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information prior to your visit.
Biking | Boating,
Swimming & Fishing Holes | Family
Camping | Farms | The Great Outdoors | Horseback
Riding | Outdoor Education Centers
| The Shore | Winter Sports
Biking
New Jersey's abandoned railroad lines and historic canal paths
make excellent family biking trails as they are virtually flat with mostly
cinder and some paved surfaces. See listings under the Great Outdoors
for more family biking, hiking, or strolling trails. Search TrailLink,
a service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, for detailed information,
access points, locations and reviews of rail-trails in New Jersey and throughout
the country, www.traillink.com
bicycle & pedestrian maps
Bernards Township
Engineer's Office, 908-204-3020. Bernards Twp. residents can pick up a map
to the township's eight miles of biking and walking trails at the reference
desk of the Bernards Twp. Library. Multiple copies are available from the
Twp. Engineer's office.
Morris County Division of Transportation Manage-ment, 973-829-8101. A map to multi-use trails, walking trails, bicycle lanes and shared roadways throughout Morris County are available at local libraries, the Morris County Visitors Center, or online at www.co.morris.nj.us/transportation
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) publishes ten bicycle tour guides including a 238-mile route from High Point to Cape May. The pocket-size tour guides have been reprinted in color on water-resistant paper and contain directions and information about parking, food and other local amenities. You may order copies online, by mail or download PDF files at: www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/tours.shtm
Columbia Trail
Rt. 24, Washington Twp., 973-326-7600. Wide earthen trail on the abandoned
Jersey Central Railroad bed spans Morris County and Hunterdon County for
16.2 miles and is ideal for bicycling, hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing
and horseback riding. Access the trail at West Valley BrookRd., Rt. 513,
Fairview Ave., Naughright Rd., Four Bridges Rd., Bartley Rd. or Schooley's
Mountain Rd. in Washington Twp.
Delaware &Raritan Canal State
Park
643 Canal Rd., Somerset, 732-873-3050. 44-mile long canal built in the 1830's
to carry coal and industrial goods between Philadelphia and New York City
was once a busy waterway, now a quiet and beautiful state park. Canoeing,
hiking, bicycling, fishing, horseback riding; cross-country skiing in winter.
Access canal paths from small parking areas located at most roads that cross
the canal (off Rt. 533) between East Millstone and Rocky Hill in Somerset
County. Canoe and kayak rental and Mule Tenders Barracks Museum at Griggstown
(www.canoenj.com). In Hunterdon County,
access the feeder canal that runs between Frenchtown and Trenton along the
Delaware River from Prallsville Mill (Stockton), Bulls Island or Frenchtown,
off Bridge St. Campsites available at Bull's Island Recreation Area,
609-397-2949.
Call 609-924-5705 for schedule of seasonal nature and history interpretive
hikes, bike tours and programs or visit www.dandrcanal.com
for schedule and information on canoe, kayak or bike rentals, weekend
family programs, school outreach and many free scout programs.
Ongoing
Nature &History Interpretive Hikes
& Programs, Bike Tours, Boy Scout &Girl Scout Badge &Patch Programs,
call or visit dandrcanal.com for schedule.
Patriots Path
Map at Morris CountyPark Commission, 53 E. Hanover Ave., Morristown, 973-326-7600.
A developing trail network will link many parks and points of interest in
southern Morris County. Currently, there are 20 miles of continuous trails
between Speedwell Ave. in Morris Twp. and Rt. 24 in Mendham Twp. with a
branch to the New Jersey Brigade Hut site in Bernardsville. Two miles of
level, paved path from Lake Rd. to WashingtonValley Rd. (with parking at
both ends) in Morris Twp. offers excellent family biking, walking and roller
blading. The majority of the path is crushed stone/gravel or narrow dirt
trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. The path is well
marked and follows corridors of the Whippany and Black Rivers winding thru
wetlands and forest with lots of wildlife.
Access the 3.5 mile stretch that runs through the Black
River WildlifeManagement Area in Chester Twp. from the parking lot on Dover-Chester
Rd. or Pleasant Hill Rd.
Sussex
Branch/Paulinskill Valley Trail
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Sussex County, 973-786-6445. Abandoned railbeds
from the Erie Lackawanna's Sussex branch and NYSusquehanna and Western Railroad
provide gentle-grade cinder paths that provide excellent biking for families.
The scenery is beautiful and wildlife is abundant along the trail which
follows the Paulinskill River and cuts through the Kittatinny Valley.
The 21 mile Sussex Branch Trail begins at Waterloo Rd.
(1 mi. west of Rt. 206 in Byram), runs north where it passes through Kittatinny
Valley State Park, intersects the Paulinskill Valley Trail at Warbasse Junction,
then ends inBranchville. The 26-mile Paulinskill Valley Trail begins in
Sparta, heads southwest through Blairstown and ends near the Delaware River
at the Columbia Lake Wildlife Management Area. The multi-use trails are
also suited to walking, jogging, horseback riding and cross country skiing.
Both trails can be accessed from their beginning and end points and at Warbasse
Junction. Other access points for the Paulinskill Valley Trail are: Limecrest
Rd. at RR crossing near EasternPropane in Sparta; Swartswood Lake Rd. (Rt.
622); Paulinskill Lake Rd. (Rt. 614); Stillwater Rd. (Rt. 610); Cedar Ridge-Dixon
Rd.; Marksboro Rd. (Rt. 659); and Footbridge Park (off Rt. 94) in Blairstown.
boating, fishing & swimming holes
fishing
Division of Fish, Game &Wildlife, 609-292-2965. Anglers
age 16 and older are required to obtain and -display a valid New Jersey
fishing license to fish the state's fresh waters. For trout fishing, an
additional trout stamp is required. Children under 16 and residents over
age 70 do not need licenses. Licenses can be purchased from most county
and municipal clerks, designated sporting goods stores, or via the Internet
at www.njfishandwildlife.com.
Call the trout hot-line (in April, May and Oct.), 609-633-6765, for recorded
information on stocking locations and times. A free fishing weekend when
no license is required for fishing New Jersey's public waters is held annually
in early June.
boating
For a list of registered and licensed charter and party boat
operators on the Jersey shore, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com
and search "Charter andParty Boat Directory."
Bayshore Discovery Project
2800 High St., Bivalve, Port Norris, 856-785-2060, 800-485-3072, ext. 100.
Operates the restored A.J. Meerwald, a Delaware Bay oyster dredgeboat built
in 1928. The schooner is now a sailing classroom. Field trips, summer sailing
camp, deck tours, sailor for a day program, and public sails from ports
throughout New Jersey including LibertyState Park are offered in season.
Bel Haven Canoes &Kayaks
1227 Rt. 542 (GSP Exit 52), Green Bank, 800-445-0953. Canoe, kayak or tube
through the Pine Barrens on the calm Batsto, Mullica, Wading and Oswego
Rivers.
Belmar Municipal Marina
Rt. 35 (at Shark River), Belmar, 732-681-2266. A large number of party &
charter boats make daily half-day & full-day ocean trips for fluke,
blackfish, blues, albacore, or shark.
Bucks County River Country
Rt. 32, Point Pleasant, PA, 215-297-5000. Tubing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking
on the Delaware River.
Cranford Canoe Club
250 Springfield Ave., Cranford, 908-709-7285. May-Nov.: Sat. &Sun. 9-8.
June-Labor Day: Weekdays 11-8, weekends 9-8. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats
available for paddling on the tranquil Rahway River. No children under 6
in canoes; no children under 3 in kayaks. Concession stand.
Jul 4
Canoe Races, register at Cranford Recreation.
Delaware River Discovery Center
The Shawnee Inn &Golf Resort, One River Rd., Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA,
800-SHAWNEE, ext. 1120. Canoe, raft, kayak, mountain bike rentals; guided
fishing trips, family packages and instructional classes; escorted rafting
trips. Shuttle services available.
Delaware River Family Campground
P.O. Box 142, 100 Rt. 46, Delaware, 908-475-4517, 800-543-0271. E-mail:
delawareriver@nac.net. Open April 1Oct. 31. Located in Warren County
near the Delaware Water Gap offering trailer and cabin rentals and trailer
and tent campsites. Raft, canoe, kayak and tube trips.
Delaware River Tubing
2998 Daniel Bray Hwy., Frenchtown, 866-938-8823. Tubing and rafting on the
Delaware.
Highlands Natural Pool
180 Snake Den Rd. (I-287N exit 55), Ringwood, 973-835-4299. Open weekends
Memorial Day-late June, daily late June-Labor Day. Day passes &memberships.
Olympic-size, stream-fed chemical-free pool with stone retaining walls was
carved out of the hillside in 1935. Set among poplars and evergreens, it
is adjacent to miles of hiking trails in the Norvin Green State Forest and
across the field from the Audubon Society's Weis Ecology Center. Children's
area; snack stand; picnic tables; volleyball court, basketball court and
softball field.
Hunterdon County
Park Canoe Trips
908-782-1158. Canoe trips on Hunterdon's waterways May-Oct. for beginning
and experienced canoers include 212 hr. pond paddles to whitewater
and birding day trips. Custom trips for groups, schools, clubs.
Kittatinny Canoes, Inc.
Dingman's Ferry, PA, 800-FLOAT-KC. Canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing on
the Delaware River.
Pine Barrens Canoe &Kayak
Rental
3260 Rt. 563, Chatsworth, 800-732-0793. Canoe and kayak rentals through
the Pine Barrens on the calm waters of the Wading and Oswego Rivers.
Ringwood State Park
1304 Sloatsburg Rd., Ringwood, 973-962-7031. State Botanical Garden open
8-8. Ringwood Manor tours: Wed.-Sun. 10-3. Skylands Manor tours: one Sunday
per month March-Nov. Entrance feeMemorial Day-Labor Day: $5 weekdays.
Encompassing 4,044 acres, Ringwood includes the formal
gardens of the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens; Ringwood Manor, a beautiful
country house which was once owned by Abram S. Hewitt, America's foremost
ironmaster; Skylands Manor, a 44-room mansion built in the 1920s; and spring-fed
Shepherd Lake Recreation Area offering boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities.
Boat rentals and swimming are offered Memorial Day weekend throughLabor
Day from 10-6. Hiking and multi-use trails range from easy to difficult,
from woodlands to rocky vistas, some connecting the Ringwood and Skylands
sections of the park. 7.5 mile mountain bike loop; food concession at Shepherd
Lake.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free, 973-962-9534
Sun
Botanical Garden Tours, 2pm Jun 15-Sept
28.
Jul 4
9th Annual Independence Day Celebration,
Ringwood Manor. 1-4pm. Reading at 2:30.
Jul 13, Aug 3, Sept 7
Guided Manor Tours, Skylands Manor.
12-4.
Round
Valley Recreation Area
Rt. 78 Exit 18, Rt. 22E (8 mi. east of Clinton on Rt. 22), Annandale, 908-236-6355.
Regarded as the foremost trophy trout water in NJ, scenic reservoir has
small boat launch (10hp max.) or fishing from dam or shore. Hiking and nature
trails, wilderness campsites accessible by boat, canoe or backpacking 3-6
miles. Separate swimming area with bathhouse, picnicking and playground.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free, preregister.
Jun 15
Bring Dad &Hike the Cushetunk Trail,
(5.5 miles of 18-mile mountainous trail, fitness a must, wear hiking
shoes). 10-12:30.
Jun 29
Meet Smokey the Bear, 10-12:30.
Jul 4
Independence Day, 1776, educational
hike on a short trail. 10-11:30.
Jul 13
The Raspberry Ramble, 10-12.
Jul 27
Round ValleyBeginnings, walk. 10-11:30.
Aug 3
Snakes Alive, 10-11:30.
Aug 17
A Mid-Summer Day's Dream: Butterflies &
Other Bugs, hike the 2.5 mile Water Trail, the jewel of Round Valley.
10-11:30.
Sept 14
Shine on Harvest Moon, short hike,
6:30-8.
Sept 21
Autumn Bird Walk, NJAudubon, 9-11am.
Binoculars and field guide suggested.
Raptors, meet hawks and falcons. 11-12.
Sept 28
We Gotta Get Out of This Place, hike.
10-11:30.
Silas Condict County Park
William Lewis Arthur Dr. (off Kinnelon Rd.), Kinnelon, 973-829-8257. Daily
8am-dusk. Paddleboat and rowboat rentals available weekends and holidays
from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Picnic areas, hiking trails, softball fields
and lake fishing.
Somerset County Park
Commission Putting Course and Paddle Boats
Colonial Park, Franklin Twp., 732-873-8585. Putting Course: April-Oct. Adults
$6.50, children/srs. $5. Paddle Boats: Summer thru Labor Day. A sports complex
for all ages. The putting course is a golf course in miniature with water
features and "sand" traps. Both facilities are accessible
for persons with physical disabilities.
