Congress authorized its establishment in 2009.

Dr. Kirk Barrett, PE, PWS
Asst. Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Manhattan College

The fee for this tour is $15

*** Note - For those of you that bid on the tour at our silent auction in December, please confirm your attendance with Kirk. You should have received an email or a call. ***

 

Dont Be Afraid of the Dark –
Wednesday February 28th from 7 to 9pm
With 110,000 species of moths worldwide, approximately 3,200 in the Garden State, one can be kept pretty entertained during sleepless nights attracting, keying, and trying to get a peek into their secret lives. Rothauser will discuss moth biology with an emphasis on NJ's ecology and share a stunning array of images he has taken in a multitude of varied landscapes throughout New Jersey.
This educational event is FREE for children and adults. Registration is requested but not required.
For more information and to RSVP please call RRWA program manager Clea Carchia at 908-892-7229.

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Steward Program

Make a Difference in 2018: Environmental Stewards Program Comes to Union County This 20 week program takes place on Fridays from 9:30 am to 12:30pm starting January 26th

Union County, NJ – Union County residents in search of a meaningful New Year’s resolution have one at their fingertips: the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program is now being offered in Union County.

“If working to improve the environment in your community is among your New Year’s resolutions, I encourage you to sign up for the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The program is conveniently located in Westfield, and we are looking forward to welcoming Union County’s very first class of Environmental Stewards.”

Environmental Stewards is an award-winning program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a division of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

The program aims to provide local residents with an understanding of the science behind the environmental issues impacting their communities. The goal is to enable non-scientists to focus on effective conservation projects and other improvements.

On successfully completing the program, participants earn official certification as Rutgers Environmental Stewards.

“Every year hundreds of Union County residents volunteer to help with conservation projects in Union County parks,” said Bergen. “The Environmental Stewards program provides the tools and know-how to take this volunteer effort to the next level.”

Since the inception of the program in 2005, hundreds of certified Rutgers Environmental Stewards have engaged in projects statewide.

One outstanding example is the rain garden at the Cranford Municipal Building. Planted in 2014, the garden is designed to filter pollutants associated with stormwater runoff. It helps to protect the Rahway River, provides a habitat for valuable pollinators, and beautifies the property with native wildflowers including giant hyssop, cardinal flower and purple coneflower.

The Environmental Stewards program will hold classroom training sessions beginning Friday, January 26 at the Extension offices in Westfield, at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East.

Classes are held on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for 20 weeks. Experts from Rutgers University and non-profit organizations will guide the participants through topics including energy conservation, climate change, invasive species, open space management, soil health, water resource pollution, environmental policy, protecting pollinators, and habitat conservation.

Applications are available online at envirostewards.rutgers.edu. A fee of $250.00 applies.

For more information, contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274.

For information on all Extension programs offered in Union County, including 4-H, Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards, visit ucnj.org/rce.

Visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection for all Union County environmental programs and activities.

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Annual Watershed Conferences

NJ Land Conservation Rally: This annual full-day conference, held in March, is organized by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, in partnership with many other NJ environmental groups.

ANJEE Environmental Education Conference: This annual conference, held each January, is geared towards both formal and non-formal environmental educators.

ANJEC Environmental Congress: This annual conference is geared towards environmental commissions, but is often relevant to watershed groups.

Land Ethics Symposium: This annual, full-day conference focuses on ways to create low-maintenance, economical and ecologically balanced landscapes with native plants and restoration techniques.

River Rally: This annual national conference, organized by River Network, focuses on both nonprofit management and river conservation.

NJ Invasive Species Conference: This conference, hosted by the New Jersey Invasive Species STRIKE Team, offers expert presentations about emerging invasive species science & management issues in the Garden State.