May
Saturday, May 3
MEET AND NAME OUR TREES
1:00 P.M.
Learn to ID a tree by observing its leaves and bark. Take home a tree leaf collage craft project.
TREE COOKIES
2:30 P.M.
Read a tree's life story by looking at a tree cookie. Create a "Tree Cookie" take- home craft that you can wear.
Sunday, May 4
ADOPT A TREE
1:00 P.M.
Become best friends with the largest plant that grows within our woodlands.
HIGHLANDS TRAIL HIKE
2:30 - 4:30 P.M.
Focus on geological formations and how the trees have adapted to living within higher elevations.
Saturday, May 10
MAY DAY CELEBRATION
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
"Wake Up The Sun". Learn about our sun through using a 'sun spotter'. Make pictures of the sun's motion using shadows during the day. Use a sun scope to observe solar flares on the surface of the sun.
Sunday, May 11
'MOTHER'S DAY' - CELEBRATE RACHEL CARLSON DAY
1:00 P.M.
We will be celebrating the life of a woman who first brought our attention to the toxic threats caused by misuse of chemicals.
NATURE FUN & STORYTELLING
2:30 P.M.
Learn about food chains and webs of our woodland animals through games. Enjoy wildlife-based stories from our Native American legends.
Saturday, May 17
BEAR AWARE
1:00 P.M.
Learn about the myths and ecological/behavioral facts that you should know about black bears.
ANIMAL HOMES WALK
2:30 P.M.
What animals make Stephens State Park their residence? Learn about the variety of animals including bats, mice, deer and the black bear.
Sunday, May 18
CRITTER CATCHING IN THE RIVER
1:00 P.M.
Join us for a river safari as we catch, identify and release critters that live in the river. Be prepared to get wet.
BEAR AWARE
2:30 P.M.
Learn about the myths and ecological/behavioral facts that you should know about black bears.
Saturday May 24
PROSPECTING FOR GOLD
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Become a prospector and pan for gold (Pyrite) in the river. Wear old sneakers and "wet-able" clothing.
DINO DAZE
3:15 P.M.
Learn about the Ice Age and the effects of glaciers on the land. Who were the dinosaurs that once roamed New Jersey?
Sunday May 25
LOST IN THE WOODS
1:00 P.M.
Learn the important rules of survival and what to put into a survival kit.
NATIVE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
2:30 - 4:00 P.M.
Learn how the Lenape Indians successfully lived in New Jersey.
Saturday, May 31
BUG BINGO
1:00 P.M.
Learn the basics of insect ecology. Put your knowledge to use by playing a round of "Bug Bingo".
"Buggin Along" Trail Walk
2:30 P.M.
Learn about beneficial and harmful insects. Look for signs of emerging insects along the trail by the river.
June
Sunday, June 1
FROGGIN IN THE RIVER
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Catch frogs, crayfish and immature insect larvae. Wear "wet-able" clothing and old sneakers. Nets will be provided.
Saturday, June 7
FREE FISHING DAYS
FREE FISHING DERBY
10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Pre-registration required.
NATIONAL TRAIL DAY EVENTS
1:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Participate in longer trail hikes. Not recommended for younger children. Bring a snack and beverage and wear appropriate walking shoes.
Sunday, June 8
FREE FISHING DAYS
FREE FISHING DERBY
10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Pre-registration required.
Saturday, June 14
OWLS: NIGHT HUNTERS
1:00 P.M.
Owls as birds of prey. Dissect an owl pellet and find out what he had for lunch.
BIRDING WITH CHILDREN
2:30 P.M.
Learn to identify resident birds. Learn about the Bald Eagle.
Sunday, June 15
FATHER'S DAY TRAIL HIKE
1:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Saturday, June 21
SUMMER SOLSTICE
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Celebrate first day of summer. Learn about the sun and observe sun spots.
Sunday, June 22
BUG BINGO
1:00 P.M.
Learn the basics of insect ecology. Put your knowledge to use by playing a round of "Bug Bingo".
"Buggin Along" Trail Walk
2:30 P.M.
Learn about beneficial and harmful insects. Look for signs of emerging insects along the trail by the river.
Saturday, June 28
BEAR AWARE
1:00 P.M.
Learn myths and facts about the black bear.
LOST IN THE WOODS
2:30 P.M.
Learn the important rules of survival and what to put into a survival kit.
Sunday, June 29
BATS: LITTLE FLYING MAMMALS
1:00 P.M.
Observe a bat house and learn about the little brown bat.
BEAR AWARE
2:30 P.M.
Learn myths and facts about the black bear.
July
Friday, July 4
CREATE A HOLIDAY T-SHIRT
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Fee: $3.00/shirt or bring your own.
Saturday, July 5
CRITTER CATCHING IN THE RIVER
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Catch, identify and release critters. Collect data for our River Monitoring Project. Wear old sneakers and "wet-able" clothing.
Sunday July 6
PROSPECTING FOR GOLD
1:00 P.M.
Become a prospector and pan for gold (Pyrite) in the river. Wear old sneakers and "wet-able" clothing.
DINASAUR DAZE
2:30 P.M.
