April
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Nature and History Interpretive Programs and Tours
Call for dates, topics and times
FREE;donations welcome
(609) 924-5705
www.dandrcanal.com
Note:ADA accessible
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Boy and Girl Scout Badge and Patch Programs
Call for arrangements
FREE;donations welcome
(609) 924-5705
www.dandrcanal.com
Note:ADA accessible
Double Trouble Village Tours & Hikes
Program fee may apply
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Individual or group historic village tours or hikes of varying mileage may be scheduled most weeks Wednesday through Sunday. Elementary school and secondary school science and social studies field trips or outreach may be arranged. Boy Scout and Girl Scout advancement requirements may be met by visiting Double Trouble State Park - see the Double Trouble section of www.njparksandforests.org for a list of advancement opportunities. Please call for arrangements.
Nature Programs and Hikes for all Ages
Call for dates and times
FREE
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Yoga on the Mountain
Call for dates and times
FREE
High Point State Park
(973) 702-0488
Sponsor: Friends of High Point State Park
www.friendshighpointstatepark.blogspot.com
Nature Programs for Preschoolers and Homeschoolers
Call for dates and times
FREE
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Johnson Ferry House Colonial Kitchen Garden
Fee: Park entrance fee
Washington Crossing State Park, Johnson Ferry House
(609) 737-2515
Note: Come and observe the installation of the Johnson Ferry House Colonial Kitchen Garden. The process is ongoing and the garden changes from week to week. It is also open 7 days a week, even when the house is closed. Garden is partially ADA.
April 4
L’il Tykes Hike
4 to 5 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Share some time with your little one in the Great Outdoors on this naturalist-guided, 1-mile hike. Babies must be carried in a front- or back-pack. No strollers or older siblings please! For children ages 5 & under.
April 5
Friday Evening Frog Hikes
7 p.m.
FREE; donations or donations of juice and cookies appreciated
Cape May Point State Park, Museum
(609) 884-2159
Note: Join us for a short presentation about frogs and their calls, followed by a short hike down the Red Trail. Bring flashlights! ADA accessible
April 6
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Millrace Hike
10 a.m.
Program fee may apply; preregistration required by April 5
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Water was the lifeblood of two major industries at the company town of Double Trouble. During this 2-3 mile hike over flat sandy trails around the historic district, we’ll follow tea-colored water from the reservoir on Cedar Creek past a century-old sawmill to three cranberry bogs. Hike starts at the Park Information Building. Limited to 20 participants.
Observatory Open to the Public
8 to 10:30 p.m.
FREE
Jenny Jump State Forest
(908) 459-4366
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Note: Partially ADA accessible
Trail Hike
10 am
FREE
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
(908) 684-4820
Note: Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
Long Pond Ironworks Museum and Visitor Center
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973) 657-1688
Note: ADA accessible
Washington at Princeton
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE
Princeton Battlefield State Park
Sponsored by The Princeton Battlefield Society
www.theprinctonbattlefieldsociety.com/events.html
Note: Revolutionary War Encampment with 18th century military demonstrations and drills.
ADA accessible (open lawns)
Pinelands First Flowers Hike
10 a.m.
FREE
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Historic Village
(609) 567-4559
Note:This is a 2-mile to 4-mile guided hike; bring water and snacks
Astronomy Presentation and Star Watch
7 to 11 p.m.
FREE
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Historic Village
Sponsor:The Willingboro Astronomical Society
(609) 567-4559
April 7
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Frogfest & Best-Dressed Frog Contest
1 p.m.
FREE; donations or donations of juice and cookies appreciated; registration required
Cape May Point State Park
(609) 884-2159
Note: Guided hike; bring water, bring snacks. Join us for a frog friendly puppet show, lessons, games and crafts about frogs. Bring a dressed up toy frog for the Best-dressed frog contest; ;limit 40 children.ADA accessible
Long Pond Ironworks Museum and Visitor Center
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973) 657-1688
Note: ADA accessible
Washington at Princeton
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE
Princeton Battlefield State Park
Sponsor: The Princeton Battlefield Society
www.theprinctonbattlefieldsociety.com/events.html
Note: Revolutionary War Encampment with 18th century military demonstrations and drills.
