Week of 11/17/2025 - 11/23/2025
National Take a Hike Day: Do the Loop!
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
17-Nov 10 AM
Description: 7.5-mile strenuous hike on the Andover Loop Trail.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
19-Nov 9 AM
Description: 2.5-mile social walk on fairly flat, scenic trails through the park.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Senior Trail Stewardship Workgroup
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center parking area
19-Nov 8:30 AM
Description: Help park staff and volunteers manage the trails of Washington Crossing State Park while learning about stewardship! Volunteers are asked to arrive at the Nature Center by 8:30am to begin work.
Age: ages 18 and up.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email joseph.moore@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Volunteers will meet at the Nature Center. Gloves and tools will be provided, but if you have a favorite pair of gloves, shovel, or shears - please bring them!
Early Bird Breakfast Walk
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Warbasse Junction Parking Area
20-Nov 8:30 AM
Description:
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Kit & Caboodle Book Club
Kittatinny Valley State Park, The Laughing Goat Cafe
21-Nov 2 PM
Description: Book discussion group for avid readers and bibliophiles. No monthly reading requirements! Bring your favorite reads past or present.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Come prepared to talk about a favorite book you've read lately; book swapping is encouraged.
B.A.R.K Ranger Induction
Bass River State Forest, park office
22-Nov 10 AM
Description: Calling all responsible dogs! Get inducted as a B.A.R.K. Ranger. Take our pledge and receive a bark badge and a treat! Afterwards, we will hike Absegami Trail (0.4 miles) and practice being a B.A.R.K Ranger for the first time!
Age: all ages. Donations welcome.
Please call (609) 296-1114 or email josephine.vuolo@dep.nj.gov for more information.
We will be outdoors so dress prepared; bring water and bug spray.
End of Autumn Trek
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Park office
22-Nov 9 AM
Description: Join us on an 8-mile hike that encompasses all of the hiking trails in BTB on our final hike of the year! Learn all about the plants, animals, history and more on this grand adventure in the Pine Barrens!
Age: ages 10 and up
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information. Registration required. To register for the hike, please call the office and leave your name, phone number, and email address.
Please bring water. Dress according to the weather. There are two 30-minute breaks during the hike, it is recommended that you pack a lunch in addition to bringing a water bottle. There will be restrooms as well as refill stations for water at the 3 and 5 mile markers. For additional information, please view the event on the Brendan T. Byrne Facebook page.
Guided Nature Walk
Cheesequake State Park. Hooks Creek Lake Day Use Area
22-Nov 11 AM
Description: Join us on a walk through the salt marsh, over our crabbing bridge and into the pine forest! This walk will be about one mile going over easy, flat terrain.
Age: all ages.
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please dress for the weather.
Nature’s Canvas
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
22-Nov 10 AM
Description: Please meet at the Nature Center located at 275 Freedom Way, Jersey City, NJ 07305. This program is co-sponsored by the Educational Arts Team.
Age: all ages.
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please meet at the Nature Center located at 275 Freedom Way, Jersey City, NJ 07305. This program will begin promptly at 10:00 AM and space is limited!
Trail Stewardship Workgroup
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center parking area
22-Nov 8:30 AM
Description: Work alongside park staff as trails are maintained around Washington Crossing State Park. Meet at the Nature Center!
Age: ages 12 and up.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email joseph.moore@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Volunteers will meet at the Nature Center. Gloves and tools will be provided, but if you have a favorite pair of gloves, shovel, or shears - please bring them!
Public Star Watch & Batsto Village Evening Walking Tours
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village Historic Site
22-Nov 5:30 PM
Description: You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch at Batsto, organized by the West Jersey Astronomical Society (WAS). Members of the Society will have telescopes available for the public to view objects in the night sky. The event is weather permitting, and visitors are encouraged to check the WAS website (https://www.wasociety.us) after 1 PM. the day of the event to confirm it is still happening should there be cloudy skies.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 322-9523 or email Alexandria.horan@dep.nj.gov for more information
The Star Watch begins at 5:30 PM. At 5:45 PM in the Batsto Visitor Center Auditorium there will be a Comet Demonstration and at 6:30 PM there will be a Laser-Guided Constellation Tour in the telescope observation field. Historic Interpreters will also be on hand to lead evening walking tours through the village. Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in walking the village should meet behind the Visitor Center (near the Ore Boat). Tours are 45-55 minutes and are offered at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.
