This FREE six-week woodworking class for women ages 13+ will take place on Saturdays at the Community Boat House in downtown New Brunswick from 11am-12:30pm starting Saturday April 17 and running to Saturday May 22. Participants will learn several aspects of woodworking, including: preparing and laminating wood for construction; transferring the pattern and cutting the shape; shaping the shaft, grip and blade; sanding; and applying the finish. At the end of the session, participants will have a paddle to take home! Please do not sign up if you cannot commit to attending all class sessions. Registration is limited to six (6) participants. Contact hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.org to register. First come, first served.
Instructors for this session are Amber Hennes and Sarah Tomasello. Amber gained skills in woodworking through her work in theater design and scenic fabrication across the US. Sarah has taken classes in woodworking, and has been part of our community boat shop boat build since project inception.
This FREE six-week woodworking class for women ages 13+ will take place on Saturdays at the Community Boat House in downtown New Brunswick from 11am-12:30pm starting Saturday April 17 and running to Saturday May 22. Participants will learn several aspects of woodworking, including: preparing and laminating wood for construction; transferring the pattern and cutting the shape; shaping the shaft, grip and blade; sanding; and applying the finish. At the end of the session, participants will have a paddle to take home! Please do not sign up if you cannot commit to attending all class sessions. Registration is limited to six (6) participants. Contact hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.org to register. First come, first served.
Instructors for this session are Amber Hennes and Sarah Tomasello. Amber gained skills in woodworking through her work in theater design and scenic fabrication across the US. Sarah has taken classes in woodworking, and has been part of our community boat shop boat build since project inception.
This FREE six-week woodworking class for women ages 13+ will take place on Saturdays at the Community Boat House in downtown New Brunswick from 11am-12:30pm starting Saturday April 17 and running to Saturday May 22. Participants will learn several aspects of woodworking, including: preparing and laminating wood for construction; transferring the pattern and cutting the shape; shaping the shaft, grip and blade; sanding; and applying the finish. At the end of the session, participants will have a paddle to take home! Please do not sign up if you cannot commit to attending all class sessions. Registration is limited to six (6) participants. Contact hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.org to register. First come, first served.
Instructors for this session are Amber Hennes and Sarah Tomasello. Amber gained skills in woodworking through her work in theater design and scenic fabrication across the US. Sarah has taken classes in woodworking, and has been part of our community boat shop boat build since project inception.
This FREE six-week woodworking class for women ages 13+ will take place on Saturdays at the Community Boat House in downtown New Brunswick from 11am-12:30pm starting Saturday April 17 and running to Saturday May 22. Participants will learn several aspects of woodworking, including: preparing and laminating wood for construction; transferring the pattern and cutting the shape; shaping the shaft, grip and blade; sanding; and applying the finish. At the end of the session, participants will have a paddle to take home! Please do not sign up if you cannot commit to attending all class sessions. Registration is limited to six (6) participants. Contact hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.org to register. First come, first served.
Instructors for this session are Amber Hennes and Sarah Tomasello. Amber gained skills in woodworking through her work in theater design and scenic fabrication across the US. Sarah has taken classes in woodworking, and has been part of our community boat shop boat build since project inception.
This FREE six-week woodworking class for women ages 13+ will take place on Saturdays at the Community Boat House in downtown New Brunswick from 11am-12:30pm starting Saturday April 17 and running to Saturday May 22. Participants will learn several aspects of woodworking, including: preparing and laminating wood for construction; transferring the pattern and cutting the shape; shaping the shaft, grip and blade; sanding; and applying the finish. At the end of the session, participants will have a paddle to take home! Please do not sign up if you cannot commit to attending all class sessions. Registration is limited to six (6) participants. Contact hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.org to register. First come, first served.
Instructors for this session are Amber Hennes and Sarah Tomasello. Amber gained skills in woodworking through her work in theater design and scenic fabrication across the US. Sarah has taken classes in woodworking, and has been part of our community boat shop boat build since project inception.
