But there was someone who did see a day when recreation on the Hackensack would return. He knew long before most people that the river was a place to be cherished. He saw the day when fisherman would return to the river, school children would be out on the water learning about the magnificent ecosystem of the meadowlands, and the birders would have a place like no other. Captain Bill Sheehan, the Hackensack Riverkeeper, saw it, and it was lucky for all of us that he did. 

Since 1997, Captain Bill and his Riverkeeper staff have been at the forefront of the fight to preserve the Meadowlands, standing up to polluters. If there is anyone that stands out as a legendary conservationist in New Jersey, it is Captain Bill Sheehan.

This Tuesday evening I waited at the dock at Laurel Hill County Park (still Snake Hill to me) to go out on an eco-cruise into the Meadowlands with Captain Hugh Carola, program director for the Hackensack Riverkeeper and ACE Birder.

The boat had people that were going out on the river for the first time and others like Lorraine Matys from Saddle Brook who was going out for the fifth time this year.
 
“There is something very special about going out with the Riverkeeper,” Lorraine told me. “And going out to see the Meadowlands with Hugh Carola will make it a great birding trip too.” 

I asked Lorraine, “Why five times in the same year?”

“Because there is always something new to see, and the Hackensack Riverkeeper organization holds a special place in my heart for all the good work they have done,” he replied.

And true to Lorraine’s statement, Captain Hugh did not disappoint. Clapper Rail, Northern Harriers and nesting Osprey were among the great birds on this hot, steamy evening. Despite the heat, however, the cool breeze on the river was like outdoor air-conditioning, keeping everyone comfortable.