This Is My New Jersey

We finally had a few nice days in a row, so it was time to actually leave the house for more than just food shopping and take in some fresh air. So hubby and I decided to check out a spot that is new to us as a possible fishing spot. Well, we weren’t the only ones that decided to enjoy the sunshine.

Wow. I forgot how many people discovered the local parks system in Jersey since COVID.

We saw plenty of people out enjoying the open space we have in our wonderful state. We also saw some idiots behaving badly. So I thought I would just remind everyone how to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.

Let’s talk about the pups: We saw plenty of dogs out enjoying the time outside with their pet parents. And almost everyone had them properly leashed and under control. Almost. Just as we were leaving, someone arrived, opened the door, and three dogs dashed out, ran across the parking lot, and started, well, doing what dogs do. At first I thought the owner might have lost control of the dogs when she first opened the door, but nope. She took her sweet time putting on her backpack and walking over to review the hiking trail information. Meanwhile, three dogs were just going about their own business. The parking lot was very busy. There were children around. People were out with their leashed dogs. In the name of all that is holy, PLEASE keep your dogs on a leash and under control. I would hate to see any pup get hit by a car in a parking lot, bite a child, or get into a tussle with another dog. And please remember to pick up after they, ahem, you know.

Carry out: I will say, there was very little garbage on the ground. I even saw a woman and her daughter with a small plastic bag picking up a few items as they were hiking ahead of us on the trail. Please make sure to keep your empty water bottles or snack packaging with you and discard when you get home.

Swim only where safe: During COVID, there were many drownings due to people swimming in lakes and rivers where no one was guarding the water. We saw a group of five individuals splashing about in what looked like a fairly deep spot below a waterfall. Even though I’m not a mom, I have a pretty good “look of death” face. They got the point and exited the river. This is incredibly dangerous. You never know how deep a pool is, if there’s a natural spring, or a strong undertow. Additionally, this was all taking place in one of the only 35 streams in the entire state that designated as a wild brook trout stream. The ecology of these special spots is incredibly delicate. Do not make those “cute” little rock stacks or move around stones to build swimming holes. You will cause issues for the species in that river or stream. And while I am generally not one to rat people out, I will call the NJ DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337) and narc on you.

Get your license: If you plan to hunt, fish, or trap, please be sure to get your license. The fees generated by license sales go right back into the resource to keep open spaces open and available for us to use and enjoy. You are only cheating yourself if you don’t.

Just use common sense: It all comes down to safety and common sense. Get outside. Enjoy our wonderful parks and open spaces. Meander along a hiking trail. Check out the flower and fauna. Take photos. Leave only footprints.