Week of 5/12/2025 - 5/18/2025
Full Moon Soundbath Meditation
Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy Pavilion
12-May 6:30 PM
Description: Join Chrissy for a relaxing soundbath meditation under the light of the full moon next to our Lake Nummy!
Age: all
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Bring something comfortable to lay/sit on!
Monday Movers: Ayers/Mashipacong Hike
High Point State Park, Winter Trail Parking Lot
12-May 10 AM
Description: Join volunteer April Oleksy, for a 3.5 mile hike making a loop of the Ayers Trail, quiet park roads, and a portion of the Mashipacong Trail.
Age: adults. $5 Donation appreciated
Call (862) 326-1367 or email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Bring water and insect repellent, and sturdy shoes are a must. This is a moderate hike with some rocky and steeper sections of trail.
Birding Field Trips
Belleplain State Forest, Nature Center
14-May 7:30 AM
Description: These field trips will meet at the park office promptly at 7:30 am & will be a car-guided tour by park naturalists who will take you to prime breeding habitats. Carpooling is encouraged. BYO Binoculars!
Age: all. $10 per vehicle
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Meet promptly at park office day of. Exact cash preferred.
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
14-May 9 AM
Description: 2.5-mile social walk on fairly flat, scenic trails through the park.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Early Bird Breakfast Walk
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Warbasse Junction trailhead parking lot
15-May 8:30 AM
Description: 2.5-mile walk to identify birds by sight and sound along the Sussex Branch Trail; pay-your-own-way breakfast stop in between.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Please bring binoculars and cash if you plan on ordering food or beverages.
Love-a-Tree-Day Hike
Belleplain State Forest, Nature Center
16-May 10 AM
Description: Join Gina for a hike on various hiking trails throughout Belleplain State Forest to love & appreciate our trees!
Age: all
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Hiking boots recommended! Bring water, bug spray & snacks. This hike meets every other week at different locations. Dogs welcome on leash!
Mansion Mysteries in May: Extended Tours of Batsto Mansion
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Mansion
16-May 2 PM
Description: Even if you’ve already taken a tour of Batsto Mansion, there is still more to discover! Each Friday in May, join Wharton State Forest’s interpretive staff on an extended guided tour of the impressive South Jersey home. Explore more of Batsto Mansion, including rarely seen “behind-the-scenes” areas! Once inside, visitors will dig into the hidden histories of the house and learn how historians piece together the clues that help us understand how people lived and worked in the past.
Age: ages 6 and up.
Call (609) 561-0024 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Tours are approximately 90 minutes and are available each Friday in May. Tours begin promptly at 2 PM on the mansion porch and are $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center or over the phone. Space is limited and interested visitors are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance to secure a spot!
Feathered Friends
High Point State Park, Interpretive Center
17-May 2 PM
Description: Springtime is for the birds! Come learn about our feathered friends. In May birds are busy migrating, singing, and building nests. Learn about birds in spring through stories, games, and activities. We'll also take a short walk to see if we can see any feathery friends flitting through the trees and try out binoculars.
Age: Kids ages 4 to 8 accompanied by an adult
Call (973) 875-1471 or email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required at https://highpointstatepark.eventbrite.com
Plan to spend time both indoors and out and dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Not an Early Bird Walk
High Point State Park, Winter Trail Parking Lot
17-May 5:30 PM
Description: Not everyone is cut out for bird watching at dawn! Luckily there is often a surge of avian activity in late afternoon that can be enjoyed by the anti-early-birds. Come take a stroll in search of colorful migrating warblers and other spring arrivals. We’ll be walking on a mix of pavement and trails
Age: Adults and kids age 10 and up.
Call (973) 875-1471 or email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required at https://highpointstatepark.eventbrite.com
Dress for the weather and bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. A limited number will be available to borrow.
Forest Bathing Walk
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
17-May 10 AM
Description: 1-mile, slow-paced, sensory meditative walk to quietly enjoy nature.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
The Sand and Water Trail Nature Hike
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Visitor Center
17-May 10 AM
Description: Join Wharton State Forest’s Naturalist for a hike on the Sand and Water Trail. Participants will walk about 1.7 miles, at a moderate pace, through sandy uplands and some mixed Atlantic White cedar swamp habitat, stopping periodically to talk about different habitats in the Pine Barrens and some of the species that live there. Very little elevation change and sandy soil makes this an easy hike, but participants should be prepared to walk across multiple, uneven wood bridges, step over shallow roots and some fallen trees.