Somerset County Park
Commission Family Canoe & Kayak Programs
908-766-2489. Spring, summer and fall canoe and kayak trips designed for
novices and beginners. For canoe trips, children, ages 6 and over, must
be accompanied by an adult and paddlers must be at least 8 yrs. old. Each
canoe can accommodate two paddlers and a child passenger. Kayaking programs
are designed for adults and children 9 and over. A pool session must be
completed before a Kan-U-Kayak session is undertaken. Likewise a Kan-U-Kayak
session must be attended prior to a river trip. Call for schedule of day-long
river excursions.
Can-U-Cannu?
Introductory canoe workshops teach basic paddling, handling and safety on
Branta Pond at the Environmental Education Center. $8 per adult/$6 per student/senior.
Jun 16
6-7: 30pm.
Jul 6
2-3:30pm.
Jul 13
1: 30-3pm.
Jul 24
5: 30-7pm.
Kan-U-Kayak?
Introductory kayaking workshops teach basic paddling, handling and safety.
Must attend 112-hr. pool training session (included in cost) prior to taking
this class. Designed for adults and ages 9 & over. $16 per adult/$12
per student/sr.
Jul 10
6-8pm.
Jul 15
6-8pm.
Jul 23
6-8pm.
Passaic Paddle
Canoe or kayak on the Passaic River through the Great Swamp basin. Trips
are intended for beginner to intermediate paddlers. Bring a snack and water.
$18 per adult/$15 per student/sr.
Jul 29
5: 30-8pm.
Aug 6
5:30-8pm.
Aug 25
4-7pm.
Sept 15
9-noon.
Twilight Delaware and Raritan Canal Paddle
Paddle on the peaceful and stillDelaware &Raritan Canal.Bring a bag
dinner and money for ice cream. $37 per adult/$27 per student/senior.
Jul 21
3:30-8: 30pm.
Aug 10
3:30-8: 30pm.
Spruce
Run State Park
Van Syckels Rd. (I-78 to Clinton Rt. 31N), Clinton, 908-638-8572 or 908-638-8573.
Seasonal parking fee. Swimming beach and bathhouse, small boat launch for
boaters and windboarders, boat and canoe rental (908-638-8234), fishing,
camping, picnicking and playground.
Sunrise Lake Beach Club
Lewis Morris Park, Rt. 24, Morris Township, 973-829-8257. Memorial Day thru
Labor Day: Weekends 11-5:30. Late June thru Labor Day: Mon.-Fri. 11-5:30.
Season passes available. Summer swimming, fishing, rowboat and paddleboat
rentals, beach volleyball, bath/boathouse with restrooms, changing rooms
and snack bar. Birthday parties.
Lewis Morris Park has hiking trails, mountain biking,
fitness circuit, softball field, picnic sites and Saturn Kids Kingdom playground
in Doe Meadow. Camping for organized groups by advance reservation.
Jul 19
Campout on the Beach!, 7pm. Pre-registration
is required.
Jul 21
Stream Exploration, ages 5-8. 1-3.
$3, pre-registration required. 973-635-6629.
Wawayanda
State Park
885 Warwick Turnpike,Hewitt, 973-853-4462. 255-acre lake with a number of
explorable islands in the remote, rugged highlands of northern New Jersey.
400-acre park also includes mountain bike trails, hiking on the Appalachian
Trail, fishing, beach area with lifeguard, camping, and food concession.
Canoe rental available mid-April-late Sept.
Selected Interpretive Programs
For adults and minimum ages noted. Free.
Jul 8
Exploring the Night Sky, all ages.
9-10pm.
Jul 10
Appalachian Trail Guided Hike, terrain
moderately difficult. Ages 8 &up. 3:30pm.
Jul 12
Discover WawayandaGuided Hike: Cedar
Swamp, moderately difficult. Ages 8 &up. 3pm.
Jul 13
Walking Tour of the High Breeze Farm, tours
every hour 1-4pm. Suggested donation: Adults $5, students/srs. $3.
Jul 16
Flora of Wawayanda, ages 6 &up.
3pm.
Jul 19
Discover WawayandaGuided Hike: Hemlock
Ravine, moderately difficult. Ages 8 &up. 3pm.
Jul 23
Birds of Wawayanda, ages 5 & up.
4pm.
Jul 24
Appalachian Trail Guided Hike, trailhead
parking lot, Rt. 94, Vernon (near Heaven Hill Farm). Pinwheel Vista terrain
very difficult. Ages 10 & up. 3:30pm.
Jul 26
Discover WawayandaGuided Hike: Bearfort
Mountain, difficult terrain. Ages 10 &up.
Jul 30
Geology of Wawayanda, one-hour hike,
moderate terrain. Ages 8 & up. 4pm.
Aug 2
Discover WawayandaGuided Rowboat Tour,
one-hour boat rental, pre-registration required (limit 20 people). 1pm.
Aug 6
Wawayanda Night Life, ages 6 &
up. Pre-registration required. 9pm.
Aug 9
Discover WawayandaGuided Hike: Canistear
Road/Trail, moderately difficult, ages 8 &up. 1pm.
Aug 13
Historical Wawayanda: Mining Village
of Wawayanda, ages 12 &up. 3:30pm.
Aug 14
Appalachian Trail Guided Hike, moderately
difficult. Ages 10 & up. 3:30pm.
Aug 16
Black Creek Site Interpretive Tour, slide
show & tour. 10am. Suggested donation $5 each event, $8 for both.
Aug 20
Historical Wawayanda: Kazmar House, moderately
difficult, ages 12 & up. 3:30pm.
Aug 28
Exploring Our Night Sky, all ages.
8:30-9:30pm.
CAMPING
See listings under The Great Outdoors for additional -refer-ences
to New Jersey campgrounds. Many state and all national parks offer wonderful
interpretive programs on the history and environment of the area, with many
offered in the evening for campers.
new
jersey state parks
New JerseyDivision of Parks and Forestry, POBox 404, Trenton, 08625-0404.
1-800-843-6420, 609-984-0370. Campsites, cabins, group cabins, lean-tos,
shelters and yurts may be available depending on the park. Reservations
can be made up to 11 months in advance either in person at the area office;
by mail using an overnight application form; or by telephone using a credit
card, for a minimum of 2 nights to a maximum of 14 nights. Cabins must be
reserved for 7 or 14 consecutive nights Memorial Day through Labor Day or
for a 2 night minimum at other times.
A complete Guide to New Jersey's State Parks and Forests can be purchased
at any state park service office for $2 or by mail for $4. Make check payable
to Treasurer, State of NJ and send to address above. www.njparksandforests.org
Ask for a Passport when you visit a state park, forest or historic
site and collect an official passport sticker when you visit sites
throughout the state. Each sticker represents a significant feature of the
area. Collect a minimum of 10 different stickers to receive a prize.
new
jersey campground association
29 Cook's Beach Rd., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210-1723, 1-800-2-CAMP-NJ,
609-465-8444. For a free copy of the annual Campground & RVPark Guide
for New Jersey, call, write or email: request@newjerseycampgrounds.com.
national park service
Campsite reservations for most National Park Service sites can be made up
to 6 months in advance and up to 11 months in advance at other National
Recreation areas. Reservations for Yosemite go on sale for a 5-month period
on the 15th of each month. Booking windows vary depending on the type of
facility requested. Check the NationalPark Service reservation website at
www.recreation.gov for reservation
and campground details. Phone reservations are taken 10am-12am daily
March-Oct; 10am-10pm Nov.-Feb. Call 1-877-444-6777. For customer service,
phone 1-888-448-1474. For park information, visit www.nps.gov.
Additional infor-mation is -available at www.nationalparks.org
and www.americanparknetwork.com,
publishers of -visitor guides for national and state parks across America.
Reservations for lodging at a number of parks can also
be made via authorized concessionaires such as Xanterra Parks & Resorts,
www.xanterra.com.
Visit reserveamerica.com
for campground information, trail maps, guidebooks and to make reservations
at many public and private campgrounds nationwide.
The Junior Ranger program, available at many National
Parks, consists of completing an activity booklet while visiting the park
and upon completion, earning a Junior Ranger badge. For more information,
visit www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm.
For those who are unable to visit a national park, an on-line Junior
Ranger program with activities and rewards can be completed at www.nps.gov/webrangers.
Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA
Family Camp
RR1, Dingmans Ferry, 877-SPEERSY, 570-828-2329. Canoeing, sailing, swimming,
horseback riding, and hiking in the Pocono Mountains for multi-generational
campers available Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends and for a week during
the summer.
Delaware River Family Campground
P.O. Box 142, 100 Rt. 46, Delaware, 908-475-4517, 800-543-0271. E-mail:
delawareriver@nac.net. Open April 1Oct. 31. Located in Warren
County near the Delaware Water Gap offering trailer and cabin rentals and
trailer and tent campsites. Raft, canoe, kayak and tube trips.
Fairview Lake YMCA Family
Camp
1035 Fairview Lake Rd., Newton, 973-383-9282. As a branch of the Metro YMCAs
of the Oranges, Fairview Lake YMCA offers family camping on select weekends
in the winter, spring and fall and a week-long program in the summer
for families who want to renew their appreciation for each other while enjoying
the quiet and tranquility of Fairview Lake. Modern, winterized cabins, meals
in dining hall and seasonal activities include canoeing/boating, archery,
swimming, fishing, orienteering, arts and crafts, cookouts, etc.
Sept 5-7, Oct 24-26
Family Camp Weekends 2008.
Jenny
Jump State Forest
State Park Rd., Hope, NJ, 908-459-4366. Small state campground has 23 private
campsites in the woods and 6 shelter cabins each furnished with 2 bunk beds,
woodburning stove & small table &benches. Several miles of hiking
trails lead thru rugged, rocky terrain with scenic overlooks to Delaware
Water Gap and other vistas; convenient to Land of Make Believe. United Astronomy
Clubs of NJ Greenwood Observatory open 8-10: 30pm Sat. late April
thru Oct. for presentations and public observing.
Sat
Apr-Oct Stargazing &Lectures, 8-10:30pm.
Beginners and children are welcome.
Kymer's Camping Resort
69 Kymer Road, Branchville, 973-875-3167, 800-526-2267. E-mail: Kymers@nac.net.
Open April 1Oct. 31. Located in Sussex County near the Kittatinny Mountains
offering trailer and cabin rentals and trailer and tent campsites with water,
electric and cable TV hookups.
Mohican
Outdoor Center
50Camp Rd., Blairstown, 908-362-5670. Former boy scout camp on the banks
of Catfish Pond, a 60-acre glacial lake, is now operated by the Appalachian
Mountain Club in partnership with the National Park Service. Hiking on the
Appalachian Trail, fishing, swimming, canoeing, biking, rock climbing, birdwatching,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, campsites and lodging available.
Outdoor programs for all ages and levels of interest are
offered year round for members and non-members. Facilities, available on
a space-available basis, include lodge with heated central gathering area,
seasonal meals, shower and fireplace; shared bunkroom and private cabins;
seven rustic campsites; group campsite; and three tent platforms and ground
site overlooking Catfish Pond.
Ongoing
Family Adventure Camps &Weekends, are
offered at AMC locations in New Hampshire during school vacations and summer.
Jun 14-15, Jul 12-13
Family-friendly Trail Work Weekends.
Panther Lake Camping Resort
6 Panther Lake Road, Andover, 973-347-4440, 800-543-2056. E-mail:
pantherlake@nac.net. Open April 1Oct. 31. Located in Sussex
County on Panther Lake offering trailer and cabin rentals and trailer and
tent campsites with water, electric and cable TV hookups.
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Rt. 209, Dingmans Ferry, PA, 570-828-2319. Located in a -former Pocono resort
in the Delaware Water Gap National RecreationArea, PEEC offers daytime and
overnight nature programs for families. Educational family weekends, nature
and birding treks, homeschool programs, workshops for educators, scout/school
trips and other special events are held throughout the year.
Wharton
State Forest
Batsto Village, Rt. 542, Hammonton, 609-561-0024; Atsion Office, Rt. 206,
Hammonton, 609-268-0444; 609-567-4559. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day:
$5 weekends. The largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State
Park system, Wharton State Forest is the site of Batsto Village in
the Pine Barrens, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from
1766 to 1867, and features miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking and
horseback riding, trails for hiking, rivers and streams for canoeing, and
numerous lakes, ponds and fields for wildlife observation. The 50-mile Batona
Trail connects Wharton, Brendan Byrne (formerly Lebanon) and Bass River
State Forests. Campsites include tent and trailer sites, wilderness campsites
and nine furnished cabins.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free
Jun-
Sept
Guided Canoe Tours of Batsto Lake, call
for schedule and reservations, 609-567-4559.
