NATIONAL TRAILS DAYS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
IN NEW JERSEY
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008
Activities by Location
June 7th
Southern New Jersey, Central New Jersey, Northern New Jersey
June 8th
Southern New Jersey, Central New Jersey, Northern New Jersey
June 14th
Central New Jersey
June 7
Southern New Jersey
Atlantic County Park at Lake Lenape, Mays Landing.
“Hike Lenape.”
7:30am – 9:00am.
Join staff of the Atlantic County Division of Parks & Recreation on a recreational/social hike through the Lake Lenape tract. The hiking pace will be geared to the ability of the participants. Standard tick precautions are recommended. Binoculars may add to your enjoyment of the views along the west side of beautiful Lake Lenape. Meet at the Boathouse building at Lake Lenape Park, 6303 Old Harding Highway, Mays Landing. This event is free. Advanced registration is requested. Contact: Karen Zindell, 609-645-5960, zindell_karen@aclink.org.
Barnegat Branch Trail, Barnegat.
"Trails Day Walk.”
10:00am – 3:00pm.
Join the Lacey Rail Trail Environmental Committee in a 2-mile walk/bike ride on the newly completed portion of the Barnegat Branch Trail. Refreshments will be served before the walk/ride. There might possibly be a guest speaker. Meet at 10:00am at Burr Street in Barnegat. Burr Street is right off of Route 9. Coming from the north, turn before you get to Bay Avenue. Contact: 609-693-1861, hhlaceyrailtrail@msn.com, www.laceyrailtrail.org.
Batona Trail, Wharton and Bass River State Forests.
“Trail Marking.”
Join the Outdoor Club of South Jersey in completing a trail work project re-marking blazes on 15 miles of the Batona Trail. The project began in Fall 2007 with the intent to finish the work in time to celebrate National Trails Day. The trail will have fresh blazes from Tylertown Road in Wharton State Forest to trail’s end at Greenbush Road in Bass River State Forest. For meeting place and time, Contact: 856-468-4849, jnt1691@verizon.net.
Belleplain State Forest , Woodbine.
“Trail Walk.”
10:00am – 12:00pm.
Walk with Belleplain State Forest staff along old fire lines to see the feasibility of creating mountain bike trails. The walk will be approximately 4 miles. Contact Belleplain State Forest for details, 609-861-2404, belleplainstforest@comcast.net.
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park.
“National Trails Day at Island Beach State Park.”
9:00am – 12:00pm.
Join Island Beach State Park staff in doing activities that will increase your awareness of the park’s trail system. Small and simple projects will be conducted to have the park ready for the busy summer season. There are over 30 trails that visitors can walk to learn of the beauty and uniqueness of this Barrier Island. The beaches will also be cleaned. Please bring gloves and wear protective clothing. Meet at the Nature Center (1 mile past the main gate). Take exit 82 off the Garden State Parkway to Route 37 East. Follow signs to Island Beach State Park. Contact: 732-793-1698, ibspnature@netcarrier.com.
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park.
“Bayside Access Trail Improvement.”
9:00 am.
Join the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association for trail improvements on the Bayside Access Trail at Island Beach State Park. Tasks include pruning back overgrowth from the trail, fill and stabilize soft, muddy areas of the trail and collect and remove debris and refuse. Meet at the Island Beach State Park Interpretive Center parking lot (7 miles past the main gate). Contact: Eric Paulson, 609-685-6403, rbthepirate@verizon.net.
Nature Center of Cape May.
“Harbor Safari.”
10:30 am.
Join New Jersey Audubon Society’s naturalists in a walk along the banks of Cape May Harbor and experience an incredible diversity of marine life. Pull a seine net through the shallow water of the harbor’s edge. Have a close-up encounter with animals and learn about their fascinating lives. Follow the signs to the US Coast Guard Station. Contact: Linda Dill, 609-898-8848, Linda.dill@njaudubon.org, www.njaudubon.org.
Wells Mills County Park , Waretown.
“Estlow Trail Jaunt.”
9:00am – 12 noon.
Join Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation on a 3.2 mile naturalist-led hike on the Estlow Trail in Wells Mills County Park. The guide will point out various aspects of New Jersey Pine Barrens flora and fauna. Pack your lunch and dress for the weather. Meet at the Wells Mills County Park parking lot. Registration is required. Phone for details. Contact: German Georgieff, Chief Naturalist, 609-971-3085, ggeorgieff@co.ocean.nj.us.
Winslow Wildlife Management Area, Williamstown.
