Lori Charkey of Bergen Save the Watershed Network (SWAN) writes:
Attention River Enthusiasts…

     In fall 2005, a group of scientists, historians, and environmental activists  paddled the length of the Hackensack River from its source in New City, NY south to where it empties into Newark Bay.  Mark Becker, Ray Cywinski (UWNJ) and I were lucky to be amongst this group of adventurers.

     Along the way, many of us were spellbound by the magic of this waterway, especially when we traversed a large marsh off of Lake Tappan known locally as the ’40 Foot Hole.”  Not familiar with this nickname, we dubbed it “The Spatterdock Marsh” after one of the prevailing types of floating, native vegetation.

   Unfortunately, this tranquil spot has become home to a common invasive aquatic species – the water chestnut, Trapa natans (unrelated to the edible Chinese kind).  Of little value to wildlife, this invader forms dense, floating mats that choke off light and oxygen, and crowd out native plants.

      On July 11, if you would like to help us to avoid an infestation of water chestnut in our watershed while getting out on a beautiful stretch of the Hackensack, please contact Bergen SWAN or United Water New Jersey at your soonest convenience! 

     Participation is limited to the first 25 people who register.  Download Water Chestnut Removal for further details!

Thank you,Lori Charkey

     Allendale's Fell House, that stately white mansion just down the street from the Celery Farm parking lot on Franklin turnpike, was recently named one of the state's 10 Most Threatened Historic Sites.

   The designation by Preservation New Jersey is just one more confirmation of what many of us have said all along -- this historic property needs to be saved.

   To celebrate this new honor -- and help raise awareness and more money to save this treasure, the Concerned Citizens of Allendale is having a fund-raiser at the Allendale Bar and Grill on Monday [June 29] from 8 to 11 p.m.
 
   Buy dinner, a snack, a beer,a glass of wine, and part of the proceeds will go to the Concerned Citizens of Allendale, a non-profit grassroots group.  Find out more about why the house is so valuable historically and why the property is so valuable environmentally. Or just relax and talk about nature, summer and the upcoming long Fourth of July weekend.

  Thank you, Allendale Bar & Grill.

  Common Blue 

    Chris Archer, a friend of this blog from England, sent a few shots to show that he's got some pretty awesome butterflies and such across the Atlantic.

   Unbelievable factoid of the day: Butterflies in England are called "Crisps."

   Thanks, Chris!

 
   Click "Continue  reading..." to see more of Chris' shots.

  I tried taking a bat survey for the state's non-game species division last night in my backyard. A light rain was falling when I started.
  After 20 minutes -- by the time I was halfway through -- the rain was coming down so hard that I had to give up for the night without seeing a single bat (or a married one, for that matter).
   I will try again tonight and post my numbers. Because of the White-Nose Syndrome, these counts are more important than ever.
    Link to earlier post about bat surveys is here.

      What plant is this, seen growing around the CF?

      More Monday Morning Mysteries are here.