Cruise into summer learning

School's out for the summer, to the joy of kids everywhere. But learning doesn't have to stop with classes, and a summer eco-cruise is a fun way to discover nature while keeping cool.

Eco-cruises blend the pleasure of a boat trip around New Jersey's rivers, bays and lakes with knowledge about the natural world. And summer is the perfect time to take advantage.

The New York/New Jersey Baykeeper, for example, is offering unique eco-cruises this summer, each led by Baykeeper Debbie Mans:

• July 27 - Navesink River Tour: One of the East Coast's most scenic rivers, the Navesink at high tide offers an opportunity to get a glimpse of New Jersey's maritime heritage with picturesque Jersey Shore towns, pristine salt marshes and sedge islands, forest-covered bluffs and a wide variety of boats;

• Aug. 24 - Lighthouse Tour: A favorite cruise for many, this tour features historic lighthouses of the lower New York Harbor, most of which can only be seen by boat. A relaxing sail on Raritan Bay is also a great opportunity for birding.

The Baykeeper's eco-cruises begin at 3:30 p.m., and they all board in Keyport. Passengers are welcome to bring their own refreshments on board. Tickets are $40, and may be reserved by calling 732- 888-9870, ext. 6, or online at www.nynjbaykeeper. org/news/143. Space is limited.

In northern New Jersey, the Hackensack Riverkeeper offers eco-cruises now through October on the tidal Hackensack River and through the beautiful marshes of the Meadowlands. The riverkeeper, Capt. Bill Sheehan, began the eco-cruises as an environmental advocacy tool but found that they appealed strongly to youngsters and school groups.

Depending on the tides and time of day, Hackensack Riverkeeper cruisers might visit Bellman's Creek, Chromakill Creek, the Mill Creek Marsh, Kingsland Creek, or Berry's Creek, or even Newark Bay. Every trip includes the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area, known as "The Jewel of the Meadowlands" for its exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities for shorebirds, herons, raptors, muskrats and more.

Hackensack Riverkeeper offers both charter and open eco-cruises. Open cruises for individuals and families operate on a set schedule, and passengers are asked to make a $25 donation per adult ($10 for children ages 4-12). Charter cruises are available for larger groups, and may be booked for any date or time from May through October, based upon availability. For more information or to reserve seats, visit www.hackensackriverkeeper. org or call 201-968-0808.

Those looking to add fitness to fun and facts might consider canoe and kayak tours in the rivers of the Pine Barrens; see events at www.pineypower.com. The Hackensack Riverkeeper also has a fleet of canoes and kayaks available for guided tours and rentals. Summer paddling is a great way to enjoy nature in the hidden parts of this beautiful state we're in.
Michele S. Byers
Executive director
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
Far Hills