Week of 9/1/2024 - 9/8/2024
Reptiles of the Pine Barrens
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Reeve's Bogs
1-Sept 9 AM
Description: Snakes, turtles, and lizards are all over the Pine Barrens! Join us on a 4.5-mile hike down the Mt. Misery, Cranberry, and Lebanon trails and learn all about these rad reptiles!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information. Weather permitting. Please bring bug spray and water. If you are unfamiliar with the area and do not know how to get to Reeve's Bogs, please call our office for directions.
Monday Mountaineers!
Stokes State Forest, Tillman’s Ravine lower parking
2-Sept 9 AM
Description: ~4 miles, moderate, some uneven / rocky terrain.
Age: ages 8 and up.
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for the elements! 10 essentials and hiking poles recommended along with water / snacks.
Rancocas Ramble Interpretive Hike
Rancocas State Park, Hainesport Section (Rancocas Road entrance)
4-Sept 11 AM
Description: Lace up your boots for a late summer hike at Rancocas State Park. Here you will meet your guides: trail steward Allen Crawford (NJ State Parks) and naturalist Gina DiMaio (Burlington County Parks System). Early September is the perfect time to explore the rugged landscape between the “forks of the Rancocas” as summer begins to fade into fall. Together we’ll explore various habitats and the flora and fauna that occupy them. Along the way we’ll find opportunities for a few picturesque creekside views – binoculars and cameras are encouraged! Note: no restrooms at this location. Miles: ~3.00 Difficulty: Moderate – natural terrain with some short ascents/descents.
Age: ages 12 and up.
Call (609) 694-3399 or email gdimaio@co.burlington.nj.us for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/burlington-county-nj-/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMyMDA2MjE=
Thursday Trails
Belleplain State Forest, Office
5-Sept 10 AM
Description: Join Gina on a hike every other Thursday and explore Belleplain State Forest.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Free, but parking fees are in effect.
Public Star Watch
Atsion Mansion Historic Site, Atsion Office Field
7-Sept 7 PM
Description: You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch, 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.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 704-1910 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Atsion Mansion Flashlight Tours
Atsion Mansion Historic Site, Atsion Mansion
7-Sept 7 PM
Description: Historic Interpreters will be on hand to lead flashlight tours through the Atsion Mansion. Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in touring the mansion should meet between the Atsion Office and the Mansion. Tours are 45-55 minutes and are offered at 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 704-1910 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Wildlife of Pakim Pond
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
7-Sept 10 AM
Description: Come learn all about the ecosystem around Pakim Pond and the diverse wildlife it supports! This half-mile hike is perfect for all ages!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information. Weather permitting. Please bring bug spray and water.
Guided Village Tour
Double Trouble State Park, Cranberry Packing House
7-Sept 10 AM
Description: Join the village historian for a guided tour of historic Double Trouble Village.
Age: ages 8 and up
Call (732) 341-4098 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Rain or thunder may cancel this event.
Rancocas Ramble Interpretive Hike
Rancocas State Park, Hainesport Section (Rancocas Road entrance)
7-Sept 9 AM
Description: Lace up your boots for a late summer hike at Rancocas State Park. Here you will meet your guides: trail steward Allen Crawford (NJ State Parks) and naturalist Gina DiMaio (Burlington County Parks System). Early September is the perfect time to explore the rugged landscape between the “forks of the Rancocas” as summer begins to fade into fall. Together we’ll explore various habitats and the flora and fauna that occupy them. Along the way we’ll find opportunities for a few picturesque creekside views – binoculars and cameras are encouraged! Note: no restrooms at this location. Miles: ~3.00 Difficulty: Moderate – natural terrain with some short ascents/descents.
Age: ages 12 and up.
Call (609) 694-3399 or email gdimaio@co.burlington.nj.us for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/burlington-county-nj-/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMyMDA2MjE=
Blossom Flow Yoga with Karen
Stokes State Forest, Lake Ashroe parking lot
7-Sept 10 AM
Description: Enjoy a blossom flow yoga session led by Karen, at the Lake Ashroe. Bring your own yoga mat / water.
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Dress comfortably and bring layers! Bring your own yoga mat and water.
Prince Rodgers Military Family & Black Soldiers of the Civil War
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, Prince Rodgers Cemetery
7-Sept 12 PM
Description: Reenactors of the 6th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops salute Prince Rodgers and Black Soldiers of the Civil War in the historic setting of Prince Rodgers Cemetery.
