Calendar
If you are not receiving e-mail reminders for these events it means that we do not have a current e-mail address. If you'd like to receive reminders and occasional "Musky News Briefs" please contact me at beth@musconetcong.org
The River Resource Center is located at 10 Maple Avenue Asbury, NJ 08802
2013 Events
Weekdays - Native Plant Sale at the River Resource Center 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - all plants $5.00
Purchase beautiful native species that will provide lasting enjoyment and will also save you money, water and time. Native plants provide food and habitat for our wildlife and are economical for the homeowner since they do not require fertilizers or pesticides. They are adapted to our local conditions and can withstand our summer droughts and harsh winters. By planting natives, you will provide food and shelter and will help ensure the survival of the wildlife that depend upon them. River Resource Center, 10 Maple Avenue, Asbury, NJ. 08802
Saturday, May 18th - Morning Hike/Bird Walk at Point Mountain Reserve 8:00 am
Join us at Point Mountain for a morning hike and birding expedition with lifelong birding enthusiast, Brian Butler. Mr. Butler is a teacher at Washington's Memorial School, and has been a teacher-advisor for the school's "Memorial Birders" and "Memorial Garden Club" for over 15 years. He also conducts the local annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count and assists the official hawk counter at Raccoon Ridge on the Appalachian Trail. He is a member of the Hawk Migration Association of North America, New Jersey Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy and the Musconetcong Watershed Association. Hikers will be sauntering along the valley floor and fields adjacent to the Musconetcong River. Although these hikes are subject to the whims of the birds, the weather and those who choose to participate, we expect that it will last (more or less) two hours though anyone can easily curtail or extend the experience if they wish. We will be meeting in the parking lot on Point Mountain Road, approximately one half mile from Route 57at 8AM. I look forward to seeing you as well as the birds. MWA members are free, nonmembers are asked to donate $3 per person with an $6 family maximum. Bring a snack, water and binoculars if you'd like. For information, registration, and as point of contact on the day of the activity, contact Tomas Gonzales (908) 328-3875, gonzales.tomas1@gmail.com
Sunday, May 19th - Work Day at the River Resource Center 9:00 - 3:00
Come whenever you can - stay as long as you like! We have a few tasks to do to keep things shipshape outdoors at the MWA's River Resource Center. Come prepared to pitch in with a little weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, or invasive removal. No previous experience needed! All ages are welcome! Email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call (908) 537-7060 to volunteer.
Wednesday, July 10th, Point Mountain "Meet the River" 10:00 am - 12 pm
Stop by and get your feet wet! This program allows children to come down to the river's edge and splash around in the water. We'll turn over some rocks and maybe we'll be lucky enough to catch a frog! You'll need to wear water shoes, old sneakers or sandals with a strap on back. No bare feet and no flip-flops please! Parents must be present but do not need to get their feet wet - there will be plenty of volunteers on hand. Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for details. MWA members free, Non-members will be charged a $4 donation per child ($10 limit per family.)
Saturday, July 13th, Point Mountain "Meet the River" 10:00 am - 12 pm
Stop by and get your feet wet! This program allows children to come down to the river's edge and splash around in the water. We'll turn over some rocks and maybe we'll be lucky enough to catch a frog! You'll need to wear water shoes, old sneakers or sandals with a strap on back. No bare feet and no flip-flops please! Parents must be present but do not need to get their feet wet - there will be plenty of volunteers on hand. Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for details. MWA members free, Non-members will be charged a $4 donation per child ($10 limit per family.)
Saturday, July 27th, Byram "Meet the River" 10:00 am - 12 pm
Stop by and get your feet wet! This program allows children to come down to the river's edge and splash around in the water. We'll turn over some rocks and maybe we'll be lucky enough to catch a frog! You'll need to wear water shoes, old sneakers or sandals with a strap on back. No bare feet and no flip-flops please! Parents must be present but do not need to get their feet wet - there will be plenty of volunteers on hand. Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for details. MWA members free, Non-members will be charged a $4 donation per child ($10 limit per family.)
