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KITTATINNY VALLEY STATE PARK
Nature Programs and Events
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry, Kittatinny Valley State Park invites you to participate in our seasonal 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. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS BY 3:30 PM OF THE DAY PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM DATE, as space is limited. In case of inclement weather, all participants are urged to call the park office to determine whether programs have been cancelled or rescheduled.
For additional information, please contact the Kittatinny Valley State Park office at (973) 786-6445, or by e-mail at kittatinnyvalley@embarqmail.com.
*PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY 3:30 PM OF THE DAY PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM DATE. Please call (973) 786-6445. 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. In case of inclement weather, all participants are urged to contact the visitor center to determine whether programs have been rescheduled. All programs are subject to change.
March 2
Weeds in Your Garden
11 am to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults; ADA Accessible
"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!
March 9
Weeds in Your Garden
11 am to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults; ADA Accessible
"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!
March 14
L'il Tykes Hike
4 pm to 5 pm
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults with Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
March 16
"Discover KVSP" Family Nature Hike
11 am to 12:30 pm
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Family Program - All Ages
Bring your whole family out to the park for a 2-mile naturalist-guided tour and learn all about this public treasure.
March 20
Spring Equinox Hike
10 am to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults
Emerge from winter hibernation and join the park naturalist on a 4-mile hike through the park to rediscover the beauty of spring.
March 23
Geocaching for Beginners
11 am to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 7 & Up; Partially ADA Accessible
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.
March 28
L'il Tykes Spring Hike
4 pm to 5 pm
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults with Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
March 30
The Nature of Vernal Pools
11 am to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
NOTE: For Adults and Children 6-12; Partially ADA Accessible
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.
April 4
L'IL TYKES HIKE
4 pm to 5 pm
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
April 6
TRAIL HIKE
10 am
Fee: None
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
April 13
BIKE RIDE
11:30 am
Fee: None
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
(973) 887-4332
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Please bring your bike, helmet, lunch and drink for this scenic rail-trail exploration!
April 13
GEOCACHING FOR BEGINNERS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 7 & Up; Partially ADA Accessible
Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity. An indoor tutorial provides the tools and information necessary to embark on fun family adventures in the park to find "hidden treasures!" Loaner GPS units available.
April 14
TRAIL HIKE
10 am
Fee: None
Footbridge Park, Paulinskill Valley Trail
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
April 18
L'IL TYKES HIKE
4 pm to 5 pm
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
April 19
WHAT'S THAT WEED?
10 am to 11:30 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults; Partially ADA Accessible
Ever wonder if those "weeds" in your backyard have beneficial uses? Perhaps you'll be surprised when you discover their true identities! Slide show followed by short walk.
April 20
EARTH DAY GREEN FAIR
11 am to 4 pm
Fee: None
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(908) 447-5488
Sponsors: Sustainable Andover and Transition Newton
This event will raise community awareness on environmental topics, including local food, energy, and natural resources.
May 2
L'IL TYKES HIKE
4 pm to 5 pm
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
May 4
TRAIL HIKE
10 am
Fee: None
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
May 10
EARLY BIRD WALK
8 am to 9 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults
Calling all early birds! Start your day with a quiet morning out in nature. Set those alarm clocks and join us at the best time to look and listen for bird activity. Loaner binoculars available.
May 11
BIKE RIDE
11:30 am
Fee: None
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
(973) 887-4332
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Please bring your bike, helmet, lunch and drink for this scenic rail-trail exploration!
May 12
MOTHER'S DAY WILDFLOWER WALK
10 am to 11:30 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 12 & up
Bring your mom on this naturalist-led walk to discover the natural history, edibility, and folklore of the spring beauties in bloom around the visitor center. Indoor presentation will take place in the event of inclement weather.
May 16
L'IL TYKES HIKE
4 pm to 5 pm
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
May 18
GEOCACHING FOR BEGINNERS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 7 & Up; Partially ADA Accessible
Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity. An indoor tutorial provides the tools and information necessary to embark on fun family adventures in the park to find "hidden treasures!" Loaner GPS units available.
