Wanted to give everyone a head's up that the Borough of Allendale is closing the Celery Farm Natural Area until further notice.

The trails are just too narrow too much of the time for people to keep a safe distance in this age of social distancing.

Trying to put signs up at all the entrances as soon as possible.

THE CELERY FARM IS CLOSED

In conjunction with the closing of the County parks and for the safety and well-being of the residents of Allendale and all guests, the preserve, including all footpaths and observation platforms, will remain closed to the public until further notice.

We thank you for your understanding during this uncertain time. Updates can be found on the Borough’s website at:

www.allendalenj.gov

The Fyke Summer Newsletter has arrived digitally, and it's packed with news, dates, and features.

A big thank you to Carol Flanagan for putting it together.

Lots of great stuff,  including a couple of articles by Judy Cinquina, plus a perfect dab of color here and there.

You can download it here:

Download 2020-2_Fyke_Newsletter_Summer_2020

Took this at Wave Hill but I think it's in a few spots in the CF, too. What is it?

Hiked to the summit of High Mountain this week, hoping for an unpolluted view of the Manhattan skyline.

Smoggy, alas, but the hike to the top was great -- including a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Eastern Phoebes, a Red-tail and our first Mourning Cloaks of the year, as Gaby Schmitt had predicted.

We also heard either several Blue Jays or Wild Turduckens, and may have found a Wild Turducken egg.

Went to the NJ Botanical Garden in Ringwood earlier this week. Great place, and wide-open spaces.

Bluebirds, too!

Highly recommended.