Nature Programs and Events

The New Jersey Deptartment of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry, Kittatinny Valley State Park invites you to participate in our summer interpretive programs. The park and volunteers of the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee offer a variety of informative and educational programs throughout the year.

Programs sponsored by the park are free of charge and meet at the visitor center, located 1 mile north of Route 206 off Goodale Road in Andover, New Jersey, unless otherwise noted. In case of inclement weather, all participants are urged to call the park office to determine whether programs have been cancelled or rescheduled. All programs may be subject to change.

For additional information, or to be placed on our mailing list, please contact the Kittatinny Valley State Park office at (973) 786-6445 or by e-mail at kittatinnyvalley@earthlink.net.

Programs are free of charge and meet at the visitor center located 1 mile north of Route 206, off Goodale Road in Andover Township, unless otherwise noted. Please be prompt – programs start at the time indicated. Adults must accompany children at all times. Pets are not permitted during programs.

*PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY 3:30 PM OF THE DAY PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM DATE. Please call (973) 786-6445.

CAT-TALES STORY HOUR
Thursday, July 10 & 24
10:00 – 11:00 AM
For children ages 4 & 5. Share a morning with your child and introduce them to nature’s wonders by joining the park naturalist for a story and an activity!

WILDFLOWER WALK
Saturday, July 12
9:00 – 10:30 AM
For adults. Join the park naturalist on this informative and colorful walk observing the variety of summer wildflowers in bloom around the visitor center.

“THE GREAT HORNED OWL & THE CROW”
Saturday, July 19
11:00 – NOON
All ages. Live bird show featuring Kiki, the Great Horned Owl, and Maxwell, the American Crow. You’ll be intrigued by their natural beauty and sometimes comic behavior. Learn the amazing life stories of these two misunderstood birds while enjoying close-up views.

MORNING KAYAKING
Wednesday, July 23
7:00 – 8:30 AM
For teens & adults. Bring your own kayak, PFD, & paddle for this scenic exploration of the deepest natural lake in NJ. Learn about lake ecology and the glacial history of the region. Previous kayaking experience required. Meet at the Lake Aeroflex boat launch off Limecrest Rd.

BUTTERFLY BASICS
Saturday, July 26
11:00 – NOON
Ages 6-12. An indoor craft and outdoor scavenger hunt in the butterfly garden will introduce children to caterpillars, butterflies, and the plants upon which they depend.

BACKYARD BUGS
Tuesday, July 29
10:00 – 11:00 AM
For children ages 6 – 12. We will learn about our creepy crawly friends during an indoor presentation, then we’ll head outside on a live insect hunt!

DRAGONS & DAMSELS
Saturday, August 2
11:00 AM – NOON
For adults and children ages 6-12. Did you know that Sussex County is home to more species of dragonflies and damselflies than any county in the United States? Learn about these fascinating insects and how to identify a variety of species during an indoor presentation. Afterwards, we’ll head outside to search for these aerial acrobats!

CAT-TALES STORY HOUR
Thursdays, August 7 & 21
10:00 – 11:00 AM
For children ages 4 & 5. Share a morning with your child and introduce them to nature’s wonders by joining the park naturalist for a story and an activity!

KINGDOM OF THE COLDBLOODS
Saturday, August 9
11:00 AM – NOON
Family program – all ages. Learn about the amazing adaptations of reptiles and amphibians while meeting LIVE frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and turtles. The opportunity to touch some of these animals may also be possible.

WOLF VISIONS
Saturday, August 16
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Family program – all ages. Meet “Whisper,” a LIVE wolf, and discover the truth about these remarkable animals. This program will dispel the myths and legends about the "Big Bad Wolf" and teach the importance of their role in keeping a balanced ecosystem.

MORNING KAYAKING
Saturday, August 23
7:00 – 8:30 AM
Meet at the Lake Aeroflex boat launch off Limecrest Rd. For teens & adults with previous kayaking experience. Bring your own kayak, PFD, & paddle for this scenic exploration of the deepest natural lake in NJ. Enjoy a leisurely tour as the sun rises while learning about lake ecology and glacial history.

LATE BLOOMERS
Sunday, August 24
9:00 – 10:30 AM
For adults. Join the park naturalist on this informative and colorful walk observing the variety of late summer wildflowers in bloom around the visitor center. We will focus on their identification, as well as discuss their traditional culinary and medicinal uses.

Additional Information
Kittatinny Valley State Park
P. O. Box 621
Andover, NJ 07821-0621
Phone: 973-786-6445
Fax: 973-786-6874
E-mail: kittatinnyvalley@earthlink.net
www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/kittval.html