ADA accessible (open lawns)
Guided Manor Tours
Noon to 4 p.m.
Fee: General admission, $5 Seniors (62+), $3 Youth (6-18), $1 Children under 6, free
Ringwood State Park, Skylands Manor
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 962-9534
Note:ADA accessible; please call for more information
Geology Walk: What Makes RVRA's Geology Special
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration recommended
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Parking Lot
(908) 236–6355
Note: One of our most popular programs. An informative lecture that focuses on the earth beneath our feet. Round Valley has a very diverse geological setting. Discover rocks and minerals representing two different ages of the earth at Round Valley.
Walking Tour of the Battlefield
1:30 p.m.
FREE
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
(732) 462-9616
Sponsor: Friends of Monmouth Battlefield
Note: Meet at the Picnic Pavilion
Shelter Building/Wilderness Survival
1:30. to 3 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: This program will deal with the fundamentals pertaining to survival when lost in the wild. Participants will construct a weatherproof shelter completely from native materials; (all ages)
Walking Tour of the Battlefield
1:30 p.m.
FREE
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
(732) 462-9616
Sponsor: Friends of Monmouth Battlefield
Note: Meet at the Picnic Pavilion
Gourd Crafting
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: Meet at the Nature Center to learn about the art of gourd crafting. During the program, we’ll learn the techniques used in transforming a gourd into a turtle or a piece of artwork. All ages; ADA accessible
April 10
Wednesday Walk-in-the-Woods
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome; pre-registration required
Bass River State Forest
(609) 296-1114
Note: Moderate-paced hike, 5-7 miles, heavy rain or thunder cancels
Registration opens for Kayak Eco Tours on Cheesequake Creek
Cheesequake State Park
(732) 566-3208
Note: Kayak Eco Tours occur May through August
April 12
Friday Evening Frog Hikes
7 p.m.
FREE; donations or donations of juice and cookies appreciated
Cape May Point State Park, Museum
(609) 884-2159
Note: Join us for a short presentation about frogs and their calls, followed by a short hike down the Red Trail. Bring flashlights! ADA accessible
April 13
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Dolphins!
FREE
1 p.m.
Cape May Point State Park, museum classroom
(609) 884-2159
Sponsor: Marine Mammal Stranding Center
Note: Learn all about dolphins, ADA accessible
Teddy Bear Picnic
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
FREE; donations appreciated
High Point State Park, Interpretive Center
Sponsor: Friends of High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
www.friendshighpointstatepark.blogspot.com
Note: Crafts and activities for children and their teddy bears
Bike Ride
11:30 am
FREE
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
(973) 887-4332
Note: Please bring your bike, helmet, lunch and drink for this scenic rail-trail exploration!
Geocaching for Beginners
11 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity. An indoor tutorial provides the tools and information necessary to embark on fun family adventures in the park to find “hidden treasures!” Loaner GPS units available; for adults and children ages 7 & up; Partially ADA accessible
Observatory Open to the Public
8 to 10:30 p.m.
FREE
Jenny Jump State Forest
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
(908) 459-4366
Note: Partially ADA accessible
Long Pond Ironworks Museum and Visitor Center
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973) 657-1688
Note: ADA accessible
Public Walking Tours
Noon & 2 p.m.
Fee: Adults $3, children $1
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973) 657-1688
Note: ADA accessible upon request; please call for more information
Dog Show
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
(732) 462-9616
Sponsor: American Rare Breed Association
Note: ADA accessible
April 14
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Trail Hike
10 a.m.