Jul 13
The Carpenter Frog Pinelands Hike, 2-4
miles. 10.
Aug 2
The Pinelands Summer Zenith Nature Hike,
2-4 miles. 10am.
Aug 9
Astronomy in the Pines Presentation, 7-8pm.
Starwatch, sunset to 11pm.
Sep 15
FallBeauty in theWetlands Hike, 2-4
miles, 10.
YMCA Camp Mason
23 Birch Ridge Rd., Hardwick, 908-362-8217. Family camping weekends are
generally offered over Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and for Fall
Foliage. Fee includes accommodations in heated duplex cabins with full bathrooms
and bunk beds, meals, self-directed and staff-led activities, and use of
all facilities. Group rentals available at other times.
Visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's
-website at www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov for
a list of pick-your-own farms, community farmers' markets and a selection
of Jersey Fresh recipes.
For information about farms in Sussex County that offer Christmas trees,
farm tours, pick-your-own produce, farmstands and harvest activities, visit
sussexfarmvisits.com or
call 1-800-473-0363.
For a guide to Christmas tree farms throughout the state, visit www.njchristmastrees.org.
Hillview Farms
223 Meyersville Rd., Gillette, 908-647-0957. Daily 10-6. Pick your own blueberries,
tomatoes, zinnias, peaches, apples, and pumpkins in season. Be sure to call
first for availability. Shop in our store for Jersey-fresh fruits, vegetables,
honey, fresh baked pies and much more. School tours.
HowellFarm Corn Maze
Valley Rd., 1 mi. west of Howell Living History Farm, Titusville (off Rt.
29 2 mi. south of Lambertville), 609-397-2555. Open weekends Sept.-Nov.
plus Columbus Day. Seven-foot tall, walk-through puzzle cut into 3-acre
cornfield is annual fundraiser to restore 200-yr.-old barn at Howell Farm.
On weekends, visitors can enter and find their way out using maps, clues
and "mailboxes." Estimated time for walk is 30 min. to 2 hrs.
Longmeadow Farm
561 Blairstown Rd. (Rt. 521), Hope, 908-459-5351. Open weekends and Mon.
holidays 9-5 starting Labor Day weekend. Berry picking starts late July.
No admission fees or membership required. Free parking. Schools and groups
scheduled by appointment.
Pick your own raspberries, blackberries, apples and pumpkins.
14 great apple varieties on easy pick dwarf trees. Take a spooky hayride
to the pumpkin patch. Farmstand features our own honey, a huge selection
of jams and jellies and no-sugar-added fruit spreads and fruit butters.
See display ad on page 64.
Norz Hill Dairy Farm &Market
116 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough, 908-371-COWS. Pumpkin patch, farm tours,
corn maze, and pony rides late Sept. thru Oct. Haunted trail open Oct. weekends.
Market stand. School tours.
Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Rd. (turn north onto Oakdale at the Exxon on the eastern end
of Main St.), Chester, 908-879-5353. Daily 9-4:30pm, seven days a week in
Sept. and Oct. only. Pick-your-own apples in a scenic old orchard. Pick
your own pumpkins, some still on the vine, in our new pumpkin patch. Enjoy
the fall colors on our 68-acre farm. Hayrides on weekends. 27 varieties
of apples by the pound. School trips. Cider.
Sept-
Oct
Pick Your Own Apples, Pick Your Own Pumpkins,
7 days a week 9-4:30pm.
Stony Hill Orchards
8 Rt 24, Chester; 15 North Rd., Chester; 908-879-2908 or 908-879-2696. Open
9-6 seven days a week. Call or check website for corn maze hours. Summer
mazes $5; gemstone mining $4-6; corn maze $10 child, $12 adult.
Pumpkin, apple and strawberry picking, farm animals, hayrides,
fresh produce, baked goods. Fun for all ages.
Thru
Aug 29
SummerMazes, Gemstone Mining open.
Aug 30-
Nov 9
Corn Maze open.
Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, 609-924-2310. Pick-your-own May to Oct. from
berries, cherries and flowers to peaches, apples and pumpkins. Read and
Explore and Read and Pick programs for preschoolers and
parents are held year-round for $5 per child. Farm store, farm yard and
farm trail open to the public daily all year. School and group tours by
appointment; birthday parties; annual special events.
ValleyShepherd Creamery
50 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley, 908-876-3200. 112 hr. creamery tours
are given 1 &4pm on weekends only April-Nov. Cheesemaking workshops
on 3rd Sun. of the month. Participants return 2 mos. later to pick up aged
cheese.
Wightman's Farms
Route 202 (5 mi. south of Morristown/exit 30B Rt. 287), Morristown, 973-425-9819.
Store open every day 8am-6pm featuring all varieties of apples, fruits and
vegetables, fresh baked pies, donuts, gourmet foods and fresh apple cider
made in our own mill. Starting weekends Aug. 16, pick your own apples thru
Oct., pick your own peaches thru peach season (9am-5pm, family membership
required) and explore the mazes. Starting Sept. 6, bring the family for
a scenic hayride and pick your own pumpkin. Sat. &Sun. 10am-5pm. No
reservations required. Suitable for all ages. Weekend mazes and kiddie corn
pit. Group & organ-ization hayrides by appointment only during
weekdays beginning Sept. 10. If inclement weather, please call first.
Williams Nursery &
The Gift House
524 Springfield Ave., Westfield, 908-232-4076. Hayrides and pick your own
pumpkins in Oct. Call for times and to book your school now.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Alger
7 Beacon Light Rd., Tewksbury, 908-832-2298.
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
114 DaumRd., Manalapan, 732-786-9277.
Black Oak Farm
9 Black Oak Lane, Asbury, 908-537-4133.
Cherryville Farms
Quakertown/Cherryville Rd. at W. Sidney Rd., Franklin Twp., 908-806-4580.
Cole's CountryTree Farm
478 Country Rd. 579, Alexandria Twp., 908-735-5706.
Cook's Evergreen Farm
7 Railroad Lane, Whitehouse Station, 908-534-2260.
Country Heritage Farm
129 Plains Rd, Augusta, 973-875-5590.
Deerfield Farm
14 Pulaski Rd., Whitehouse Station, 908-534-2523.
Dixiedale Farm
Hillside Ave. &River Rd., Chatham, 973-635-2097.
Evergreen Farm
4 Bass Lane, Lebanon, 908-236-9550.
Giamarese Farms
155 Fresh Pond Rd, E. Brunswick, 732-821-9494.
Hidden Hollow Farm
18 Spring Lane, Washington, 908-689-5678.
Holiday Tree Farm
44 Augusta HillRd., Augusta, 973-948-7488.
Holly Bough Plantation
88 Cole Rd., Whitehouse Station, 908-534-2622.
Keris Tree Farm &Christmas Shop
848 Rt. 524, Allentown, 609-259-0720.
Mt. Bethel Christmas Tree Farm
41 Mt. Bethel Rd., Washington, 908-852-5811.
Perfect Christmas Tree Farm
999 Rt. 22, Phillipsburg, 908-387-1225.
RollingGreen Farm
61 Hacklebarney Rd., Chester, 908-879-4497.
Village Tree Farm
8 Meyersville Rd., Green Village, 908-236-9202.
Wyckoff's Tree Farm
Mile Marker 39, Rt. 519, Belvidere, 908-475-4508.
county and state park -calendars
· Essex County Park Commission
www.co.essex.nj.us
· Hunterdon County
Park Commission
www.co.hunterdon.nj.us
· Morris County Park
Commission
Trail maps available by logging onto www.morrisparks.net
· New Jersey
State Parks Calendar of Events
www.njparksandforests.org
· Somerset County
Park Commission
908-722-1200 x351. www.somersetcountyparks.org
· Union CountyParks
&Community Renewal
www.ucnj.org/parks/index.html
hiking
The website for the New York-New Jersey
Trail Conference, a federation of groups and individuals
dedicated to maintaining marked hiking trails and protecting related open
space, provides information about easy hikes, Hikes of the Week, and offers
regional trail maps and books for sale.
Allaire
State Park
Rt. 524 (exit 98 GSP), Wall Township, 732-938-2371. Nature Interpretive
Center: 732-938-2003. Parking fee. Site of historic Allaire Village and
the antique steam trains of the Pine CreekRailroad (see Historic Sites),
Allaire State Park also features canoeing and fishing on the Manasquan
River and trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross
country skiing. Nature programs are offered throughout the year. Facilities
include a Visitor Center/museum, food concession, and campsites.
Black River Park
973-326-7600. Located in Chester Township, Black River Park is a unique
linear park with beautiful hiking trails through Black River Gorge connecting
the four cultural sites of Cooper Mill, Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo
Brook, and Willowwood Arboretum. Trails can be accessed from any of these
sites. From Cooper Mill, the Black River Trail (blue blaze) follows the
Black River for 2.3 miles to Kay Environmental Center. The red Conifer Pass
Trail travels another 1.8 miles from Kay to Bamboo BrookTrail. Maps available
from Morris CountyPark Commission.
Cheesequake
State Park
Exit 120 Garden State Parkway, Matawan, 732-566-2161. Interpretive Center:
732-566-3208. Open daylight hours year-round. A unique variety of plant
and animal life is found in this park's open fields, salt and freshwater
marshes, white cedar swamp, pine barrens and hardwood forest. Three main
trails (longest is 3.5 mile green) crisscross the park. Exhibits, nature
programs and trail guides are available at Interpretive Center. Hooks Creek
Lake features a bathing beach with lifeguards in summer (no flotation devices
permitted). Bathhouse, concession stand, playground, short boardwalk to
crabbing bridge nearby. Fishing in the lake and blue claw crabbing in Hooks
Creek can be fun in late summer. 53 campsites are located across the parkway.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free
Jun 14
Take Me Fishing Day, pre-registration
required for fishing rods. 10am.
Jun 29
Salt Marsh Hike, 1pm.
Jun-
Sept
Kayak Eco Tours on Cheesequake Creek, call
for details and registration, 732-566-3208.
Jul 27
Yellow Trail Hike, 1pm.
Aug 10
Nature Hike, 1pm.
Aug 31
Osprey Talk, 1pm.
Sept 14
Gerry's World of Snakes, 1pm.
Sept 21
Natural Weaving for Children &Adults,
1pm.
Sept 28
Crabs, Crabs, Crabs, 1pm.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation
Area
Rt. 80W, stop at Kittatinny Point Visitor Center (off 80) for info &map.
Dingmans Falls & Visitor Center is located off Rt. 209 near milepost
14 in Dingmans Ferry, PA. Visitors Centers are open 9-5 Memorial Day Sat.-Labor
Day, closed Tues. &Wed. Open weekends and some weekdays in fall. The
road to Dingmans Falls and Visitor Center is closed when icy conditions
set in. Visitor Services: 570-426-2452.
Short guided walks leave from Visitor Centers. Jr. Naturalist
& Jr. Ranger materials are available. Consult www.nps.gov/dewa
for a schedule of ranger-guided activities and children's materials. Pick
up a park map to access boat and canoe launch points and trailheads for
the Appalachian Trail and Mt.Tammany.
In summer, enjoy a leisurely day tubing, canoeing, or
rafting the Delaware River. Old sneakers help for walking on river bottom.
Access the river from many points along Old Mine Rd. in NJ or from PA. River
guide available at Visitor Centers. Fishing, hiking, bicycling; campsites
available on the river at Worth-ington State Forest, 908-841-9575.
Just north of Worthington Park headquarters is the Douglas Trail to Sunfish
Pond, a natural glacier lake atop the Kittatinny Ridge.
In winter, two major areas are maintained, when conditions
permit, for beginner and advanced cross country skiers. Slateford Farm Ski
Trail in PA (off 80) offers 5 miles of gentle trails. Blue Mountain Lakes
Trail in NJoffers 8 miles for varied abilities.
Ongoing
Adventure Guide for Teens, a 16-page
introduction to the Appalachian Trail within the park is available at Visitor
Centers or online. A patch is available if successfully completed.
Junior Naturalist patch can be earned
by completing a 4-page activity sheet available at Visitor Centers or online.
Junior Park Ranger badge and patch
can be earned after completing a 16-page Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook,
available at Visitor Centers or by mail.
Friends of the Delaware Water Gap
Non-profit organization devoted to park conservancy sponsors lecture series
and Family Fun Days at Bushkill Meeting Center, Rt. 209, just south of Bushkill
Falls, 570-426-2490.
Nov 15
Family Fun Day with Darryl Speicher
of the Pocono Avian Research Center, bird-feeding basics, crafts and
activities. 10am.