“Hike to the Blue Hole.”
10:00am – 2:00pm.
Rain or shine.
Join the Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association for a 4 mile hike in the Winslow Wildlife Management Area. The historic area of the Blue Hole on the Wild and Scenic Great Egg Harbor River and the Squankum Branch Bridge will be destinations for the hike. There will be trail side trash pick-up conducted on the hike back to the parking area. Goals of the hike are to get people out of doors and walking, promoting the Winslow WMA for hiking and promoting the Great Egg Harbor River Council’s Blue Hole Bridge Project to construct a foot bridge across the river at the Blue Hole. Bring your own food and drink. Be prepared for large puddles along the trail. Meet at the Winslow Wildlife Management Area Gun Range parking lot off of Hollow Road about .7 miles north of Route 322. Contact: Fred Akers, 856-697-6114, fred_akers@gehwa.org, www.gehwa.org.
Wharton State Forest, Hammonton.
“National Trails Day at Wharton State Forest.”
10:00am – 3:00pm.
Join Wharton’s staff for a trail upkeep workday! Bring work gloves, ample drinking water, sunscreen and tick and insect repellent. Meet at the Atsion Office of Wharton State Forest on Route 206 North (#744) about 8 miles north of Hammonton. You must pre-register. Contact: Gil Mika, 609-567-4559, whartonnaturecenter@yahoo.com.
Central New Jersey
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, Piscataway.
“10 th Annual D & R Canal Towpath Training Run.”
6:00am – 11:00am.
Join the Raritan Valley Road Runners for a non-competitive group run/walk on the D & R Canal Towpath from Trenton to New Brunswick, 34.1 miles, or several distances in-between. Bus will transport you from Grove 5 in Johnson Park in Piscataway to select locations on the towpath. All proceeds go to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Paul Krentar is being honored at this year’s event. $15 fee includes bus to starting point, refreshments on the towpath and picnic to follow. Registration is required. Contact: 848-391-0200, raypetit@comcast.net, www.rvrr.org/towpath_train/index.htm.
Forest Resource Education Center, Jackson.
“Trail Exploration Day.” 10:00am – 2:00pm.
This annual free family event features eight one hour-long naturalist guided hikes on trails through the Division of Parks and Forestry’s Forest Resource Education Center. Each hike will follow themed trails with interpretive kiosks and solar powered “talking trees.” Hikes include: Sensory Awareness, Swamp Life, ABC Arboretum, Forest Discovery, Firewise, Bluebird Trail, Forest Products and Changing Forest. Free parking and admission. Event is held rain or shine. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and bring insect repellent. Refreshments will be available to purchase after the hikes. Scouts may attend to help fulfill badge requirements. Registration is not required. Meet at the Interpretive Center: Route 195 to Exit 21 (527/528 south) 6.2 miles; right onto Bowman Blvd .9 miles; right onto Don Connor Blvd .3 miles; and right into FREC Interpretive Center. Contact: Terry O’Leary, 732-928-0987, tmoleary@gmail.com, www.njforestrycenter.org.
Turkey Swamp Park , Freehold.
“Trail Maintenance Session.”
Join Monmouth County Park System staff and volunteers for a day of trail maintenance. 9am – 12:00pm. Volunteers should wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, work shoes and work gloves. Please bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Turkey Swamp Park: Garden State Parkway to Exit 98 to I-195 west to exit 22. Turn right onto Jackson Mills Rd. north; turn left onto Georgia Rd; follow 1.7 miles to main Park entrance. Contact: Karen Livingstone, 732-842-4000, ext. 4283, volunteer@monmouthcountyparks.com.
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury. “National Trails Day.”
10:00am. – 2:00pm.
Share the wonder and enjoyment of trails in your community by participating in New Jersey Audubon Society’s annual celebration of National Trails Day. Participants will have the opportunity to assist the staff for a few hours of care and maintenance of some of the five miles of trails within the Plainsboro Preserve. Volunteers should bring sturdy clothes, work gloves and a snack for the afternoon. The staff will be waiting for you inside the Nature Center. Directions on web site. Contact: Jerry Kozlansky, 609-897-9400, jerrykozlansky@njaudubon.org, www.njaudubon.org/centers/plainsboro.
Readington Township.
“National Trails Day Trail Clearing and Ride.”
9:00am – 12:30pm.