FREE
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Footbridge Park, Paulinskill Valley Trail
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
(908) 684-4820
Note: Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County
Lond Pond Ironworks Museum and Visitor Center
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973) 657-1688
Note: ADA accessible
Dog Show
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
(732) 462-9616
Sponsor: American Rare Breed Association
Note: ADA accessible
Pre-Earth Day Clinic: Introductory Birding
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration recommended
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Parking Lot
(908) 236-6355
Note: Go on a beginner’s bird walk through our lovely trails and celebrate Earth Day at Round Valley Recreation Area. Celebrate and appreciate planet Earth by observing all of its rewards.
Mysterious Migration Hike
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park,
Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note:
The wonders of animal migration can be witnessed at the Park during our one-hour hike. Meet at the Nature Center to experience these magical events. Ages 8 and up
Driving Tour of the Battle Area East of Freehold
1:30 p.m.
FREE
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Monmouth Battlefield
(732) 462-9616
Note: Visit seldom seen scenes of the morning portions of the battle (East Morass, Briar Hill, and the line of Lee’s retreat), meet at the picnic pavilion
19th Century Baking in the Beehive Oven
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village
(732) 919-3500
Sponsor: Allaire Village Inc.
Note: Partially ADA accessible
April 18
L’il Tykes Hike
4 to 5 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Share some time with your little one in the Great Outdoors on this naturalist-guided, 1-mile hike. Babies must be carried in a front- or back-pack. No strollers or older siblings please! For children ages 5 & under;
April 19
Guys’ & Girls’ Fashion Show & Silent Auction
5:30 p.m.
Fee: $30 per person
Atlantic City Country Club, Northfield NJ
Sponsor: Absecon Lighthouse Historic Site
(609) 449-1360
www.abseconlighthouse.org
Note:ADA accessible
Friday Evening Frog Hikes
7 p.m.
FREE; donations or donations of juice and cookies appreciated
Cape May Point State Park, park museum
(609) 884-2159
Note: Join us for a short presentation about frogs and their calls, followed by a short hike down the Red Trail; bring flashlights!
What’s that Weed?
10 to 11:30 a.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Ever wonder if those “weeds” in your backyard have beneficial uses? Perhaps you’ll be surprised when you discover their true identities! Slide show followed by short walk; for adults; partially ADA accessible
April 20
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Early Spring Flea Market
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fee: $1 Adult, under the age of 12 free; vendor spaces $25 and must be pre-registered
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village
Sponsor: Allaire Village Inc.
(732) 919-3500
Note: Rain date April 21
Earth Day Celebration at Belleplain State Forest
10 a.m.
FREE
Belleplain State Forest, Office Conference Room
(609) 861-2404
Note: ADA accessible
Walk the towpath from Baker’s Basin to Alexander Road (4.9 miles)
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; donations welcome
Meet at Turning Basin Park on Alexander Road in Princeton, NJ
Sponsor: Delaware and Raritan Canal Watch
(201) 401-3121
baths@att.net
Note: Partially ADA accessible
Observatory Open to the Public
8 to 10:30 p.m.
FREE
Jenny Jump State Forest
(908) 459-4366
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Note: Partially ADA accessible
Earth Day Green Fair
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE
Kittatinny Valley State Park
Sponsors: Sustainable Andover and Transition Newton
(908) 447-5488
Note: This event will raise community awareness on environmental topics, including local food, energy, and natural resources.
Long Pond Ironworks Museum and Visitor Center
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973) 657-1688
Note: ADA accessible
Home Depot Kids' Workshop
10 a.m.to noon
Fee: $5 donation
Ringwood State Park, New Jersey State Botanical Garden, Carriage House
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 963-9534
Early Spring Wildflower Walk
10 a.m.
Fee:$5 donation; reservations required
Ringwood State Park, New Jersey State Botanical Garden, Carriage House
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 963-9534
Note: Rain or snow cancels
Earth Day Challenge at Wharton State Forest
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FREE
Wharton State Forest
(609) 567-4559
Note:Join us for our trail upkeep workday, Cleanup hikes, etc.;bring water and lunch
April 21
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Vernal Pool Exploration
2 to 3:30 p.m.
FREE; donations appreciated
High Point State Prak, Lusscroft Farm
(973) 875-4800
Sponsor: Heritage and Agriculture Association
www.Lusscroftfarm.com
Lond Pond Ironworks Museum and Visitor Center
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973) 657-1688
Note: ADA accessible
Earth Day Walk
1 p.m.
Fee:$5 donation
Ringwood State Park, New Jersey State Botanical Garden, Carriage House
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 963-9534
Note: Rain cancels; wear sturdy shoes
Bike Hike
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
FREE; advanced registration required (preteens- adults)
Washington Crossing State Park, Nelson House
(609) 737-0609
Note: Take a guided bicycle ride up the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath toward the Lambertville wing dam (approx. 13 mile round trip), bring your own bike and helmet
Bird Walk
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
FREE; pre-registration recommended
Round Valley Recreation Area,
South Parking Lot
(908) 236-6355
Note: Join John DeMarrais, NJ Audubon Society member, on 3\4 mile flat trail loop. Traverse the water's edge, which is usually a busy place with all the cormorants, resident mallards and Canada geese that hang out there day in and day out. Then take a short drive to the swimming pond where abundant waterfowl enjoy the winter serenity. If you have a field guide and binoculars we suggest you bring them.
Earth Day Trail Maintenance Hike
10 a.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park,
Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: The event will include a tree planting and trail maintenance hike; participants should bring gloves; for ages 9 and up
Earth Day Celebration at Wharton State Forest
Noon to 4 p.m.
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Historic Village
(609) 567-4559
Note:
Nature talks & walks and other family fun activities
April 26
Friday Evening Frog Hikes
7 p.m.
FREE; donations or donations of juice and cookies appreciated
Cape May Point State Park, park museum
(609) 884-2159
Note: Join us for a short presentation about frogs and their calls, followed by a short hike down the Red Trail; bring flashlights!
ADA accessible
April 27
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Arbor Day Tree Planting Hike
10 a.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park,
Nature Center
Note: The event will include a tree planting hike and a discussion about the history of Arbor Day; ages 6 and up
Video – Guardians of Barnegat Bay
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Free
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Double Trouble State Park was established in part to protect a sensitive watershed. What can you do to help? Watch this video and become a Guardian of Barnegat Bay. Video plays in the Park Information Building. Limited seating.
Cornelia Hancock Weekend
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Hancock House State Historic Site
(856) 935-4373
Sponsor: Friends of the Hancock House Inc. and
Hancock House State Historic Site
Note: Civil War weekend commemorating the life of Cornelia Hancock and the 150th Anniversary of her time at Gettysburg; partially ADA accessible
Observatory Open to the Public
8 to 10:30 p.m.
FREE
Jenny Jump State Forest
(908) 459-4366
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Note: Partially ADA accessible
Long Pond Ironworks Museum and Visitor Center
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973) 657-1688
Note: ADA accessible
Speaker: Dr. Saurabh Jha – Rutgers University
Supernovae and the Accelerating Universe
8:30 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Voorhees State Park, NJAA Observatory
(908) 683-8500
www.njaa.org
Note: Limited ADA accessibility
April 28
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Cornelia Hancock Weekend
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations Welcome
Hancock House State Historic Site
(856) 935-4373
Sponsor: Friends of the Hancock House Inc. and
Hancock House State Historic Site
Note: Civil War weekend commemorating the life of Cornelia Hancock and the 150th Anniversary of her time at Gettysburg; partially ADA accessible
Long Pond Ironworks Museum and Visitor Center
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Sponsor: Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
(973)-657-1688
Note: ADA accessible
Curiosity and the Search for Life on Mars (in 3-D)
1:30 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note:Dr. Ken Kremer will present this talk. Dr. Kremer will explain the latest discoveries of the Curiosity rover’s expedition across the surface of the red planet, and show his clean room and launch pad photographs, spectacular 3-D images of the Martian surface, and his new Curiosity photo-mosaics. Ken is a scientist and journalist and his Mars and Space imagery and articles have been widely published on TV, magazines, books and websites; for all ages; ADA accessible
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