Age: ages 12 and up.
Call (609) 940-4583 or email alexandria.horan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
The hike will begin behind the Batsto Visitor Center at 10 AM. Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes and bring plenty of water. This hike is not ADA accessible and will be canceled if there are thunderstorms or heavy rain in the area. This hike is free and open to the public, but it is recommended for adults and children over the age of 12. Registration is required and opens at 10 AM on May 7. Registration will close once we reach capacity.
Batsto Village Evening Walking Tours
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village Historic Site
17-May 7 and 8 PM
Description: Historic Interpreters will also be on hand to lead evening walking tours through the village. Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in walking the village should meet behind the Visitor Center (near the Ore Boat). Tours are 45-55 minutes.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 704-1910 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Tours are approximately 90 minutes and are available each Friday in May. Tours begin promptly at 2 PM on the mansion porch and are $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center or over the phone. Space is limited and interested visitors are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance to secure a spot!
Public Star Watch
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village Historic Site
17-May 8 PM
Description: You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch at Batsto, organized by the West Jersey Astronomical Society (WAS). Members of the Society will have telescopes available for the public to view objects in the night sky. The event is weather permitting, and visitors are encouraged to check the WAS website (https://www.wasociety.us) after 1 PM the day of the event to confirm it is still happening should there be cloudy skies. The Star Watch Begins at 8:00 PM. At 8:30 PM in the Batsto Visitor Center Auditorium there will be a Comet Demonstration and at 9:30 PM there will be a Laser-Guided Constellation Tour in the telescope observation field.
Age: all ages
Call (609) 940-4583 or email alexandria.horan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
For this month’s star watch, Mars shinning in the constellation Cancer will be the planet to see. Take a look at the asteroid Vesta currently in the constellation Virgo through one of the telescopes. The Big Dipper asterism of Ursa Major (the Big Bear) can be found upside down above Polaris the North Star as well!
Birding Field Trips
Belleplain State Forest, Nature Center
18-May 7:30 AM
Description: These field trips will meet at the park office promptly at 7:30 am & will be a car-guided tour by park naturalists who will take you to prime breeding habitats. Carpooling is encouraged. BYO Binoculars!
Age: all. $10 per vehicle
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Meet promptly at park office day of. Exact cash preferred.
Sunday Stroll
Cheesequake State Park, Hooks Creek Lake Day Use Area
18-May 10 AM
Description: Join our park naturalist on a scenic stroll exploring the plants and animals found within the park. This walk will be about 2 miles and go over moderate terrain.
Age: all
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please register here: https://forms.office.com/g/j9Zv2N8iah
Please come prepared with water, proper clothing/footwear, bug spray, and sunscreen!
Sunday Fundays: Shell-ebrate Turtles
Double Trouble State Park, Double Trouble restroom building
18-May 10 AM
Description: Join Naturalist Lisa to learn about turtles on a Turtle Trek and Story Time on the Packing House Porch.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Rain or forecast rain will cancel.
Sensational Sea Glass
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
18-May 9:30 AM
Description: A workshop to learn about the history of sea glass and a beach walk to collect samples to make our own sea glass art.
Age: ages 8 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors and wear shoes comfortable for walking. Free parking is available in Lot #6, across the street from the center.
Bird Walk
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Lot Overlook
18-May 9 AM
Description: Join Naturalists Alan and Barbara for a guided bird walk at Round Valley Recreation Area. Meet at the South Parking Lot at 9:00am and check out the birds that congregate on the coast, perch in the pine forest, and splash around in the swimming area.
Age: all ages
Please call (908) 236-2355 or email Roundvalley@dep.nj.gov
Bring binoculars and water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy footwear; the coastline is fairly rocky.