Come help the Readington Trail Association clear and mark the 7-mile pace trail on Cole Road. Please bring your favorite trail trimming tools. Pre-registration is required. Directions: Route 523 to Route 629 east ( Pleasant Run Road). Turn left onto Cole Road and meet at the Towerfield on Cole Road. Contact: 908-797-9750, abovethebar@patmedia.net, www.readingtontrail.org.
Roosevelt Park, Edison.
“Let’s Connect the Parks.”
9:00am – 12:00pm.
Join the New Jersey Committee for the East Coast Greenway at a kick-off effort to connect two parks (Roosevelt Park in Edison and Merrill Park in Woodbridge) with a bicycle/pedestrian path. Participants will walk or bike the route between the two parks to show how valuable a path like this would be to the residents of the two communities. The walk will be 3 ½ miles and the bike ride 8 to 14 miles. Snacks and drinks will be provided to participants following the bike/walk. The event will begin in Roosevelt Park in Edison. The park is on Parsonage Road between Route 1 and Route 27. For more information, contact: 732-287-9447, kliner54@optonline.net.
Washington Valley Park, Bridgewater.
“National Trails Day.”
9:00am – 2:00pm.
Join the Somerset County Park Commission Rangers in building sections of boardwalk and repairing trails at Washington Valley Park. Co-sponsored by Nestle Waters and Eastern Mountain Sports. Snacks and beverages will be provided for the volunteers. Please bring work gloves, your favorite hammer and wear old clothes and shoes. Meet in Newman’s Lane parking lot. Follow Route 22 to Chimney Rock/Thompson Roads exit in Bridgewater. Traveling eastbound, make the u-turn and cross back over Route 22. Traveling westbound, make right onto Chimney Rock Road. Drive about 1.5 miles until road ends. Turn left onto Washington Valley Road. Make second left onto Newman’s Lane and continue until you cross over a small bridge until you reach a paved parking lot on left side. Pre-registration is suggested. Contact: Christine Biskey, 908-231-0802, ext. 24, cbiskey@scparks.org.
Northern New Jersey
Apshawa Preserve, West Milford.
“2nd Annual Apshawa Preserve Hike.”
9:00 am.
Enjoy a vigorous guided hike with New Jersey Conservation Foundation staff at this beautiful 576-acre Highlands Preserve. Entrance to Apshawa Preserve is on Northwood Drive in West Milford, Passaic County. Please RSVP by May 23 rd. Contact: Meghan McMahon, 908-234-1225, Meghan@njconservation.org.
DanaRay Farm, Branchville.
“Eco-Agritourism Field Trip for Farmland and Ridgeline Wildlife.”
8:00am – Noon.
Join New Jersey Audubon Society staff member John Parke for a leisurely half-mile hike along a relatively flat ridgeline on the Appalachian Trail to the Sunrise Mountain overlook (restrooms are available at the overlook). No strollers please. The area offers excellent woodland bird habitat and opportunities to view wild turkey, ruffed grouse, warblers and other neo-tropical migrants, not to mention numerous raptors, including bald eagles. Bring your camera for the amazing panoramic views of rural New Jersey. Located at the base of the Kittatinny Ridge in Sussex County, the biodynamic DanaRay Farm will be the meeting point. DanaRay Farm offers an opportunity to experience New Jersey’s rural natural heritage. For more information about the DanaRay Farm, see www.danarayfarm.com. Parking is limited, so you must pre-register to receive directions to the farm. There are no public restrooms at the farm. Contact: Mike Krug, Weis Ecology Center, 973-835-2160, mike.krug@njaudubon.org.
Delaware Water Gap, North Jersey.
“ Delaware Water Gap.”
7:00am – 2:00pm.
Join the Washington Crossing Audubon Society on a trip that involves numerous stops after reaching the Stokes State Forest area. Car pooling is emphasized in order to minimize the number of cars. There will be short hikes totaling 2 miles. The trip route is straight up Route 206 from Princeton about 60 miles to a meeting place/rest stop at Stokes State Forest about one mile north of Culvers Lake. Please register with Lou Beck prior to the trip, 609-737-0070, contact@washingtoncrossingaudubon.org, www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
“Trails Day.”
8:30am – Noon.
Join the Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and help clear the pathway for a new ½ mile trail through a wooded area at the Refuge Visitor Center. Brush, leaves and logs will be removed and invasive species dug out of the path. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, gloves and insect/tick repellent. Please bring rakes, shovels and loppers if possible. Registration is requested by June 1. Contact: Friends of Great Swamp NWR at 973-425-9510, webmaster@friendsofgreatswamp.org and leave your name, telephone number and number of volunteers. You will receive confirmation and instructions on parking and meeting location.