Great Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge
Headquarters: 152 Pleasant Plains Rd., Harding Twp., 973-425-1222. Open
Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30, Sun. hours spring-fall. Trails open dawn to dusk. More
than 200 species of birds are found in the Great Swamp. 10 miles of trails
leave from the trailhead at the northeast end of White Bridge Rd. &Laurel
Trail. The Wildlife Observation Center off Long Hill Rd. has information
center and short 1 mile trail with blinds for observing wildlife. Even if
you don't find any unusual birds, this easy walk is always good for spotting
turtles, frogs, snakes, etc. from the boardwalk.
Friends of Great Swamp
197 Pleasant Plains Rd., Harding Twp., 973-425-9510. Sat. &Sun. 11-5.
Closed July and Aug. except for special events. Stop in for maps, information
and visit the Discovery Den for -children, bookstore and gift shop. Friends
of Great Swamp offers public and members-only programs, special events,
group tours (908-647-2508), outreach speakers (973-635-1083), and Swamp
in a Box loan program (908-647-5740).
Selected Public Events
Programs are free, no registration required unless noted.
Jul 12
Refuge Work Day, volunteers needed.
8:30-noon.
Jul 13
Second Sundaywith Friends: Butterfly Identi-fication,
2-4pm. All ages. Bookstore &Gift Shop open 11-5.
Aug 10
Second Sundaywith Friends: Dragonflies,
2-4pm. Indoor program, guided walk, Discovery Den activities. All ages.
Bookstore &Gift Shop open 11-5.
Aug 30-
Nov 2
Wildlife Observation Center will be
staffed to answer questions, record sightings during fall migration season.
Sept
Discovery DenWildflowers, how
wildflowers and insect pollinators depend on each other.
Sept 6
9th Annual FallFestival, talks
& walks, exhibits, kids activities, free food. All ages. 10am-3pm.
Sept 14
Second Sundaywith Friends:Habitat Restoration,
learn about restoration projects, take a guided walk. 2-4pm.
Great Swamp Watershed Association
568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown, 973-538-3500. Membership-based nonprofit
organization protects drinking water and preserves land in the Great Swamp
watershed region. Educational programs for individuals and families, in-school
programs and educators' workshops are offered.
Hacklebarney
State Park
119 Hacklebarney Rd., Long Valley (from Chester, 24W 3 mi. to park entrance),
908-879-5677, 908-638-6969. Parking fee Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hacklebarney
surrounds a gorge of unusual beauty where two feeder streams, Trout Brook
& Rheinhart Brook, flow into the Black River. 5 miles of hiking trails,
many picnic facilities throughout the gorge equipped with charcoal grills.
Waters, stocked with trout, provide good fishing. Topography is rugged,
wear comfortable walking shoes. Kids love to climb on the huge, flat boulders
that line the ravine to the river.
High
Point State Park
1480 Rt. 23, Sussex County, 973-875-4800. Interpretive Center: 973-875-1471.
Cross Country Ski Center, 973-702-1222. Hike to the highest point in New
Jersey along the Kittatinny Mountain ridge and Appalachian Trail. Panoramic
views of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Camping, fishing, swimming
(with bathhouse), boat launch, picnicking, food concession, playground,
nature center.
In winter, a cross country ski center features 15 km of
groomed trails, 6.5 km with snow making equipment. Lodge, lessons, equipment
sales and rentals, ice skating on Lake Marcia.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free
Jun 26, 27, Jul 10, 17, 24, Aug 8, 15, 22
Fledgling Naturalists, ages 3-5. Pre-registration
required. June 26 at 1pm; June 27, Aug. 8, 15, 22 at 10am; July 10, 17,
24 at 9:30 &11am.
Jul 11, 18, 25, Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Friday Family Nature Study, all ages.
11am. Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 12:30pm.
Huber Woods Park
Brown's Dock Rd. (off Navesink River Rd.), Locust Section, Middletown, 732-872-2670.
Hands-on environmental center, short nature loop and Discovery Path and
guide for children. Six miles of wooded trails for walking, hiking, mountain
biking and horseback riding.
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Weldon Rd., Jefferson Twp., 973-663-0200. Visitors Center at Saffin Rock-Rill
Area. Morris County Park system's largest park encompasses more than 3,000
acres with over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding
and cross-country skiing. Softball fields, picnic facilities, radio-controlled
car track and field archery course. Camping is available year round in 18
wooded trailer sites, 8 tent sites with platforms, or 4 Adirondack shelters.
Shower and restrooms. Reservations recommended. Fishing, ice skating, and
cross country skiing in winter. Canoe rentals 1-4pm weekends in July and
Aug. on Saffin Pond, life jackets provided. Private boats or canoes are
not permitted.
South Mountain Reservation
Access trails from Locust Grove (Glen Ave. &Lackawanna Place) in Millburn,
Elmdale entrance off Brookdale Dr., Turtle Back Zoo, or Summit Field off
Crest Drive. 2,048 acre park with twenty miles of carriage roads used for
jogging, walking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. Five trails
provide 19 miles of hiking paths. Turtle Back Trail (orange blazes) is an
easy day hike of 212 miles roundtrip. Lenape Trail (follow yellow blazes)
leads through deep woods, Maple Brook cascades and Hemlock Falls (after
plenty of rain or snow). Maps available from Essex County at 973-268-3500,
ext. 238.
The South Mountain Conservancy, a volunteer organization dedicated
to preserving and promoting wise use of the Reservation, offers group guided
hikes for individuals and families with children 10 and older who are strong
walkers. Designated hikes are designed for younger children. Access
website for current schedule.
Union County Watchung Reservation
Coles Ave. &New Providence Rd., Mountainside, 908-789-3670. 13+ miles
of marked hiking trails include the 11-mi. Sierra loop (maps available at
Visitor Center). 1845 Feltville/Deserted Village, fishing at Surprise Lake,
Seeley's Pond and Blue Brook which are stocked with trout annually. Picnic
facilities, ballfield, playground, horseback trails, Trailside Nature &Science
Center.
Voorhees
State Park
Rt. 513 (Rt. 78 exit 17 to Rt. 31N), Glen Gardner, 908-638-6969. Hiking
through woods, to scenic overlooks and along Willoughby Brook, picnicking,
playground, ballfield, 2 small fishing ponds for children (catch &release),
50 wooded campsites within walking distance to New JerseyAstronomical
Association Observatory open to the public June-Oct. on Sat. night 8:30-10:30pm
and Sun. 2-5pm, weather permitting. Call 908-638-8500 for observatory schedule.
Sat &
Sun
Observatory open to the public, Sat.
8:30-10:30pm, Sun. 2-5pm June-Oct.
Center Line Farm
245 Old Turnpike Rd., Route 517, Tewksbury, 908-832-9448. Mon.-Sun. Summer
and winter ride from 9am-9pm in our spacious indoor arena. Specializing
in English riding (pleasure, jumping and dressage) with gentle attention
to children and beginner adults. Private or small group lessons. We are
known for our very supportive and friendly family atmosphere. Call for more
information or to visit our farm in beautiful Tewksbury. Lesson package
includes four half-hr. private lessons for $160. Summer &Christmas camps.
Now offering moonlight, beach rides, home shows, year end banquet and more!
mjsalvetti@yahoo.com. See display ad on page 68.
Palermo Show Stable
1555 Burnt Mills Rd., Bedminster, 908-719-7500. Info@palermoshowstable.com.
Tues.-Sun. 8am-1pm, 3-6pm, after hours by appointment only. Horseback riding
lessons, ages 6 to 65, beginner to advanced. Summer day camps, ages 6 to
16 and youth camp ages 3-5. Boarding, training, showing, horse sales and
leases, and monthly horse shows. See display ad on page 69.
River Edge Farm
1575 River Rd. East, Bedminster, 908-420-1274. See listing under Camps.
Seaton Hackney StablesEquishare
440 South St., Morristown, 973-644-3355.
Somerset County Park
Commission Lord Stirling Stable
256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge, 908-766-5955. Office hours 9am-5pm seven
days a week. Lord Stirling Stable offers English horseback riding, group
lessons from beginner through jumping levels, and several special events
year round for all ages. Riding on 14 miles of well groomed trails or in
the large indoor or outdoor rings. Lead line available by the half hour
for children eight years old or younger who can sit and hold on by themselves.
Pony parties.
Introductory Rides for ages 12 & up. Brief lesson followed by
trail ride. Registration must be done in person, begins 2 wks. before each
ride.
Ongoing
Horse Fan Badge, 2-hr. program for
girl scouts ages 9 and older. 908-766-5955.
Jun 15
Father's Day Ride, non-equestrian
family members can join the rider in the family on a relaxing trail
ride. 11-noon, registration required.
Union County Watchung Stables
1160 Summit Lane, Mountainside, 908-789-3665. Adult and children's troops,
private lessons, recreational riding in the ring on an hourly and half-hourly
basis, guided rides, horseback rides with lead lines for riders under the
age of 9, handi-capped riding program, and summer equestrian camp for ages
9-17. Barn and facility is open for visits during business hours. Birthday
party room.
Ongoing
Horse Fan Badge, one-time session
for -junior level girl scouts.
Just the Two of Us, 30 min. program
introduces adult and child under the age of 9 to the world of horses and
riding. Spring and fall sessions, limited to four families.
Sun
Private GroupRides available to groups
of ten or more over the age of 9 on Sunday a.m.
New
Learn About Horses, one-hour group
program includes tour of the facility and learning about care of horses.
$40 per group of 10-25. Lead line horses may be added for children under
the age of 9.
New
Brownie "Try-It" Program, 112 hr.
non-riding program. $50 per group.
Kiddie Clinics, mini-clinics designed
for ages 5-8 to learn about horses.
May 11
Mother's Day Ride, 9:15 &10:30am.
Jun 15
Father's Day Ride, 9:15 &10:30am.
Oct 24-26
Annual Fall Mounted Troop Horse Show. Show
begins Fri. at 4, Sat. &Sun. at 8:30am.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
New Jersey State Parks offer a variety of interpetive programs,
hikes, bike, canoe and kayak trips at different parks throughout the season.
The Park Service publishes a calendar twice a year for Apr.-Sept. and Oct.-Mar.
available at Visitor Information Centers, State Park offices or online at
www.njparksandforests.org.
Or contact the -specific park of interest for their most current schedule.
See State Park listings under other Outdoors categories for selected
interpretive programs.
www.state.nj.us/dep/seeds
Visit the SEEDS (State Environmental Education Directory) website for an
online catalog of resources available through the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection. Field trips and outreach programs for schools,
groups, -families and organizations are available.
Camden Children's Garden
3 Riverside Dr., Camden, 856-365-8733. April 16-Sept. 15: Daily 9:30-5:30.
Sept. 16-April 15: 9:30-4:30. Weekend hours 10-5. Adults $6, children $4,
under 2 free. Modest fee for train ride and carousel. Combin-ation ticket
available with New JerseyState Aquarium.
Four-acre interactive garden includes a butterfly
garden, railroad garden, dinosaur garden, maze, picnic garden, treehouse,
amphitheater, carousel and storybook gardens. Visitors can enter the Butterfly
House to observe 200 Monarch and Swallowtail butterflies in a lush tropical
environment. School Festivals; party packages; gift shop.
Selected Events
Jun 14
StrawBEARy Surprise &Nature in Art
Day. 12-4.
Jun 28
Festival de Aibonito, Hispanic arts
& crafts, games, entertainment. 12-4pm.
Jul 12
BlueBEARy Blast &Celebrate NJDay Family
Festival, 12-4.
Jul 16
Faerie Garden Funtasie, parent
& child workshop, 10-11:30. $20/$15, reservations.
Jul 26
Storybook CelebrationFamily Festival, 12-4.
Aug 9
Peach Party Family Festival, 12-4.
Aug 20
Eat This! Flowers to Tickle Your Taste
Buds, parent & child workshop. 10-11:30. $20/$15, reservations required.
Aug 23
Chocolate &Vanilla Family Festival,
12-4.
Sept 13-14
Hefty Harvest &Scary Scarecrows Family
Festival.
Sept 28-29
Faeries &Wizards Family Festival, 12-4.
Oct 11-12
Mum Madness &Pumpkin Parade Family
Festival, 12-4.
Oct 25-26
Goblins in the Garden Family Festival,
kids in costume receive half-price admission.
Oct 31
Safe Trick or Treating, kids in costume
receive half-price admission.
Nov 1
Eco-Explorer Try-It Brownie Girl Scout
Work-shop, 9:30-1: 30. $8 per scout, reservations.
Nov 8-9
Train Festival, 12-4.
Nov 15
Wildlife Badge Junior Girl Scout Workshop,
9:30-1:30. $8 per scout, reservations required.
Nov 29
Tree Decorating, Santa's Arrival, Holiday
Lights Begins, tree decorating 12-4, Holiday Lights on 5:30-8.
