Discover DEP: the Official Podcast of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection

Episode 35-Forestry in New Jersey with Bernie Isaacson

With more than 45% of New Jersey covered in forests, forest management is an important part of DEP’s mission. DEP’s forestry team maintains and protects New Jersey’s forest landscape through various methods and means, such as prescribed burning and through the Natural Resource Stewardship Plan. Bernie Isaacson, assistant regional forester, joined Bob Bostock to discuss New Jersey’s abundant state forests and the sustainability initiatives that are in place to ensure that our forests thrive.

 For more information about forestry and forest management in New Jersey, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/forest/.

Episode 34-Washington Crossing with Mark Sirak and Clay Craighead

Every year, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring Christmas Night river crossing. This event has become a tradition for Washington Crossing State Park, and hundreds of reenactors come together to make this an event that is fun and informative for people of all ages. Mark Sirak and Clay Craighead, Resource Interpretive Specialists at Washington Crossing State Park, joined Bob Bostock to discuss this historic crossing and the reenactment which takes place on Christmas Day at the Park.

For more information on Washington Crossing State Park, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/washcros.html.

To learn more about the reenactment visit: http://revolutionarynj.org/event/the-christmas-day-crossing-reenactment-at-washington-crossing-state-park/.

 

Photo: Mark Sirak (l) and Clay Craighead (r)

Episode 33-Drought Update with Assistant Commissioner Dan Kennedy

Since July, much of New Jersey has been under a drought watch. In the months since, rainfall has continued to be scarce in much of the state. As a result, 14 counties are now under a drought warning. With reservoir levels dropping and precipitation continuing to be below normal levels, water conservation becomes ever more important. Dan Kennedy, assistant commissioner of Water Resources Management, joined Bob Bostock to provide an update on the drought situation in New Jersey as well as some tips on water conservation, because Every Drop Counts.

For more information on the drought warning and DEP’s involvement, please visit http://njdrought.org/.

Episode 32-A Jersey Thanksgiving: Turkeys and Cranberries in the Garden State with Tony McBride and Rob Geist

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, millions of people across America are looking for the perfect ingredients for their holiday dinners. Turkeys and cranberries have long been staples of Thanksgiving dinner, but in reality, they are much more important than that. Tony McBride, supervising biologist for DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Rob Geist, from DEP’s Division of Natural and Historic Resources, joined Bob Bostock to take a look behind the scenes of the role that each of these play in the Garden State.

Photo: Rob Geist (left) and Tony McBride (right)

For more information on wild turkeys in New Jersey, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/turkey_info.htm.
For more information on Double Trouble State Park, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/double.html#bogs.
For more information on cranberry growing in New Jersey, please visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/landuse/fww/fww_gp23.html.

Priscilla Ryle's Holiday Cranberry Salad

• 1 1/2 pounds Jersey Fresh cranberries
• 1 (1 lb. 4 oz) can of crushed pineapple in light syrup
• 3 small packages lemon Jello
• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups celery
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 orange, ground fine
• juice of 1 lemon

1. Cook cranberries in 3 cups water until skins pop.
2. Reserve syrup of drained pineapple and add water to make 1 cup liquid.
3. Add packages of lemon Jello and gelatin to pineapple syrup.
4. Reserve 3 cups of the liquid from the drained cranberries and add to gelatin mixture (add hot water if necessary to make 3 cups).
5. Puree the drained cranberries in blender.
6. Stir sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the cranberry puree.
7. Add the celery, pecans, pineapple, ground orange and lemon juice to the gelatin mixture.
8. Stir all the ingredients together and pour into a 3 Qt. mold.
9. Chill until firm, then unmold and Enjoy!

Episode 31-America Recycles Day with Steve Rinaldi

Tuesday, November 15 is America Recycles Day. On this day, events will be held across the country to promote recycling and inform people about proper recycling techniques. Recycling is important to New Jersey and to DEP, both of which have been committed to promoting recycling for more than 30 years. Steve Rinaldi, research scientist at DEP, sits down with Bob Bostock to discuss this nationwide initiative as well as New Jersey’s ongoing recycling efforts.

For more information on America Recycles Day, please visit https://americarecyclesday.org/.

For more information on recycling in New Jersey, please visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/.

        

Episode 30-Bear Saftety with Michelle Smith

Since the 1980s, the Garden State's black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range. Within the most densely populated state in the nation, black bears are thriving, and there are now confirmed bear sightings in all 21 of New Jersey's counties. DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife uses an integrated approach to managing New Jersey's black bear population, fostering coexistence between people and bears. Michelle Smith, biologist and bear specialist here at DEP, sits down with Bob Bostock to discuss bears in New Jersey as well as safety tips for dealing with them.

For more information on bear safety in New Jersey, please visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/bearfacts_safetytips.htm. You can report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Episode 29-Bats with Mackenzie Hall

October is a popular month for bats – in fact, October 24-31 is Bat Week. However, these mammals have more to offer than just being a symbol for Halloween. Mackenzie Hall, biologist in DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Endangered and Nongame Species Program, joined Bob Bostock to discuss her experiences with these incredible creatures. Mackenzie is a recipient of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s Women & Wildlife Inspiration Award and has been involved in a number of projects spanning bat colonies, migrating amphibians, and grassland birds.

For more information on bats in New Jersey, please visit http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/protecting/projects/bat/. For more information on Bat Week, please visit http://www.batweek.org/. 

Mackenzie was featured in a Creature Show episode on bats, which can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/142893399.

Episode 28-Office of Emergency Management with Director Bob Van Fossen

No matter where you’re from, environmental emergencies inevitably occur. From droughts to hurricanes to hazardous spills, New Jersey has dealt with it all. Bob VanFossen, Director of DEP’s Emergency Management Program, joined Bob Bostock to discuss the role of DEP’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in assessing environmental emergencies as they arise and addressing them as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
 
For more information on DEP’s Office of Emergency Management, please visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/emergency/.

To report an environmental incident or submit a complaint, call 1-877-WARNDEP, use the Warn DEP app, or visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/warndep.htm for more essential numbers.

Download the Warn DEP App through Apple, Google Play, and Windows stores.

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/warn-njdep/id1133675885?mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nicusa.NJI.WARNNJDEP&hl=en
Windows: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/warn-njdep/9nblggh4v0px

Episode 27-Drought with Jeff Hoffman, New Jersey State Geologist

This year has been particularly dry, which caused DEP to issue a drought watch in late July for most northern and central regions of New Jersey. With continued dry weather, there is now a possibility that the watch may become a warning. Jeff Hoffman, New Jersey’s State Geologist, joined Bob Bostock to discuss the current drought watch and DEP’s role in public awareness, water conservation, and prevention of droughts.

For more information the drought watch and DEP’s involvement, please visit http://njdrought.org/

A Drought Warning Public Hearing will be held on October 20. It will be at 10 a.m. in the Millburn Free Public Library auditorium, 200 Glen Avenue in Millburn, NewJersey.  View Notice

Episode 26-Deer Rutting Season with Principal Biologist Dan Roberts

Fall marks the beginning of deer rutting season, a time of year when deer are especially active. New Jersey is home to over 101,000 deer, which can cause problems for motorists especially during their morning and evening commutes. Dan Roberts, principal wildlife biologist and leader of the white-tailed deer project here at DEP, joined Bob Bostock to discuss deer in New Jersey, DEP’s deer management policies, and how people can stay safe while on the road.

For more information on white-tailed deer in New Jersey and deer rutting season, please visit: www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/deer.htm