The following is a list of activities being offered through the Nature Center at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, New Jersey. All programs are offered free of charge, some will require advanced registration. Attendance is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All programs will initially meet at the Nature Center. 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
PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGIES DAY (all ages) Sunday October 11, 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 18, 1:30 - 3:00 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.
FALL FOLIAGE HIKE (9 yrs. - adult) Sunday October 25, 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.
NATIVE AMERICANS OF THE AREA OF THE PARK (all ages) Saturday November 7, 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.
SHELTER BUILDING WILDERNESS SURVIVAL (6 yrs. - adult) Sunday November 8, 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 10/6.
FAMILY NATURE WALK (all ages) Saturday November 14, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Join us for an informal naturalist-guided trail walk.
SHELTER BUILDING WILDERNESS SURVIVAL (6 yrs. - adult) Sunday November 15, 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 10/13.
FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT (all ages) Sunday November 22, 1:30 - 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 10/20.
NATURE CENTER CLOSED Thurs. Nov. 26 - Sun. Nov. 29.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING (all ages) Saturday December 12, 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 11/10.
NATURAL HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS (all ages) Saturday December 19, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. We will have an assortment of cones, berries, dried seeds, pods and other natural objects on hand at the Nature Center, along with quantities of glue, glitter and pipe cleaners. Come out and invent your own nature ornaments or share in the creativity of other program participants. Advanced registration required after 11/17. Materials Charge: $3.00 per participant.
NATURE CENTER CLOSED Mon. Dec. 21, 2008 - Fri. January 1, 2009
Have a Happy Holiday Season
