February
Birds of Belleplain Forest
1:30 p.m.
1/2 hour DVD presentation
FREE
Belleplain State Forest conference room
(609) 861-2404
Note: A1/2 hour DVD presentation; ADA accessible
The Pine Barrens, "Up Close & Natural"
1 p.m.
FREE
Belleplain Forest Conference Room
(609) 861-2404
Note: 1/2 hour DVD presentation; ADA accessible
Double Trouble Village Tours & Hikes
Call for arrangements
Program fee may apply
Double Trouble State Park
(732) 341-4098
Note: Individual or group historic village tours or hikes of varying mileage may be scheduled most weeks Wednesdays through Sundays. 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.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Nature and History Interpretive Programs and Tours
Call for dates, topics and times
FREE: donations welcomed
D&R Canal State Park
(609) 924-5705
Note: ADA accessible
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Boy and Girl Scout Badge and Patch Programs
Call for arrangements
Fee: To be determined
D & R Canal State Park
(609) 924-5705
Note: ADA accessible
Interpretive Hikes and Programs
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Fledgling Naturalists
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Note: For children ages 3 to 5 year olds and an adult partner
Homeschool Naturalists
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Note: Enrichment activities for homeschoolers ages 6 to 10
Naturalist-Guided Snowshoe Tours
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Note: Limited number of adult and child-sized snowshoe available to borrow
Ski Fest
Call or check website for date and time
High Point State Park, Cross Country Ski Center
Sponsor: High Point Cross Country Ski Center
(973) 702-1222
www.xcskihighpoint.com
February Daily
Winter Trek
Time to be announced
Fee: To be announced
Hight Point State Park, Lusscroft Farm
(973) 875-4800
Sponsor: Heritage and Agriculture Association
www.lusscroftfarm.com
Historic Tours of Somers Mansion
Please call for times
FREE
Somers Mansion Historic Site
(609) 927-2212
February 2
Groundhog’s Day
1 p.m.
FREE
Cape May Point State Park
(609) 884-2159
Note: ADA accessible
Snowshoe Walks
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: Winter can be a quiet time, but there's still lots to explore. While ont he trail we'll look for tracks and signs of wintering wildlife, observe dormant trees, plants, insects and much more. Whether we go by boot or snowshe will depend on the weather.
Groundhogs, Woodchuck & Whistlepigs
2:30 to 4 p.m.; pre-registration is required
FREE
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: Come celebrate Groundhog day! We won't be pulling any of High Point's slumbering groundhogs out of their dens, but it's a god day to learn about our most-famous hibernator (and a few that are not so renowned) and the historic roots of this peculiar holiday. We'll also make a take-home groundhog craft.
Winter Wonders
11 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program; for adults with children ages 4 & 5; ADA accessible
Papermaking
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Liberty State Park, Nature Interpretive Center
(201) 915-3409
Note: Liberty State Park staff will lead you in a hands-on workshop creating your own paper from used paper and natural materials; ADA accessible
Nature Video “Mountains”
12:45 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: This tour of our mightiest mountain ranges, starting with the bird of a mountain at one of the lowest places on earth and ending at the summit of Everest, take sin some of the most reclusive creatures on the planet and reveals the secrets of their survival.
History Video “Founding Fathers: You Say You Want a Revolution”
2 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center
(609) 737-9303
Note: This 50-minute video follows our Founding Fathers from the Declaration of Independence through the Revolutionary War.
Chocolate Workshop
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; preregistration required
Fee: $40 per student
Washington Crossing State Park, Johnson Ferry House
Sponsor: Heart to Hearth Cookery
(215) 219-9542
foodhxsmp@aol.com
Note: Food historian and expert Susan McClellan Plaisted will instruct this class from bean to beverage. Bring a friend or spouse to this fun and fascinating process of making chocolate in Colonial times and before. Enjoy the camaraderie and the delicious results of your labors trying various chocolate beverages. Take home your own hand made chocolate “medallion”.
