May Education - Insights from the Community
In May, a group of community members came together to learn about the Nature Connection and to share the barriers they experience in connecting to nature in our region. We discussed a variety of solutions, and explored other groups that model the capability and usability that we want for the Nature Connection Online Portal. This includes curating and organizing maps and content like that found on AllTrails, Mountain Creek and other sites all in one easy-to-navigate place. Attendees wanted us to include places we do and don't need permits, outdoor activities with pets and pet safety, where to kayak, differently-abled hikes, hike and dine meet-ups, family-friendly hikes, hiking without GPS, and even stickers for outdoor event participation. We are so grateful for your insights, suggestions and energy. It was exciting to hear about how people in their 30s are looking for outside activities—like yoga every Wednesday at Wallisch. The Nature Connection extends their thanks to all who attended, shared their insights and completed our quick two-question survey at the end.
June Education - Things to Do to Connect with Nature in WM this Summer
Join us on Thursday, June 8th at 7pm to hear about lots of fun summertime activities for residents, families and their friends in and around West Milford. We bet even the longest residents will learn something new to do that they didn’t realize existed before! Speakers will include Daniel Kochakji of West Milford Parks & Recreation, Hiking Leader Don Weis, and Highlands Pool board member, Lucy Cilento, as well as Theresa from Flatwater Paddle in Ringwood. Each presenter will share a variety of ways you can make the connection to nature this summer, and we will provide a handout with links to our speakers and additional nature groups and activities you can connect with. See you at the Library