Dec
Holiday Festival of Lights, 100,000
holiday lights and animated light sculptures through 4.5 acres of gardens.
Santa, Butterfly House, carousel, train ride. 5:30-8. $4 per person.
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum
& Bird Sanctuary
324 Forest Dr. S., Short Hills, 973-376-3587. Stone House Museum: Mon. 9-1,
Tues.-Thurs. 9-4:30, Fri. 9-3, Sat. 9:30-11:30. Closed school vacations
and state holidays. Grounds open daylight hours year 'round. 16 acres of
woodland with 3 miles of walking trails. Adult day trips and hikes; youth
&family nature programs for ages 2-grade 8; summer discovery program
for ages 4-5; scouting programs. Membership is required for youth programs.
Registration on first come first served basis with preference to Millburn
Twp. residents.
Duke Farms
80 Rt. 206S, Hillsborough, 908-722-3700. 2,740 acre estate and wildlife
sanctuary was developed by tobacco and hydropower magnate James Buchanan
Duke beginning in 1893. The estate will be open on a limited basis until
spring of 2010 while undergoing renovation and construction to refocus its
operations as an environmental showcase and learning center. New partnerships
with the New Jersey Audubon Society, Raritan Piedmont Wildlife Habitat Partnership,
and the Rutgers UniversitySchool of Biological and Environmental Sciences
and Office of Continuing Education will enable expanded environmental programs
for families and professionals and increase self-guided public access over
time.
Open
Estate Park &Nature Tour open on
a limited basis. Nature programs, bike tours andhorticultural classes
continue. Indoor display -gardens are closed. Consult website
for latest schedule.
Essex County Environmental
Center
West Essex Park, 621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland, 973-228-8776. Trails open
daily dawn to dusk. Environmental Center open Mon.-Fri. 9-5,Sat. 10-2. Serves
as a central headquarters for most of the environmental groups in Essex
County including the Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Master Gardeners, 4-H
Club, Rutgers Cooperative Extension and others. Library; natural history
exhibits; education programs for toddlers to adults; center-based and outreach
programs; scout programs; birthday parties; summer day camp.
Wed
Little Explorers Nature Program, explore
nature through stories, walks and crafts. Ages 18 mos.-3 yrs.: 10-11am.
Ages 3-5: 3-4pm. Advance registration required.
SelectedEvents
Jun 14
Father's Day Paddle, for experienced
paddlers ages 14 & up. 9-1. $18, registration required.
Jun 20-21
Essex CountyBio Blitz, help identify
flora and fauna in SouthMountainReservation. Family Day activities on Sat.
Call to volunteer. 5-5. Free.
Jun 28
Bugfest!, 10:30-2. Adults $7, child
$5, family $9.
Jul 12
Turning Tops, with Essex County 4-H
and NJWoodturners. Free, tops created will be for sale.
Jul 17
4th Seeing Eye Dog Demonstration, 7-9.
Free.
Aug 12
Twilight Hike, bring binoculars. 7-9.
Adult $7, child $5, family $9.
Aug 19
Grow Your Own Pizza, help Young Gardener's
4-H Club harvest their garden. 10-11. Free.
Aug 23
Canning &Preserving Your Harvest, for
adults and children ages 10 &up. 10:30-12:30. $12, advance registration.
Sept-
Dec
Call for fall schedule of events.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 E. Hanover Ave. (Rt. 511), Morris Township, 973-326-7600. Haggerty EducationCenter:
Mon.-Sat. 9-4:30, Sun. noon-4: 30. Grounds: 8am-dusk. Beautifully maintained
estate known for its rose garden, lilac collection and ideal setting for
informal picnics. Self-guided trail booklets and children's walking tour
map available in the Mansion, headquarters for the Morris CountyPark Commission.
Horticulture programs for adults, children and scouts, 973-326-7627.
Ongoing
Backpack Field Trips, available
to Morris County school teachers, provide tools to guide students on a self-paced
tour of the arboretum.
Branching Out, seasonal program for
ages 5-13 to learn about gardening, botany, horticulture.
Tack House Crafts, drop-in program
for young explorers to make a craft related to a monthly theme. Sundays
during school year, 1-4pm. $1.
Jun 15, 22, 29
Tack House Crafts: Plant Explorers, make
and decorate a simple compass. $1.
Jul 13
Fairy Day, 1-4pm. $25 per family includes
concert and one fairy house.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township, 973-635-6629. Visitor Center open
daily 9-4:30. Interactive exhibit area and library. Pick up a self-guiding
trail booklet for the 2 miles of trails and boardwalks that lead through
wooded and swamp habitats. Weekend family programs, puppet shows, guided
trail walks, Baby &Me Hikes, scout and school programs, teacher
training workshops available.
Ongoing
Outdoor Adventure, naturalist-led walks,
hikes or other outdoor activities scheduled every week.
Homeschool Science Series, designed
for homeschool students ages 6-8. Call for fall info.
Mon
Toddler Trek, walk and story for
toddlers ages 2-3 with adult. $5 per child, registration required.
Tues
Pre-KWalk, hour-long nature walk
and craft for ages 4-5 with adult. Reser-vations required 2 weeks prior
to event, $5, limited space.
Baby & Me Hikes for parents, grandparents
or caretakers and infant children to discover nature at different park locations.
All babies must be in front- or backpack; no siblings or strollers. 9:30-11.
$1, registration required.
Wed
Wednesday Wanderings Hiking Series,
adult hiking series (18 & up). $2 per hike, registration required.
Awesome Animal Artists, learn about
and draw a different New Jerseyanimal each class. Ages 5-7. 4pm. $3 per
class, registration required.
Jun 11, Jul 16, Aug 13, Sept 17
Thurs
Nature's Little Explorers, 6-week nature
program for parent and toddler ages 2-3 yrs. $50.
Woodland Adventures, nature program
for parent and child ages 4-6 yrs. 1-2pm. $8.
Sat
Tyke Hike, 45-minute kid-sized nature
hike. $3, pre-registration required.
Jun 14, Sept 20
Preschool Walks (see Tuesday above for info)
Jun 17
Meet at Tree, 10am.
Sept 17
Rainbow of Color, 10am.
Toddler Treks (see Monday above for info)
Aug 25
Bugs are Buzzing!, 10am.
Sep 8
Butterflies are Fluttering!, 10am.
Sep 22
Pond Life, 10am.
Woodland Adventures (see Thursday above for info)
Jun 12
Feed Me!
Sep 18
Sense-ational, using your senses.
Sep 25
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!
Selected Events for Families
$3, unless noted. Pre-registration required.
Jun 15
Father's Day Stroll, 2pm. Free.
Jul 6
Beat the Bugs!, morning stroll, all
ages.
Jul 10
Pond Exploration, ages 8-12. 10-11:30.
Jul 12
Children's Hike, guided walk, all ages.
Noon.
Aug 7
Animal Survival!, ages 6-10. 2pm.
Aug 9
Wild Edibles!, ages 12 & up. Noon.
$5.
Aug 10
Swamp Romp, all ages. 1pm.
Aug 16
Wildflowers of Summer, all ages. 10am.
Aug 2
Trees of the Great Swamp, ages 12 &
up. 10am.
Sept 11-
Oct 16
Nature's Little Explorers, 9:45-10:30.See
Thursday above. Registration begins Aug. 21 at 8am.
Sept 21
Fall into Fall!, ages 5 & up. 1pm.
Hunterdon
County Parks & Recreation
Office location: 1020 Rt. 31N, Lebanon Twp., 908-782-1158. Surrounding park
headquarters are 2 miles of nature trails winding through display gardens
including children's garden and picnic area. Over 7,000 acres of public
open space at parks and preserves are maintained throughout the county.Parks
staff lead a wide selection of daytime and evening nature, sports and crafts
programs for children, families, adults and school/community groups. Popular
offerings include summer day camps, after-school nature programs, canoe
trips and the free summer concert series.
Kay Environmental Center
200 Pottersville Rd., Chester Twp., 908-879-0566. Former 400-acre estate
with hiking trails through fields, forest and along the Black River. If
you follow the red trail blazes to the river, a left before the bridge will
take you to a beautiful -hemlock gorge, short waterfalls and to the stone
ruins of an old summer house and dam.
Jul 24
Kids' Wildflower Hike, ages 5-10. 3:30.
Free, registration required.
The Nature Conservancy
908-879-7262. Headquartered in New Jersey at Kay Environmental Center, The
Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization whose mission
is to protect -ecologically important open spaces, primarily through acquisition.
Field trips, programs and volunteer opportunities are available for members
and the public.
Kittatinny
Valley State Park
Goodale Rd. (off Rt. 206N), Andover, 973-786-6445. Featuring glacial lakes,
limestone outcroppings and access to the Paulinskill Valley and Sussex Branch
rail trails, this State Park offers challenging mountain biking, easy family
biking, hiking, fishing, boating and kayaking as well as cross country skiing
and ice fishing in winter. Interpretive programs are scheduled year round,
each weekend during the spring and summer, with less frequency during fall
and winter.
Ongoing
Junior Naturalist Workbook &Program
for ages 7-12. Stop by the park visitor center for info.
Selected Interpretive Programs
Free, pre-registration required unless noted.
Jun 14
Fly Fishing for Beginners, adults &age
10+. 10-12.
Trail Hike, 10am.
Jun 26
Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4 &
5, 10-11.
Jun 28
Backyard Bugs, adults & ages 6-12.
11-12.
Jul 10
Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4-5, 10-11.
Jul 19
The Great Horned Owl &the Crow, all
ages, 11-12.
Jul 24
Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4 &
5, 10-11.
Jul 26
Butterfly Basics, ages 6-12, 11-12.
Jun 28
Backyard Bugs, ages 6-12. 10-11.
Aug 2
Dragons &Damsels, adults &
ages 6-12, 11-12.
Aug 7
Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4-5, 10-11.
Aug 9
Kingdom of the Coldbloods, all ages,
11-12.
Aug 16
Wolf Visions, all ages, 7-8pm.
Aug 21
Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4-5, 10-11.
Sep 1
Labor Day Hike, 10am.
Sep 9
The Magic of Monarchs, ages 6-12,
4-5.
Sep 10
The Magic of Monarchs, ages 6-12, 4-5.
Sep 11
L'il Tykes Hike, ages 5 &under
with adult, 4-5.
Sep 14
Trail Hike, 10am.
Sep 25
L'il Tykes Hike, ages 5 &under
with adult, 4-5.
Lakota Wolf Preserve
89 Mt. Pleasant Rd. (Rt. 80W, exit 4), Columbia, 877-733-9653. Wolf watch
programs presented twice daily; closed Mon. Summer: 10:30 & 4. Fall
&winter: 10:30 & 3. Call for reservations. Adults $15, under 12
$7. Enjoy a scenic walk to an observation area in the center of four packs
of Tundra, Timber and Arctic wolves. Learn about them through informal talks
with caretakers and direct observation. Picnicking, hiking and swimming
at Camp Taylor Campground is included in fee.
Liberty
State Park Interpretive Center
Morris Pesin Dr. (Exit 14B NJ Tnpk.), Jersey City, 201-915-3409. Free. In
addition to being a launching point to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island,
Liberty State Park is a scenic natural area featuring bike/walking paths,
a giant playground and an interpretive center with nature trail, exhibits,
offering environmental programs, outreach -programs and professional development
workshops for educators. Also see listing under Historic Sites.
Selected Interpretive Programs
Free, pre-registration required unless noted.
Jun 28
Urban Bird Day, 10-1.
Jul 12
Summer Shorebird Walk, 10-12.
Jul 19
Explore the Estuary, 10-12.
Jul 26
Caven Point Bird Walk, 9-11.
Aug 2
Explore the Estuary, 10-12.
Aug 16
Butterfly Day, 10-12.
Aug 17
Nature Cinema &Craft:Pond &River,
1-2.
Aug 23
Summer Shorebird Walk, 10-12.
Sep 6
Explore the Estuary, 10-12.
Sep 27
Estuary Day Volunteer Beach Clean Up, 10-12.
Sep 28
Caven Point Bird Walk, 9-11.
Merrill Creek Reservoir
34 Merrill Creek Rd. (Exit 4 Rt. 78W), Harmony Twp., 908-454-1213. Open
daily daylight hours. Visitors Center: weekdays 8:30-4: 30, weekends 10-4.
290-acre environmental preserve surrounds this reservoir that was developed
by 7 electric utility companies to store water for release to the Delaware
River during periods of low flow. Visitors Center features hands-on exhibits,
dioramas and displays. Emphasis is on low-impact activities-hiking trails,
wildlife observation blind, cross-country skiing. Swim-ming, camping and
picnicking are prohibited. Stocked reservoir is popular for fishing and
boating (canoes, sailboats and fishing boats, no gas motors). Naturalist-led
environmental education programs available for all organized non-profit
groups, ages pre-K to adult.