February 3
Nature Hike
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: Winter hike through the trails of Cheesequake State Park; for ages 12 and up
Origami in Skylands Manor
11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. sessions; pre-registration requested
Fee: Donation $5 per person
Ringwood State Park, Botanical Gardens
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 962-9534
Note: Designer Janice Ramsay will introduce you to the fascinating world of origami, where folded paper magically can become a creane or a boat or thousands of other things. You'll explore some easy designs and also make a surprise for your varorite Valentine. This hands-on workshop is great for children 8 years and up and grown-ups too! Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
February 7
Winter Shrubs & Vines
11 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Add intrigue to your next winter walk by learning to identify shrubs and vines by their buds, bark, branching, and berries during this indoor presentation; for Adults; ADA accessible
February 9
Fido in the Forest
10 a.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Bass River State Forest
(609) 296-1114
Note: Volunteer Master Naturalist Kathy Gardiner invites you to bring your pooch along on a free, 6-mike hike but you aren't required to brng a dog to go. Bring a lunch and water. The walk will be held in snow, cold and light rain, but heavy rain will cancel. Please ensure your dog is on a leash at all times. There is a limit of 15 dogs for this hike.
Ski Fest
All Day
Fee: Contact sponsor for fee
High Point State Park, Ski Center
(973) 702-1222
www.xcskihighpoint.com
Note: come to the High Point Cross Country Ski Center and give cross country skiing a try during this day-long cross country ski festival. Lessons will be offered throughout the day.
Winter Shrubs & Vines
11 am to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Add intrigue to your next winter walk by learning to identify shrubs and vines by their buds, bark, branching, and berries during this indoor presentation; for adults; ADA accessible
Nature Video “Fresh Water Environments”
12:45 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: Follow rivers as they drop from their highland sources. This video documents the unique wildlife found within the Earth’s freshwater habitats. The world’s waterfalls, canyons, lakes, wetlands and rivers provide mystery, excitement and awe-inspiring sights.
History Video “Founding Fathers: A Healthy Constitution”
2 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center
(609) 7373-9303
Note: This 50-minute video tells the story of our Founding Fathers constructing a constitution and building a new democratic nation.
February 10
“Hoot-Hoot” the Owls of Cheesequake
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: These silent predators prowl the night for delectable meal. Join us at the Nature Center to learn more about the owls of NJ as we dissect an owl pellet and discover what type of prey these birds prefer; for all ages; ADA accessible
Winter Wonderland
10 to 11:30 a.m.; pre-registration required
FREE
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Lot
(908) 236-6355
Note: Start Valentine’s Day with a short hike on the Cushetunk Trail and view some of the State’s best vistas
Owls of New Jersey
1 p.m.
FREE
Ringwood State Park, Carriage House
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973)
962-9534
Note: Don Torino of the Bergen County Audubon Society offers an indoor photo presentationon these fascinating raptors, touching on the many different species that inhabit our region.
Snow date - February 24th.
The Paleo and Archaic Indians of New Jersey
1:30 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: Jim Wade, former archivist and researcher with the NJ State Museum will take participants on a journey back to the time of the last ice age, when the earliest Native American people entered what is now New Jersey. Discover how these Paleo-Indians lived and survived in an arctic landscape filled with strange, prehistoric fur-covered animals, like the woolly mammoth, great elk and musk oxen.
February 12
Walk the White Oak Trail
10 a.m.; pre-registration requested
Fee: To Be Determined
Bulls Island Recreation Area
Note: This trail was built and maintained by the Environmental Commission of Delaware Township. At the terminus of the White Oak Trail participants can either head back along the trail to Bulls Island or opt for a longer hike to explore the Zega Lockatong PreserveDress appropriately for the weather.
Owls: Hunters of the Night
5 to 6 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Everything you ever wanted to know about owls will be presented in this slide-show, followed by a short outdoor “owl-prowl”, for adults and children ages 6 to12; ADA accessible
February 14
Fledgling Naturalists
1 to 2:30 p.m
FREE; pre-registration required.
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: The timing of topics in winter will be somewhat weather-dependent, but will include winter wildlife, birds and weather. Fledgling Naturalist programs are designed to encourage your children's curiosity, engaging them hands-on in the natural world through outdoor activities, stories, games and crafts.
February 15
Homeschool Naturalists
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: The timing of topics this winter will depend on the weather, but will most likely include tracking, wildlife and winter insects. These hands-on activities provide homeschoolers with opportunities to explore the natural world and interact with other homeschooled students.
Fledgling Naturalists
10 to 11:30 a.m.
FREE; pre-registration required.
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: The timing of topics in winter will be somewhat weather-dependent, but will include winter wildlife, birds and weather. Fledgling Naturalist programs are designed to encourage your children's curiosity, engaging them hands-on in the natural world through outdoor activities, stories, games and crafts.
February 16
Snowshoe Walks
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: Winter can be a quiet time, but there's still lots to explore. While on the trail we'll look for tracks and signs of wintering wildlife, observe dormant trees, plants, insects and much more. Whether we go by boot or snowshoe will depend on the weather.