This FREE six-week woodworking class for women ages 13+ will take place at the Community Boat Shop downtown New Brunswick on Saturdays from 11am-12:30pm starting Saturday April 17 and running to Saturday May 22. Participants will learn several aspects of woodworking, including: preparing and laminating wood for construction; transferring the pattern and cutting the shape; shaping the shaft, grip and blade; sanding; and applying the finish. At the end of the session, participants will have a paddle to take home! Please do not sign up if you cannot commit to attending all class sessions. Registration is limited to six (6) participants. First come, first served.
Instructors for this session are Amber Hennes and Sarah Tomasello. Amber gained skills in woodworking through her work in theater design and scenic fabrication across the US. Sarah has taken classes in woodworking, and has been part of our community boat shop boat build since project inception.
Class sessions (registration for the April 17th session will enroll you in the rest of the series):
April 17
April 24
May 1
May 8
May 15
May 22
For more on the Community Boat Build. Many thanks to US Merchant Marine Naval Academy Crew Coach Derek Hartwick for project guidance.
Hello! My name is Stacey Nunda and I am a fourth-year student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. I’m majoring in Environmental Planning with a minor in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior. My hope is to continue my learning at Rutgers and pursue a Masters in City and Regional Planning next spring at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.
Outside of school, I am currently a commissioner on both the New Brunswick Parks and Gardens and Environmental Commission. When I am not engaged in school-related or community-based activities, I enjoy hiking, axe throwing, and archery. Any opportunity to get into the outdoors is what generally peaks my interest!
Through my internship with the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, I am hoping to further my education and understanding of the existing ecosystems in the surrounding area, as well as take opportunities to engage with the community in a safe way during these trying times.
Are you interested in launching a career in environmental stewardship, including community resilience, community engagement, and regional land management? The LRWP is hiring for a Community Resilience Fellow to help us shepherd the high profile NJDEP-funded #ResilientNJ Project for the Lower Raritan and Middlesex County Communities. The LRWP Community Resilience Fellow will work with us in our communities to advance environmental restoration, create a clear vision and roadmap for flood risk reduction and resilience approaches, and help affected Lower Raritan communities survive and thrive given current conditions and climate-related changes to come.
ABOUT THE LRWP COMMUNITY RESILIENCE FELLOWSHIP: Through this part time (20 hours/week) position, the LRWP Community Resilience Fellow will work closely with the LRWP board, state and local partners, and municipalities to advance resilience and reduce flooding impacts in areas that face increasing threats related to sea level rise, coastal inundation and stormwater runoff.
The Fellowship is partially supported with funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the high profile “Resilient Raritan River and Bay for Middlesex County Communities” #ResilientNJ Project. #ResilientNJ will lead to environmental restoration, create a clear vision and roadmap for flood risk reduction and resilience approaches developed through collaboration with numerous stakeholders, and will help affected Lower Raritan communities survive and thrive given current conditions and climate-related changes to come. The LRWP Community Resilience Fellow will coordinate significant aspects of #ResilientNJ for the Lower Raritan, building knowledge and collaborative relationships among state, County, and local officials and staff, practitioners, scientists, NGOs and outreach specialists to reduce flooding impacts in the Lower Raritan Watershed. The LRWP Community Resilience Fellow will also help conceive, develop and deliver technical assistance to Lower Raritan communities working to implement federally-mandated stormwater management plans.
This competitive one-year part time fellowship is open to highly motivated individuals with, at a minimum, a Bachelor’s from a degree program in environmental science or related subjects. Individuals with advanced degrees will be prioritized in hiring processes. This fellowship will provide a well-rounded learning experience and help prepare the Fellow for careers in resilience, community engagement, and regional land management. The LRWP especially welcomes applications from individuals who would consider possible full time employment with us at the end of their fellowship year.
The expected hourly compensation for this role is $25/hour. Given current conditions we expect much of the work to be conducted remotely. However, the Fellow will be expected to be able to travel throughout the Lower Raritan Watershed, connecting most specifically with the Sayreville, South River, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy and Old Bridge communities. We are looking to fill this position immediately.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Lower Raritan Watershed Resilience Fellow will work closely with the LRWP Board, Middlesex County Planning Office, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Resilience Team, partner municipalities, and natural resources professionals.