Age: all ages
Please call (908) 725-1015 or email wallacedutch@dep.nj.gov
Parking and reception at Green Knoll Volunteer Fire Company, 606 N. Bridge Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
Lecture by Russ Dutcher - New Jersey's Unknown Intelligence Network before and after the Ten Crucial Days Campaign (December 25, 1776- January 3, 1777).
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
7-Sept 2 PM
Description:
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Monarch Magic
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
8-Sept 10 AM
Description: Come on out to Liberty State Park and get up close and personal with the monarch butterfly with a craft to make and take home with you.
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors and wear shoes comfortable for walking. If it is a hot day, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are recommended to bring with you.
Sunday Sunset Hike
Stokes State Forest, Stony Lake parking
8-Sept 5 PM
Description: ~6.5 miles, moderate-difficult, rocky / uneven / steep terrain
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for the elements! 10 essentials and hiking poles recommended along with water / snacks.
Week of 9/9/2024 - 9/15/2024
KVSP 30th Anniversary Celebratory Hike/Picnic
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center Parking lot
9-Sept 10 AM
Description: Celebrate our park's 30th anniversary with a 3-mile walk to appreciate its cultural and natural history with our new botanical waysides, followed by a picnic potluck
Age: teens and adults
Call (973) 786-6445 for more information. Pre-registration required at KVSP.eventbrite.com
Monday Mountaineers!
Stokes State Forest, Culvers Gap parking
9-Sept 9 AM
Description: ~5 miles, moderate with some uneven / rocky terrain.
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for the elements! 10 essentials and hiking poles recommended along with water / snacks.
Trail of the Blue Comet
Liberty State Park, CRRNJ Terminal
11-Sept 10 AM
Description: Power Point Presentation and discussion about the famous Blue Comet train, followed by a walk to the original tracks where the Blue Comet ran from.
Age: ages 10 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please meet at the giant flag located on the steps inside the CRRNJ Terminal located at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive. Free parking is available in Lot #9 across the street.
Yoga on the Beach
Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy
12-Sept 5 PM
Description: Meet at the Lake Nummy beach area for Yoga!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Sunset Paddle - Kayak Ashroe
Stokes State Forest, Lake Ashroe parking lot
13-Sept 5:30 PM
Description: All equipment provided, kayak / paddle / life jacket. Beginners welcome! Please come prepared with appropriate footwear / layers for the elements. Waterproof layers recommended.
Age: ages 8 and up
$20 a person. Pre-registration required. Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Secrets of the Batsto Mansion
Batsto Village Historic Site, Batsto Mansion
14-Sept 10 AM and 2 PM
Description: Explore Batsto Mansion, including rarely seen “behind-the-scenes” areas, with our historic staff! Visitors will dig into the hidden history of the house and learn how historians piece together the clues that help us understand how people lived and worked in the past. Tours include hands-on activities and time with historic artifacts.
Age: all ages. $5/person, pre-registration recommended
Call (609) 704-1910 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Naturalist Bootcamp: Animal Tracking
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
14-Sept 10 AM
Description: Learn how to track wild animals using a variety of methods on this half-mile hike down our Nature Trail! This is the third installment of our Naturalist Bootcamp series!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information. Weather permitting. Please bring bug spray and water.
Composting 101
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
14-Sept 10 AM
Description: Demonstration about how to start your own compost bin at home with a few pieces to get you started.
Age: ages 10 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors and bring work gloves if you have them.
Lecture by Bob McHugh - The Sad Saga of Cornet Geary
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
14-Sept 2 PM
Description: The Unlikely story of a young British officer who met is fate in the Hunterdon Hills.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email mark.sirak@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Secrets of the Batsto Mansion
Batsto Village Historic Site, Batsto Mansion
15-Sept 10 AM and 2 PM
Description: Explore Batsto Mansion, including rarely seen “behind-the-scenes” areas, with our historic staff! Visitors will dig into the hidden history of the house and learn how historians piece together the clues that help us understand how people lived and worked in the past. Tours include hands-on activities and time with historic artifacts.
Age: all ages. $5/person, pre-registration recommended
Call (609) 704-1910 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Week of 9/16/2024 - 9/22/2024
Monday Mountaineers!
