New Jersey is the unsung capital of biodiversity in the world. A lofty assertion I know. But consider the fact that New Jersey is a peninsula with rivers, bays, estuaries and barrier islands surrounding it on three sides. Recognize that our state has Highlands backboned in granite, swamps that take ten towns to encircle it, barrens upon barrens of pines that fill its southern confines, estuaries and salt marshes that run the length of its eastern edge and well, you get the picture. This diversity of landscape sets forth a procession of natural diversity creating an endless source of opportunity for naturalists, geologists, and outdoor enthusiasts willing to explore its nooks and crannies. BRE’s associates have a long standing intimacy with these hidden worlds and are more than willing to share their passion with anyone who seeks to know more about what makes the natural integument of New Jersey so special. BRE’s goal is to provide a unique natural history experience that goes beyond the generalist walk in the woods. We welcome any group: academic, civic, club-based, etc. with the desire to be awe-inspired by the deeper recesses of the “natural-state” of our “garden-state” to grant us the opportunity to design a program that fits your curriculum. If you have a particular area in New Jersey you are looking for professional naturalists to lead a hike, say for example the diabase slopes of the Palisades, or a shrub/carr pond in the Ridge and Valley province, or maybe the teaming Delta of Cape May - we can provide your group with a unique infield learning experience designed to maximize your understanding of the inherent biodiversity within.
BRE can organize a trip taking care of all the logistics – travel, food, specialty equipment, protections (bug sprays, medical kits, etc.). For longer trips we can organize and provide for lodging and other necessary accommodations. Please call us during normal business hours to discuss your specific project, costs, and logistics. (201)- 919-0097
Individuals seeking private photography opportunities (do you need that full frame photo of the cerulean warbler?) or natural history tours are welcome to call us anytime! Examples of Past Natural History Field Hikes:
· All day kayak trip down the Oswego
River (Pine Barrens) – rare plants, rare amphibians, reptiles,
dragonflies, mushrooms · Nocturnal Moth Survey/ Troy
Meadows – Using high intensity vapor lamps over 100 species of Lepidoptera’s
can be seen in a single evening in June. This is a one of a kind experience for
those who enjoy nature at its most novel and richest · Morning Hikes through back trails of
the Great Swamp and Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge · Evening Vernal Pond forays to some of
the most active ecological wonderlands in the state – North and South Jersey · Shore bird excursions to private back
bays and estuaries off limits to the public without special invitation · Fens of the North Jersey – we’ve
baptized more than a few people in Warren and Sussex County’s most precious
habitats – rare flora, fauna and beautiful landscapes await those who just have
to ask.
Rosy Maple Moth on Goldenrod (I 21)
Bufflehead * Keyport NJ (B 42)
| Natural History Walk Passaic River
Moth Survey Night
Outward Bound Kestrel in Flight (B 40) Passaic River Fog during Canoe Trip (S7) Polyphemus Moth up close and Personel (I 20) Prairie Warbler Singing during Spring Bird Trip (B 41) Neil
Nappe holding a Bog Turtle on a Tour of Fen in North Jersey Neil Nappe is one of New Jersey's Premier Wildlife Photographers. Feel free to be astonished by visitng his website at http://www.wildsuburbia.com |
Ecotourism
"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the wind longs to play with your hair".
Khalil Gibran