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January 2019 Events
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January 2019
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(please contact event sponsor to confirm date and time)


 

January
Double Trouble Village Walking Tours
Call for arrangements and program fees
Double Trouble State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Individual or group historic village walking tours may be scheduled in advance for most weeks Wednesday through Sunday.  Elementary school and secondary school science and social studies field trips or outreach programs may be arranged. 

Walt Whitman's Specimen Days
Call for times and dates
FREE
Walt Whitman State Historic Site
(856) 964-5383

January 2019 (specific date to be announced)
Winter Food Ways Cooking Class, theme to be announced
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: to be announced. Must pre-register
Washington Crossing State Park
Johnson Ferry House
(609) 737-2515
Note: This class will be taught by food historian Susan McLellan Plaisted and includes all day instruction, hands on activity, and a full meal prepared on the colonial hearth. Registration is complete when class has been paid for

January 1

First Day Hikes - The NJ State Park Service is hosting 24 guided hikes, 2 mountain bike rides and 1 horseback ride in state parks, forests and historic sites on New Year's Day. For all hikes and rides, wear sturdy footgear and bring water and snacks. Check the weather before you leave the house and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Please visit website for additional information on all hikes - http://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/first_day_hikes.html.


1st Day East Creek Trail Hike        
Belleplain State Forest
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.    
Join us for a 3.5 mile hike on the East Creek Trail. The hike will cover half the distance of the trail. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Dogs are welcome!

1st Day Mountain Bike Ride
Belleplain State Forest
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a mountain bike ride on the 10 mile trail at Belleplain State Forest. This is a technical trail with twists and turns through the forest. An option of less mileage is available.

First Day Hike
Cheesequake State Park
1:00 p.m. – 3p.m.
Join us for a guided hike on the trails of Cheesequake to celebrate the New Year.

Princeton Nursery Lands First Day Hike
D&R Canal / Mapleton Preserve
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands invites everyone to a First Day Hike in the Mapleton Preserve on Monday, January 1, 2019, at noon. Exercise your New Year's resolution to walk more, or make new friends on this easy 1.5 mile loop hike through the Mapleton Preserve. We know you will want to sleep in a little, so the walk will not start until noon. It will begin and end at the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park Headquarters at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. Join us for cocoa afterwards. Dress for the weather, whatever it is. The walk is free and all are welcome. For more information, visit www.fpnl.org as we get closer to the New Year.

First Day at FREC
Forest Resource Education Center
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Enjoy a guided one-hour hike along flat sandy roads at FREC’s First Day Walk of the NJ State Tree Farm, Nursery and Education Center in Jackson, NJ.

High Point “First Day Challenge” Hike
High Point State Park
10:00 a.m.
Come and join us for our Second Annual High Point "First Day Challenge" Hike. This will be a great way to start off the new year and get in some exercise. The first, more rugged half of the hike will be on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in scenic High Point State Park. The return will be on the easier Iris Trail, a well-graded, old wagon road. There will be numerous scenic views along the AT on the ridge.

New Year’s Day Beach Hike
Island Beach State Park
2:00 p.m. –  3:30 p.m.                                                                                                       
Ring in the New Year at beautiful Island Beach State Park! Join the Friends of IBSP for a scenic walk down the beach. Walk is approximately 1.5 miles out and back, but feel free to turn back at anytime. Naturalists will be on site to point out the flora and fauna present. Winter is a great time to experience the a natural beauty of IBSP!

First Day Horseback Ride
Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail (extension of Kittatinny Valley State Park)
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (come earlier to unload, saddle up etc.)
Bring your OWN HORSE if you’d like to participate in a guided horseback ride. Trail ride approx. two hours – “Easy Peasy ride along the rail trail. Horse Rig Parking only at Halsey Farm. Lunch in Branchville. (Please note: The horseback ride is the only organized, guided activity at this location. All other suggested activities are your responsibility and should be conducted independently)

Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail Committee 34nd Annual New Year’s Day Hike
Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail (extension of Kittatinny Valley State Park)
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 1, 2019 – 34th Annual New Year’s Day Hike. Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) at 10:00AM for their 34th Annual New Year’s Day Hike starting at Footbridge Park in Blairstown, NJ. The PVTC, the Officially Recognized Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, will host the hike. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level walking.

Follow the Footsteps of Molly Pitcher
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Walk the ground where Molly Pitcher fought at Monmouth! Meet Dr. David Martin, President of the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, at the Visitor Center for an overview of the Battle of Monmouth, then drive approx. 2 miles (in your own vehicle) to the northern section of the Park, and walk along the American lines to the position of Proctor’s Artillery and other sites associated with Molly Pitcher. Finish with a visit to the likely site of Molly Pitcher’s “well.” The length of this interpretive tour is subject to change depending on weather and conditions. The tour is over open fields and hills and includes detailed information about troop movements at the Battle of Monmouth.

First Day Hike to Caven Point Beach
Liberty State Park
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Please join us on a 3-mile, leisurely hike to Caven Point Beach. Come explore the manmade and natural shoreline of the Upper NY Bay, with unique views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Skyline. We’ll also explore the unique features of Caven Point Beach. Check in will be at the Park Office located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305. Free parking is available.

Parvin Walk in History
Parvin State Park
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Come explore the history of Parvin State Park, as we walk through the park and imagine things 90 years ago.

First Day Hike at Rancocas
Rancocas State Park, Westampton section
11:00 a.m.
All 50 states sponsor hikes in their state parks on January 1. In keeping with the tradition, join Burlington County Park Rangers for a hike at Rancocas State Park in Westampton. Begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike. Meet at the Rancocas Rd. entrance between Irick Rd and the Westampton municipal building.

First Day Hike
New Jersey State Botanical Gardens, Ringwood State Park
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Two self-guided family friendly hikes in the State Park woodlands at the NJ State Botanical Garden. Weather permitting; you can climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook on the Halifax trail and return, or choose our alternate hike without a climb. This annual event is a joint project of State Park staff and volunteers from the NJBG/Skylands Association. Meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center at NJBG between 1pm and 2pm. Map and hike directions will be provided at the start. Allow about 90 minutes for the hike.

New Year’s Hike
Round Valley Recreation Area
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Whatever you did the night before, this is your chance to get outdoors in New Jersey and start 2019 off on the right foot. We will hike either the Cushetunk or Water Trail and look for signs of new life as the year begins.

Spruce Run Reservoir & Headwaters Hike
Spruce Run Recreation Area
8:30 a.m.
A 15.2 mile hike that will take us along the Highlands Trail at Spruce Run, starting a little further along the reservoir, then following the Spruce Run through state owned lands. There are informal paths that connect the Union Furnace Nature Preserve to the Honachefsky Tract. From there, a walk and history talk through Glen Gardner, and then the new trail system recently installed along the Spruce Run in Lebanon Township.

Lighthouse Openhouse
Twin Lights Historic Site
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Make a resolution and start your new year right by celebrating history atop the North Tower at Twin Lights! The North Tower will be open between the hours of 10:00-2:00 for a self-guided walk up the 64 steps to amazing view. Please bring along binoculars and warm clothes as the tower is not heated.

From Ferry to Ferry - 100 horses, 18 cannons, and the wagons
Washington Crossing State Park / Johnson Ferry House
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
A guided walk of the route taken by the "stuff" of the Continental Army on Christmas Night, 1776 across the Delaware River into New Jersey. Sights and stops include the Washington Crossing Bridge, the Nelson House, the Ferry Boat replica, the pedestrian bridge, overlook, the Stone Barn, and the Johnson Ferry House.

Little Pine Plains Hike
Bass River State Forest / Warren Grove Recreation Area
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.    
Join us for a hike in the Warren Grove Recreation Area, at Bass River State Forest, which encompasses the Little Pine Plains and the “Pygmy Pines” – the world’s largest acreage of this globally rare forest community. Portions of the hike will be through places where the mature trees are scarcely taller than the hikers themselves and in some places are not. The hike will traverse several ridges that will provide fantastic views of the surrounding area.

To be ORE not to be
Wharton State Forest
10:00 a.m. – ?
Come join fellow outdoor enthusiasts and nature guides for an entertaining romp out to the remnants of the Old Forge Pond and a previous Pine Barrens Nature Study area. Various habitats to explore and view. A great way to begin the New Year learning about the history and environment of this unique area.

Batsto Mountain Bike Ride
Wharton State Forest
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Come out and join us for a brisk cross-country mountain bike ride through the Pinelands of Wharton State Forest. Be ready to pedal up some short hills!

New Year's Day Hike
Wharton State Forest – Atsion Recreation Area
10:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
Start the New Year right! Get into the outdoors. Join the Outdoor Club of South Jersey on their hike into our beautiful Pine Barrens.

Historic Hampton Furnace Hike - Atsion
Wharton State Forest – Atsion Recreation Area
11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. (approx)
Join a NJ Woodland Steward on a nature hike around the historic Hampton Furnace settlement. This 5-mile loop hike will explore beautiful natural areas deep in the heart of Wharton State Forest. See historic sites! Enjoy the beautiful scenery. Learn about the fire dependent pitch pine ecosystem.

Batsto Village Walk
Wharton State Forest
10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Start your new year with a family history walk through Batsto Village.

January 5
Nature in Winter Walk
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Fee: $2 per person for the walk, $5 per person to borrow snowshoes for the walk.
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
Winter can be a quiet time, but there’s still lots to explore. While on the trail we’ll look for tracks and signs of wintering wildlife, observe dormant trees, plants, insects, and much more! Whether we go by boot or by snowshoe will depend on the weather, but generally a minimum of 6" of snow is needed to snowshoe. Adults/Children ages 7 and up. Registration is required. A limited number of snowshoes (child and adult sizes) are available for use during these walks, and must be reserved in advance. Please email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov to register for these walks and to reserve your snowshoes by 4:00 PM the Friday before the walk or call 973-875-1471. Locations will vary.

Video – “The American Revolution: The Conflict Ignites”
2 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park
Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623
Note: ADA accessible.  Volume I looks at the dramatic outbreak of the war and examines the forces that made the escalation unavoidable.

January 12
Nature in Winter Walk
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Fee: $2 per person for the walk, $5 per person to borrow snowshoes for the walk.
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
Winter can be a quiet time, but there’s still lots to explore. While on the trail we’ll look for tracks and signs of wintering wildlife, observe dormant trees, plants, insects, and much more! Whether we go by boot or by snowshoe will depend on the weather, but generally a minimum of 6" of snow is needed to snowshoe. Adults/Children ages 7 and up. Registration is required. A limited number of snowshoes (child and adult sizes) are available for use during these walks, and must be reserved in advance. Please email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov to register for these walks and to reserve your snowshoes by 4:00 PM the Friday before the walk or call 973-875-1471. Locations will vary.

Explore Snow and Ice
2:00 to 3:30 PM
Fee: None
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
For families with children ages five and up. Come learn about snow, ice, and winter weather through games, crafts, and experiments. Learn how High Point's wildlife survives frozen temperatures, and cut your own no-two-alike snowflakes. Plan to spend time both inside and out. Meet at the Interpretive Center.

Easy Winter Birdfeeders
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $3.00 per person, Pre-registration Required- Spaces are limited
Spruce Run Recreation Area
(908) 638-8572
sprucerun@dep.nj.gov
Note: ADA accessible. When the weather gets cold, not all our feathered friends head south. The ones that stay in New Jersey need some help finding food. Come to Spruce Run to make some simple bird feeders to hang in the park and some to take home to help the birds make it through the winter. Payment is required by 2 p.m., Thursday, December 14 at the Spruce Run Recreation Area office (908) 638-8572 

Astronomy Video: Mars – The Red Planet
12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park
Nature Center
(609) 737-0609

Video – “The American Revolution: 1776”
2 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park
Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623
Note: ADA accessible.  Volume II examines the numerous events of the most important year of the Revolution

January 13
Baldpate Mt. Hike
1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE, advanced registration required – pre-teen to adult
Washington Crossing State Park
Church Rd Pond
(609) 737-0609
Note:  We will take a trail from its trailhead near Church Rd. to the top of the hill. Meet at the parking lot by Neiderer’s Pond (Church Rd). Bring a water bottle and wear hiking shoes. The terrain is rugged. Hike will be about 3 miles

“Lost in the Woods” A Children’s Survival Program
A program to help children if they get separated from their group while hiking. This program will be held at the Nature Center.
Ages 6 through 11
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Cheesequake State Park
Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: ADA Accessible

January 17
Fledgling Naturalists: Winter Wonders 1
1:30 to 2:30 PM
Fees: $5.00 per adult/child pair. $2.00 for additional siblings age 2 to 5
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
For 3 to 5 year olds and an adult partner. This winter we'll be exploring winter wildlife, weather, and birds. The exact timing of the topics will depend primarily on weather conditions. You’re welcome to arrive up to a half hour before the program begins for seasonally-themed free-play. Fledgling Naturalist programs are designed to encourage young children’s curiosity, engaging them hands-on in the natural world through activities, stories, games, and crafts. Registration is required. Please email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov or call 973-875-1471 before 4:00 PM the day before the program.

January 18
Fledgling Naturalists: Winter Wonders 1
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Fees: $5.00 per adult/child pair. $2.00 for additional siblings age 2 to 5
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
For 3 to 5 year olds and an adult partner. This winter we'll be exploring winter wildlife, weather, and birds. The exact timing of the topics will depend primarily on weather conditions. You’re welcome to arrive up to a half hour before the program begins for seasonally-themed free-play. Fledgling Naturalist programs are designed to encourage young children’s curiosity, engaging them hands-on in the natural world through activities, stories, games, and crafts. Registration is required. Please email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov or call 973-875-1471 before 4:00 PM the day before the program.

Winter Homeschool Hike 1
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Fees: $3 per hike, per child
High Point State Park
For homeschoolers age 6 and up. These easy to moderate, naturalist-led hikes will range between one to two miles and are a great opportunity for homeschoolers to get a fresh air and exercise while socializing with their peers, and learning a bit about nature and history along the way. Hikes will be selected based on seasonal events and conditions. This winter, if snow conditions permit, there will be opportunities to try out snowshoes on the trail. Details about specific hikes will be available the week before the hike is scheduled. Younger siblings may join you, but will need to be able to walk the distance or be young enough to be carried. Registration is required. Please email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov or call 973-875-1471. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

January 19
Nature in Winter Walk by Moonlight
7:00 to 8:30 PM
Fee: $2 per person for the walk, $5 per person to borrow snowshoes for the walk.
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
Moon-lit winter nights can be an unforgettable time to explore. By the light of the nearly-full mon, we’ll look for tracks and signs of wintering wildlife, observe dormant trees, plants, insects, and much more. The location of the walk and whether we go by boot or by snowshoe will depend on snow and weather conditions. Adults/Children ages 10 and up. Registration is required. A limited number of snowshoes are available for use during these walks, and must be reserved in advance. Please email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov to register for these walks and to reserve your snowshoes by 4:00 PM the Friday before the walk or call 973-875-1471.

Astronomy Video: Jupiter – The Giant Planet
12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park
Nature Center
(609) 737-0609

Video – “The American Revolution: Washington and Arnold”
2 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park
Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623
Note: ADA accessible.  Volume III examines the critical early battles of the Revolutionary War

January 20
Cross Country Ski Workshop
1:30 p.m.
FREE, advanced registration required
Washington Crossing State Park
Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Note: In this workshop, the participants will learn about the different types of cross-country ski equipment that are available and what to look for in selecting your first pair of skis.  Other topics will include: how to dress and where to go skiing in New Jersey.  The indoor lesson will last 1 -1 ½ hour.  If the ground is snow covered, an additional 1+ hour outdoor ski lesson will be offered. Participants will have to provide their own ski equipment for the outdoor lesson. Call the Nature Center to obtain equipment rental information.

Chicken Whittle Demonstration
Gather at the Nature Center for a step by step demonstration on how to whittle a rooster from a tree branch. Ages 9 and up
1:00 pm
Fee: None
Cheesequake State Park
Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: ADA Accessible

January 24
Nestling Naturalists: Winter Wonders 1
10:30 to 11:30 AM
Fees: $3.00 per family
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
For 2 and 3-year-olds and an adult caregiver. Join us this winter for a program just for our littlest naturalists! Each week will feature a combination of free play, stories, and fun, seasonally-themed sensory explorations both indoors and out. Registration is required. Please email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov or call 973-875-1471 before 4:00 PM the day before the program.

January 26
Winter Festival
12:00 to 3:00 PM
Fee: Donations Appreciated
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
Join the Friends of High Point State Park at our Annual Winter Festival. Winter Festival will be held regardless of snow on the ground. Family-friendly events such as ice fishing, curling, snow-shoeing will be available conditions permitting. In the event of adverse weather, be sure to check here for cancellation and snow-date confirmation of Sunday, Jan 27th. A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated and helps support future events like this. For more information go to www.friendsofhighpointstatepark.org.
Sponsor: Friends of High Point State Park

Video – “The American Revolution: The World at War”
2 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park
Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623
Note: ADA accessible.  Volume IV examines the expansion of the war with the entrance of France and Spain

January 31
Fledgling Naturalists: Winter Wonders 2
1:30 to 2:30 PM
Fees: $5.00 per adult/child pair. $2.00 for additional siblings age 2 to 5
High Point State Park
973-875-1471
For 3 to 5 year olds and an adult partner. This winter we'll be exploring winter wildlife, weather, and birds. The exact timing of the topics will depend primarily on weather conditions. You’re welcome to arrive up to a half hour before the program begins for seasonally-themed free-play. Fledgling Naturalist programs are designed to encourage young children’s curiosity, engaging them hands-on in the natural world through activities, stories, games, and crafts. Registration is required. Please email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov or call 973-875-1471 before 4:00 PM the day before the program.

 

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