Stokes State Forest, Park Office (1 Coursen Rd, off Route 206)
16-Sept 8:30 AM
Description: ~7 miles, difficult, uneven / rocky / steep terrain
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for the elements! 10 essentials and hiking poles recommended along with water / snacks
Soundbath Meditation
Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy Beach
17-Sept 6:30 M
Description: Join Us for our second sound bath meditation led by Chrissy of Radiant Pixies LLC.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Full Moon Hike
Belleplain State Forest, Main Office parking lot
17-Sept 8:30 PM
Description: Take a 2.5-mile hike around the lake during September’s Full Moon.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email megan.ritter@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Thursday Trails
Belleplain State Forest, Main Office parking lot
19-Sept 10 AM
Description: Join Gina on a hike every other Thursday and explore Belleplain State Forest.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
National Cleanup Day
Belleplain State Forest, Office
21-Sept 12 PM
Description: Celebrate National Cleanup Day and help keep our park Clean.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Canines of the Pines
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Park office
21-Sept 10 AM
Description: Join us on a 2-mile hike down the Cranberry Dot Trail and learn all about the canine species that have lived in the NJ Pine Barrens throughout its history! This hike is perfect to bring your own canine buddy with you!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information. Weather permitting. Please bring bug spray and water.
Stories from the Porch: The Cranberry Industry
Double Trouble State Park, Cranberry Packing House
21-Sept 10 AM
Description: Bring a blanket or chair and hear some tales from Double Trouble’s rich Pinelands history as told from the loading dock of the century-old Cranberry Packing House.
Age: ages 8 and up
Call (732) 341-4098 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Rain or thunder may cancel this event.
Low Tide Beach Walk
Liberty State Park, 300 Morris Pesin Drive
21-Sept 10 AM
Description: A guided walk to Caven Point Beach to explore the shoreline, and maybe see some horseshoe crabs as well!
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors and wear shoes that can get wet/muddy. If it is a hot day, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are recommended to bring with you. The walk is approximately 1 1/2 miles round trip.
Hawk Wander
Stokes State Forest, Sunrise Mountain parking lot
21-Sept 10 AM
Description: ~1 mile, easy/moderate, some uneven, rocky terrain. Join our naturalists in a wander for hawks during Fall migration atop of Sunrise Mountain.
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for the elements! Binoculars are recommended if you have a pair.
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
21-Sept 2 PM
Description: A Park Historian will speak about the Christmas Night Crossing, the Battle of Trenton and linear Warfare tactics prior to the Musket Firing.
Age: all ages. $1 per person.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information. Weather permitting.
Fall Antique, Glass & Bottle Show
Batsto Village Historic Site, Batsto Mansion
22-Sept 9 AM
Description: Join us for our annual Fall Antique, Glass & Bottle Show, presented by the Batsto Citizen’s Committee, Inc. Come to Batsto Village on September 22nd to view Pine Barrens treasures, search for that rare find to add to your antique collection, or to take a fall stroll through the historic iron town.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 561-0024 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
First Day of Fall 7 Mile Hike
Belleplain State Forest, Nature Center
22-Sept 8 AM
Description: Hike the entire East Creek Trail on the first full day of Fall.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Week of 9/23/2024 - 9/30/2024
Monday Mountaineers!
Stokes State Forest, Rock Oak trailhead off Deckertown turnpike
23-Sept 9 AM
Description: ~6.5 miles, moderate with some uneven / rocky terrain.
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for the elements! 10 essentials and hiking poles recommended along with water / snacks
Tales from the Morris Canal
Liberty State Park, CRRNJ Terminal
25-Sept 10 AM
Description: Power Point Presentation and discussion about the historic Morris Canal, followed by, weather permitting, a walk to what remains of the canal today.
Age: ages 10 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please meet at the giant flag on the steps inside the CRRNJ Terminal building located at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive. Free parking in Lot #9.
Color and Sip
Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy Beach
26-Sept 5 PM
Description: Join Gina at the Lake for Color and Sip. Coloring Sheets & Materials will be provided as well as a Mocktail!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Creatures of the Night
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
27-Sept 8 PM
Description: Learn all about the nocturnal creatures of BTB on this half-mile hike around Pakim Pond. Beware! The Jersey Devil may be lurking behind any tree!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information. Weather permitting. Please bring bug spray and water.
"All Access" Tour of the Batsto Mansion
Batsto Village Historic Site, Batsto Mansion
28-Sept 10 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM
Description: Even if you’ve already taken a tour of the Batsto Mansion, there’s still more to explore this September! Step inside the Italianate home to view never-before-seen artifacts and spaces normally closed to visitors. Historic Interpreters will guide visitors through the home, highlighting notable objects, revealing the hidden histories of the mansion’s inhabitants, and entering rooms usually closed to public access.
