3 BEAUTIFUL, LOCAL HIKING SPOTS CELEBRATE EARTH DAY TODAY!
EAST CREEK LOOP TRAIL Trailhead Located: Belleplain State Forest Length: 6.8 miles Elevation Gain: 88 feet Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the largest remaining example of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecosystem — the Pine Barrens. Take a drive to Belleplain State Forest and soak it in with this easy loop trail! With barely any elevation gain, you’ll find it easy for all skill levels. Also, large crowds tend to stay away, especially in the mornings. We hope these trails inspire you to take advantage of the spring season. Thanks for reading.
Missing the fresh air lately? Now, you have one more excuse to get outdoors: April 22 is Earth Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than getting into nature and enjoying all the natural beauty it has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor trails in the northern New Jersey area! HENRY HUDSON TRAIL (HIGHLANDS TO ABERDEEN) Trailhead Located: Highlands, NJ Length: 28.3 miles Elevation Gain: 387 feet If you enjoy long walks on the beach — or at least along the shoreline — you should consider this beautiful paved and gravel/ sand walkway. It spans 28 miles of both natural and urban scenery along the New
Jersey shore, and plenty of fishing spots are nestled among the rocks plus a small beach to relax at. Trails are 6 feet wide, great for groups or road cyclists! STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN TRAIL Trailhead Located: Wawayanda State Park Length: 2.6 miles Elevation Gain: 892 feet With the bloom of its gorgeous wildflowers, this hike to a local mountain peak provides a view that’s just as beautiful as the name implies. Dog-friendly and accessible year-round, this trail tends to be a local favorite! You’ll find plenty of large boulders that are perfect for bouldering. Be aware: It's part of the Appalachian Trail in the area, so you’ll see a fair number of fellow hikers.
SPRING VEGETABLE AND CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
INGREDIENTS
1 cup cooked chicken, diced 1 14-oz can artichokes, drained and quartered 1 cup fresh asparagus pieces 1/2 cup carrots, grated 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 3/4 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped and divided 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped and divided 2 tsp minced garlic
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In the prepared dish, stir together cooked chicken, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, half the chives, half the parsley, garlic, salt, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. 3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. 4. Uncover and stir. At this point, check the pasta to make sure it is al dente. If it’s undercooked, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is tender. 5. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining Parmesan, chives, and parsley. Inspired by TheSeasonedMom.com
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