Saturday, August 3rd, Bloomsbury "Meet the River" 10:00 am - 12 pm
Stop by and get your feet wet! This program allows children to come down to the river's edge and splash around in the water. We'll turn over some rocks and maybe we'll be lucky enough to catch a frog! You'll need to wear water shoes, old sneakers or sandals with a strap on back. No bare feet and no flip-flops please! Parents must be present but do not need to get their feet wet - there will be plenty of volunteers on hand. Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for details. MWA members free, Non-members will be charged a $4 donation per child ($10 limit per family.)
Wednesday, August 7th, Bloomsbury "Meet the River" 10:00am - 12 pm
Stop by and get your feet wet! This program allows children to come down to the river's edge and splash around in the water. We'll turn over some rocks and maybe we'll be lucky enough to catch a frog! You'll need to wear water shoes, old sneakers or sandals with a strap on back. No bare feet and no flip-flops please! Parents must be present but do not need to get their feet wet - there will be plenty of volunteers on hand. Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for details. MWA members free, Non-members will be charged a $4 donation per child ($10 limit per family.)
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Completed Events - 2012
Saturday, January 14th, 10-11:30 a.m. Saxton Falls River Trail Hike
Join us for this easy flat hike that is perfect for young children, families and those ready to come out of hibernation. We'll search for animal tracks and homes as we explore a trail that runs right water, it's a great place for viewing birds that live in or hunt along the Musconetcong River. The remnants of the Morris Canal can be seen alongside the Musconetcong River. We will meet in the small parking lot at Saxon Falls which appears on the right, approx 1 mile past Stephen State Park heading east on Rte 604, also know as Willow Grove Street. MWA members are free, nonmembers are asked to donate $3 per person with an $8 family maximum. Bring a snack, water and binoculars if you'd like. All are welcome.
Tuesday, October 9th, MWA "River Talk" Series - "Discover Fly Fishing" 7:00 - 9:30pm
Have you ever wanted to cast a fly line, but didn't know how to? Have you ever wanted to tie a fishing fly, but didn't have anyone to show you? Or, have you ever wanted to catch a trout, but didn't know where to find them? Come join us for a night about fly fishing at the Musconetcong Watershed's Resource Center, 10 Maple Avenue, Asbury, NJ. On hand that night will be several of Northern Jersey's most knowledgeable instructors to work with anglers of all levels. Light refreshments will be served. The MWA will provide all tying materials and tying equipment. This program is free and open to the public, donations are always welcome. For more information or to register email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call 908-537-7060.
Saturday, October 13th, Paddle - Exploring the Headwaters of the Musconetcong 10:00 - 1:00 pm
The Musconetcong Watershed Association will run a paddling trip on Lake Hopatcong. Paddlers will depart from the MarineMax Marina (134 Espanong Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849) on the northeast shore of Lake Hopatcong. The group will explore the Venice Section of the lake which is a series of canals running from Lake Hopatcong up to Lake Shawnee and the northern reaches of the Musconetcong Watershed. Until the 1940's this area was known as Hurd Brook, but in the 1950's a series of canals were dug with residences constructed along the shore lines. In addition, there is a large tract of undeveloped area along the canals that is home to a number of species of wildlife, including bears, beaver, otters, marine life, amphibians and birds. This will be an approximately two hour tour perfect for all levels of paddlers. Relax and enjoy Lake Hopatcong in autumn. Participants must supply their own boat and wear a life jacket. Come prepared with drinking water a waterproofed lunch or snack and binoculars. Participants must sign a liability release. Space is limited so e-mail to reserve a spot today. Donation is $15 for non-members and $10 for MWA members. To register or for more information, email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call 908-537-7060.
Saturday, October 27th, Hiking Lubbers Run Preserve 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
The Musconetcong Watershed Association will lead a hike on the New Jersey Lands Trust Lubbers Run Preserve on Saturday October 27 at 10:00 a.m. This preserve is named for the largest tributary to the Musconetcong River, Lubbers Run, which wanders through the preserve. The 90-acre property surrounds wetlands, twists and turns of Lubbers Run, waterfowl and wading birds and at this time of year the fall foliage is spectacular. The trails will be flat and paved in some areas. This is a good hike for families with young children. MWA members are asked to donate $3, nonmembers $5, maximum $10 per family. Call (908) 537 7060 or email adrienne@musconetcong.org for details, directions or to register. Meeting Place is the Byram Township School located at 11 Mansfield Drive Stanhope, NJ.