Long Pond Ironworks State Park, West Milford.
“Hasenclever Iron Trail Hike.”
10:00am – 1:00pm.
Hike with the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks along the recently created Hasenclever Iron Trail on a 5-mile loop. This trail has 8 new, full color historic interpretive signs explaining the history of the iron mining and processing that took place in the area from the 1760’s to the 1930’s. The trail route follows an old road built in the 1760’s. Meet at the Long Pond Ironworks Visitor Center on Route 511/Greenwood Lake Turnpike North. The Visitor Center is located on the border of Ringwood and West Milford, just north of the causeway over the Monksville Reservoir. Contact, 973-657-1688, paulirn@optonline.net
Lusscroft Farms, Wantage.
“4th Annual National Trails Day Horseback Trail Ride.”
10:00am – 4:00pm.
Rain or shine.
Join the Heritage and Agriculture Association, Inc. for a 13-mile equestrian ride through High Point State Park that will help benefit the restoration of the equestrian facilities at Lusscroft Farms. There is a $35 fee per rider. Carriage drivers are allowed by invitation. Snacks and drinks before the ride will be offered. Bring your own horse and proof of negative Coggins. Portable bathrooms available on site. Terrain is hilly and rocky in places; horseshoes or hoof boots are recommended. Lusscroft Farms is on Neilsen Road off of Route 519 north of Branchville. Reservations requested. Make checks out to Heritage & Agriculture Association, PO Box 7191, Sussex, NJ 07461. Contact: Janice Elsishans, 973-948-3814 after 6pm, gldg@nji.com, www.lusscroftfarm.net.
Paulinskill Valley Trail/Sussex Branch Trail, Warbasse Junction.
“National Trails Day Celebration and Hike.”
10:00am – 2:00pm.
Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) on a 5 to 7 mile hike on either the Paulinskill Valley Trail or Sussex Branch Trail. At the actual junction of the two old rail lines, learn about PVTC, a Friends Organization of Kittatinny Valley State Park. Bring a lunch and a drink. Meet at the wooden bench at Warbasse Junction in Lafayette. There will be a sign directing people to the bench from the parking lot. Please see web page for directions to Warbasse Junction. Contact: Martin Grossman, 908-684-4820, pbk123@aol.com, www.pvtc-kvsp.org.
Schooley’s Mountain County Park, Washington Township.
“Trail Building and Hiking.”
8:30am – 1:00pm.
The Morris County Park Commission welcomes you to a series of hikes and trail building at Schooley’s Mountain County Park. There will be an 8-mile challenging hike starting at 8:30am (pre-registration is required). At 10am easy and moderate hikes will begin at the shelter. For those who would rather get out and work on the trails, there is trail maintenance/construction. Trail building tools will be provided. For directions to Schooley’s Mountain County Park: www.morrisparks.net. Contact: 973-829-8257, kbiase@morriparks.net.
Watchung Reservation, Mountainside.
“National Trails Day Event.”
8:30am – 12:30pm.
Take part in this National event and help the trails. Join Union County Department of Parks& Community Renewal staff and volunteers, including the Union County Hiking Club, for guided nature walks along hiking trails and/or work on a maintenance or repair project along bridle or hiking trails in the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s 2,000-acre park. Schedule: 8:30am – 8:45am is registration; 8:45am is a Naturalist guided Seasonal Walk; and 10:00am is a Trail Work project. Light refreshments will be provided. Meet at Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside. Pre-registration is required. Children under 14 must have adult supervision. For more information and to pre-register contact: 908-527-4231, www.ucnj.org.
Worthington State Forest, Columbia.
“Try-A-Trail Crew Day.”
9:00am.
Come out and experience trail work first hand with New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers. Help build water management devices (water bars and check dams on the Douglass Trail in Worthington State Forest. Bring your lunch, plenty of water, gloves and sturdy work shoes or boots. All tools, materials and training will be provided. Beginners are welcome. Contact Crew Leaders Monica and David Day for meeting place and directions, 732-937-9098 or www.westjerseycrew@trailstobuild.com.
June 8
Southern New Jersey
Bass River State Forest, New Gretna.
“Celebrating the 75 th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (Camp S-55).”