Spring Antique, Glass and Bottle Show
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village Historic Site
18-May 9 AM
Description: Visit Batsto Village Historic Site on May 18 and join us for our annual Spring Antique, Glass and Bottle Show presented by the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. View Pine Barrens treasures, search for that rare find to add to your own collection, or simply take a stroll through historic Batsto Village! While in the village, be sure to stop by Batsto Mansion for “open house” entry to the home. The first and second floors will be open to the public from 10 AM to 3 PM. Wharton State Forest staff will be on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through the history of the house. The Batsto Post Office will also be open from 10 AM to 3 PM to send post cards and letters, hand canceled in the historic building!
Age: all ages
Call (609) 704-1910 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
The Spring Antique, Glass and Bottle Show takes place from 9 AM to 3:30 PM, rain or shine.
Week of 5/19/2025 - 5/25/2025
Birding Field Trips
Belleplain State Forest, Nature Center
21-May 7:30 AM
Description: These field trips will meet at the park office promptly at 7:30 am & will be a car-guided tour by park naturalists who will take you to prime breeding habitats. Carpooling is encouraged. BYO Binoculars!
Age: all. $10 per vehicle
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Meet promptly at park office day of. Exact cash preferred.
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
21-May 9 AM
Description: 2.5-mile social walk on fairly flat, scenic trails through the park.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Trail of the Blue Comet
Liberty State Park, CRRNJ Terminal
21-May 10 AM
Description: Power Point Presentation and discussion about the famous Blue Comet train, followed by a walk to the original tracks where the Blue Comet ran from.
Age: ages 10 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please meet at the giant flag on the steps inside the CRRNJ Terminal building located at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive. Free parking in Lot #9.
Thursday Trails
Belleplain State Forest, Park office
22-May 10 AM
Description: Join Gina for a hike on various hiking trails throughout Belleplain State Forest!
Age: all
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Hiking boots recommended! Bring water, bug spray & snacks. This hike meets every other week at different locations. Dogs welcome on leash!
SJAC Public Skywatch
Belleplain State Forest, Athletic field
23-May 7:30 PM
Description: Telescopes will be set up by the South Jersey Astronomy Club to give beautiful views of objects in the night sky! Just walk up to any telescope and ask a SJAC member what they are viewing and if you can take a look.
Age: all
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
The SkyWatch is weather dependent. If the sky is cloudy, the event will either be moved to the next day (Saturday, May 24th) or cancelled. Watch for updates on our Facebook page.
Homeschool Hike: A Sense of Spring
High Point State Park, Park office
23-May 10 AM
Description: Here comes spring! Come explore High Point State Park with other homeschoolers. Each week we’ll take a walk to search for signs of spring and note the changes as the season progresses. There will be birds and flowers, budding leaves, emerging amphibians, and more!
Age: Homeschoolers ages 6 and up
Call (973) 875-1471 or email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required at https://highpointstatepark.eventbrite.com
These walks will cover about one to two miles over easy to moderate terrain and are a great way for homeschoolers to get a little fresh air and exercise while socializing and learning about nature. For homeschoolers age 6 and up. Younger siblings may join you but will need to be able to walk the distance or be young enough to be carried.
Mansion Mysteries in May: Extended Tours of Batsto Mansion
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Mansion
23-May 2 PM
Description: Even if you’ve already taken a tour of Batsto Mansion, there is still more to discover! Each Friday in May, join Wharton State Forest’s interpretive staff on an extended guided tour of the impressive South Jersey home. Explore more of Batsto Mansion, including rarely seen “behind-the-scenes” areas! Once inside, visitors will dig into the hidden histories of the house and learn how historians piece together the clues that help us understand how people lived and worked in the past.
Age: ages 6 and up.
Call (609) 561-0024 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Tours are approximately 90 minutes and are available each Friday in May. Tours begin promptly at 2 PM on the mansion porch and are $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center or over the phone. Space is limited and interested visitors are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance to secure a spot!
Nature Arts and Crafts
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
24-May 1 PM
Description: Stop by the nature center to make a craft out of all natural materials!
Age: all
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please register here: https://forms.office.com/g/j9Zv2N8iah
Park entrance fees will apply.
Please come prepared with water, proper clothing/footwear, bug spray, and sunscreen!