Winter Nature Walk
11 am to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Bring your whole family out to enjoy the park in its winter finery during this 1-mile naturalist-guided tour. Afterwards, warm up with some hot chocolate in our toasty visitor center; for all ages
Nature Video “The Seas”
12:45 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: Follow a pair of humpback whales from coral reefs to storm-laden polar seas. Marine ecosystems of great contrast and a surprise will be revealed.
In Search of Pinelands Winter Life Hike
10:30 a.m.
FREE
Wharton State Forest
(609) 567-4559
Note: This is a 2-mile to 4-miles hike
February 17
Nature Hike
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: Winter hike through the trails of Cheesequake.; for ages 12 and up.
Family Winter Hike
1 p.m.
FREE
Ringwood State Park, Carriage House
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 962-9534
Note: Learn a bit about the plants, animals and geology around you in a hike designed to fit the group. Wear sturdy shoes. Snow cancels.
Bird Walk
9 to 11 a.m.
FREE
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Parking Lot
(908) 236-6355
Note: We recommend bringing field guides and binoculars
George Washington’s Birthday Celebration
1 to 4 p.m.
Fee: Recommended donation of $5 adults; $3 children and seniors to cover costs
Washington Crossing State Park, Johnson Ferry House
(609) 737-2515
Note: A great All-American family event with something for everyone is on tap. All interpreters will be in 18th century clothing. Music of Washington’s time in the parlor, making, baking and history of gingerbread at the hearth, spinning and woodworking, hands on colonial toys and games and quill pen writing. Refreshments of punch and gingersnaps from a 1740 recipe will be available to all; colonial music, gingerbread, textiles, toys, games and other activities; partially ADA accessible.
February 18
Learn about Grover Cleveland
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE
Grover Cleveland Birthplace
(973) 226-0001
Note: Family activities will include self-guided tours of the historic house museum and a scavenger hunt. Kids will also have the chance to dress up like Cleveland and his wife, Frances, and play period games.
February 20
Wednesday Walk-in-the Woods
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FREE
Bass river State Forest
(609) 296-1114
Note: Join Volunteer Master Naturalist Kathy Gardiner for a free, 5-8 mile, moderate-paced hike at our "neighbor" to the north, Franklin Parker Preserve. We will caravan or car pool from the Bass River office or you can meet us at the Franklin Parker Preserve parking lot located on County Route 563 north. Bring a lunch and drink and be prepared for mostly flat walking. Heavy rain cancels.
February 23
Snowshoe Walks
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: Winter can be a quiet time, but there's still lots to explore. While on the trail we'll look for tracks and signs of wintering wildlife, observe dormant trees, plants, insects and much more. Whether we go by boot or snowshe will depend on the weather.
Cabin Fever Hike/Snowshoe
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: This naturalist-guided tour is your cure for the late-winter blues! Let’s explore some new trails and socialize with friends. Warm up with hot chocolate afterwards! Please bring your own mug, and snowshoes (if necessary); for adults
Speaker (To be determined)
8:30 p.m.
FREE
Voorhees State Park, NJAA Observatory
Sponsor: NJ Astronomical Association
(908) 638-8500
www.njaa.org
Nature Video “Tropical Forests”
12:45 p.m.
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: These forests are among the world’s most productive ecosystems due to their long growing season and little seasonality. This video will explore the ecosystem’s layers from forest floor through the canopy.
February 24
George Washington’s 281st Birthday!
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $5 suggested donation; pre-registration required
Rockingham Historic Site
(609) 683-7132
Sponsor: Rockingham Association
Note: Tours of the historic house will include timeline facts of George Washington’s life through the rooms and conclude with birthday cake and punch. A toast to the General would not be out of place! Light refreshments; partially ADA accessible
Maple Sugaring
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Fee: please call for fee
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: This event is participatory demonstration in the procedures of home maple sugar production. Program will include a lecture, short hike, demonstration and taste sample.
February 27
Winter Shrubs & Vines
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Add intrigue to your next winter walk by learning to identify shrubs and vines by their buds, bark, branching, and berries during this indoor presentation; for adults; ADA accessible
February 28
Fledgling Naturalists
1 to 2:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: The timing of topics in winter will be somewhat weather-dependent, but will include winter wildlife, birds and weather. Fledgling Naturalist programs are designed to encourage your children's curiosity, engaging them hands-on in the natural world through outdoor activities, stories, games and crafts.
