Story by Gisele M.

On 09-25-02 Explore 2000 visited the Kearny Marsh, in Kearny New Jersey. The water in the marsh is brackish water because it's a mixture of fresh and salt water. My partner for the canoeing was Norrey. Norrey and I had great teamwork together. Norrey and I canoed all around the marsh. At times we got stuck but we didn't panic, we stayed calm and were able to get out.
Mr. Jared our tour guide and field naturalist showed us around the marsh. After we finished canoeing he showed us the different types of plants like poison ivy, black lotus, wild grape, black willow and many more.
I had observed while canoeing that they were many pollutants in the water like tires, cans, plastic bags and barrels. These items are a threat to the marsh because fish can get caught in it and they might think the plastic is food and accidentally eat it. The marsh was muddy and had a bad smell to it. Other then the smell, I really enjoyed the trip. Most of the smell cam from the Detritus material that breaks down and that benefits the ecosystem. 
What I have come to realize in the three years in this program is that all of our field trips involve some type of teamwork. Teamwork is one of the main important things on a field trip especially one like this. You and your partner have to be able to communicate and cooperate with each other in order to make a success. Norrey and I have worked together on many field trips so we know each other well enough. Norrey has trust in me and I have trust in her. If we both make an error its alright because it part of learning and having fun. There is no I in teamwork but there is a We. Teamwork is a key factor to every field trip. Without teamwork our canoeing wouldn't be a success.
Special Thanks to Jared and Capt. Bill Sheehan for letting us use the Hackensack Riverkeeper canoes.