A former wasteland between Bob’s Furniture Outlet and Interstate 95, this meandering little eden is a beacon of green in the Meadowlands. Narrow pathways snake and intersect across the grassy marsh that is home to over 260 species of birds—all with Manhattan’s skyline as its backdrop. Flushed by the Atlantic’s tides, the scenery changes throughout the day. Bring binoculars to get a better look at the vibrant life that’s gliding across the water and fluttering alongside you. Stumps spotting the marsh are favorite way stations for egrets and shorebirds. According to NJSEA, they are the ancient remnants of a white cedar primeval forest that thrived here for hundreds of years.
BOOK PAIRING:
Mill Creek Marsh brings to life the ta-da! moment in NJ native Peter Brown’s wonderful picture book, The Curious Garden. The story follows a boy and a tiny patch of plant life. Together, they turn a grey and dismal city into a flourishing gardenscape. And as you read, you can glance over at the city that inspired it.
AS A WINE….
An obscure Muscadet, brimming with leesy, briny charm.