WEST MILFORD – New Jersey Conservation Foundation will celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 2, with a free, two-hour guided hike beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Apshawa Preserve in West Milford.
Ingrid Vandegaer, Highlands regional manager for New Jersey Conservation Foundation, will lead this moderately strenuous hike. Hikers will traverse rugged terrain on the way to the picturesque Butler Reservoir. Highlights include an overlook with views of the water, and a visit to a rocky peninsula jutting out into the reservoir.
Space is limited, and advance registration is requested by contacting Carol Banhart at carol@njconservation.org or 908-234-1225. Hikers will meet in the Apshawa Preserve parking lot on Northwood Road, 200 feet from the intersection with Macopin Road. The hike will be held rain or shine.
Participants should wear hiking boots and bring water and binoculars. For online directions and trail maps, go to www.njconservation.org/apshawapreserve.htm.
The 576-acre Apshawa Preserve, owned by Passaic County and New Jersey Conservation Foundation, offers a diversity of habitats in the heart of the Highlands. The 40-acre Butler Reservoir is a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers, and the Apshawa Brook flows through the preserve to the Pequannock River. Nearly seven miles of blazed trails traverse the preserve and are open to the public for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, nature study and fishing.
The Apshawa Preserve Hike is part of New Jersey Conservation Foundations Step Into Nature series of walks, talks and fun activities. For a full listing of Step Into Nature programs, go to www.njconservation.org/njcfevents.cfm.
New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve land and natural resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all. Since 1960, the Foundation has helped preserve more than 120,000 acres of open space and farmland. For more information on the Foundations programs and preserves, visit www.njconservation.org or call 1-888-LAND-SAVE (1-888-526-3728).