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Events Celebrating the New York/New Jersey Harbor Planned for National Estuaries Day; Nature Walks, Cruises, Beach Cleanups and Art Projects Are Among the Activities Offered

Release Date: 09/19/2003
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(#03105) New York, N.Y. -- From Jamaica Bay to Jersey City, family-friendly events celebrating the New York/New Jersey Harbor will be held starting September 20 in anticipation of National Estuaries Day , Saturday, September 27. Most of the events are free of charge. "The New York/New Jersey Harbor is the nation's most dynamic estuary," said Jane M. Kenny, EPA Regional Administrator. "Where else do estuary waters the nurseries and habitats for thousands of species of fish, birds and mammals surround a highly urban area that over 10 million people call home? EPA is proud of the work we've done, together with our partners, to restore the Harbor estuary, and we urge New Yorkers and New Jerseyans to discover the wonderful ecosystem in their backyard." The events, which include bird counts, eco-cruises, hikes and festivals, are arranged by a diverse group of New York and New Jersey-based non-profit organizations. A full list of harbor events is available on-line at http://www.harborestuary.org. The New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary extends from Westchester County in the north to Monmouth County, New Jersey in the south, east to the Rockaways in Queens. It includes the lower Hudson River, the Bronx and Harlem Rivers, Jamaica Bay, Newark Bay, the Arthur Kill, and the Raritan, Hackensack, Passaic, Navesink, Shrewsbury and Rahway Rivers. The Harbor Estuary Program is a partnership of federal, state and local environmental agencies, scientists and citizens working together to protect and restore the resources of the Harbor Estuary. New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary Events in New Jersey HACKENSACK RIVER DAY September 20 Hackensack, New Jersey 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m Come to Foschini Park to rejoice in the history, recreation and camaraderie of the Hackensack River and the communities that grew up around it. Enjoy canoeing, fishing, musical entertainment, live animals, food, games, crafts, and environmental speakers and displays. For more information: Hackensack Riverkeeper 201-968-0808 PASSAIC RIVER ESTUARY BUS TOUR September 20 Newark, New Jersey 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A bus tour of the Passaic River Estuary, from Newark to Paterson and back again, will highlight the history, industry, scenic areas and natural resources of this important river way and demonstrate how the River is being remediated and restored after many years of neglect. Some stops along the way may include: Diamond-Shamrock remediation site; Joseph Minish Waterfront Park; Mt. Pleasant Cemetery; Branch Brook Park; Dundee Dam; Lambert Castle Museum; Great Falls; Nereid Boat Club; a streamside restoration and proposed park site in Lyndhurst; Riverbank Park. Advance registration required. For more information: Passaic River Coalition, Louisa Lubiak, 908-766-7550 or ELIZABETH ESTUARY DAY 2003 September 20 Elizabeth, New Jersey 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join Future City, Inc. at the Elizabeth Marina for a celebration of our local estuary, the Elizabeth River and the Arthur Kill. Elizabeth Estuary Day will be a family day for multilingual information, education and celebration. Events will include interactive environmental educational opportunities, presentations, environmental boat rides and live underwater videos and pictures performed by the Urban Divers. For more information: (908) 659-0689 Estuaryday2003@yahoo.com ESTUARY ALIVE September 27 Jersey City, New Jersey 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit Liberty State Park for "Estuary Alive," a celebration of the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary. The event will include interpretive walks along the Hudson River Walkway focusing on the ecology of the estuary and cultural history of the area. Fish printing and sea life rubbing craft activities will be available for children. The day's main event will be an Arm-of-the-Sea-Theater production, "At the Turning of the Tide," about the Hudson River Estuary. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to participate in a beach clean-up. For more information: Liberty State Park Interpretive Center, Lori Garth, 201-915-3409. RUTGERS UNIVERSITY MARINE FIELD STATION OPEN HOUSE September 27 Tuckerton, New Jersey 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebrate National Estuaries Day at the annual Open House at the Rutgers University Marine Field Station (RUMFS) in Tuckerton, NJ. Interact with scientists and staff to learn about the history of RUMFS, the scientific research conducted at the station, and how you can use the scientific data to improve your coastal boating, fishing, and fun at the beach! Visitors will also learn about the habitats and programs of the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, which surrounds much of the Mullica River and Great Bay ecosystems, including the area surrounding the Field Station. Tours will begin every half-hour from 10 am - 3 pm. Driving directions can be found at http://marine.rutgers.edu/rumfs/infodirections.htm. The Open House will happen rain or shine. Registration is not required. For more information: (609) 812-0649 EXPLORE YOUR ESTUARY September 28 Sandy Hook, New Jersey 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebrate National Estuaries Day with the Education Program at the NJ Marine Science Consortium. Your family will enjoy a full day of fun and educational activities focused on the beauty, wonder and importance of estuaries. You'll meet marine research scientists and participate in "hands-on" learning experiences. The day is also suitable for 4-H, Scout Groups and other informal groups. Advance reservation required. For more information: Rosemary Higgins, 732-827-1300 ext. 19.