Since Bass River State Forest’s CCC Camp S-55 began on June 6, 1933, we chose to celebrate the 75 th anniversary in coordination with National Trails Day. There will be a short presentation acknowledging the CCC, the camp and its contributions to Bass River State Forest, a tour of the remains of Camp S-55, a memorial tree planting and a showing of “The Tree Army” movie about the legacy of the CCC. There will also be a dedication of the Interpretive Center to James MacDonald, Forest Superintendent during the CCC era. Contact: Superintendent Cynthia Coritz, 609-296-1114, bassriversf@hughes.net.
In addition to and in keeping with the tradition of the 16 th year of National Trails Day, the Outdoor Club of South Jersey will join Bass River State Forest’s celebration in leading a “National Trails Day Hike.” The moderately-paced hike of 3-5 miles will take you to the CCC Memorial site for the ceremony. Meet at the trailhead kiosk, Lake Absegami parking area, Bass River State Forest. For time and more details, check the hiking section of the Outdoor Club of South Jersey web site: www.ocsj.org or contact: Activity Coordinator Joseph Trujillo, 856-468-4849, jnt1691@verizon.net.
Wetlands Institute, Ocean City.
“Jersey Island Blueway Paddling Trip.”
1:00pm – 3:00pm.
Paddle canoes and kayaks through creeks and backbays around Ocean City. Trip is suitable for all skill levels. Bring your own boat or rentals are available at Baycats Kayaks. PFD’s are mandatory! Meet at the Bayside Center on Bay Avenue between 5 th and 6 th Streets in Ocean City, New Jersey. Contact Phil Broder of the Wetlands Institute: 609-368-1211, education@wetlandsinstitute.org, www.wetlandsinstitute.org.
Central New Jersey
Zaitz Park, West Windsor Township.
“Zaitz Preserve Trail Walk.”
4:00pm.
Come join volunteers of the West Windsor Bicycle & Pedestrian Alliance for a walk through a lovely upland forest in the newly preserved Zaitz Woods. Meet at the Zaitz Park parking lot by the kiosk. Zaitz Park is located on Southfield Road opposite the Cranbury Golf Club in West Windsor Township. Contact: Ken Carlson, 609-954-6584, kencarlson8@gmail.com.
Northern New Jersey
Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland.
“National Trails Day Celebration and Trail Keeper Awards”
10:00am.
Visit Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affair’s Environmental Center and see who will receive this year’s Essex County Trail Keeper Awards for outstanding volunteer service in and around Essex County’s parks and reservations. After the annual awards program, enjoy an adventure hike in the Hatfield Swamp. Carpool to the site from the Environmental Center. Event is at the Environmental Center at 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Contact: Tara Casella, 973-228-8776, tcasella@parks.essexcountynj.org.
Ridge and Valley Conservancy Center, Blairstown.
“Limestone Forest Trail Hike and Work.”
9:00am – 1:00pm.
Come visit a 400-acre preserve on private land and hike part of the regional Ridge and Valley Trail. A naturalist and geologist with the Ridge and Valley Conservancy will explain the natural setting. Light trail work will include branch pick-up and trail marking. The terrain is mildly challenging on this 3-mile hike. Coffee and pastries will be served at 9am prior to the hike. Meet at the Ridge and Valley Conservancy Center, 16 Main Street, Blairstown, Warren County. Contact: 908-362-7989, rvc@goes.com, www.rvclandtrust.org.
Weis Ecology Center , Ringwood.
“Highlands Hike – High Point/Mine Loop.”
9:30am – 2:30pm.
Join New Jersey Audubon Society’s Weis Ecology Center volunteer Charlie Toole on a National Trails Day moderately paced hike. Enjoy Norvin Green State Forest and Weis Ecology Center on this 5-mile hike that includes views of two mines, a waterfall and great views of the New Jersey Highlands and New York City from High Point. Participants must wear appropriate hiking footwear, dress appropriately for the conditions and bring lunch and plenty of fluids. The cost is $5 for members and $8 for nonmembers. Meet at Weis Ecology Center. Directions: www.njaudubon.org/centers/weis. Contact: Mike Krug, 973-835-2160, mike.krug@njaudubon.org.
June 14
Central New Jersey
Thompson Park Conservation Area, Monroe Township.
“Trail Clearing and Maintenance.”
9:30am – 12:00pm.
Help the Middlesex County Conservation Corps at the 835-acre Thompson Park Conservation Area to work on trail construction, improvement and clean-up projects. Participants should dress appropriately, wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves and drinking water. Pre-registration is required. Directions provided upon registration. Contact: Richard Lear, 732-745-5988, Richard.lear@co.middlesex.nj.us, www.co.middlesex.nj.us.
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