May 18
TRAIL HIKE
10 am
Fee: None
Footbridge Park, Paulinskill Valley Trail
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
May 23
INVASIVE PLANTS
10 am to 11:30 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults; Partially ADA Accessible
Invasive plants are everywhere! Learn how to identify them and control their growth before they take over your yard. Indoor slide-show followed by a short walk.
May 24
EARLY BIRD WALK
8 am to 9 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults
Calling all early birds! Start your day with a quiet morning out in nature. Set those alarm clocks and join us at the best time to look and listen for bird activity. Loaner binoculars available.
May 25
FAMILY NATURE HIKE
11 am to 12:30 pm
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Family Program - All Ages
Learn all about a public treasure right in your own "backyard" by bringing the whole family to "KVSP" for a special naturalist-guided walk and scavenger hunt.
May 30
L'IL TYKES HIKE
4 pm to 5 pm
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
June 1
FAMILY NATURE HIKE
10:30 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Family Program - All Ages
Learn all about a public treasure right in your own "backyard" by bringing the whole family to "KVSP" for a special naturalist-guided walk and scavenger hunt.
June 1
HORSEBACK RIDE
TBA
Fee: None
(973) 948-3814 or gldg@embarqmail.com
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Note: Bring your horse
Ride your horse along a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
June 1
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION
10 am to 2 pm
Warbasse Junction, Paulinskill Valley Trail
Fee: None
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Visit our exhibit at the junction of two former railroad lines and learn about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
June 1
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY HIKE
10 am
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
Fee: None
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
June 8
GEOCACHING FOR BEGINNERS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 7 & Up; Partially ADA Accessible
Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity. An indoor tutorial provides the tools and information necessary to embark on fun family adventures in the park to find "hidden treasures!" Loaner GPS units available.
June 8
BIKE RIDE
11:30 am
Fee: None
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
(973) 887-4332
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Please bring your bike, helmet, lunch and drink for this scenic rail-trail exploration!
June 8
TRAIL HIKE
10 am
Fee: None
Footbridge Park, Paulinskill Valley Trail
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
June 13
CAT-TALES STORY HOUR
10 am to 11 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 4 & 5; ADA Accessible
Stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program.
June 15
NATURE "FROM A TO Z"
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Family Program - All Ages
Join us for an alphabet scavenger hunt to look for Acorns, Butterflies, Cattails, Dragonflies, Evergreens, and more. See how many you can find!
June 21
SUMMER SOLSTICE NATURE WALK
9 am to 10:30 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults
Begin the longest day of the year by enjoying a scenic, peaceful, 2-mile naturalist-guided walk in the park.
June 27
CAT-TALES STORY HOUR
10 am to 11 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 4 & 5; ADA Accessible
Stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program.
June 29
LAKE AEROFLEX PADDLING EXCURSION
8 am to 9:30 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Lake Aeroflex Boat Launch
(973) 786-6445
Note: For teens & adults with previous canoeing or kayaking experience
Bring your own canoe or kayak, PFD, & paddle for this scenic exploration of the deepest natural lake in New Jersey. Enjoy a leisurely tour while learning about lake ecology and park history from a new perspective.
June 29
GARDENING WITH NATURE
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults; ADA Accessible
This program provides simple steps for converting your yard into beautiful, interesting, low-maintenance habitat suitable for attracting birds, butterflies, and other desirable wildlife. Tips on selecting native perennials, shrubs, and trees will be provided.
July 5
KNOW THE BEAR FACTS: BLACK BEARS IN NJ
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 7 & Up; ADA Accessible
Learn all about New Jersey's largest mammal during this program highlighting the true nature of black bears, including what you should do if you encounter a black bear, how to 'bear proof' your residence, and other tips to minimize conflicts between people and black bears.
July 6
GEOCACHING FOR BEGINNERS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 7 & Up; Partially ADA Accessible
Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity. An indoor tutorial provides the tools and information necessary to embark on fun family adventures in the park to find "hidden treasures!" Loaner GPS units available.
July 11
CAT-TALES STORY HOUR
10 am to 11 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 4 & 5; ADA Accessible
Stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program.
