EDISON — The Edison Greenways Group and the Edison Wetlands Association have planned a series of tours of open space in the local area.
The Eco-Tours of Edison, being held for the 19th year, allow attendees to learn about local history and the environment while seeing interesting places not visible from a car, hike in fresh air, meet people, and splash in the water and mud.
The tours are open to the public and last approximately two hours. Attendees should bring a drink, binoculars, a compass, notepad and bird book. They should also wear appropriate clothing and waterproof footwear. The walks can be tough and wet, according to organizers. There are no restroom facilities on the outdoor tours.
This year’s tours are dedicated to Edison’s late environmental activist, Jane Tousman, and include places she worked to preserve.
A tour of the Woodbrook Farms Prehistoric Archaeological Site is set for May 10 at 2 p.m. Attendees will meet at the Triple C Ranch.
A bicycle tour of Edison and Metuchen is set for May 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 25-mile ride is a new route, with rest stops along the way. Registration is at 8 a.m., and the cost is $10 per rider. Participants will meet at the Municipal Building, 100 Municipal Blvd., Edison. Visit www.EdisonNJ. org/Tour2014 for more information.
On May 25, a tour is set for Stevens Preserve, 200 acres of woods and wetlands, and the Short Hills Battlefield from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will meet at the end of Petti Lane, Edison.
On National Trails Day, June 7, an Eco- Tour is slated for the North Edison Trails at 10 a.m. Participants will meet at Elder Park on Grove Avenue, Edison.
Edison Family Day is set for June 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will meet at the Middlesex Greenway Booth in the New Jersey Convention Center at Raritan Center.
On June 22, a tour of Tingley Lane Park, more than 80 acres of forest with numerous vernal ponds, will begin at 10 a.m. Attendees will meet in Parking Lot J at Adams Middle School on New Dover Road, Edison.
Before each tour, call 732-906-0529 for cancellation information. Tours may be postponed due to bad weather or other conditions.
For information or directions, contact Walter Stochel Jr. at 732-906-0529 or [email protected]. For Edison Wetlands information, call 732-321-1300 or email [email protected].