NJO has a new location!

We're in the process of making a switch to http://njoutdoors.wordpress.com/ - please continue to follow the blog at its new home! NJ Outdoors is expanding with more contributors in a number of different areas. We plan on having a constant flow of new material covering everything from birding and hiking to gardening and fishing! Like to surf? Send in a column! Have some cool photos from a recent camping trip? We'll post them!

Please send us an email at newjerseyoutdoors@gmail.com if you would like to be a regular contributor to the blog, or if you would like us to post your story, event, or pictures.

Thanks, everyone!

Wordless Wednesday: Clever Gulls

Jersey Fresh!

The 2010 growing season has already begun for most New Jersey farms, and there are plenty of opportunities to reap the delicious rewards! It's too late to purchase a CSA share (check out our food blog at Party of Two for updates on our Honeybrook Organic Farm CSA) - but there are plenty of other ways to join in on the Garden State's rich agricultural tradition.

Photo by Chuck Walker (c) 2007

Community and roadside farmers markets are an excellent way to find fresh and local produce in your area. Different markets offer different things - you will undoubtedly be able to find fruits and veggies in plentiful amounts, but some markets may also have stands selling cheeses, pickles, freshly baked breads and baked goods, and locally raised meats.

Photo by Chuck Walker (c) 2007

There are also some wonderful Pick-Your-Own opportunities throughout the state. Most PYO farms offer some combination of tree fruits (apples, peaches, etc) and berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc).

Check out the Department of Agriculture's Jersey Fresh website for listings of all the different stands and farms in your area, as well as a list of what types of produce are currently in season.

Wordless Wednesday: Shorebirds

As always, click on the images for larger versions.

Wordless Wednesday: Chuck and Dee

(click image for larger version)

World Series of Birding

New Jersey's World Series of Birding begins at midnight tonight! Teams from all over the state and country will compete to see who can identify (through sight and sound) the most species of birds within the state of NJ in a 24-hour period.

Our team will be competing for the 2nd year. Check out our recent blog post for updates and please consider supporting the team! Thanks, everyone.

Re-Purpose New Jersey!

Rutgers University is hosting a Re-Purpose event where anyone can come and donate clothing, electronics, and other unwanted items. The following locations will be accepting donations from noon - 8pm on Wednesday, May 12th, and from 9am - noon on Thursday, May 13th:

• Busch: Richardson Lot 58B & Silvers Lot
• Livingston: Sidewalk between Quad 1 & 2 off Avenue E.
• CAC: Hardenburgh Hall Lot 20 & Stonier Lot 35
• Cook: Newells Lot 99a & Nicholas Lot 76
• Douglass: New Gibbons Lot 74A

Simply show up and donate! You can find more information (and volunteer) on the event's Facebook page or on the Re-Purpose New Jersey website.