March
Birds of Belleplain Forest
1:30 p.m.
FREE
Belleplain State Forest Conference Room
(609) 861-2404
Note: 1/2 hour DVD presentation; ADA accessible
The Pine Barrens, "Up Close & Natural"
1 p.m.
FREE
Belleplain State Forest Conference Room
(609) 861-2404
Note: 1/2 hour DVD presentation; ADA Accessible
Double Trouble Village Tours & Hikes
Call for arrangements
Program fee may apply
Double Trouble State Park
(732) 341-4098
Note: Individual or group historic village tours or hikes of varying mileage may be scheduled most weeks Wednesdays through Sundays. Elementary school and secondary school science and social studies field trips or outreach may be arranged. Boy Scout and Girl Scout advancement requirements may be met by visiting Double Trouble State Park - see the Double Trouble section of www.njparksandforests.org for a list of advancement opportunities.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Nature and History Interpretive Programs and Tours
Call for dates, topics and times
FREE; donations welcomed
D & R Canal State Park
(609) 924-5705
Note: ADA accessible
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Boy and Girl Scout Badge and Patch Programs
Call for arrangements
Fee: To be determined
D & R Canal State Park
(609) 924-5705
Note: ADA accessible
Interpretive Hikes and Programs
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Fledgling Naturalists
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Note: For children ages 3 to 5 year olds and an adult partner
Homeschool Naturalists
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Note: Enrichment activities for homeschoolers ages 6 to 10
Maple Sugaring Demonstrations
Time to be announced
Fee: To be announced
High Point State Park, Lusscroft Farm
(973) 875-4800
Sponsor: Heritage and Agriculture Association
Note: For more information go to www.lusscroftfarm.com
March Daily
“Commuters, Immigrants, and Vacationers, Oh My!”
CRRNJ Terminal Walking Tours – approx. 30 minutes
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FREE
Liberty State Park, CRRNJ Terminal Building
(201) 915-3412
Note: Please call as Terminal Building may be closed due to storm damage; ADA accessible
Historic Tours of Somers Mansion
Please call fo rtimes
FREE
Somers Mansion Historic Site
(609) 927-2212
March 2
Snowshoe Walks
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: Winter can be a quiet time, but there's still lots to explore. While ont he trail we'll look for tracks and signs of wintering wildlife, observe dormant trees, plants, insects and much more. Whether we go by boot or snowshe will depend on the weather.
Weeds in Your Garden
11 am to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: “Weeds” (native, introduced, or invasive) can be difficult to identify, especially in early spring when they’re all small, green, and leafy. Our park naturalist will answer the question “What’s that weed?” and offer creative culinary uses for these persistent plants. Bring your questions and photos! For adults; ADA accessible
Worm World
10 to 11:30 a.m.; pre-registration required
FREE
Liberty State Park, Nature Interpretive Center
(201) 915-3409
Note: Come explore the fascinating world of worms and vermiculture. Meet the worms up close and learn how they turn our food waste into compost. Find out how to set up your own worm bin at home; ADA accessible
Maple Sugaring
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Fee: please call for fee
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: This event is participatory demonstration in the procedures of home maple sugar production. Program will include a lecture, short hike, demonstration and taste sample
March 3
Learn about Smokey Bear
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: Learn about the history of Smokey Bear; for all ages; ADA accessible
March 9
Millrace Hike
10 a.m.; pre-registration required
Fee: Program fee may apply
Double Trouble State Park
(732) 341-4098
Note: Water was the lifeblood of two major industries at the company town of Double Trouble. During this 2-3 mile hike over flat sandy trails around the historic district, we’ll follow tea-colored water from the reservoir on Cedar Creek past a century-old sawmill to three cranberry bogs. Hike starts at the Park Information Building. Limited to 20 participants and must preregister by March 8.
Video - Living with Fire
11 to 11:30 a.m.
FREE
Double Trouble State Park
(732) 341-4098
Note: Produced by the NJ Forest Fire Service, this video shows the historic impact of forest fires on the Pine Barrens and methods used to prevent and combat wildfires. Video plays in the Park Information Building; limited seating.
Weeds in Your Garden
11 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: “Weeds” (native, introduced, or invasive) can be difficult to identify, especially in early spring when they’re all small, green, and leafy. Our park naturalist will answer the question “What’s that weed?” and offer creative culinary uses for these persistent plants; bring your questions and photos! For adults; ADA accessible
Maple Sugaring
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Fee: please call for fee
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: This event is participatory demonstration in the procedures of home maple sugar production. Program will include a lecture, short hike, demonstration and taste sample.
Wetland Hike
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: Guided hike through the wetlands of Cheesequake State Park; for ages 12 and older
March 10
Skins and Skulls
1 to 2 p.m.; pre-registration required
Fee: To be determined
D & R Canal Main Office (145 Mapleton Road, Princeton)
(609) 924-5705
Note: Get to know the some of the animal residents of the garden state at a presentation provided by the State Park Naturalist. A close up look at the pelts, skulls and other animal evidence provide a unique insight on how our animal neighbors survive in the wild. The program is suitable for all ages; ADA accessible
Bird Walk
9 to 11 a.m.