July 13
WILDFLOWER WALK
9 am to 10:30 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults
This colorful walk focuses on the identification of common wildflowers, as well as their traditional culinary and medicinal uses. Indoors in the event of inclement weather.
July 13
GARDENING FIELD DAY
TBA
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Family Program - All Ages; ADA Accessible
Visit our butterfly garden and learn all about native pollinators while enjoying presentations, exhibits, and activities by the Sussex County Master Gardeners.
July 25
CAT-TALES STORY HOUR
10 am to 11 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 4 & 5; ADA Accessible
Stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program.
July 27
LENAPE FOR A DAY
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Family Program - All Ages; ADA Accessible
How
did the Lenape make their clothing, build shelters, grow crops, fish, hunt, cook, make tools and weapons, and treat disease hundreds of years ago? Participants will have the opportunity to touch authentic masks, clothing, musical instruments, tools, and other artifacts during this unique slide-illustrated program focusing on the everyday village life of Lenape men, women, and children of New Jersey.
August 2
BACKYARD BUGS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 7 & Up; Partially ADA Accessible
We will learn all about our valuable six-legged friends and why they are the most successful life forms on the planet. We'll find, identify, and observe insects, as well as learn about their lifestyles, signs, and amazing variety of habits and adaptations. The entire family will enjoy this foray into the amazing world of insects!
August 3
GEOCACHING FOR BEGINNERS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 7 & Up; Partially ADA Accessible
Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity. An indoor tutorial provides the tools and information necessary to embark on fun family adventures in the park to find "hidden treasures!" Loaner GPS units available.
August 8
CAT-TALES STORY HOUR
10 am to 11 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 4 & 5; ADA Accessible
Stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program.
August 10
BIKE RIDE
11:30 am
Fee: None
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
(973) 887-4332
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Please bring your bike, helmet, lunch and drink for this scenic rail-trail exploration!
August 10
WOLF VISIONS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Family Program - All Ages; ADA Accessible
Vinnie Reo will dispel the myths about the "Big Bad Wolf" and teach the importance of the wolf's role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The presentation features a slide show, Q&A session, and the opportunity to meet a real live wolf up-close!
August 22
CAT-TALES STORY HOUR
10 am to 11 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 4 & 5; ADA Accessible
Stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program.
August 24
LATE BLOOMERS
9 am to 10:30 am
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults
Let's take a walk in the late summer meadows to learn about the wildflowers in bloom at this golden time of year. Indoors in the event of inclement weather.
August 31
THE MAGIC OF MONARCHS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 6-12; ADA Accessible
Experience the life of a monarch butterfly while visiting our award-winning butterfly garden.
September 2
LABOR DAY HIKE
10 am
Fee: None
Footbridge Park, Paulinskill Valley Trail
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
September 12
L'IL TYKES HIKE
4 pm to 5 pm
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
September 14
BIKE RIDE
11:30 am
Fee: None
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
(973) 887-4332
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Please bring your bike, helmet, lunch and drink for this scenic rail-trail exploration!
September 14
GEOCACHING FOR BEGINNERS
11 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults and Children Ages 7 & Up; Partially ADA Accessible
Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity. An indoor tutorial provides the tools and information necessary to embark on fun family adventures in the park to find "hidden treasures!" Loaner GPS units available.
September 21
TRAIL HIKE
10 am
Fee: None
Warbasse Junction Rd. Parking Area
(908) 684-4820
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
Come hike a scenic and tranquil rail-trail while learning about the history of the railroads that used to transport passengers, agricultural products, and iron ore through Sussex and Warren County.
September 23
CELEBRATION OF THE HARVEST: AUTUMN LECTURE & WALK
10 am to noon
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Adults; Partially ADA Accessible
Following a slide-illustrated program discussing various harvest festivals and seasonal customs from around the world, an easy 2-mile walk will invigorate and rejuvenate with the colors of fall. Light refreshments provided.
September 26
L'IL TYKES HIKE
4 pm to 5 pm
Fee: None; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For Children Ages 5 & Under
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!
Additional Information
Lynn Groves Lussier
Resource Interpretive Specialist, Natural Resources
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
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