Day of Thanks
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village
23-Nov 11 AM
Description: Celebrate an early 19th Century Thanksgiving with the villagers of Jame P. Allaire's Howell Iron Works Company!
Age: all ages. $5 per person ages 4 & up
Call (732) 919-3500 or email info@allairevillage.org for more information.
Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/day-of-thanks-a-19th-century-thanksgiving-celebration-tickets-1250056425419?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Owl Excursion at Ballanger Creek
Bass River State Forest, park office
23-Nov 6 PM
Description: During late fall and into the winter, this is the mating season for southern NJ's largest and most vocal owls, the Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl. We will hike our way around Ballanger Creek (about 1 mile) in hopes of hearing and seeing some. It is highly recommended to bring binoculars, a flashlight, and to be as quiet as possible while hiking.
Age: ages 8 and up. Donations welcome.
Please call (609) 296-1114 or email josephine.vuolo@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather permitting. We will be outdoors so dress prepared; bring water and bug spray.
Storytime and Craft
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
23-Nov 11 AM
Description: Hear a story about the different kinds of wildlife and habitats found in Liberty State Park, and then make a story-related craft to take home with you.
Age: ages 6 and up.
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please meet at the Nature Center located at 275 Freedom Way, Jersey City, NJ 07305. This program will begin promptly at 10:00 AM and space is limited!
Owls of the Crossing
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center parking area
23-Nov 4:45 PM
Description: Join the park naturalist in the park after hours in search of owls! This outing will take place right at dusk and explore areas of the park known for owl activity.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 737-0623 or email joseph.moore@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight! This outing is set to hike about a mile and a half and last a little over an hour.
Week of 11/24/2025 - 11/30/2025
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
26-Nov 9 AM
Description: 2.5-mile social walk on fairly flat, scenic trails through the park.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
The Post Gobble Wobble
Bass River State Forest, park office
29-Nov 10 AM
Description: Whether you’re looking to walk off all that Thanksgiving food or simply reflect on all that you're grateful for, Bass River State Forest offers the fresh air you need. We will be hiking down the Nisky Trail (1.7 miles) as taking a hike after Thanksgiving helps with digestion, boosts the mood, and gains some extra time with the family.
Age: all ages. Donations welcome.
Please call (609) 296-1114 or email josephine.vuolo@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather permitting. We will be outdoors so dress prepared; bring water and bug spray.
Week of 12/1/2025 - 12/7/2025
Guided Nature Walk
Cheesequake State Park. Hooks Creek Lake Day Use Area
6-Dec 11 AM
Description: Discover the various ecosystems, wildlife and history of Cheesequake State Park on this 3-mile guided Hike. This hike will go over moderate terrain including some steps.
Age: all ages.
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please dress for the weather. We recommend bringing water and binoculars!
Holiday Pomanders Workshop
Liberty State Park, CRRNJ Terminal
6-Dec 10 AM
Description: Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn about the history of this holiday tradition and create your own beautiful fruit pomander to take home!
Age: ages 6 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
We will meet at the CRRNJ Terminal located at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive.
Volunteer Work Day
Whitesbog Village, General Store
6-Dec 10 AM
Description: Come out and join our volunteers in outdoor or indoor projects in the village. You can choose from tending trails and garden path or projects like painting, sweeping, helping to decorate and organizing supplies for events!
Age: all ages.
See Whitesbog FB page for more information.
Village Tour
Whitesbog Village, General Store
6-Dec 1 PM
Description: Walk the Historic Village Trails, learn about Whitesbog's role in history and visit Suningive, the workers cottage and other museums and landscapes that speak to Whitesbog's heritage.
Age: all ages.
See Whitesbog FB page for more information.
Moonlight Walk
Whitesbog Village, General Store
6-Dec 7 PM
Description: Listen to the night sounds of the Pines, learn about Whitesbog and experience the seasonal changes of the Pinelands. Duration: 3-5 miles.
Age: all ages.
See Whitesbog FB page for more information.
Woodpeckers!