POSTPONED - Sunday, November 4th, Paddling Historic Saxton Lake on the Musconetcong River 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Musconetcong Watershed Association is hosting a fall paddling event Sunday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. The trip will take place on historic Saxton Lake on the Musconetcong River in Allamuchy Township, New Jersey. Paddlers will depart from Saxton Falls, right next to Morris Canal - Lock 5 West located on Waterloo Road in Byram Township. Former MWA Executive Director, John Brunner, will be leading the group and share his experiences on the river in this area. MWA Trustee Emeritus and New Jersey Canal Society member, Chuck Gullage, will brief the group on Morris Canal history and thesignificance of Saxton Falls. Paddlers will also explore the lagoons and the Morris Canal towpath islands along the Saxton Lake shoreline. Participants must supply their own boat and wear a life jacket. Paddlers should come prepared with drinking water a waterproofed lunch or snack and binoculars. Participants must sign a liability release. All plans are subject to weather conditions. All paddlers should dress warmly and avoid wearing cotton clothing. Space is limited so e-mail to reserve a spot today. Donation is $15 for non-members and $10 for MWA members. Meeting Location and driving directions will be sent to registered participants.
Saturday, November 17th, Volunteers needed - Work Day on the riparian buffer in Finesville - 10am-12pm
Volunteers will be performing maintenance tasks on the riparian buffer at the Finesville dam removal site. This planting was installed as part of the post-removal restoration. Gloves, water and snacks will be supplied. Small gardening clippers would be helpful but not necessary. No previous experience needed. This workday is being organized by Americorps Ambassador Blaire Langston for more information or to register please call 908-537-7060 or email ambassador@musconetcong.org.
Saturday, November 24th, - Hike at Point Mountain 10:00am - 12:00pm(ish)
Each year MWA members and others set aside the Saturday after Thanksgiving to burn off those extra calories by hiking the trail at the Point Mountain Reserve. Hikers will use the Ridge Trail which cuts through the forests and a mountain stream. A scenic overlook is along this trail and provides a view of distant mountains and farmland in Warren County. The trail is diverse and challenging at times and includes a steep and rocky incline. MWA members are free, nonmembers are asked to donate $3 per person with an $8 family maximum. Bring a snack, water and binoculars if you'd like. All are welcome, novice and expert alike. The meeting place for this hike is the gravel parking lot on Point Mountain Road approximately 0.3 miles from Route 57. Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for details or to register.
Saturday, December 1st - Volunteers needed - Musconetcong Watershed Association Trail Day - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Volunteers will be removing invasive multiflora rose from the trail adjacent to the Musconetcong Watershed Association. Learn about about invasive species in New Jersey and identification. Join us for the whole time or stay for a few hours. Please RSVP! For more information or to register contact: Blaire Langston, ambassador@musconetcong.org, 908-537-7060 RAIN DATE: Sunday, December 2nd. For a printed flyer use this link.
Sunday, January 13th, MWA Members Annual Holiday Party, 3:00pm-7:00pm
Email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call (908) 537-7060 for information.
Saturday, January 5th and 26th, Help with the Restoration of the Asbury Mill- Volunteers needed 10:00am - 3:00pm
The Musconetcong Watershed Association is in the process of preserving the Historic Asbury Mill and would like to make this cultural resource accessible to the public for tours during the restoration process. We will be cleaning the interior of the mill as we move forward with the work on the exterior. If you would like to help out, show up with warm clothing and work gloves at the mill along the river on Main St in Asbury. Please respond to Bill Leavens at bill.leavens@gmail.com or 908-892-0400
Saturday, February 2nd - Mill Cleanup Day - Round Two 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
We will continue cleaning the first floor and also begin cleaning the basement where all of the mill machinery is located. Please bring, brooms, dust pans with brush and shovels. We will supply face masks. coffee and donuts. Plan to get dirty. The graphite is messy, but washes off easily with soap and water. Volunteers who want to help should contact Bill Leavens at bill.leavens@gmail.com or (908) 892-0400.