Stream Slosh
High Point State Park, Sawmill Lake Boat Launch
24-May 10:30 AM
Description: Come explore one of High Point’s streams! We’ll walk a short distance down the Flatbrook near Sawmill Lake and will use nets and other techniques to observe the stream’s inhabitants.
Age: Adults and kids age 6 and up.
Call (973) 875-1471 or email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required at https://highpointstatepark.eventbrite.com
Wear boots, old sneakers, or water shoes as it will be wet, muddy, and slippery. You may also want to wear insect repellent and/or a hat.
Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Visitor Center
24-May 10 AM and 2 PM
Description: Historic Interpreters will be on hand to lead walking tours through the Batsto Village this Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in walking the village should meet behind the Visitor Center (near the Ore Boat). Tours are 45-55 minutes long and are offered at 10 AM and 2 PM
Age: all ages
Bird Watching at the Salt Marsh
Cheesequake State Park, Observation Deck at the Hooks Creek Lake Day Use Area
25-May 9 AM
Description: Come visit us at the observation deck to observe some of our native birds found in the salt marsh. We will have binoculars set up to help get a closer look!
Age: all
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please register here: https://forms.office.com/g/j9Zv2N8iah
Park entrance fees will apply.
Please come prepared with water, proper clothing/footwear, bug spray, and sunscreen!
Sunday Fundays: Veterans Rock
Double Trouble State Park, Double Trouble restroom building
25-May 7 PM
Description: Join Naturalist Lisa for a sunset hike and make a gift to honor our veterans. This event starts at 7:00 pm.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Rain or forecast rain will cancel.
Storytime and Craft
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
25-May 11 AM
Description: Hear a story about the different kinds of wildlife and habitats found in Liberty State Park and then make a story-related craft to take home with you.
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please meet at the Nature Center located at 275 Freedom Way. Free parking is available in Lot #6 across the street from the center.
Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Visitor Center
25-May 10 AM and 2 PM
Description: Historic Interpreters will be on hand to lead walking tours through the Batsto Village this Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in walking the village should meet behind the Visitor Center (near the Ore Boat). Tours are 45-55 minutes long and are offered at 10 AM and 2 PM
Age: all ages
Week of 5/26/2025 - 5/31/2025
Guided Nature Hike
Cheesequake State Park, Hooks Creek Lake Day Use Area
26-May 10 AM
Description: Join our park naturalist on a guided hike and discover the history and various ecosystems found within Cheesequake State Park. This walk will be about 3 miles and go over moderate terrain.
Age: all
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please register here: https://forms.office.com/g/j9Zv2N8iah
Park entrance fees will apply.
Please come prepared with water, proper clothing/footwear, bug spray, and sunscreen!
Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Visitor Center
26-May 10 AM and 2 PM
Description: Historic Interpreters will be on hand to lead walking tours through the Batsto Village this Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in walking the village should meet behind the Visitor Center (near the Ore Boat). Tours are 45-55 minutes long and are offered at 10 AM and 2 PM
Age: all ages
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
28-May 9 AM
Description: 2.5-mile social walk on fairly flat, scenic trails through the park.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Explosion at Black Tom
Liberty State Park, CRRNJ Terminal
28-May 10 AM
Description: Power Point Presentation about the history Black Tom and the events leading up to the explosion, followed by a drive to the Black Tom site.
Age: ages 10 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please meet outside the Blue Comet Auditorium inside the CRRNJ Terminal located at 1 Audrey Zapp Drive. Free parking available in Lot #9, across the street.
Nature LEGO Club for Homeschoolers
High Point State Park, Interpretive Center
30-May 10:30 AM
Description: Join us and fellow homeschoolers this fall for mini-lessons and stories combined with a different nature-themed LEGO building challenge each week!
Age: Homeschoolers ages 6 to 12
Call (973) 875-1471 or email highpointprograms@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Pre-registration required at https://highpointstatepark.eventbrite.com
Alternate building materials will be available to occupy younger siblings. Please see Eventbrite for full details.
Kit & Caboodle Book Club
Kittatinny Valley State Park. Panera Bread, Newton
30-May 3 PM
Description: Book discussion group for avid readers and bibliophiles. No monthly reading requirements! BYOTea and favorite reads past or present.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Come prepared to talk about a favorite book you've read lately; book swapping is encouraged; BYOTea/coffee.
Mansion Mysteries in May: Extended Tours of Batsto Mansion
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Mansion
30-May 2 PM
Description: Even if you’ve already taken a tour of Batsto Mansion, there is still more to discover! Each Friday in May, join Wharton State Forest’s interpretive staff on an extended guided tour of the impressive South Jersey home. Explore more of Batsto Mansion, including rarely seen “behind-the-scenes” areas! Once inside, visitors will dig into the hidden histories of the house and learn how historians piece together the clues that help us understand how people lived and worked in the past.
Age: ages 6 and up.
Call (609) 561-0024 or email john.hebble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Mountain Laurel Bike Ride
Belleplain State Forest, Nature Center
31-May 11 AM
Description: Join Gina & Megan for a casual cruise through out Mountain Laurels in bloom!
Age: all
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Bring your own bike! Anyone under the age of 17 must bring & wear a helmet.
Horseshoe Crab Walk
Liberty State Park, 300 Morris Pesin Drive
31-May 11 AM
Description: Join our staff on a walk to discover the amazing horseshoe crab and learn about the important roles this species plays in the natural world.
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors and wear shoes that can get wet/muddy. The walk is approximately 1 1/2 miles, so please be sure all participants are comfortable walking the distance.
Week of 6/1/2025 - 6/8/2025
George & Martha Washington: A Love Story
Rockingham State Historic Site, Rockingham barn
1-Jun 2 PM
Description: Visit with George and Martha and hear them tell about how they met, about their marriage, their families, their responsibilities and, of course, about their love. With Alisa Dupuy and Curt Radabaugh.
Age: 10 and up. Free. Donations appreciated.
Call (609) 683-7132 or email rockingham1783@dep.nj.com for more information.
Discover Double Trouble National Trails Day Walk & Cleanup
Double Trouble State Park, Village restrooms
7-Jun 10 AM
Description: Join us for a 2 to 3-mile guided overview of the park’s history while we look for litter on the trails.
Age: ages 10 and up
Call (732) 341-4098 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Registration required at DoubleTrouble.eventbrite.com
National Trails Day Celebration
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Blairstown Airport
7-Jun 10 AM
Description: Visit our exhibit at Blairstown Airport.
Age: all ages
Call (973) 324-0429 or email pbk123@aol.com for more information. Sponsored by Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee.
Parking area is at Blairstown Airport on Lambert Road, approximately one mile East of Route 94. GPS Coordinates: 40.970082, -74.995344 See Meetup announcement for detailed directions. (Please park at far edge of parking lot away from the building)
Week of 6/9/2025 - 6/15/2025
Full Moon Soundbath Meditation
Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy pavilion
11-Jun
Description: Join Chrissy for a relaxing soundbath meditation under the light of the full moon next to our Lake Nummy!
Age: All ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Bring something comfortable to lay/sit on!
Thursday Trails
Belleplain State Forest, Park Office
12-Jun 10 AM
Description: Join Gina for a hike on various hiking trails throughout Belleplain State Forest!
Age: All ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Hiking boots recommended! Bring water, bug spray & snacks. This hike meets every other week at different locations. Dogs welcome on leash!
Snakes and Spiders
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Reeve’s Bog
14-Jun 9 AM
Description: Learn all about the snakes and spiders of the Pine Barrens on this 2.5 mile hike around Reeve’s Bogs!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent. Directions to Reeve's Bogs can be found in the event description on the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest Facebook page.
Hike
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Columbia, NJ at the River
14-Jun 10 AM
Description: The hike will be three to four miles. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, walking
Age: all
Call (973) 324-0429 or email pbk123@aol.com for more information. Sponsored by Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee.
Bring a drink. I-80 Exit 4a. First U-Turn on left toward Rt. 94 S, Columbia. Take 1st exit, Right on Decatur, Left on Green, Left on Washington Park along Washington Street (East Side) south of Green Street in Columbia, NJ GPS Coordinates: 40.924892, -75.094329 See Meetup announcement for detailed directions.
Bike Ride
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Warbasse Junction Parking Area
14-Jun 11:30 AM
Description: The length of the ride will be 17 miles, (round trip), unless a majority of the group chooses to ride less or more. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level biking.
Age: all
Call (973) 887-4332 or email paul_rottmann@hotmail.com for more information. Sponsored by Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee.
Bring your helmet, lunch, and a drink. Parking area is on Warbasse Junction Road 1/2 mile South of intersection with Route 94. GPS Coordinates: 41.085293, -74.699741 See Meetup announcement for detailed directions.
Meet Francis Hopkinson and hear the Story of our Flag
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
14-Jun 2 PM
Description: Stan Sapersteian will perform a one man presentation as Francis Hopkinson, New Jersey Signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Wildlife of Pakim Pond
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
15-Jun 10 AM
Description: Join us on a half-mile hike on the Nature Trail and learn all about the ecosystem around Pakim Pond and get a chance to see some mysterious carnivorous plants!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Week of 6/16/2025 - 6/22/2025
Emily Roebling “Bridge Builder in Petticoats” for Children & Families
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
17-Jun 4:30 PM
Description: Families are invited to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill with Emily Roebling in a special edition of “Bridge Builder in Petticoats” including storytelling and a bridge building activity and craft.
Age: School-Age Children & Families
Please call (908) 725-1015 or email wallacedutch@dep.nj.gov
Emily Roebling Returns “Under the Oaks” & “Bridge Builder in Petticoats”
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
17-Jun 6 PM
Description: 125 years later Emily Roebling returns to the Wallace House for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Join Mrs. Roebling for remarks “Under the Oaks” around the branches of our sapling of the Salem Oak, and retire with Mrs. Roebling to the Old Dutch Parsonage for a discussion of her life and work as a “Bridge Builder in Petticoats” with light refreshment and lemonade.
Age: all
Please call (908) 725-1015 or email wallacedutch@dep.nj.gov
Ecology of the Pine Barrens
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Reeve’s Bog
21-Jun 9 AM
Description: Have you ever wondered what makes the Pine Barrens so unique? Join us on a 2.5 mile hike at Reeve’s Bogs and learn all about the ecology of the Pines!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent. Directions to Reeve's Bogs can be found in the event description on the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest Facebook page
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
21-Jun 2 PM
Description: Demonstration includes a history of Washington's Crossing, explanation of battle tactics, overview of how the musket functions and finishes with the firing of the musket.
Age: all ages. $1 per person
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Ultimate Tree ID at Pakim Pond
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
22-Jun 9 AM
Description: Join us at Pakim Pond for the ULTIMATE tree ID class! Learn how to use a dichotomous key and be able to identify any tree in the Pines!
Age: ages 10 and up
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Week of 6/23/2025 - 6/30/2025
PVTC Annual Meeting
Kittatinny Valley State Park, KVSP Administration Bldg.
24-Jun 7 PM
Description: Refreshments will be served followed by elections.
Age: all
Call (973) 324-0429 or email pbk123@aol.com for more information. Sponsored by Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee.
Thursday Trails
Belleplain State Forest, Park Office
26-Jun 10 AM
Description: Join Gina for a hike on various hiking trails throughout Belleplain State Forest!
Age: All ages
Call (609) 861-2404 or email gina.morgan@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Hiking boots recommended! Bring water, bug spray & snacks. This hike meets every other week at different locations. Dogs welcome on leash!
Creatures of the Night
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
27-Jun 8 PM
Description: Learn all about the nocturnal creatures of BTB on this half-mile hike around Pakim Pond. Beware! The Jersey Devil may be lurking behind any tree!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
History of the Pine Barrens
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Park office
28-Jun 9 AM
Description: From millions of years ago, to the American Revolution and the Civilian Conservation Corps, learn everything there is to know about the history of the Pinelands on this 3-mile hike down our Cranberry Dot Trail.
Age: ages 10 and up
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
28-Jun 2 PM
Description: Demonstration includes a history of Washington's Crossing, explanation of battle tactics, overview of how the musket functions and finishes with the firing of the musket.
Age: all ages. $1 per person
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey
