Joe Reynolds' Blog

Last week, residents of the Sandy Hook Bay region were once again reminded that it is still winter. For a time in February, it seemed as if every few days another epic winter storm would arrive to pound the shore with wind, sleet and snow. The latest storm came in the form of a classic nor'easter that spun around for three days to bury the northern Jersey Shore under roughly a foot of fresh snow.  Read more »

With heavy snow still covering many parts of the Jersey Shore from a series of wicked winter storms, I tried to gladden my spirits from overlooking a predominantly lifeless landscape by heading down to Atlantic City. No, not to the casinos. Instead, with sunny skies and temperatures reaching up around 50 degrees, it was a beautiful day to go out and check out the Atlantic City Aquarium.  Read more »

February 7, 2010. It didn't take long for winter to return to the Jersey Shore. It was just a few weeks ago I could almost feel winter lose its grip on Sandy Hook Bay. There was a mild mid-winter thaw and a few days of near record warmth with highs in the 50s. Then just as if someone had turned on a switch. Wham! Winter is back.\  Read more »

Choosing quality child care for a youngster is a difficult decision, especially if you want a young person to grow up to appreciate nature and the outdoors. A really good place should be one that is small and warm, where a child will not get lost or become just a number.

Let's face it, the first five years of a child's life are critical for her or his well-being. During these formative years, young children must be loved and nurtured, both in their social and physical environments. If these needs are met, children will grow up eager to explore and learn the natural environment.  Read more »

As a boy growing up in the Barnegat Bay watershed region, I knew my local environment. I could tell you the best trees to climb, the best creeks to swim, seine, or catch a fish, the best trails to hike or ride a bike, and the best forests and fields to explore, wander, or just back lay back and dream. I knew my woods, water, and local fields.  Read more »

As Chris Christie takes the oath of office to become New Jersey's 55th Governor, he now becomes front and center in the spotlight on all issues regarding the Garden State. One feature of New Jersey that I hope he will take very seriously is the Jersey Shore environment.

(We need to always fight to keep the Jersey Shore an exceptional place)  Read more »

New Year's Day 2010 in Asbury Park. The high air temperature was mild reaching up into the mid 40s, but the Atlantic Ocean was bitter cold near the shore with temperatures at best in the upper 30s. Yet, for over a hundred people in Asbury Park, receiving an electrifying jolt from jumping into icy water was a perfect way to ring in 2010.

(The rush begins as who will be the first polar bear into the ocean)  Read more »

As if to ring in the winter season, there was still about 15 inches of snow on the ground from the first snowstorm of the season. There was also a frigid wind blowing from the north and the air was bitterly cold. The windchill was 15°F and Sandy Hook Bay had that arctic appearance of water about to ice over.

 Read more »

Like a switch was thrown, winter temperatures had finally arrived to the northern Jersey Shore. Despite a clear and sunny sky, cold weather really showed up towards the end of the week.

(An adult Northern Gannet flying over the Atlantic Ocean, near Sandy Hook)  Read more »

Even though for most folks winter does not officially begin until December 21st, something else connected to winter weather occurred last Tuesday. The first day of December marked the beginning of what many weather folks call "Meteorological Winter." This is another kind of winter that is not related to astronomical winter, which is based on the position of the Earth in its orbit around the sun. Meteorological winter, on the other hand, is based on the three month period of December, January, and February.  Read more »