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
7-Dec 10 AM
Description: Winter is the best time to look for woodpeckers and Washington Crossing State Park is full of these three-toed environmental engineers! This program will focus on the various species of woodpecker in the park including Hairy, Red-bellied, and Pileated Woodpeckers.
Age: all ages.
Email joseph.moore@dep.nj.gov for more information.
This program will walk about two miles in search of woodpeckers and their allies. Please meet at the Nature Center by 10 AM. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for walking.
Week of 12/8/2025 - 12/14/2025
Rid Litter Day
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
12-Dec 10 AM
Description: 2.5-mile litter pick-up along Goodale Road.
Age: teens and adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Gloves, reflective vests, litter pickers, and bags provided.
Caven Point Volunteer Shoreline Cleanup
Liberty State Park, 300 Morris Pesin Drive
13-Dec 10 AM
Description: Looking for volunteer opportunities? Help lend a hand cleaning up the shores of Caven Point by removing trash that has come in with the tides.
Age: ages 6 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
We will meet at Lot #1 located at 300 Morris Pesin Drive. Please dress to spend time outdoors, wear sturdy shoes, and bring work gloves if you have them. The walk to the beach is 1 1/2 miles round trip, so please be sure all participants are comfortable with this.
YULE! Viking and Winter Holiday Traditions
Whitesbog Village, General Store
13-Dec 10 AM
Description: Join us at Whitesbog for our Yule event and indulge in Crafts, Vendors, Candy Cane Trail Walks, Wagon Rides, Pictures with Santa, Hot Chocolate Bar, museum tours and more! Bring the family to this free event and shop in the General Store and Barrel Factory for the perfect gift!
Age: all ages. Free Admission, some activities require tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through Facebook or Eventbrite. For more info, visit the Whitesbog Facebook Page.
YULE! Viking and Winter Holiday Traditions
Whitesbog Village, General Store
14-Dec 10 AM
Description: Join us at Whitesbog for our Yule event and indulge in Crafts, Vendors, Candy Cane Trail Walks, Wagon Rides, Pictures with Santa, Hot Chocolate Bar, museum tours and more! Bring the family to this free event and shop in the General Store and Barrel Factory for the perfect gift!
Age: all ages. Free Admission, some activities require tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through Facebook or Eventbrite. For more info, visit the Whitesbog Facebook Page.
Week of 12/15/2025 - 12/21/2025
Guided Nature Walk
Cheesequake State Park. Hooks Creek Lake Day Use Area
20-Dec 11 AM
Description: Discover the various ecosystems, wildlife and history of Cheesequake State Park on this 3 mile guided Hike. This hike will go over moderate terrain including some steps.
Age: all ages.
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please dress for the weather. We recommend bringing water and binoculars!
Winter Waterfowl Walk
Liberty State Park, 300 Morris Pesin Drive
20-Dec 10 AM
Description: Come out on a guided walk to Caven Point to learn about some of LSP's avian winter visitors and resident species that can be seen throughout the year.
Age: ages 8 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
We will meet at Lot #1 located at 300 Morris Pesin Drive. Please dress to spend time outdoors, wear sturdy shoes, and bring binoculars if you have them. The walk to the beach is 1 1/2 miles round trip, so please be sure all participants are comfortable with this.
Week of 12/22/2025 - 12/28/2025
Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment
Washington Crossing State Park, Washington Grove /River Parking lot next to Nelson House
25-Dec 12:30 PM
Description: 12:30 PM Mark Sirak will speak about the Crossing prior to the 1 PM Annual Reenactment of General Washington's Christmas Night crossing of the Delaware River.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email mark.sirak@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Come early to park and walk to the river. Big crowd expected!
Evergreen Walk and Craft
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
28-Dec 11 AM
Description: We will learn how to identify different types of evergreens and discuss the valuable roles these trees play in nature, and then make pinecone bird feeders.
Age: all ages.
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
We will meet at the Nature Center located at 275 Freedom Way. Please dress to spend time outdoors and wear shoes comfortable for walking.
Week of 12/29/2025 - 12/31/2025
Storytime and Craft
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
30-Dec 11 AM
Description: Come out on a guided walk to Caven Point to learn about some of LSP's avian winter visitors and resident species that can be seen throughout the year.
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
We will meet at the Nature Center located at 275 Freedom Way.
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