New Jersey Audubon Society
Independent, membership-supported organization has the mission to foster
environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among citizens, protect
New Jersey's birds and other animals and plants, and promote preservation
of New Jersey's natural habitats. The organization maintains stewardship
of 34 sanctuaries and conducts adult, family and children's programs at
eight staffed facilities.
· Lorimar Sanctuary
790 Ewing Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201-891-2185.
· Weis EcologyCenter
150 Snake Den Rd., Ringwood, 973-835-2160. See separate listing under
Great Outdoors.
· Essex County Environmental Center (NJASpartner site), 621
Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland, 973-228-8776. See separate listing.
· Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuaryheadqtrs.
11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. See -separate listing.
· Sandy Hook Bird Observatory
Bldg. 20, Hartshorne Dr., Fort Hancock, 732-872-2500.
· Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd., Cranbury, 609-897-9400. See separate listing.
· Cape May Bird Observatory
Center for Research &Education: 600 Rt. 47 N., Cape
May Court House, 609-861-0700.
Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May, 609-898-8848.
Northwood Center: 701 E. Lake Dr., Cape May Point, 609-884-2736.
· Rancocas Nature Center
794 Rancocas Rd., Mount Holly, 609-261-2495.
May-
Aug
Harbor Safari, seine Cape May
Harbor to discover the diverse marine life there with special emphasis on
horseshoe crabs. Contact Nature Center of Cape May for info.
New Jersey Meadowlands Environment Center
2 DeKorte Park Plaza (east end of Valley Brook Rd.), Lyndhurst, 201-460-8300.
Weekdays 9-5, Sat. & Sun. 10-3, closed holidays. Interactive learning
center and observatory, built to LEED standards, is -situated in a portion
of Richard W. DeKorte Park, an area of several hundred acres of reclaimed
landfills and revitalized wetlands along the Hackensack River and an annual
migratory stop for thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds. Barrier-free trails
with bird and photo blinds; year 'round environmental and astronomy education
programs for -children and adults; nature walks; teacher develop-ment workshops;
school programs; outreach programs; scout programs; summer camps; gift shop.
From April-Oct. canoe and kayak rentals are available
at Hackensack Riverkeeper Paddling Center in Laurel Hill CountyPark, Secaucus.
201-968-0808 for info. Paddlers can explore the marshlands of the SawmillCreek
Wildlife Management Area.
May-
Sept
Hackensack River PontoonBoat Rides, 2-hr.
trips depart Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus, on select dates.
Apr-
Aug
Canoe Trips, 3-hr. trips, ages
10 & up. Call for schedule.
New
William D. McDowell Observatory opens.
Jun 21
SohoSummer Solstice & the
Sun, solar activities and viewing for all ages, 11:30-2. $5.
Oct 18
The World of Robots, scientist Jack
Burrus bring world of robots to life.
Nov 22
Native American Storytelling &Music,
with Tchin, artist and educator of Indian arts & culture.
Pequest Trout
Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center
Rt. 46 (Rt. 78 to Rt. 31N to Rt. 46E 2 miles), Oxford, 908-637-4125. Open
Mon.-Fri. 10-4; closed weekends June 2008; call for summer hours. Free.
600,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout are raised here annually to stock
over 200 public waters. Self-guided tour, videos, exhibits, hiking trails
and picnic grounds. Group programs. Children and adult workshops related
to wildlife and natural resources are offered select weekends. Check website
for monthly listings. www.NJfishandwildlife.com.
Ongoing
New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Exhibit.
Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd., Cranbury, 609-897-9400. Nov. 15-Mar. 15: Tues.-Sat.
9-4, Sun. 12-4. Mar. 16-Nov. 15: Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. Hiking trails
open daily dawn to dusk. A joint effort of the Township of Plainsboro, County
of Middlesex and New Jersey Audubon Society, the preserve includes a nature
center with exhibits, reference library, nature store and over five miles
of trails through a variety of habitats. Programming includes family nature
programs, field trips and programs for adults and teens, and school vacation
and summer camps for ages 6-12.
Family Nature Programs
Sat 3:30-5pm. Designed for beginning naturalists and their families ages
6-adult. $5, $3 members, pre-registration is encouraged.
Jun 21
Terrific Turtles.
Jun 28
Tracking Wild Animals.
Jul 5
Creatures Beneath the Water, in the
brooks of the preserve.
Jul 12
Nesting BirdsUp Close.
Jul 19
Animal Habitat Hunt.
Jul 26
Amazing Insects.
Aug 2
A Taste of Organic Gardening.
Aug 9
Forest Foray.
Aug 16
Bring on the Butterflies!
Aug 23
Stories of Nature in Summer, from native
cultures.
Aug 30
Sensory Safari.
Sep 6
Amazing Insects.
Sep 13
Intermediate Birding, bring binoculars
and field guide.
Sep 20
Wonders of Wetlands.
Sep 27
Animal Homes &Habitats.
Oct 4
Radical Raptors.
Oct 11
Getting Crafty with Nature.
Oct 18
Fall Foiage Forest Foray.
Oct 25
Stories from the World of Nature.
Nov 1
Bats: The Misunderstood Mammal.
Nov 8
Coexisting with Wildlife, live animal
presentation.
Nov 15
Animals Prepare for Winter.
Nov 22
Animal Tracking.
Nov 29
The Wily New Jersey White-Tail.
Pyramid Mountain
247 Boonton Ave., Boonton, 973-334-3130. Park open year 'round dawn to dusk.
Visitors Center Wed.-Sun. 10-4:30. Call for winter hours. Trail guide available
at Visitors Center for wooded trails to Tripod Rock, a 180-ton boulder balanced
atop three smaller rocks, Bear Rock, and to the top of Pyramid Mountain
for fabulous views of the New York City skyline. Nature programs; guided
hikes; preschool walks; nature puppet shows; school programs; scout
badge programs; birthday parties.
Ongoing
Preschool Walk &Craft. 45-min.
nature walk and craft for pre-schoolers age 4-5 with adult. Call for scheduled
dates. Reser-vations required 2 weeks prior to event, $10, limited space.
Baby &Me Hikes for parents, grandparents
or caretakers and infant children to discover nature. All babies must be
in front- or backpack; no registration.
Wed
Nature's Little Explorers, 6-week
nature program for parent and toddlers age 2-3. 9:45-10:30am or 10:45-11:30.
$50.
Sept 10-Oct 15
Registration begins Aug. 20.
Awesome Animal Artists, for ages 5-7.
Indoor/outdoor program features a different animal each session. 4-5pm.
$3.
Jun 18, Jul 23, Aug 20,Sept 10
Woodland Adventures, program for ages
4-6 with adult. 1-2pm. $8.
Thurs
Nature's Classroom, 4-week hands-on
-science education for home-schoolers 7-12 yrs. old. 1-3pm. $40.
Sept 18-Oct 9
Woodland Adventures (see Wed. above for details)
Sept 17
Sense-ational.
Sept 24
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall.
Selected Family Programs
Pre-registration is required for programs below. Free, unless noted.
Jun 15
Family Hike with Dad, easy, ages 5
& up. 10am.
Jul 6
Hike &Stretch, moderate, ages 7
& up. 10am.
Jul 12
Family Insect Hike, easy, ages
5 & up. 10am.
Jul 20
Hiking 'Round the Mountain, strenuous,
ages 16 & up. 10am.
Jul 23
Mission: Monarch Search, all ages.
2-3pm.
Jul 26
Morning Bird Hike, moderate, ages 7
& up. 8am.
Jul 27
Tripod Trek, ages 8 & up. 8am.
Aug 2
Wonders of Wildflowers Hike, easy,
ages 5 & up. 10am.
Aug 6
Mission: Monarch Search, all ages. 2-3pm.
Aug 10
Turkey Mountain Trot, moderate, ages
7 & up. 10am.
Aug 16
Reservoir Ramble, moderate, ages 7
& up. 10am.
Aug 20
Mission: Monarch Search, all ages.
2-3pm.
Aug 24
Scaling the Trails Reptile Hike, moderate,
ages 7 & up. 10am.
Aug 30
Bear Rock Hike, moderate, ages 7 &
up. 10am.
Sept 5
Toddler ProgramDiscovering Butterflies,
ages 2-3 with adult. 10am. $5, pre-register.
Sept 7
Golden Oldies Hike, moderate, ages
7 & up. 10am.
Sept 9
Going Batty! Bat Program & Hibernaculum
Trip, ages 8 & up. 6pm. Ages 8-12 $10, 13 & up $15, pre-registration
required.
Sept 13
3rd Annual Meet a Monarch Butterfly Festival,
all ages. Games, crafts, music, activities. 1-4.
Sept 27
Oaks &Acorns Hike, moderate. 10am.
The Raptor Trust
1390 White Bridge Rd., Millington, 908-647-2353. Education Center, 908-647-1091.
Open year round 7 days during daylight hours. Suggested donation $2 ea.
adult. Avian rehabilitation center supplies care, diet and housing for distressed
wild birds with the goal of returning healthy, self-sufficient birds to
the wild. Outdoor display area for unreleasable hawks, eagles, falcons and
owls is open to the public. Group outreach, on-site programs, and telephone
advisory service for wild bird related problems.
Selected Special Events
Jul 5, Aug 30, Sept 20
Raptor Trust Tour Talks, guided tour
of aviaries. 11 &2. Adults $10, children 12 & under $5. Reservations
recommended.
Oct 4
"Heads Up for Hawks!," Family
Day, activities, food, entertainment. $5, no registration.
Oct 25
Happy HOWLoween Owl Program, all about
owls, ages 7-12. 10-11:30. $8, limit 30.
Nov TBA
Great Swamp Owl Prowl, ages 12
to adult. $8-10pm. 15, registration required.
Nov 29
Raptor Trust Story Program &Hot Cider
Tour, ages 8 to adult. 1-3pm. $10, registration.
Reeves Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Ave., Summit, 908-273-8787. Grounds open daily daylight hours.
Office and library open Mon., Tues, Thurs. &Fri. 9-3. Member-ships available.
Woodland walks, perennial gardens, rose, daylily, herb and -daffodil gardens.
Picnics and dogwalking are prohibited. Elephant Tree Nature Camp for children
in July and Aug.; school programs; nature birthday parties for ages 4-8;
adult workshops. Garden Shop.
Apr
Daffodils, see over 30,000
in bloom.
Jun
Butterfly Garden in bloom.
Selected Family Events
Jun 27
National Wildlife Federation Great American
Backyard Campout, bring a cold picnic dinner, sleep under the stars.
Arrive 6pm, special guest 7pm. $25 per non-member family, $20 member family.
Reservations required.
Jul 23
Wildflower Lore, ages 12 to adult.
3-4:30pm. $10 non-members, $8 members.
Aug 4
Family Meadow Meander, 6:30-8pm. $15
non-member family, $12 member family.
Scherman-Hoffman
Sanctuaries
11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. Hotline: 908-766-2661.
Trails open 7 days to 5pm, Hoffman building housing exhibits and Book &
Gift Shop open Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. noon-5. 260-acre wildlife sanctuary
belongs to the New JerseyAudubon Society. 3.2 miles of trails lead through
woodland, field and floodplain habitats. Patriot's Path can be reached from
the Scherman parking lot. Field trips; adult and family programs; summer
natural history day camp for ages 4-high school; overnight camps; teacher
workshops. Group programs and tours by reservation; outreach lectures and
slide programs available for club meetings and special events; eco-travel.
Publishers of Bridges to the Natural World, a manual for exploring
New Jersey habitats with children.
Fri-Sat
Free Nature Walks, 8-9am. Meet
at the Hoffman Parking Lot.
Jul 5
Butterflies of Scherman-Hoffman, butterfly
inventory walk, beginners welcome. 1-3pm. Free.
Aug 1
Insects of the Night, 8pm. $8 non-members,
$5 members; $15 max. non-member family, $10 max. member family.
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Rd., Mendham, 973-543-6004. Schiff Natural Lands Trust,
a nonprofit corporation, owns and operates the 340-acre Schiff Nature Preserve
as public open space. Eight miles of trails are open daylight hours for
hiking, biking, horseback riding or nature study. Year round natural history
programs for children and adults, homeschooler program, summer day camps
for children (see Camps), and environmental book club for adults
are offered. Discounts available to members.
Selected Events
Pre-registration required for all programs. Fees listed first for members,
then non-members.
Jun 8
Bluebird Day, ages 10-adult. 1pm. Free.
Jun 23-Aug 22
Schiff Summer Nature Programs, 5 weeks
for kids ages 6-12, one week for ages 13-15.
Jul 22
Baby &Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per adult.
Children must be carried in a backpack.