Saturday, February 9th - Morning Hike/Bird Walk at Merrill Creek Reservoir 8:00 am
Join us at Merrill Creek for a morning hike with lifelong birding enthusiast, Brian Butler. Mr. Butler is a teacher at Washington's Memorial School, and has been a teacher-advisor for the school's "Memorial Birders" and "Memorial Garden Club" for over 15 years. He also conducts the local annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count and assists the official hawk counter at Raccoon Ridge on the Appalachian Trail. He is a member of the Hawk Migration Association of North America, New Jersey Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy and the Musconetcong Watershed Association. All are welcome, novice and expert alike. Please bring a water bottle and binoculars if you have them. We will meet at the Merrill Creek Visitors Center at 8:00. MWA members are free, all others are asked to make a $3 donation for a maximum donation of $6 per family. For information, registration, and as point of contact on the day of the activity, contact Tomas Gonzales (908) 328-3875, gonzales.tomas1@gmail.com. Directions to Merrill Creek can be found at www.merrillcreek.com/ directions.
Tuesday, February 12th - MWA "River Talk" Series - " HOW TO ENJOY (AND SURVIVE) COLD WATER PADDLING " 7:00 - 9:30 pm
Experienced paddlers view March and November as "prime time" because water levels are often optimal and air temperatures typically aren't extremely cold. Indeed the Musconetcong River can provide an extra-beautiful paddling experience with snow still on the ground and temperatures climbing up into the fifties.
Join John Brunner, Mid-Atlantic Recreation Planner for the Appalachian Mountain Club (and former MWA Executive Director) at the River Resource Center for a discussion of what you need to know about cold water and how to be properly prepared for experiencing the joys of spring, fall and even winter paddling, while minimizing the risks to yourself and your paddling partners. What to wear? Where to paddle? What to plan for? We'll cover all the bases and plan for a few early spring river trips. 1st Paddle -March 9 (rain date March 10), 2nd Paddle - March 30 (rain date March 31). See details for these trips below in their proper place on the calendar. Suggested donation of $5.00 per person for this River Talk. Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for more information or to register.
Friday, February 22nd, Hawk Pointe Dinner - Past, Present, Future...The Asbury Mill 6:30 pm
The Musconetcong Watershed Association will host dinner at Hawk Pointe Golf Club, 294 Route 31, Washington, New Jersey 07882. Presentations on the History and Restoration Plans for the Asbury Mill will be given by Stephen A. Riddle, Chief Executive Officer, Asbury Carbons and Chuck Gullage, MWA Mill Project Manager. Donation of $50.00 per person. All proceeds from this event will go to the restoration project of the Asbury Mill. Registration is closed. Thank you!
MWA is housing an AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador that is responsible for all of NJ DEP Watershed Management Area 1. We are pleased to help promote one of her upcoming projects.
Sunday February 24, 2013 10:00 am Come clean up your local community!
Where: Meet behind the abandoned ShopRite at 384 New Jersey 57, Washington, New Jersey 07882. Rain or shine dress appropriate! Will cancel if it snows. Clean up supplies provided; please bring water in reusable bottle Contact Blaire Langston, New Jersey Watershed Ambassador at the Musconetcong Watershed Association to RSVP ambassador@musconetcong.org 908-570-7060
Tuesday, March 5th - MWA "River Talk" Series "Drinking Water Supply and Water Quality in the Watershed" 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Our speaker Bruce Smith, Executive Director of the Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority, will address drinking water supply and water quality in the watershed. Many people in the watershed get their drinking water from private wells. But many people in the Musconetcong Watershed are drinking water supplied by a water company, public utility or municipal well. We'll talk about the availability of water and the quality. Do we have enough? Does it have to be treated before it is sent to residents? Bring your questions! This program is free and open to the public, donations are always welcome. For more information or to register email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call 908-537-7060.
Saturday, March 9th (rain date March 10), Paddle - Musconetcong River Trip 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
We'll paddle short 5-mile stretch of the river from Hampton Borough Park to Wolverton Bridge. This is one of easier paddling stretches of the river but experience in moving water is recommended. Paddlers must supply their own equipment, and be properly dressed and prepared for cold water paddling. Wet weather and/or extreme cold will cancel (see rain date). Pre-registration required. Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for details.
Saturday, March 23rd, MWA Dam Removal and Restoration Project Monitoring training 9am-3pm
The Dam Removal and Restoration Monitoring projects require more advanced training; we are looking for adventurous people who are comfortable working in and around streams. We will be collecting organisms, making measurements, and doing some water chemistry at three dam removal/ restoration sites along the river. The training will take place in room 216 at Warren County Community College and will include streamside work. Please call the MWA at 908-537-7060 or email the River Watcher Coordinator at nancy@musconetcong.org to reserve your seat and for more details on what to bring.
