SPRING PROGRAMS AT THE NATURE CENTER

The following is a list of activities being offered through the Nature Center at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, New Jersey. Some programs are offered free without registration requirements; some will require advanced registration as indicated below. A fee will be charged to motor vehicles entering the park on weekends and holidays 5/24 - 9/7 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). All programs will initially meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise indicated. Attendance is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In the event of inclement weather, some programs might be canceled. It is always advisable to call ahead before coming out. Phone: (609) 737-0609.

NATIVE AMERICANS OF THE AREA OF THE PARK
(All Ages) Saturday April 4, 1:00 p.m.
Jim Wade, former archivist and researcher with the N.J. State Museum will discuss primitive stone tool use by Native Americans in central New Jersey. Emphasis will be on the significance and importance of the Indian way of life during the spring season, focusing on the activities of community fish gathering, hunting and village life. The program will include a slide presentation and Native American artifacts will be on display. Free.

GREENER TODAY FOR A GREENER TOMORROW
(All ages) Saturday April 18, 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Come and enjoy Earth Day activities at the Nature Center on April 18 from 12:00 - 4:30. Learn about recycling and renewable energy through games and crafts. There will also be stations on New Jersey's different environments coastal, highlands, and the pine barrens. Come and go as you please with friends and family, no pre-registration or fee is required. Event will be held rain or shine.

SOLAR OBSERVATION
(All ages) Sunday April 19, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
View magnetic sun storms safely through special filters on two telescopes. Observe sun spots, solar flares, prominences and other solar phenomena. Learn how these storms can affect the earth as well as other interesting facts about Earth’s closest star. Gene Ramsey of the Amateur Astronomer’s Association of Princeton will lead this activity. Free. Clear skies required. Free.

WILD EDIBLE PLANTS
(3 yrs. - adult) Sunday April 26, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Participants will learn to identify and prepare some of the many native and introduced plants which earlier inhabitants of the area used to supplement their diets. This program will be led by plant lore enthusiast Pat Chichon of Lambertville. Bring a pair of plant clippers and a garden trowel Advanced registration required.. Free.

SPRING BIRD WALK
Sunday May 3, 8:30 a.m.
Come and join Lou Beck of Washington Crossing Audubon as we peruse the park for spring migrants and summer resident bird species. Meet at the Nature Center. Free.

SOLAR OBSERVATION
(All ages) Saturday May 9, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
View magnetic sun storms safely through special filters on two telescopes. Observe sun spots, solar flares, prominences and other solar phenomena Learn how these storms can affect the earth as well as other interesting facts about Earth’s closest star. Gene Ramsey of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton will lead this activity. Free. Clear skies required.

BALDPATE MOUNTAIN HIKE
(Pre-teen – adult) Sunday May 10, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
We will take the Blue trail from its trailhead on Fiddlers Creek Rd. to the summit overlook. Meet at the parking lot by Neiderer’s Pond (Church Rd). Advanced registration required after April 7. Bring a water bottle and wear hiking shoes. Free

STREAM STOMP
(6 yrs. - adult) Sunday May 24, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Come out for a wet hike as we follow a park stream in search of crayfish, salamanders, caddisflys, frogs, minnows and other stream inhabitants. Advanced registration required after 4/21. Park vehicle entrance fee: $5.00 per car.

PRETZEL JAR TERRARIUMS
(All ages) Sunday May 31, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
The forest floor is a fascinating community with its own unique woodland wildflowers, ferns, mosses and other organisms. Join us and build one of these ecosystems in a jar to take home. Advanced registration required after 4/28. Park vehicle entrance fee: $5.00 per car.

FAMILY NATURE WALK
(All Ages) Sunday June 7, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
This is an informal naturalist-guided trail walk. Park vehicle entrance fee: $5.00 per car.

PALEO STONE TOOL MAKING IN A NORTH AMERICAN ICE AGE
(All Ages) Saturday June 20 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jim Silk, Reconstructive Lithic Technologist and stone tool maker presents a demonstration and discussion about stone tool making technologies of the Paleo Ice Age 10,000 to 13,500 years ago. This program explains the manufacture of specialized stone tools that were used by early Native North Americans in adapting to their harsh environment. Paleo artifacts and replications will be displayed throughout the program.

STREAM STOMP
(6 yrs. - adult) Sunday June 21, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Come out for a wet hike as we follow a park stream in search of crayfish, salamanders, caddisflys, frogs, minnows and other stream inhabitants. Advanced registration required after 5/19. Park vehicle entrance fee: $5.00 per car.

COMPASS BASICS
(9 yrs - adult) Saturday June 27, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Participants will learn everything they ever wanted to know about the protractor compass. They will then use their new-found skills to navigate a compass course that will take them over hills, across streams, along trails and through forests to a mysterious hidden site known as “Haunted Hollow”. Advanced registration required after 5/22. Bring a protractor compass if you have an instrument of your own. If not, we will provide one. Advanced registration required after 5/26 Park vehicle entrance fee: $5.00 per car.

FAMILY NATURE WALK
(All Ages) Sunday June 28, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
This is an informal naturalist-guided trail walk. Park vehicle entrance fee: $5.00 per car.