Jul 27
Fungus Foray, ages 12-adult. Bring
a lunch. 10am.
Aug 12
Perseids in the Great Meadow, 9pm.
Free.
Sep 20
Schiff Scavenger Hunt &Picnic,
11am. Free/$5 per non-member family. Raindate: Sept. 21.
Sep 30
Baby &Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per adult.
Oct 14
Sock Walk, ages 9-12. 4-5:30pm. $10/$13.
Oct 15
Sock Walk, ages 6-8. 4-5:30pm. $10/$13.
Nov 13
Full Moon Hike, ages 8-adult. 7pm.
$5/$8.
Nov 18
Baby &Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per adult.
Somerset County Park
Commission Environmental Education Center
190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge, 908-766-2489. Daily 9am-5pm. No admission.
Home to Secrets of the Great Swamp exhibit hall (closed for renovations)
and a host of classes, lectures, walks, and other environmental education
programs. 430 acres bordering the Great Swamp and Passaic River feature
812 miles of walking trails with 8,000 ft. boardwalk and special boardwalk
for handicapped, bird blind and frog ponds. Year-round nature and discovery
programs are offered for children ages infant5 with parent, preschoolersage
12, families and adults; canoe andkayak trips; field trips; summer camps;
teacher workshops; outreach to Somerset County schools; cross country skiing
in winter. For a full listing of programs for toddlers through -families,
call 908-766-2489 or access website.
Sun
One Hour Wanderings, hour-long
interpretive walk with naturalist for adults and ages 4 & up focuses
on different theme each week, no registration necessary (not designed for
organized groups such as scouts). Noon-1pm selected Sun. Free.
Jun 15, Jul 20, Aug 3, 10, 17, Aug 24, 31, Sept 7
Selected Family &Friends Programs
For adults and ages 4 yrs. or older. An adult must accompany anyone younger
than 15. Fees are per person, pre-register.
Jun 15
Father's Day Fun, 2-3:30. $9.
Jul 1
Down by the River, walk along the
Raritan River in Duke Island park. 11-12. $6.
Jul 8
Reptibians &Amphitiles, slides
&outdoor walk with dipping nets. 5-7pm. $8.
Jul 12
Aquatic Adventures, pond study.
10-11:30. $8.
Jul 27
Picture Painting, ages 7 & older.
10-12. Adult $25, student/sr. $20.
Aug 28
Basically Bats, slide show &field
walk. 7-9. $12.
Sept 11
Ribbit Rendezvous, at Lily Pad
Pond. 6-7:30. $8.
Sept 18
September Sunset Stroll, 6:30-8. $8.
Sept 26
Fall Harvest Hike, Boondocks &Back,
level ground. 10-12. $12.
Sept 27
Fall Harvest Hike, Newman's Lane, more difficult.
10-12. $12.
Amazing Apples, 2-3:30. $12.
Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center
Selected Special Events
Dec
35th AnnualFestival of Trees, over
50 trees decorated by community groups & individuals.
Exhibits
Open 9-5pm except holidays. Free.
Sept 13-
Oct 15
Focus on Frogs, live frogs, frog photographs
and artwork.
Somerset County Park Commission
Junior Ranger Program
Colonial Park, Franklin Twp., 732-873-8585. Duke Island Park, Old York Rd.,
Bridgewater, 908-722-7779. Junior Ranger activity book is available for
ages 6-12 to learn about the environment and its inhabitants. After -completion,
a Park Ranger will review work and present an official Junior Ranger badge.
Stony Brook Millstone Watershed
Association
31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington, 609-737-3735. Reserve open dawn to dusk.
Nature Center open Tues.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4. Butterfly House open dawn
to dusk daily May-Oct. Member supported non-profit organization dedicated
to enhancing the quality of the natural environment drained by Stony Brook
and the Millstone River offers education programs for children and families,
summer camp, teacher workshops and River-Friendly school outreach program.
The reserve features hiking trails, pond, open-air Butterfly House, and
Buttinger Nature Center which houses two Discovery Rooms with hands-on activities,
live animal exhibits and nature shop.
Selected NaturallyFunFamily Programs
Jun 23-
Aug 18
Butterfly House Tour, 10am. Free.
Jun 24
Exploring the Night: Firefly Watch, 8:30-9:30.
$8/$12.
Jun 26
A Natural Sense of Wonder, program
for parents to learn how to facilitate nature exploration. Family hike follows
on Sat. 7:30. Free.
Jul 9
Exploring the NightBats at Dusk, ages
over 5. 8-9:30pm. Free.
Jul 10
Butterfly Tea Party, 10:30-12. $8/$12.
Jul 26
Fungus Among UsMushrooms of the Reserve,
fungi hike. 9-11:30am. Free.
Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, 201-568-6093. Visitors Center open Tues.-Sun.
9-5. Trails open dawn to dusk. Free admission. Six miles of trails, pond,
Visitors Center with live animals and interactive displays. Afterschool
programs, parent/child programs, weekend family programs, scout programs,
seasonal activities, outreach and summer camp.
Monthly
Family Nature Walks, different seasonal
topics and activities each month. Sun. 3:30-4:30. Members free/non-members
$5.
Family Programs
Registration required for most programs, sign up at www.tenaflynaturecenter.org.
No strollers on trails. Fees below are for members/nonmembers.
Jun 15
Father's Day Hike, 1-3pm. Free/$5.
Jun 20
Summer Pond Watch, 7-8pm. $5/$10.
Children's Programs
Jun 23-25
Dinosaur &Mineral Camp, hands-on
activities for ages 6-12 with educators from Dinosaurs Rock. 1-4pm. Individual
sessions or series.
Jun 30-
Jul 3
Nature Day Camp, preK-8, for
more info, www.tenaflynaturecenter.org/camp.html.
Jul 7-
Aug 29
Abrakadoodle Art Camps, preK-grade
3.
Union County Trailside Nature
andScience Center
Watchung Reservation, Coles Ave. &New Providence Rd., Mountainside,
908-789-3670. Visitor Center: Daily 12-5pm. Free. Located within the 2000-acre
Watchung Reservation with 13+ miles of marked trails, the Trailside Museum
andVisitor Center offers many opportunities to explore nature. Museum features
hands-on exhibits for young children and taxidermy exhibits of local wildlife.
Live reptiles and fish live in ponds at the base of a 34-foot-tall beech
tree inside the newly renovated Visitor Center. Interactive exhibits explain
local plants, geology, Lenape Native American history and conservation.
Weekly nature and exploration programs for children include adult/child
interactive programs for toddlers and ages 3-4, drop-off programs for ages
4-6, after-school programs for grades 1-5, weekend -family programs and
summer day camps for preschoolers to grade 9. Scout badge and group programs;
outreach programs; birthday parties.
Summer Tuesday Evening Family Programs
For ages 6 & up with adult. $6 per person in-county, $7 per person out-of-county,
unless noted. Pre-registration required.
Jul 1
Night Time Munchies, evening walk.
8-9pm. Raindate: July 2.
Jul 8
Evening Pond Search, with headlamps
and nets. Wear shoes that can get wet. 7:30-9pm. $7 in-county/$8 out-of-county.
Jul 15, Aug 5
When I'm Sleepy, wear P.J.s for
stories, short walk for ages 3-5 with adult. 7: 30-8:30.
Jul 22
The Benefit of Bats, 8-9. Raindate:
July 23.
Jul 29, Aug 12
Flashing Fireflies, bring a flashlight.
8-9. Raindate July 30 or Aug. 13.
Summer Friday Evening Family Programs
For all ages with adult. Rain or shine unless weather is severe. $6 per
person in-county, $7 per person out-of-county, unless noted. Pre-registration
required.
Jun 27
Time for Turtles, 10-11 or 1: 30-2:30.
$5/$6.
Stream Stroll, wear shoes that can
get wet. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Jul 11
Bubblemania, wear bathing suit or clothes
that can get wet. 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
Pond Life, wear shoes that can get
wet. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Jul 18
Scavenger Hunt, 10-11 or 1:30-2: 30.
$5/$6.
Creepy Crawlies, 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Jul 25
Pond Life, wear shoes that can get
wet. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Animal Architects, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30.
$5/$6.
Aug 1
Time for Turtles, 10-11 or 1: 30-2:30.
$5/$6.
Stream Stroll, wear shoes that can
get wet. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Aug 8
Scavenger Hunt, 10-11 or 1:30-2: 30.
$5/$6.
Family Fishing for Beginners, ages
6 & up with adult. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Aug 15
Bubblemania, wear bathing suit or clothes
that can get wet. 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
Creepy Crawlies, 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Selected SpecialEvents
Wed Wednesday Matinees, nature, science and earth-friendly entertainment
for ages 4 & up in air-conditioned auditorium. 1:30pm. $4 per person,
tickets go on sale at 1pm on day of presentation.
Jun 25, Aug 6
Beginning &End of Summer Family Campfire,
stories, songs and skits. All ages. 7-8:30pm. $7/$8, pre-registration
required.Raindates: June 26 or Aug. 7.
Jul 11-12, Jul 25-26
Family Camp-Out for Beginners, adults
with children ages 6 &up. Participants must provide own tent, sleeping
bags and flashlights. 6pm-10am. $20/$25 per person, pre-registration required.
Space is limited.
Sept 28
Annual Harvest Festival, 11-5. Colonial
crafts, live music, Revolutionary War encampment, kids games, food. Rain
or shine.
Sept 19, Oct 3, 10, 17, Nov 7
Hayrides &Campfires, 6: 30pm. Tickets
go on sale Aug. 16, advance tickets required.
Oct 24-26
Haunted Hayride, for ages 6 & up
with adult. 6-9pm in Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park. Advance
tickets required. Tickets go on sale Sept. 20.
Nov 1
The Great Pumpkin Sale, 6 or 7: 30pm.
Echo Lake Park, Mountainside. Bring your pumpkin to illuminate and float
on Echo Lake. $6 per family of 4, $1 ea. additional person. Advance tickets
required. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1.
Dec 7
Holiday Lights Celebration, 2:30-5:30
at the Watchung Stables. Petting zoo, Santa & Mrs. Claus visit, children's
crafts, refreshments, caroling. Admission is dry or canned food or a new,
unwrapped toy for local charities.
Nature Craft Show, 11-5 at Trailside.
Sat
Sept-
June
Outdoor Adventures, weekly
themed hikes/nature related talks on Saturdays Sept.-June 10-11am. Admission
by donation for most -programs.
Weis Ecology Center
150 Snake Den Rd., Ringwood, 973-835-2160. Wed.-Sun. 8: 30-4:30. Over 24
miles of trails depart from the Center's -private grounds and explore adjacent
NorvinGreen State Forest and the surrounding Highlands. Weis Center features
a visitor center with snakes, turtles and seasonal displays, nature
store and aviary. Programs for children and families, adults and teens,
and day and residential programs for schools, scouts and other groups are
offered year 'round.
Jul 7-
Aug 1
Nature Day Camps, grades K-8.
Fantastic Family Fun Days
Pre-registration required for all programs, limited space. $8 non-members,
$5 members; $24 nonmember family maximum, $15 member family maximum.
Jul 5
Sunset Hike, bring a flashlight.
Best for families with preteens or older. 7-9:30pm.
Jul 5, 6
Habitat Hunt:A Day in the Life of a
Forest, best for elementary-aged children, younger siblings welcome.
10-11:30am.
Jul 18, 19
Aquatic Adventure, explore the Blue
Mine Brook, best for elementary-aged children, younger siblings welcome.
10-11:30.
Aug 8, 9
Rocks Rock!, guided hike to Roomey Iron
Mine, best for older elementary-aged children and preteens. 10-12.
Aug 15, 16
Survival Shelters, best for older elementary-aged
children and preteens. 10-11:30.
Selected Adult &Teen Programs
$8 non-members, $5 members, pre-registration required.
Jun 21
Solstice Stargazing, 7:30-9pm.
Jul 18
Turning Bat Habits Into Good Ones, 7:30-9.
Jul 26
Hiking 101, 10-noon.
Aug 16, 22
Birds of New Jersey: Ruby-Throated Humming-bird,
9:30-11am.
Brookside Park
Hetfield Ave., Scotch Plains. Baseball field, basketball court, preschool
playground, picnic area, field house, roller hockey, pond with trail.
Essex County Kip's Castle Park
22 Crestmont Ave., Verona/Montclair, 973-268-3524. New park property features
historic castle and beautifully landscaped grounds. Castle is currently
closed to the public.
Somerset County Park Commission Colonial Park
Off of Amwell Rd., Franklin. 651-acre park with picnic areas, softball,
tennis center, putting course, paddle boats, gardens, and leash-free dog
area. Playground features barrier-free equipment.
Columbia Park
Plainfield Ave., Berkeley Heights. Ballfields, basketball courts, shuffleboard
court, ice rink, practice handball-tennis board, 6 tennis courts, skate
park. Children's playground and separate toddler playground. Picnic tables.
Somerset County Park Commission
Duke Island Park
Old York Rd., Bridgewater. 339-acre park along the North Branch of the Raritan
River features picnic areas, prime fishing, softball, bandshell, walking
trails, and visitor center. Playground features barrier free equipment.
Hedden County Park
Reservoir Rd., Dover, Randolph &Mine Hill, 973-829-8257. Six-acre lake,
ballfields, hiking and biking trails, picnic sites and shelter, Indian Falls
and playground.
KidStreet
Claude Dr. at Garretson Rd. &Commons Way, Bridgewater. Large wooden
play and climbing structure.
Kip's CastlePark
22 Crestmont Rd., Montclair, 973-268-3500. The former estate of Frederic
Ellsworth Kip is Essex County's newest park encompassing a 9,000 square
foot mansion that replicates a medieval Norman castle and 11 acres on the
ridge of First Mountain with spectacular views of New York City. The park
will become the County's premiere cultural resource center with county offices,
pubic meeting space, museum space and educational programming being developed.
Lewis Morris Park
Rt. 24 West, Mendham, Morris and Harding Twp., 973-326-7600. Daily 8am-dusk.
1,154 acres, adjacent to Jockey Hollow. Saturn Kids Kingdom in Doe Meadow
features a wood and plastic climbing structure with slides, rings, rope
ladder on woodchip surface. Picnic areas nearby along with miles of hiking,
biking and equestrian trails, parcourse fitness circuit, ballfields and
Sunrise Lake.
Littell People's Park
Memorial Park, Wahler Rd., Livingston. Ramps, rings, ladders and slides
on woodchip surface within fenced area; sandbox.
Loantaka BrookReservation Morris Township, 973-326-7600. Dawn to dusk. Access trail from Loantaka Way, Kitchell Road, Green Village Road or South St. Five mile paved recreation/bicycle trail from Green Village Rd. in Chatham Township to Seaton Hackney Stables in Morristown.Duck pond at Kitchell Rd. with picnic areas, small playground, ballfields. Playground at South St., also with picnic area and ballfields.
Lurker Park
East Hanover. New tot lot features handicapped-accessible swings and two
jungle gyms, one for smaller children.
Mabie Playground
26 Elm St., Summit, 908-277-2932. Preschool playground with mulch, basketball
courts, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits and game tables across from the
train station, a short walk from downtown Summit.
Meadowland Park
N. Ridgewood Rd., South Orange, 973-378-7754. Large park with vast fields,
tennis courts, platform tennis, playground, duck pond and the Baird Center
housing the South Orange art gallery and recreation department. Site of
summer outdoor jazz concerts and community events.
Memorial Field
Ashland Ave., Summit. Two wood climbing structures-one for preschoolers,
one for elementary age, large sandbox, paved walks for bike riding and rollerblading,
tennis courts and backboard, basketball, ballfields, kite flying, -picnic
tables.
Mindowaskin Park
Downtown Westfield. Scenic park with walking/strolling trail around duck
pond, playground and bandstand.
Nomahegan Park
Springfield Ave., Cranford, 908-527-4900. Paved bike/jogging/walking path,
fitness circuit, playground, ballfields, pond, picnic area and rest rooms.
Somerset County Park Commission
North Branch Park
Milltown Rd., Bridgewater. 185-acre park along the NorthBranch of the RaritanRiver
is home to the Somerset County Park Commission administrative offices. Picnic
areas, prime fishing, large fields provide space for soccer, softball, flying
model aircraft and launching model rockets. Playground features swings,
slides, suspension bridge, bars and rings.
Pleasant Valley Park
Valley Rd., Bernards Township. Large, pretty park features wood playground
with open climbing structure, pond, picnic shelter, walking/bicycle trails,
tennis and paddle tennis courts, fitness trail, athletic fields, amphitheater
and community pool.
Riverside Park
Valley Rd., Gillette, 908-647-8000. 24-acre site includes three -tennis
courts, basketball, bocci and horsesehoe courts, -children's playground
designed for ages 2-5, two soccer/lacrosse fields, walking paths, canoe
launch and picnic grove at the Passaic River. Restrooms available.
Schooley's Mountain Park
Camp Washington Rd., Long Valley, 908-829-8257. Lake, ballfield, picnic
areas, hiking trails, mountain biking and fishing.
Shunpike Park
Shunpike Rd., Chatham Twp. Soccer and baseball fields, basketball court.
Massive castle playground has been dismantled and is scheduled to be replaced
in spring 2008.
Taylor Park
Main St., Millburn. Fenced in playground, ballfields, walking/strolling
trails, duck pond, tennis courts, teen center, basketball courts, site for
summer concerts.
Tourne County Park
40 McCaffrey Ln. or Old Denville Rd., Boonton Twp. &Denville, 973-326-7600.
500 acre-park includes a bird sanctuary, wildflower trail, ballfield, family
picnic areas, group picnic shelter, playground and trail system with picturesque
overlook.
Union County Echo Lake Park
Springfield Ave., Mountainside, 908-527-4900. New playground, picnic area,
large field provides space for soccer and softball, fitness trail, fishing,
fenced in Dog Park and amphitheater.
Union County Watchung Reservation
The Loop, Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, 908-527-4900. Play and climbing
structure with lookouts, platforms, tube slides, tire swings, sliding poles
and track riders. Upper, middle and lower tiers accommodate children ages
2-12. Open fields, swing sets, picnic sites (with grills), trails nearby
including trail to Trailside Nature &Science Center and Museum.
Van Saun Park
216 Forest Ave. (Rt. 4E to Forest Ave., turn right at exit), Paramus, 201-262-3771.
Playground with multiple-age play areas, sprinkler, picnic areas, zoo, train
ride and carousel. See listing for Bergen County Zoo.
WhiteOak Park
Baird Rd., Branchburg, 908-526-1300. 127-acre park features soccer/lacrosse
fields, baseball/softball fields, batting cages, tennis courts, practice
wall, basektball court, sand volleyball courts, 1.5 mile walking/jogging
path, nature trails, playgrounds, wooden tot lot, pavilion, picnic tables,
campfire ring, pond, restrooms and concession stand.
Special Needs
See general listings under this category for additional playgrounds with barrier-free equipment.
Memorial Park
Westfield. Built by Greg Ryan, Jr. in 2004 for his Boy Scout Eagle Project,
the new wheelchair-accessible playground includes a sidewalk from the parking
lot to a ramped playground structure with rubber surfacing, two infant,
two regular and four special needs swings, one accessible picnic table and
four benches.
Morris-Union Jointure Playground
Central Ave., New Providence. Open for use by the public on weekends and
after 6pm weekdays. Playground, specially designed for children with special
needs, features swings with high sides, platform swing, basketball court,
enclosed slides, reduced-height climbing bars, cushioned with a 15-inch
carpet of wood chips.
Phil Rizzuto Park
Morris &North Aves. (across from Kean University), Union, 908-527-4900.
10.4-acre recreational area features a "Boundless Playground,"
a fully accessible play area for children of all physical abilities. The
park is decorated with baseball themes, a baseball-style seating area, gazebo
with stadium-theme overhead, and granite dedication monument. Other attractions
include a spray pool, pedestrian bridge, soccer field and para-course fitness
stations.
Rainbow Land
Midland School, Readington Rd., North Branch. Fully handicapped accessible
playground for student and com-munity use features sandbox and planter,
mock post office and bank, large tire toy, small theater, wheelchair slider,
slides, swings and numerous other sensory-motor activities.
THE SHORE
See Activity categories under History, Museums, Outdoors
and the Arts for more listings down the shore.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Great Creek Rd. (off Rt. 9), Oceanville, 609-652-1665. Refuge headquarters
features changing wildlife displays: Open weekdays 10-3. Wildlife Drive
and trails are open seven days sunrise to sunset (check website for periodic
closings). Entrance fee supports refuge operations. Brochures available
at self-service info center.
46,000 acres of coastal area in southern New Jersey is
actively protected and managed for migratory birds. The refuge's location
in one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths makes it an important
link in the vast network of national wildlife refuges administered nationwide
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An eight-mile auto trail and
nature trails lead visitors through tidal salt marsh, field and woodland
habitats visited by more than 275 species of migratory land and water birds.
Spring,
Fall
Best viewing of migratory birds.
Gateway NationalRecreation Area
Sandy Hook (GSP Exit 117), 732-872-5970. Park: Daily sunrise to sunset.
Beach parking fee Memorial Day-Labor Day: $10. Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center:
Daily 10-5pm. Fort Hancock Museum: Weekends 1-5pm; daily July & Aug.
1-5pm. History House, a restored 1898 lieutenant's residence on "Officers
Row:" Weekends 1-5pm. Note: When parking areas are full, the park closes
until parking becomes available. To avoid delays on weekends, arrive before
10 or after 3.
612-mile-long barrier peninsula with ocean beach on one
side and Sandy Hook Bay on the other, features salt marshes, dunes, hiking
trails, migratory shore birds -habitat and historic Fort Hancock, established
in 1895 as part of the defenses for New York harbor. Seagull's Nest open
deck restaurant open April-end of Oct. at Beach Area D. Lifeguards are on
duty at five ocean beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Ranger programs throughout the summer include nature and history walks,
canoe cruises, and gun battery tours. Marine science summer camps, environmental
education programs for all ages, family, school and teacher workshops are
offered by NJ Marine Science Consortium in Fort Hancock Bldg. 22 (732-872-1300
ext. 30; www.njmsc.org); Brookdale Community
College's Ocean Institute in Bldg. 53 732-224-2435;www.brookdalecc.edu/staff/sandyhook/index.html);
and the American Littoral Society (732-732-291-0055; www.littoralsociety.org).
Open
Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, in Fort
Hancock Bldg. 20. Tues.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. in June 10-5; Sat. in July &Aug.
10-3; Sun. in June 10-3; closed Sun. in July &Aug. New Jersey Audubon
Society site offers public and school programs at this key location on the
Atlantic Flyway. 732-872-2500, njaudubon.org
Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the U.S.'s oldest
operating lighthouse (1764), is restored and open to the public weekends
April-Nov.., 12-4:30; Dec.-March, 1-5; weekdays beginning mid-JuneAug.
1-4:30pm. Grounds and video in adjacent barn are always open. Children must
be 48 in. tall to climb tower. Reserve tours for scouts and groups in advance,
856-546-0514.
Open
Multi-Use Pathway, shared by bicyclists,
skaters and pedestrians, extends 5 miles north from the park entrance to
Fort Hancock.
Sat &
Sun
Battery Potter, explore Sandy
Hook's oldest gun battery completed in 1894. 1-4pm.
Nike Missile Radar Site, tour the Cold
War site. 1-4pm alternate Sat. &Sun. June 2-Aug. 25.
Fri
Junior Naturalist, ages 7-12 invited
to join a Park Ranger for exploration of a Sandy Hook habitat. Bring sunscreen,
insect repellant and water. 2pm. Free, reservations required.
June 27, Jul 18, Aug 1, Aug 15
Junior Environmentalist, ages 7-12
become environmental stewards. 2pm.
Jul 11, Jul 25, Aug 8
Dec
Open House at History House, decorated
for the holidays during World War II.
Selected Interpretive Programs
Jun 24, 26
Jul 1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 15-17, 21-24, 30, 31
Aug 5, 6, 13, 14, 18, 19, 28
Canoeing Sandy Hook Bay, first come-first
served, max. 10. Children must be at least 7. 9am. June 24 at 10am.
Jun 19, 25, 30, Jul 6, 18, 22, Aug 1, 5, 12, 21
Holly Forest Ramble, 10am. June
30, July 6, Aug 5 & 12 at 2pm.
Jun 23, Jul 1, 9, 14, 25, 28, Aug 8
Beach Succession Walk, 2pm. June 23,
July 25 at 10am.
Jun 20, 27, Jul 2, 11, 15, 23, 29, Aug 4, 15
Salt Marsh Walk, meet at Park Area
L. 10am. July 15, 23, 29 at 2pm.
Jun 19, 20, 23-25, 30
Jul 2, 3, 7, 8, 14, 16, 17, 21, 22, 28-31
Aug 4, 6, 7, 11-14, 20, 27
Seining the Salt Marsh, walk to Horseshoe
Cove's salt marsh anytime to participate. 2-4pm. June 25, 30, July 9, 14,
28, 29 at 9-11am.
Jun 13, 24, Jul 1, 11, 15, 25, 29, 31
Aug 8, 12, 14, 22
Night Prowl, bring flashlight. 8pm.
Aug. prowls at 7:30pm.
Jun 20
ALS Summer Solstice Walk, 8pm.
Jun 21