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.