Tasks will include, but are not limited to:
Frequently meet and work with #ResilientNJ partners.
Support development of a Community of Practice for the Lower Raritan Watershed to share knowledge and build collaborative relationships to develop watershed-based solutions collectively with a resiliency focus.
Assist with needs assessment with partners to help identify the primary resilience issues that local communities are facing and their desired goals.
Work with municipal partners and others to complete assessments to help identify hazards and opportunities to increase community resilience.
Aid in articulating the vision, goals, and near-term actions for building community capacity and resilience to address flooding and water quality issues within the Lower Raritan Watershed.
Support partners and communities as they develop scientific tools necessary to inform decision-making around climate change, flooding and resilience issues.
ABOUT THE LRWP COMMUNITY RESILIENCE FELLOW: The LRWP seeks a Fellow who shares our commitment to inclusive and equitable engagement to create social, environmental, and economic benefits and bring value to all who will share in the region’s future. We seek a Fellow who brings big picture “watershed” thinking to advance solutions created in the context of the entire Raritan River watershed. We expect the LRWP Community Resilience Fellow to be:
A motivated self-starter able to work independently and exercise independent judgment to guide program development, communicating as needed with the LRWP Board President.
Able to make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments.
A good record keeper, able to keep meeting records, including records of stakeholder involvement, in an organized manner.
A team player, willing to engage in a wide variety of additional programs or tasks related to the LRWP’s mission, possibly including general environmental education and community outreach.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in environmental policy or an environmental science-related field and 1-year experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience building relationships utilizing interpersonal and communication skills
Experience working with common software applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, web browsers)
Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment
Excellent verbal and communication skills
Excellent time management skills
Valid driver’s license
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in public or environmental policy and or environmental and sustainability studies, water resources management, coastal and marine science, social sciences, or a related discipline.
Experience working in group settings with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners.
Experience coordinating a diverse group of stakeholders.
Experience with GIS software and data to create maps.
Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.
ABOUT THE LOWER RARITAN WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP: Founded in 2015, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership (LRWP) is a central New Jersey based watershed management non-profit dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring the lands and waters of the Lower Raritan Watershed. Guided by science, and in active partnership with residents of our watershed community, we create on-the-ground solutions to local environmental challenges. Current challenges include restoring significantly degraded lands and waters, protecting lands and waters at risk of degradation, addressing climate change impacts to our communities, ensuring equitable access to our natural spaces, and improving the health and resilience of our watershed while reducing energy and natural resource consumption. Core values include: social equity and building an equal and inclusive movement for our environmental policies; a commitment to collaboration and the connections, creativity and contributions of our entire community; and a belief that all social-ecological systems are interconnected, requiring a “big picture” view of relationships and interactions to address environmental problems. We strive for a diverse and culturally competent team of board, staff, volunteers, and interns. The LRWP offers competitive compensation, flexible work policies, and a collaborative work environment.
The Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN OUR APRIL 13th EVENT – WE ARE AT CAPACITY FOR VOLUNTEERS! PLEASE JOIN US MAY 19 for our MULTI-SITE CLEAN-UP IN GREEN BROOK
Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has brought millions of people together to celebrate our world’s environment. The day has also focused our attention on environmental problems such as pollution, flooding and littering.
Join the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, Franklin Township Environmental Commission, our Watershed Area 9 Watershed Ambassador Brianna Casario, and others for an Earth Day clean-up of Seeleys Run!
WHAT: a clean-up of Seeleys Run on Saturday April 13
WHEN: 9:30 am – noon
WHERE: Back corner of the Somerset Village parking lot, 900 Easton Avenue, Franklin Township (enter by the IHOP)
SPECIAL NOTE: Please wear closed toe shoes and clothes you are willing to get dirty and wet. Bring a reusable water bottle. Gloves, bags and light refreshments will be provided!
