Eco-cruise through N.J. this summer
School's out for the summer to the joy of kids everywhere. But learning doesn't have to stop with classes, and a summer eco-cruise is a fun way to discover nature while keeping cool.

Eco-cruises blend the pleasure of a boat trip around New Jersey's rivers, bays and lakes with knowledge about the natural world. And summer is the perfect time to take advantage.

The New York/New Jersey Baykeeper, for example, offers three unique eco-cruises this summer, each led by BaykeeperDebbie Mans.

On the June 22 "Round Staten Island Tour" see the changing face of New Jersey's urban waterfront as it can only be viewed from the water. The cruise features Staten Island, the Arthur Kill, Kill Van Kull, the ShipGraveyard andNew York City bridges.

On the July 27 "Navesink River Tour" see one of the East Coast's most scenic rivers, the Navesink, at high tide and get an opportunity to see New Jersey's maritime heritage with picturesque Jersey Shore towns, pristine salt marshes and sedge islands, forest covered bluffs and a wide variety of boats.

On the August 24 "Lighthouse Tour," a favorite cruise for many, see historic lighthouses of the lower New York Harbor, most of which can only be seen by boat. A relaxing sail on Raritan Bay is also a great opportunity for birding.

The Baykeeper's eco-cruises begin at 3:30 p.m., and they all board in Keyport, Monmouth County, where the organization is headquartered. Passengers are welcome to bring their own refreshments on board. Tickets are $40, and may be reserved by calling 732-888-9870 ext. 6, or online a t www.nynjbaykeeper.org/news/143. Space is limited so don't wait.

In northern New Jersey the Hackensack Riverkeeper offers eco-cruises running from now through October on the tidal Hackensack River and through the beautiful marshes of the Meadowlands. The riverkeeper, Captain Bill Sheehan, said he began the eco-cruises as an environmental advocacy tool but found that they appealed strongly to youngsters and school groups.

"Not only does it have an advocacy edge to it, but it has a solid footing in environmental education," he commented.

Depending on the tides and time of day, Hackensack Riverkeeper cruisers might visit Bellman's Creek, Chromakill Creek, the Mill Creek Marsh, Kingsland Creek, or Berry's Creek, or even Newark Bay. Every trip includes the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area, known as "The Jewel of the Meadowlands" for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities for shorebirds, herons, raptors, muskrats and more.

Hackensack Riverkeeper offers both charter and open ecocruises. Open cruises for individuals and families operate on a set schedule, and passengers are asked to make a $25 donation per adult ($10 for kids ages 4-12). Charter cruises are available for larger groups, and may be booked for any date or time from May through October based upon availability.

For more information (including a schedule) or to reserve seats, please see their Web site at www.hackensackriverkeeper.org or call 201-968-0808.

Those looking to add fitness to fun and factsmight consider canoe and kayak tours in the rivers of the Pine Barrens. See events at www.pineypower.com.

The Hackensack Riverkeeper also has a fleet of canoes and kayaks available for guided tours and rentals. Summer paddling is a great way to enjoy nature in the hidden parts of this beautiful state we're in.

Happy cruising, and I hope you'll contact me at info@njconservation.org, or visit New Jersey Conservation Foundation's Web site at www.njconservation.org, for more information about conserving New Jersey's precious land and natural resources.
Michele S. Byers
New Jersey Conservation
Foundation