The following is a list of activities being offered through the Nature Center at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, NJ. Some programs are offered free without registration requirements; some will require advanced registration as indicated below. A fee will be charged to motor vehicles entering the park on weekends and holidays 5/24 - 9/1 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). All programs will initially meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise indicated. Attendance is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In the event of inclement weather, some programs might be canceled. It is always advisable to call ahead before coming out. Phone: (609) 737-0609.
FAMILY NATURE WALK (all ages) Sunday October 5, 1:30 - 2:30 p. m. Join us for an informal naturalist-guided trail walk.
PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGIES DAY (all ages) Sunday October 12, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Archaeologists and primitive technologists from throughout the region will be on hand demonstrating and discussing a variety of primitive skills that local Native Americans and indigenous people from throughout the world practiced in prehistoric times.
NATURAL DYES (all ages) Sunday October 26, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Many interesting colors can be derived from wild plants. Come out to learn how several of our more common plants can be coaxed to yield dyes for coloring natural fabrics and take home a few samples of your own. Advanced registration required.
NATIVE AMERICANS OF THE AREA OF THE PARK (all ages) Saturday November 1, 1:00 p.m.Jim Wade, former archivist and researcher with the N.J. State Museum will discuss primitive stone tool use by Native Americans in central New Jersey. Emphasis will be on the significance and importance of the Indian way of life during the autumn season, focusing on the activities of fall hunting, gathering and religious ceremonies. The program will include a slide presentation and Native American artifacts will be on display.
FALL FOLIAGE HIKE (9 yrs. - adult) Sunday November 2, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. This is a naturalist-guided 3 1/2 - 5 1/2 mile hike taking on the park’s natural and historic areas, and several interesting and remote sections of the park during the fall foliage season. Wear sturdy footwear. Bring drinking water, a snack and a pair of binoculars.
SHELTER BUILDING WILDERNESS SURVIVAL (6 yrs. - adult) Sunday November 9, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. 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. Advanced registration required after 10/7.
FAMILY NATURE WALK (all ages) Saturday November 15, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Join us for an informal naturalist-guided trail walk.
SHELTER BUILDING WILDERNESS SURVIVAL (6 yrs. - adult) Sunday November 16, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. 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. Advanced registration required after 10/14.
NATURE CENTER CLOSED Thurs. Nov. 27 - Sun. Nov. 30.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT (all ages) Saturday December 6, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Families and individuals will attempt to locate various natural objects in the park and obtain information about the area as they compete against themselves or others in this fun traditional game. Advanced registration required after 11/4.
HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING (all ages) Saturday December 13, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to identify several species of evergreens and use clippings from these plants to construct holiday wreaths. Advanced registration required after 11/12.
NATURE CENTER CLOSED Mon. Dec. 22, 2008 - Sat. January 3, 2009
Have a Happy Holiday Season