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
***For general information contact Brianna Casario: wma9.njwap@gmail.com
***For press inquiries please contact Franklin Township Environmental Commissioner Stan Jaracz: jaraczs@yahoo.com
You may wonder why it is so important to keep our waterways clean. Streams, rivers and other waterbodies make up the watershed where we all live. Watersheds are areas of land where runoff from rain and snow drains into a lake, stream, river or wetland. These watersheds are full of life. They provide habitat for fish, birds and wildlife. They are also a source of drinking water for homes and businesses. The Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Franklin Township share a joint mission to keep water clean, safe and healthy through conservation, advocacy, science and education.
No mistaking this eagle for a hawk. Given that the bald eagles’ characteristic pure white head and tail do not emerge until they are three and a half years old, juvenile eagles are easily mistaken for hawks.
A two year old eagle with traces of white beginning to emerge on the head and tail.
It was a fine day on the river, blue sky, light breeze, air temperature in the 60s, and a perfect water level.
Having paddled several times a week throughout the winter in preparation for a canoe race in Maine, this mid spring post-race trip down the South Branch was a soothing balm to mind and body.
After the trout season opener, the South Branch was closed to fishing on Tuesdays during in-season trout stocking. So, Tuesdays were my choice to paddle and be assured no human company would spoil the sense of wilderness the river trip provided.
Though not in race mode, the smooth rhythm of my paddle stroke and resultant speed was mesmerizing as well as a distraction. I would zone out as if each stroke was a repetitive chant in a litany. So, for short periods, my attention would drift away from observing the world around me. Who knows how many deer or mink watched from the woody bank as I passed within yards of their position?
On a long straightaway, as I transitioned from hypnotic state to consciousness, I was shocked to see a very large raptor sunning on an overhanging dead branch under which I would pass. The sun silhouetted the bird as I traded paddle for camera and a chance at a very close photo op. I set the course with one hand on the paddle and the other holding the camera. Keeping movement to a minimum was critical as the canoe drifted perfectly into position. The bird seemed huge as the distance closed. I figured the ‘hawk’ would soon fly off, but to my surprise it tolerated my presence. I turned the canoe to face upstream and take more images. The ‘hawk’ spread its wings to sun itself but gave no intention of flying away.
For the rest of the trip, I kept wondering about the size of the bird and extra large beak, never thinking it was an eagle. Eagles were not a possibility, at least on the course of the river from Clinton to South Branch. Eagles frequented the upper Delaware and weren’t that commonly seen and never on the South Branch. Aside from no known local eagle sightings, this bird was primarily brown, and everyone knows bald eagles have white heads and tail feathers.
The closer I looked at the images later that day; it became clear the ‘hawk’ was a year-old bald eagle!
Even the celebrated nest at Duke Farms, discovered in 2004, was thought at first to be an osprey nest.
Bald eagle fledglings start out covered with brown feathers. Each year more mottled white appears on their body and not until their third year does the head and tail begin to turn white, though still marked with brown streaks. To see an illustration of plumage changes by year, check out avianreport.com.
My eagle 2011 encounter was a prelude to the construction of a nest on the lower South Branch of the Raritan in 2014. That nest has fledged eleven more eagles to cast a shadow over the wilds of New Jersey and states far beyond. Last year an eagle banded in 2017 on the South Branch, was seen paired with another eagle in Connecticut on the Connecticut River
Today eagles are a common sight along many of our major waterways. Given that the bald eagles’ characteristic pure white head and tail do not emerge until they are three and a half years old, juvenile eagles are easily mistaken for hawks.
Consider, you may have been given the privilege to see an eagle and not known it. If able to get a close look, see that its beak in comparison to any other hawk is huge. Keep an open mind to unexpected possibilities and know, for that reason, many self professed birders have missed the thrill of seeing their first eagle.
Author Joe Mish has been running wild in New Jersey since childhood when he found ways to escape his mother’s watchful eyes. He continues to trek the swamps, rivers and thickets seeking to share, with the residents and visitors, all of the state’s natural beauty hidden within full view. To read more of his writing and view more of his gorgeous photographs visit Winter Bear Rising, his wordpress blog. Joe’s series “Nature on the Raritan, Hidden in Plain View” runs monthly as part of the LRWP “Voices of the Watershed” series. Writing and photos used with permission from the author. Contact jjmish57@msn.com. See more articles and photos at winterbearrising.wordpress.com.