FREE
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Parking Lot
(908) 236-6355
Note: We recommend brining field guides and binoculars
Maple Sugaring
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Fee: please call for fee
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: This event is participatory demonstration in the procedures of home maple sugar production. Program will include a lecture, short hike, demonstration and taste sample.
March 11
Spring Forward Hike
10 a.m.
Fee: To me determined
D&R Canal State Park, Goat Hill Overlook – Lambertville
(609) 924-5705
Note: Enjoy the extra hour of sunlight given to us by Daylights Saving and join the Naturalist of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park for a hike at the Goat Hill Overlook located outside of Lambertville along George Washington Road. For those interested in a short hike, the group will hike up the .5 miles to the scenic overlook that provided spectacular views of the Delaware River and the river towns of Lambertville and New Hope. A longer hike option will also be available. So, please join us for a short or long hike and enjoy the beauty of the sun; dress appropriately for the weather.
March 14
“Pi Day” Hike
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fee: Program fee may apply; pre-registration required
Double Trouble State Park
(732) 341-4098
Note: 3.14 miles over relatively flat, sandy terrain. Hike starts at the Park Information Building. Limited to 20 participants and must preregister by March 13.
L’il Tykes Hike
4 pm to 5 pm
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Share some time with your little one in the Great Outdoors on this naturalist-guided, 1-mile hike. Babies must be carried in a front- or back-pack. No strollers or older siblings please! For adults with children ages 5 & under
March 15
Homeschool Naturalists
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
highpointprograms@gmail.com
Note: The timing of topics this winter will depend on the weather, but will most likely include tracking, wildlife and winter insects. These hands-on activities provide homeschoolers with opportunities to explore the natural world and itneract with other homeschooled students.
March 16
“Discover KVSP” Family Nature Hike
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Bring your whole family out to the park for a 2-mile naturalist-guided tour and learn all about this public treasure; for all ages
Nature Discovery Day
10 a.m. to noon; pre-registration required
FREE
Liberty State Park, Nature Interpretive Center
(201) 915-3409
Note: Which tree did that leaf come from? What bird is in your backyard? Our hands-on activity stations will allow you to answer these questions and more, at our nature discovery day; ADA accessible
Signs of a Pinelands Spring Hike
10 a.m.
FREE
Wharton State Forest
(609) 567-4559
Note: This is a 2-mile to 4-mile hike
March 17
Video - Living with Fire
11 to 11:30 a.m.
FREE
Double Trouble State Park
(732) 341-4098
Note: Produced by the NJ Forest Fire Service, this video shows the historic impact of forest fires on the Pine Barrens and methods used to prevent and combat wildfires. Video plays in the Park Information Building; limited seating.
Awakenings
10 to 11:30 a.m.; pre-registration required
FREE
Round Valley Recreation Area
(908) 236-6355
Note: Mid-March can be bitterly cold but we’ll search for signs of springs approach. Wear a sprig of green for St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of spring.
Winter Birds of the Park
1:30 to 3 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: Come join veteran birders Lou Beck and Frant Broulik of Washington Crossing Audubon as we walk the trails in search of a variety of winter bird species and perhaps some early spring migrants.
March 20
Spring Equinox Hike
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Emerge from winter hibernation and join the park naturalist on a 4-mile hike through the park to rediscover the beauty of spring; for adults
March 23
14th Annual Massacre Commemoration
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Hancock House State Historic Site
(856) 935-4373
Sponsor: Friends of the Hancock House Inc. and Hancock House State Historic Site
Geocaching for Beginners
11 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Indoor tutorial, then discover “hidden treasures” on a fun family adventure in the park. Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity! Loaner GPS units available; for adults and children ages 7 & up; Partially ADA accessible
Speaker (To be determined)
8:30 p.m.
FREE
Voorhees State Park, NJAA Observatory
Sponsor: NJ Astronomical Association
(908) 638-8500
www.njaa.org
March 24
Gerry’s World of Snakes
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: Our special guest will discuss and show examples of different snakes around the world and answer all your questions about snakes; for all ages; ADA Aacessible
Beginning Compass
1 p.m.; pre-registration required
Fee: To Be Determined
D & R Canal Main Office (145 Mapleton Road, Princeton)
(609) 924-5705
Note: The Naturalist of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park invites you to learn about the basics of the compass. She will teach how an orienteering compass works and provide a small obstacle course for participants to follow. This program is very popular with boy scouts and girl scouts. There is limited space in the program and compass will be provided for the program.
Geocache Washington Crossing State Park
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: Geocaching is a high-tech update on the good old-fashioned scavenger hunt game utilizing GPS technology to locate objects hidden among the forests, fields and trails of parks, playgrounds, natural areas and other open lands. Participants will learn how to obtain information and hints from the Geocaching.com Web site, on the location of over a dozen geocache sites located in and around the state park.
March 28
L’il Tykes Spring Hike
4 to 5 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Share some time with your little one in the Great Outdoors on this naturalist-guided, 1-mile hike. Babies must be carried in a front- or back-pack. No strollers or older siblings please! For adults with children ages 5 & under
March 30
The Nature of Vernal Pools
11 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Come to the park to learn all about our awesome amphibians, then explore a vernal pool to discover how you can help protect this unique and vital resource; for adults and children ages 6 to12; artially ADA accessible
