Saturday, June 7th 10 am to 2 pm, rain or shine For Families, groups, and scouts Trail Exploration Day - Hikes Available Hike Length Description ABC Arboretum 1 hour The ABC Arboretum leads visitors through trees and shrubs for each letter of the alphabet. Project Learning Tree activities are used to introduce the children to the fascinating world of trees. Sensory Awareness 1 hour Designed to enhance perceptual skills and increase sensory awareness of our surrounding environment - visitors will experience a variety of techniques to use each of their five senses. Forest Discovery 1 hour While on the Forest Discovery Trail, visitors will identify selected tree and shrub species, observe such impacts as competition, lightning, wind, and human activities, learn how to detect signs of animals, and visit the scenic overlook of the Toms River. Swamp Life 1 hour Visitors will hike along the bank of the Toms River, visit a maple-gum swamp, and learn how trees, shrubs, plants, and animals live in the swamp. Bluebird Trail 1 hour While on the bluebird trail, visitors will examine the habitat, behavior, nesting requirements, and enemies of the once abundant species the Eastern bluebird. Forest Products 1 hour Visitors will observe milling of sawlogs into lumber, shiitake mushrooms growing, busy honey bees, and the maple syrup process at the stations along the Forest Products Loop Trail. FireWise Trail 1 hour Hike along the FireWise Trail and stop at several locations to identify evidence of wildfire, and observe fire management techniques including prescribed burning, fire buffers, and fire breaks. Changing Forest Hike 1 hour While hiking along this segment of the Project Learning Trail, participants will observe evidence of prescribed burning, gypsy moth recovery, thinning, and wildlife enhancements. Yellow Trail 2 hours For those who want to take a long hike through the forest. Hikers will travel through a variety of habitats over a distance of two miles. Free Parking and Admission - There is no reservation or fee for programs. Scouts may attend Trail Exporation Day to help fulfill badge requirements. To be added to the scout mailing list, email the FREC at forestrycenter@gmail.com Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring insect repellant. Refreshments will be available to purchase after the hikes. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Where are you located? A:370 East Veterans Highway, Jackson, NJ 08527 - our directions - Mapquest directions Q: Do I have to register for hikes? A:There is no registration, but please remember to arrive on time to ensure a spot. Q: Do you charge a fee for hikes? A:There is no fee for programs, admission, or parking. Q: May I bring my pet? A:Pets are allowed on a leash - please pick up after your pet. Pets are not allowed in the building. Q: Should I bring lunch? A:You may bring a lunch to eat at the picnic area. Remember to also bring a trash bag - as our facility requires you to carry out what you've brought in. Q: Will any of the programs offered complete all the requirements for a scout badge? A: No, there aren't any badges that a scout can complete by just attending. It is up to the scout to complete the badge, hikes only cover parts of the requirements. Q: Will you have badge counselors? A:No. Q: Where should I meet my scout group at Trail Exploration Day? A:You may arrive as a group or if you plan to meet here, keep in mind that there is no way to "page" your group. Also, be aware that cell phone service is limited. Q: Do you have scout service projects at the FREC? A:Yes, we will work with scouts to find a meaningful project. Contact Terry O'Leary TMOLeary@gmail.com (732) 928-0987 Q: What other programs are available for scouts? A: Scouts can attend Fall Forestry Festival, held yearly on the first Satuday in October, for programs to help fulfill badges. We also host a full moon hike in August. Q: Our group is not available on Saturdays, what other programs do you offer? A: You may use the self-guided trails on any day from dawn-dusk. Trail guides are available at the interpretive center, which is open M-F 7am to 4pm. Forest Resource Education Center www.njforestrycenter.org (732) 928-2360 forestrycenter@gmail.com