Age: all ages. $5/person, pre-registration recommended
Call (609) 561-0024 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Call the Batsto Visitor Center; Registration not required, but space fills quickly!
History of the Pines
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
28-Sept 9 AM
Description: From millions of years ago, to the American Revolution and the Civilian Conservation Corps, learn everything there is to know about the history of the Pinelands on this 5-mile hike down the Nature, Mt Misery, and Cranberry Trails!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information. Weather permitting. Please bring bug spray and water.
Beach Dog Hike
Corson’s Inlet State Park, Boat Ramp Parking lot off Ocean Drive
28-Sept 10 AM
Description: Join Megan and her furry friends on a beach hike!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email megan.ritter@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Bring doggie bags, Megan will collect all bags and dispose of them for you. Wear proper shoes as we will be walking on soft sand and working with the tides.
Historic Soldiers Weekend
Fort Mott State Park, 454 Fort Mott Road
28-Sept 10 AM
Description: Historic Soldiers Weekend is a historical encampment, featuring re-enactors and their equipment from every American conflict, spanning the French & Indian War to the Vietnam War. In some instances, both sides of the conflicts will be present, such as the Revolutionary War loyalists and "redcoats", Civil War confederate units, and WWII German infantry units.
Age: all ages
Email andres.grant@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Fall Bird Walk
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
28-Sept 10 AM
Description: Guided bird walk to explore habitats and look for both migratory and resident species in Liberty State Park.
Age: ages 8 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors, wear shoes comfortable for walking, and bring binoculars with you if you have them. If it is a hot day, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are recommended to bring with you.
Autumn Equinox Flow Yoga with Karen
Stokes State Forest, Sunrise Mountain pavilion
28-Sept 2 PM
Description: Enjoy a flow yoga session led by Karen, at the Sunrise Mountain pavilion. Bring your own yoga mat / water.
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Dress comfortably and bring layers! Bring your own yoga mat and water.
"All Access" Tour of the Batsto Mansion
Batsto Village Historic Site, Batsto Mansion
29-Sept 10 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM
Description: Even if you’ve already taken a tour of the Batsto Mansion, there’s still more to explore this September! Step inside the Italianate home to view never-before-seen artifacts and spaces normally closed to visitors. Historic Interpreters will guide visitors through the home, highlighting notable objects, revealing the hidden histories of the mansion’s inhabitants, and entering rooms usually closed to public access.
Age: all ages. $5/person, pre-registration recommended
Call (609) 561-0024 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Call the Batsto Visitor Center; Registration not required, but space fills quickly!
Historic Soldiers Weekend
Fort Mott State Park, 454 Fort Mott Road
29-Sept 10 AM
Description: Historic Soldiers Weekend is a historical encampment, featuring re-enactors and their equipment from every American conflict, spanning the French & Indian War to the Vietnam War. In some instances, both sides of the conflicts will be present, such as the Revolutionary War loyalists and "redcoats", Civil War confederate units, and WWII German infantry units.
Age: all ages
Email andres.grant@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Hawk Wander
Stokes State Forest, Sunrise Mountain pavilion
29-Sept 8:30 AM
Description: ~1 mile, easy/moderate, some uneven, rocky terrain. Join our naturalists in a wander for hawks during Fall migration atop of Sunrise Mountain.
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for the elements! Binoculars are recommended if you have a pair.
Afternoon Paddle - Kayak Ashroe
Stokes State Forest, Lake Ashroe parking lot
29-Sept 1 PM
Description: All equipment provided, kayak / paddle / life jacket. Beginners welcome! Please come prepared with appropriate footwear / layers for the elements. Waterproof layers recommended.
Age: ages 8 and up
$20 a person. Pre-registration required. Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
"A Friendly Address" on the First Continental Congress
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
29-Sept 2 PM
Description: For the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress in September – October of 1774, take in a close reading of passages from the papers and pamphlets under debate and discussion in New Jersey that fall ahead of the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
Age: ages 10 and up
Please call (908) 725-1015 or email wallacedutch@dep.nj.gov
Monday Mountaineers!
Stokes State Forest, Stony Lake parking lot
30-Sept 9 AM
Description: ~4.5 miles, moderate-difficult, uneven / rocky / steep terrain. Tower Trail requires a scramble up!
Age: adults
Call (973) 948-3820 or email sarah.king@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/stokes-state-forest-32668228987
Please come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for the elements! 10 essentials and hiking poles recommended along with water / snacks.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey
