The Meadowlands District is home to 21 parks, including eight miles of walking trails and 3,400 acres of preserved wetlands. The region is also a birding hotspot: more than 285 species have been seen, including nearly three dozen on the State Endangered, Threatened and Species of Special Concern lists. The agency’s guided nature walks in partnership with the Bergen County Audubon society, pontoon boat rides, and canoe trips offer great opportunities to experience the amazing natural beauty and wildlife found throughout the District from a unique vantage point. The NJSEA Website’s Events section and the Meadowlands Nature Blog include schedules and reminders of upcoming events.
PONTOON BOAT TOURS
Click here for the 2025 Pontoon Boat tour schedule
About the tours: NJSEA Pontoon Boat Tours offer an up-close experience of the Hackensack River, its marshes and its thriving urban ecosystem.
NJSEA tour guides discuss the Hackensack River estuary’s storied history, and the ongoing efforts of Authority scientists and naturalists that have greatly contributed to the Meadowlands’ environmental comeback. They will also point out sites of interest and the many birds, terrapins and fish that may be seen during the trips.
More than 290 species of birds have been observed in the Meadowlands, including more than three dozen on the State and federal threatened, endangered, and species of special concern lists. Some of the birds that have been seen on the tours include Bald Eagles, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Red-shouldered Hawks and Black-crowned Night Herons.
Tours launch from River Barge Park in Carlstadt and last two hours. The boats are uncovered and seat 12 people. Trips are for ages 10 and up only. Don’t forget your binoculars!
DIRECTIONS:
Directions to River Barge Park
NATURE WALKS
The Bergen County Audubon Society leads year-round, free, guided nature walks on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of each month. The family-friendly walks take place from 10 am to noon in parks and natural areas throughout the Meadowlands District. Guides bring spotting scopes so that participants can see wildlife up-close, including some of the 285 bird species that have been scene in the District, including 34 on the State Threatened, Endangered, and Species of Special Concern lists. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras.
For information on upcoming nature walks visit our events page. To view photos and lists of species spotted on the walks visit our nature blog.
You can also download our helpful guides below.