What is NCWM Public Education?

In our region, there are so many beautiful natural places and things to do in the great outdoors! Yet, many of our friends and neighbors struggle with finding ways to enjoy the outdoors on their own or with their family. There are so many great resources in our town, and we know that as the landscape and demands of our lives change rapidly, our needs within our community and our environment change, too. 

Nature Connection of West Milford’s public education offers resources and guidance for connecting with nature in new and significant ways. Whether you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast curious about new ways to forge connections within your community, a new family trying to re-learn new ways of doing things with young children, newly moved to the area, or someone who looking to make their very first meaningful nature connection, our Public Education Series and field trips are designed to empower you to access nature in the way that works best for you. 

Discover nature as our food supply, the healing power of food and medicinal power of native plants, and how nature acts as the ultimate communicator—bringing us together in how we relate to our environment and each other.  Our Public education offers new ways to grow and connect together through nature. Come with us to watch a sunset, walk the shoreline, swim  the lake, stare at the stars, hug a tree, kayak the reservoir, explore botanical gardens, forage in the forest, plant and harvest vegetables and herbs. . . 

November Education Days with NCWM

Bees, butterflies, birds and a variety of other pollinators are integral to our food supply and planet as a whole. During our October Education night, Jodi Bross from Glenwild Gardens showed us which native plants attract and support those pollinators and how easy they are to grow on our lawns. Three lucky attendees received a potted perennial pollinator plant from Glenwild, and we all received seeds to plant in our own garden this fall. Milkweed pods, and sweet pea seeds, and a variety of other seeds suitable to grow before first frost were given to participants along with a pollinator garden map, and a 20% coupon from Glenwild to help fill in their garden. 

Several of those in attendance shared pictures of the gardens they planted this fall and again in the summer when everything is in bloom. Got a pollinator garden? Send us your pictures!

Our November education night included a screening of this provocative and informative documentary that answers questions about genetically modified organisms and how they affect our children, the health of our planet and our freedom of choice. GMO OMG is a timely, informative, entertaining, and ultimately insightful documentary about the question that is a growing concern to citizens around the world; who controls the future of our food? 

Popcorn was served and a 30 minute discussion about GMOs followed the screening. 

Upcoming Events:

Winter Celebration Get Together  

December 14th, 7-9pm

West Milford Library

Come and celebrate the season with nature-minded people like yourself! Bring a friend and mingle with fellow gardeners, farmers market shoppers and other local residents that are making the connection. Bring a dish to share, and join us to enjoy some great seasonal music, great conversation, ornament making, games and more! Please RSVP to our FB Event page or to lukeaaron93@hotmail.com

October Education Days with NCWM

At September’s Education Night, “Using Plants for Topical Health,” Karen—NCWM Herbalist and co-leader of the Native Medicinal Plant Garden—taught us to make our own nature-based salve and oil using the “weeds” growing in most backyards right now. Participants learned to recognize and use plantain (plantago major), calendula and goldenrod growing prolifically in lawns and wooded areas.

Karen demonstrated how to prepare the herbs, taught us what parts to use, showed us how to infuse the plant, and shared all of the amazing ways to use those infusions topically. She also shared a variety of books and websites, as well as information on sourcing local plants, and connecting with other herbalists. You can see her presentation here, and get the resource lists here.

Want to get involved in the Medicinal Plant Garden? Contact Karen: klongo413@yahoo.com.

Public Education Events:

November Education: MOVIE NIGHT - GMO’s OMG + Discussion

Thursday, November 9, 2023; 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

West Milford Library, 1470 Union Valley Rd

Join us for this movie and discussion on GMOs, what they are exactly, and how they impact our health. Popcorn will be served!

December: Winter Holiday Get Together with our Nature Connection Community!

Thursday, December 14, 2023 7-9pm

West Milford Library 1470 Union Valley Road

Watch this spot for details in the November newsletter!

Learn more about these and other Nature Connection events here.

September Education Days with NCWM

This August during our NCWM Education Day four (4) experts in their fields shared how to stay safe and comfortable in our wild and beautiful region.

Don Weise- Director at the NY/NJ trail Conference and avid hiking leader on trail safety, taught us how to prepare and plan for the most enjoyable hiking experiences, including having the right gear, having a plan A, B and C, as well as the importance of staying in touch with those that can help you in an emergency.

Julia Giarratano- Manager and swimming/lifeguard instructor at Highlands Natural Pool presented on water safety in a pool, lake or other fresh body of water in our region. She discussed topics such as self-care in the sun and water, signaling boaters, and even how to assist others struggling in the water. View her presentation HERE.

Tom Hennigan- ED of Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association (JORBA) discussed biking safely on trails. He also shared with us the work JORBA teams are doing to maintain and expand trails to enjoy mountain biking in our region. Thanks to all four of our experts for helping us enjoy the great outdoors this season!

Ken Hall- AUX Coast Guard and Security for Upper Greenwood Lake, taught us what’s important to be aware of (slippery surfaces!) and what we need to do (e.g. wear our life vest when using a waverunner, a paddle board or a kayak) to stay safe while enjoying our boating adventures.

Public Education Events:

September Education: Using Plants for Topical Health

Thursday, September 14, 2023; 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

West Milford Library, 1470 Union Valley Rd

Have you always wanted to learn how to make your own nature-based salve or oil? Join Karen, our local herbalist and co-manager of the West Milford Native and Medicinal Plant Garden, to learn about the beneficial plants that are growing all around our local region. Learn the process for making a medicinal oil and salve, and take home recipes for you to make at home. There are so many backyard and garden ‘weeds’ that can offer everyday healing! Karen will show you exactly what you need, and how to do it correctly for the best results in your own kitchen. Seats are limited.

Future education topics will Include:

Your Yard as a Pollinator Garden

Learn about the different plants that will help make your yard a pollinator garden.

GMO’s OMG

What are GMO's and how do they affect our health?

Winter in West Milford

Want to get outdoors this winter? A variety of local presenters will share the different nature-connected events and activities happening in our region this winter so you can combat cabin fever and stay connected.

Learn more about these and other Nature Connection events here.

August Education days with NCWM

This July we needed the library’s big room in order to have enough space to host our “Eat Better Tonight” session hosted by City Green. Nineteen residents came out to enjoy the interactive workshop where we learned where our food comes from, and how much it “costs” to eat from non-local sources. The impact is more than just financial. Shipping food has environmental and health costs, too. With a clear understanding of the value locally-grown food has for the local economy, the environment, and our own bodies, facilitator Lisa Martin led the group in preparing a locally sourced, seasonal and healthy berry and greens salad with swiss chard, walnuts, strawberries and homemade honey dijon dressing. Participants first created, then enjoyed the salad. Participants took home honey, strawberries and chard from the West Milford Farmers Market to make it again on their own.

Public Education Events:

August Education: Nature Safety

Thursday, August 10, 2023; 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

West Milford Library, 1470 Union Valley Rd

Do you know how to keep yourself and your friends/family safe and comfortable in the great outdoors? Whether hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding, you will want to know how to avoid danger and maintain your safety before, during and after you go. We live in a beautiful, but wild region, and knowing what to expect and what to do in all situations will increase your outdoor enjoyment.

In this interactive session (bring your questions!), you will hear from four (4) local environmental activity experts:

Don Weise- Director at the NY/NJ trail Conference and avid hiking leader on trail safety,

Tom Hennigan- ED of Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association (JORBA) on bike safety,

Julia Giarratano- Manager and swimming and lifeguard instructor at Highlands Natural Pool on swimming safety, and

Micki Lees- Owner of Jersey Paddle Board on boating and paddling safety

See you at the Library on 8/10 from 7-8:30 p.m.!

Future education topics will Include: 

Nature Experience Safety 

Different presenters discuss everything from the basics to advanced safety techniques for hiking, swimming, boating and biking in our region.

Plants for Topical Health 

In this hands-on workshop, we will learn about topical healing while making a salve or balm together.

Your Yard as a Pollinator Garden 

Learn about the different plants that will help make your yard a pollinator garden. 

GMO’s OMG 

What are GMO's and how do they affect our health?  

Winter in West Milford 

Want to get outdoors this winter? A variety of local presenters will share the different nature-connected events and activities happening in our region this winter so you can combat cabin fever and stay connected.

Learn more about these and other Nature Connection events here.

Education days with The Nature Connection of West Milford

In June, three local partners let the community know what is happening in our neck of the woods this summer.

Julia and Lucy from Highlands Pool in Ringwood share how this all-natural, stream-fed pool went from being the first interracial pool in the area back in the 50s, to a summer hotspot for locals and city-dwellers alike.  With picnic tables, grills, a snack bar, swimming lessons, and lots of places to rest and get out of the sun, we can see why it was voted NJ’s #1st best swimming hole. 

Dan from WM’s Community Services and recreation department shared all of the incredible outdoor activities available for adults, families, and all ranges of kids. Bird watching, a fishing derby, hiking, archery, rowing, animal tracking, and family frog nights are just a few of the many nature experiences available in town. 

Theresa from Flatwater Paddle Company provides rentals and lessons on Monksville Reservoir, Shepard Lake and two southern NJ locations. Committed to creating affordable access to our local waterways, the company rents kayaks, double kayaks, pedal boats, and row boats Friday through Monday. They even have paddle boards, and larger 4-person, racing-style dragon boards that are big enough to fit the family.

They also host events and groups. It’s easy to book online.

Discover more than 15 additional ways to connect with summer in our ONLINE GUIDE.

Public Education Events:

July Education: Eat Better Tonight!

Thursday, July 13, 2023; 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

West Milford Library, 1470 Union Valley Rd

Join us and Nature Connection West Milford partner, Lisa Martin from City Green, to learn all about local foods and seasonality in this farm-to-table workshop – EAT BETTER TONIGHT! 

This session will include an interactive seasonal recipe demo and tasting with goodies brought from the West Milford Farmers Market.

City Green is a Nature Connection partner. They are a nonprofit farming and gardening organization, based in Clifton, New Jersey. Their programs offer practical, technical, and financial resources to foster equitable access to local food and green spaces, in support of sustainable, healthy communities.

Future education topics will Include: 

Nature Experience Safety 

Different presenters discuss everything from the basics to advanced safety techniques for hiking, swimming, boating and biking in our region.

Plants for Topical Health 

In this hands-on workshop, we will learn about topical healing while making a salve or balm together.

Your Yard as a Pollinator Garden 

Learn about the different plants that will help make your yard a pollinator garden. 

GMO’s OMG 

What are GMO's and how do they affect our health?  

Winter in West Milford 

Want to get outdoors this winter? A variety of local presenters will share the different nature-connected events and activities happening in our region this winter so you can combat cabin fever and stay connected.

Learn more about these and other Nature Connection events here.

Public Education

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