Saturday, March 30th (rain date March 31), Paddle - Musconetcong River Trip 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location and length of this trip to be determined but we will choose a slightly longer and more challenging stretch of the Musconetcong River than the March 9 event. Experience with moving water required and participants must be properly dressed and prepared for cold water paddling. Pre-registration required.Call (908) 537-7060 or e-mail adrienne@musconetcong.org for details.
Saturday, April 6th, River Watcher training 9am-3pm
The River Watchers monitor four stream locations, four times per year, measuring basic water chemistry: dissolved oxygen, nitrogen and the acidity of the water, and collect some of the aquatic animals that live in freshwater streams. This program is a great way to learn about the river and protect it. The River Watcher field and lab training will be held in room 216 at Warren County Community College. The field training will be held streamside. Please call the MWA at 908-537-7060 or email nancy@musconetcong.org to reserve your seat and for more details on what to bring.
Tuesday, April 9th, MWA "River Talk" Series - "FERNS YOU CAN GROW" 7:00 - 8:30 pm
John DeMarrais is a noted Master Gardener and naturalist with an extensive knowledge of ferns. Enjoy photos of many fern species both in the wild and in gardens, and obtain information for growing ferns on your property. Many of these ferns will be available at the MWA's Native Plant Sale at the River Resource Center on April 27th. Email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call (908) 537-7060 for information.
Saturday, April 13th - Annual Spring Clean Up 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
21st Annual MWA Spring Clean Up Come out and help at the Annual Spring Clean Up. Each year we count on MWA members, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Trout Unlimited members, local citizens and kids from environmental clubs to help us pull tons of trash from local roadsides and stream banks. Afterwards participants gather at noon at the MWA's River Resource Center in Asbury for hot dogs and sodas. Email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call (908) 537-7060 for information.
Wednesday, April 17th - Camp Musky Open House 6:30-8:00 pm
Walk in any time between 6:30 - 8:00 at the RRC to register or to pick up information about our Camp Musky programs. Information and forms can be found online at www.musconetcong.org .We will be offering "mini" Nature walks all evening between those times. Email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call (908) 537-7060 for information.
Saturday, April 27th - Early Morning Bird Walk at the River Resource Center 8:00 am
Join us at the River Resource Center for a morning walk with lifelong birding enthusiast, Brian Butler. Mr. Butler is a teacher at Washington's Memorial School, and has been a teacher-advisor for the school's "Memorial Birders" and "Memorial Garden Club" for over 15 years. He also conducts the local annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count and assists the official hawk counter at Raccoon Ridge on the Appalachian Trail. He is a member of the Hawk Migration Association of North America, New Jersey Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy and the Musconetcong Watershed Association. This walk will be an easy hike of no more than an hour's duration prior to the start of the MWA Native Plant Sale. The River Resource Center is located at 10 Maple Avenue, Asbury, NJ. For information, registration, and as point of contact on the day of the activity, contact Tomas Gonzales (908) 328-3875, gonzales.tomas1@gmail.com
Sunday, May 5th - Run for the River (online registration now open)
The 13th Annual MWA Run/Walk for the River -Join us for our usual 4mile Run/Walk with a day full of new and exciting activities. Register early to take advantage of pre-registration discounts. All participants are eligible for great drawing prizes drawing after the run. Email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call (908) 537-7060 for information.
Tuesday, May 14th - MWA "River Talk" Series - "PERENNIALS IN GARDEN DESIGN" 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Master Gardener Connie Kallas will give examples and discuss how the main influences on your garden should be your personal and/or financial constraints, plus site considerations. He will give pointers on design components such as color schemes, paths, focal points, etc. He'll help you design beds for all the great native plants you'll be buying at our Native Plant Sale. Email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call (908) 537-7060 for information.
Wednesday, May 15th - Camp Musky Open House 6:30-8:00 pm
Walk in any time between 6:30 - 8:00 at the RRC to register or to pick up information about our Camp Musky programs. Information and forms can be found online at www.musconetcong.org .We will be offering "mini" Nature walks all evening between those times. Email adrienne@musconetcong.org or call (908) 537-7060 for information.