The Friends of Eagle Island, Inc. (FEI) invites the public to participate in their first major fundraiser, “Take a Hike for Eagle Island,” June 4-11, in three N.J. locations. The Friends hope to acquire the Girl Scout camp on Upper Saranac Lake, N.Y., that for 70 years welcomed several generations of New Jersey girls. More than a dozen hikes will take place throughout the U.S. and abroad during the week of June 4-12.

 Designed by noted Adirondack Great Camp architect William L. Coulter, Eagle Island was a summer retreat for U.S. Vice President Levi Morton. In 1937 Henry Graves, of Orange, N.J., noted banker and collector of Patek Philippe watches, gifted the camp to the Girl Scouts of South Orange and Maplewood. The camp, which opened in 1938 and closed in 2009, provided top-notch sailing and boating instruction and wilderness camping experiences for several generations of New Jersey girls.

 With the Girl Scouts poised to sell the historic property in the Adirondacks, former campers have banded together as the Friends of Eagle Island, Inc., to acquire the historic property, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2004, and perpetuate the Graves family mandate that it always be a place for children to enjoy the outdoors, make friendships and learn leadership skills

 To participate in the South Mountain Reservation hike, meet Saturday, June 4, 10:30am at Locust Grove in Millburn, across the street from the train station. Contact: Michelle Racioppi at: takeahikeathereservation@friendsofeagleisland.org. 

A Hunterdon County hike will take place Sunday, June 5, 12 noon in Voorhees State Park. Meet at the Hoppock Grove Parking area just past the post office.  Contact: Adriane  Collett at takeahikeinhunterdon@friendsofeagleisland 

Hike the Asbury Park Boardwalk, Saturday, June 11, 10:30 am. Meet on the boardwalk at 7th Street. Contact: Marilyn Graber at takeahikealongtheboardwalk@friendsofeagleisland.org

 For more information and to participate, visit: www.friendsofeagleisland.org, click on Take a Hike for FEI. Donate securely online via PayPal or credit card, or send checks to: Friends of Eagle Island, Inc., P.O. Box 245, Livingston, NJ 07039. Or, leave a  message at 973-996-8306.