Seals of Sandy Hook

March has arrived, ushering in longer days and more sunlight. If this has you dreaming of the beach look no further than the rocks and shores of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. From November through April seals can be spotted along the New Jersey coastline.

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Somerset County 4-H
Birds of a Feather

The backdrop of white really makes certain birds stand out like beautiful Blue Jays, our yellow state bird the American Goldfinch, and ruby-red Northern Cardinals. Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes these birds so colorful!

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Somerset County 4-H
Plastic Free Holidays

The holiday season is officially upon us! ‘Tis the season for food, family, gifts, and good cheer! During this time when we reflect on what we are thankful for and make resolutions for the new year, don’t forget planet earth amidst

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Somerset County 4-H
Vultures: Nature’s Balancing Act

Bald heads…sharp beaks…bacteria covered bodies…connoisseurs of rotten meat…are not characteristics that usually summon nature’s awe-inspiring beauty. But as we all know, beauty is only skin deep. The very existence of vultures helps to…

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Somerset County 4-H
Signs of Spring

March may have come in like a lion, but everywhere you look, there are signs of spring! Not only have our white surroundings slowly turned back to green (or brown from mud, lots of mud), but tiny buds are…

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Somerset County 4-H
Perseverance has Landed on Mars

Right now, here in New Jersey, in the United States, on Planet Earth it is 30 degrees outside and lightly snowing. As much as I truly love the snow, even I am starting to dream of spring. But when I think of what it might be like to live on Mars, I remind myself to be grateful.

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Somerset County 4-H
The Elusive Great Blue Heron

Recently, while on a hike with my dog near a small branch of the Raritan River, I saw a great blue heron spread its wings and fly away. It was already leaving by the time I became aware of its presence, so I was only able…

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Somerset County 4-H
'Tis the Season for Winter Greenery

Green is not the first color that comes to mind when thinking of the winter season. But if you look around outside this time of year, you will still see green in the forest. It belongs to a certain type of tree called Evergreens. This greenery is a familiar sight during the holiday season, as it is used for decorations, like…

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Somerset County 4-H
Bird Watching with Hawk Eye Vision

Now that the leaves have completed their annual dance to the ground, the branches will be bare until spring. Although this time of year is quiet in the wild world, it is a great time to bird watch. The lack of leaves exposes some action that is blocked to us in other…

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Somerset County 4-H
Wild Turkeys: Birds of Courage

Lately, I’ve been having turkey sightings in my yard. They appear in groups or flocks called “rafters” of up to 20 or more, and forage through my yard. They only leave the woods edge to indulge in fallen acorns closer to the house. The word turkey has a second meaning in our language of silly or even dumb. But turkeys are smarter…

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Somerset County 4-H
Into the Hooting Season with Owls

While the arrival of fall and cooler weather makes the landscape bleak, don’t despair! The falling leaves can reveal treasures that are hidden during the rest of the year. October is time for owls to begin preparing for winter breeding by designating nesting…

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Somerset County 4-H