How to Use this Online Guide

The Meadowlands and More Birding and Wildlife Trails Guide was designed to provide a visitor with trip-planning essentials in an easy-to-use format. This page introduces the special features you will find throughout the guide. Tell us about your experiences with the guide by emailing bwtfeedback@njaudubon.org. Your input will help us make future Birding and Wildlife Trails guides even better.

Calling Cards:: Click here to download and print a set of Calling Cards.  Cut them and hand them to business owners when you stop at their establishments. These cards will help business owners recognize the importance of nature-based tourism to the local economy.

Trail Maps::  The Maps serve as a frame of reference, depicting the trail route. Each destination on the trail is marked with a number in a circle. When you click on a circled number, or on the list of destinations below each map, you will open a page containing detailed directions and site information for that destination. Detailed directions on the tour pages will guide you from one site to the next (not from a central location or a nearby road). Please note, only major roads are included on these maps so you should rely on the written directions and carry a detailed map of the area as well.  

The following information is included on each site page -

Stop & Scan:: Some of the smaller sites featured in this guide may be scanned for wildlife in a half hour or less.

Site Name and Contact Info:: Contact information is provided for pre-trip planning and to report unusual conditions, such as a fallen tree blocking an access road.

Tidal Current:: Provides details on paddling experience requirements. Click here to link to more information about getting out on the water. 

Don’t Miss:: Throughout this guide, we provide information on special features and safety. Look for ”Don’t Miss,” “Special Features,” “A Closer Look,” and paragraphs in italics and shaded boxes for hints to maximize your experience.

Through the Seasons:: Wildlife changes with the seasons and these brief overviews focus on the more common, reliable species. We also offer suggestions as to how best to enjoy your experience at different times of year and in different types of weather.

The Seasons Defined::

Winter = December, January, February
Spring = March, April, May
Summer = June, July, August
Fall  = September, October, November

Directions and Icons:: Specific directions from one site to the next supplement the trail map. The icons listed below the directions indicate the types of businesses you will pass along the route.  Icons definitions are listed below.

Public Transportation:: We have  done our best to provide information about public transportation if it occurs within one mile of the site.

Site Description Icons:: These icons tell visitors what kinds of amenities and activities are at each site: