Celebrate National Trails Day at Apshawa

WEST MILFORD — On June 2, beginning at 10 a.m., enjoy a guided hike with naturalists at Apshawa Preserve, a 576-acre tract, open to the public since 2002. Passaic County has owned the 501-acre Apshawa tract since 1973, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation preserved 75 acres of adjacent land, and now manages the entire preserve. With the assistance of dedicated volunteers and funding through the National Recreational Trails Program, NJCF has created a 6.8-mile trail system, and has developed a parking area and trail map to facilitate the public’s use of the property. NJCF has also developed a preserve management plan and organized volunteers to clean up trash and assist with other stewardship activities. The Apshawa Preserve contains some of the state’s finest intact northern hardwood forest. It is home to a great diversity of wildlife including red-shouldered hawk, barred owl, and northern species such as yellow-bellied sapsuckers. Exploring the preserve’s beautiful lakeshore, visitors may find wood ducks or flocks of migrating songbirds. The preserve offers visitors a near-wilderness experience in close proximity to suburban New Jersey. Choose from one of three walks: • Easy walk n appropriate for families with young children. • Moderate walk n bring your own lunch and enjoy scenic views of the reservoir. • Long hike n bring your own lunch and extra water and enjoy the rigorous and scenic terrain of the preserve. Hiking boots are necessary for the moderate and long hikes. This event will take place rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. The Apshawa Preserve parking area is located in West Milford just off of Macopin Road on Northwood Road. For detailed directions/meeting spot and more information, contact Lauren Ramos at 908-234-1225 x102 or lauren@njconservation.org. New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organization that relies on private philanthropic support. Through acquisition and stewardship, the organization protects strategic lands, promotes strong land use policies, and forges partnerships to achieve conservation goals. Since 1960, it has protected over 100,000 acres of open space n from the Highlands to the Pine Barrens to the Delaware Bayshore, permanently protecting forests, farmland and natural resources, all vital to New Jersey’s future. For more information on saving New Jersey’s precious natural areas and natural resources, contact the New Jersey Conservation Foundation at 1-888-LAND-SAVE (1-888-526-3728) or online at www.njconservation.org.