Learn about the Ice Age and the effects of glaciers on the land. Who were the dinosaurs that once roamed New Jersey?
Saturday, July 12
ANIMAL HOMES WALK
1:00 P.M.
Observe signs of animals. Create animal tracks.
BIRDING WITH CHILDREN
2:30 P.M.
Learn to identify resident birds. Learn about the Bald Eagle.
OWLS: NIGHT HUNTERS
1:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Owls as birds of prey. Dissect an owl pellet and find out what he had for lunch.
Saturday, July 19
BEAR AWARE
1:00 P.M.
Learn myths and facts about the black bear.
MAMMAL TRACKING
2:30 P.M.
Learn about native wildlife. Create collection of animal tracks to take home.
Sunday, July 20
COME FLY WITH ME
1:00 P.M.
Build soda straw rockets, paper gliders and play with rocket toys.
BEAR AWARE
2:30 P.M.
Learn myths and facts about the black bear.
Saturday, July 26
MEET AND NAME OUR TREES
1:00 P.M.
Learn to ID trees by their bark and leaves.
TREE COOKIES
2:30 P.M.
Read a tree's life story by the annual rings. Create a "Tree Cookie" craft.
Sunday, July 27
CRITTER CATCHING IN THE RIVER
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Catch, identify and release critters. Collect data for our River Monitoring Project. Wear old sneakers and "wet-able" clothing.
August
Saturday, August 2
NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT
1:00 P.M.
Walk along the Red Trail in search of some of nature's treasures.
NATIVE AMERICAN EXERIENCE
2:30 P.M.
Create an Indian craft as you listen and learn about their music. Play Indian games.
Sunday, August 3
HIGHLANDS TRAIL HIKE
1:00 - 3:30 P.M.
Not intended for young children. Bring a snack and beverage. Wear hiking boots.
Saturday, August 9
BUG BINGO
1:00 P.M.
Learn the basics of insect ecology. Put your knowledge to use by playing a round of "Bug Bingo".
"buggin along" trail walk
2:30 p.m.
Learn about beneficial and harmful insects. Look for signs of emerging insects along the trail by the river.
Sunday, August 10
NATURE FUN & STORYTELLING
1:00 P.M.
Learn about food chains and food webs. Enjoy Native American wildlife stories.
MAMMAL TRACKING
2:30 P.M.
Learn about native wildlife. Create collection of animal tracks to take home.
Saturday, August 16
BEAR AWARE
1:00 P.M.
Learn myths and facts about the black bear.
DINO DAZE
2:30 P.M.
Learn about the Ice Age and the effects of glaciers on the land. Who were the dinosaurs that once roamed New Jersey?
Sunday, August 17
NATIVE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
1:00 P.M.
Learn how Lenape Indians survived using arrowheads to hunt prey. Play Indian children's games.
BEAR AWARE
2:30 P.M.
Learn myths and facts about the black bear.
Saturday, August 23
FROGGIN IN THE RIVER
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Catch frogs, crayfish and immature insect larvae. Wear "wet-able" clothing and old sneakers. Nets will be provided.
Sunday, August 24
OWLS: NIGHT HUNTERS
1:00 - 3:30 P.M.
Owls as birds of prey. Dissect an owl pellet and find out what he had for lunch.
Saturday, August 30
HIGHLAND TRAIL HIKE
1:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Not intended for young children. Bring a snack and beverage. Wear hiking boots.
Sunday, August 31
CRITTER CATCHING IN THE RIVER
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Catch, identify and release critters. Collect data for our River Monitoring Project. Wear old sneakers and "wet-able" clothing.
September
Saturday, September 6
SPECIES REQUIEM DAY
1:00 P.M.
A day to mourn the loss of the species lost to extinction by human hands and natural causes. How many plants and animals do you know that have become extinct during your lifetime?
LOST IN THE WOODS
2:30 P.M.
Learn the important rules of survival and what to put into a survival kit.
Sunday, September 7
FALL SCAVENGER HUNT
1:00 P.M.
Walk the Red Trail in search of some of nature's fall treasures.
COME FLY WITH ME
2:30 P.M.
Build soda straw rockets, paper gliders and play with rocket toys.
Saturday, September 13
BEAR AWARE
1:00 P.M.
Learn myths and facts about the black bear.
NATIVE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
2:30 P.M.
Fall was the season of harvest for the Lenape Indians. Learn about the three sisters and games Indian children played.
Sunday, September 14
NATIVE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
1:00 P.M.
Learn how the Lenape Indians successfully lived in New Jersey.
BEAR AWARE
2:30 P.M.
Learn myths and facts about the black bear.
Saturday, September 20
WORLD WATER MONITORING MONTH
WHAT'S IN OUR WATER?
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Learn how to conduct chemical water quality tests within the Musconetcong River. Support our Water Monitoring Project data collection.
Sunday, September 21
JOHNNY APPLESEED
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) planted thousands of apple trees around the northwest United States. Learn about apples and his apple-seed legends.
Saturday, September 27
NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY ACTIVITIES
10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Fall Environmental Day
Sunday, September 28
BLUEBIRD PROJECT
1:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Winterizing the bluebird boxes along our bluebird trail.
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