April 2024: The Outdoors Issue | New Jersey Monthly

April 2024: The Outdoors Issue

Nature speaks to everyone in a different way. A walk through the woods can inspire inner peace. An energetic vigorous hike up an incline can improve health, both mental and physical. An outdoor swim can provide a sense of invigoration and calm.

In this issue, you’ll find a variety of ways to enjoy and explore the outdoors in New Jersey. We have everything from a guide to our state’s bike trails, to a look at our three protected wild and scenic rivers, to a primer on outdoor locations that offers spots to both hike and relax. The issue also features four New Jerseyans who intertwine their lives closely with nature. They share their inspiring stories with us.

For this issue, The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, a nonprofit that, for more than 60 years, has been working to conserve the lands and waters of the Garden State, educated us about conservation and generously provided us with access to their resources.

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GARDEN VARIETY

Environmental justice organizer Chloe Desir poses under Newark’s Jackson Street Bridge, which has become a trash dumping ground.

Meet Three Gen-Z Activists Who Are Fighting for Environmental Justice

These young eco warriors are ahead of their time.

Lauren Curley of Cranford’s Legacy Salon

NJ Hair Salons Are Going Green Thanks to Unique Recycling Program

Conscientious salon owners are doing their part to prevent excess dyes, foils and hair from contaminating our water supply.

Cover of "Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography" by Jessica Max Stein

Closter-Raised Muppeteer’s Short But Remarkable Life Chronicled in New Biography

Richard Hunt “brought a sensibility and edginess to the Muppets that they needed,” says author Jessica Max Stein.

Avi Schnall

Assemblyman and Rabbi Avi Schnall Speaks on Issues Facing Lakewood

An Orthodox rabbi representing Lakewood in the State Assembly, Avi Schnall is grappling with education and infrastructure challenges.

Max Hill and his dog, Prada.

When NJ Seniors Can’t Afford Dog Food or Vet Bills, This Program Steps In

Marty’s Place, a dog sanctuary in Allentown, helps elderly New Jerseyans with prohibitive costs so that they don’t have to part with their beloved pups.

All-terrain wheelchair

All-Terrain Wheelchair Will Make NJ’s Largest State Park More Accessible

At Wharton State Forest in the Pinelands, folks with limited mobility levels will soon be able to traverse trails like never before.

Audrey Hepburn Children’s House at Hackensack University Medical Center

How the Audrey Hepburn Children’s House Helps Survivors of Child Abuse

A team of pediatricians, psychologists, nurses and social workers at Hackensack University Medical Center cares for and educates survivors and their families.

Want a Stylish Photo With Your Pup? This NJ Photographer Specializes in Pet Portraits

Stephanie Blum Photography celebrates the “intimate bond” between people and their pets.

Floor lamp with a leather-wrapped arm

6 Chic Lamps We’re Loving This Spring

Let there be light! These clean lines and natural textures will illuminate your home.

Person charging electric car

New Jersey’s Clean-Energy Future

We owe it to future generations to talk about achieving a cleaner environment—and the costs that accompany it.

FEATURES

Young kids in a canoe in Newark

How an NJ Nonprofit Is Tackling Pollution’s Disproportionate Impact on Minorities

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation aims to engage the next generation of natural-resource stewards.

Nell Irvin Painter

Nell Irvin Painter on Art, Aging and Telling the Truth

The historian and retired Princeton professor has published a new collection of essays, I Just Keep Talking.

Great Egg Harbor River in New Jersey

How to Enjoy New Jersey’s Wild and Scenic Rivers

Protected by Congress, these three rivers offer “rare beauty”—and exceptional boating, birding, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and camping.

Biker on a site off the Columbia Trail, coming out of High Bridge, New Jersey

New Jersey’s Best Biking Trails

Forget the Turnpike! Biking is a terrific way to explore New Jersey.

Moon Valley Campground in Vernon has yurt-style bell tents with a view

Where to Go Glamping in New Jersey: Sleep Under the Stars in Style

Spending the night in the woods never looked so luxurious. Amenities include beds, personal lawns, Wi-Fi and even hip design elements.

Illustration of hiker standing serenely, with a squirrel sitting on her backpack

Hike and Hang! These Scenic NJ Spots Have It All

Hit these hiking trails—then slow down, take a stroll and stop to smell the roses.

Hand holding with a compass on a background of a beautiful mountain landscape. The concept of navigating the search for your own path and orientation to the cardinal points

What to Do If You Get Lost In the Woods

A master naturalist shares tips that every hiker, camper and outdoor enthusiast should know.

Maurice River Bluffs Preserve

The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey Protects Our Lands and Waters

Many of NJ’s natural wonders, and our access to them, would not exist without the work of the New Jersey chapter of The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit.

Young family of three walking in lush field in Cape May, New Jersey

New Jerseyans Revel in Nature Year-Round at the Shore

For these locals, the joys of the Jersey Shore’s great outdoors are hard to beat—no matter the season!

Tiny houses on the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail in Millburn

The South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail Is a Magical Place to Visit

The enchanting half-mile trail, dotted with dozens of tiny homes made from items found outside, sparks a reverence for nature among visitors of all ages.

Steve Mura, right, donated one of his kidneys to his next-door neighbor, Michael Sang.

Neighbors Saving Lives: NJ’s Inspiring Trend of Kidney Donation

A group of very generous New Jerseyans are donating kidneys to neighbors, friends and even complete strangers, giving them the gift of a lifetime.

HOME & GARDEN

Master gardener Peter McCrohan

Charming NJ Flower Farm Offers More Than Just Beautiful Blooms

Visitors flock to Shoppons Run Flower Farm in Stockton for picture-perfect bouquets—and sparkling chit-chat with the friendly master gardener.

EAT & DRINK

Scallop gnudi at Ironbound Farm in Asbury

What Makes Ironbound Farm’s Dining Experience So Magical?

An outdoor, open-fire kitchen and the freshest food possible.

Two women enjoying the food at Fat Choy in Englewood

Fat Choy in Englewood Serves Vibrant Vegan Chinese Food

Everything at this Englewood spot is plant-based—and exceptionally tasty.

Jersey’s “pirate” chefs cooking a meal outside

Jersey’s Rollicking ‘Pirate’ Chefs Are Cooking Up Fiery and Unforgettable Outdoor Feasts

“Gather a bunch of passionate, creative cooks, Jersey farm food and adventurous diners, and let all hell break loose.”

The ceviche at Libélula Bakery and Kitchen in Montclair is adorned with edible flowers

Libélula in Montclair Marries Dominican and Peruvian Cuisines

A husband-and-wife duo run this charming and inviting café, serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and plenty of sweet treats.

Pizza with sesame-seed crust at Esposito's in Manasquan

Esposito’s in Manasquan Boasts Unique Pizzas and Summertime Beach Delivery

You must try the pies made with a sesame-seed crust!

EXIT RAMP

An oystercatcher chick nicknamed Bobblehead (right), born in Cape May last summer. Photo: Courtesy of the Nature Conservancy

Lessons From a Shorebird

Resilience is built into the character of New Jersey and its denizens, no matter how small.