Saturday, August 23: Richard W. DeKorte Park

Meet at 8:30 am in the parking lot by the Meadowlands Environmental Center—canceled in the event of inclement weather

In the Hackensack Meadowlands, DeKorte Park features 3.5 miles of level walking paths along wetlands that can host a variety of birds. At this time of year, shorebirds are migrating, waterfowl and passerines are fueling up for their journey south, and raptors are taking advantage of this mass migratory restlessness. We may walk the hill above the parking lot if passerines are active, then walk the trails around the Shorebird Pool and Lyndhurst Nature Reserve to Saw Mill Flats. If time allows, we’ll drive to the AMVETS Carillon to scan the Teal Pool and surrounding area. 

Bring binoculars and, if you have one, a scope, as well as water and a snack. It is likely to be hot and sunny, so a sunhat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. There is a porta-san in the parking lot where we will meet. 

Map and brochure: s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/njmc/pdfs/general/dekorte-trail-guide-11-2016-lr.pdf

Travel directions from the Montclair area: Take Route 3 east to the Polito Avenue/Orient Way exit. Continue straight onto Polito Avenue.  At the stop sign, turn left onto Valley Brook Avenue. Follow Valley Brook approximately 1.5 miles to its end. Cross the railroad tracks and continue straight into the park. Bear right into the parking lot at the guardhouse.