Week of 7/28/2025 - 7/31/2025
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
30-Jul 8:30 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/
Summer Nature LEGO Club
High Point State Park, Interpretive Center
31-July 10:30 AM
Description: Join us this summer for mini-lessons and stories combined with a different nature-themed LEGO building challenge each week!
Age: 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
Indoors and outdoors depending on challenges and weather conditions. Alternate building materials will be available to occupy younger siblings. The New Jersey State Park weekday parking fees will be in effect for this program: $5/car for NJ residents. $10/car for out-of-state visitors. There are no fees if you already have a valid New Jersey State Park Pass or a current Camping Permit.
Week of 8/1/2025 - 8/10/2025
Rid Litter Day
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
1-Aug 9 AM
Description: 2.5-mile litter pick-up along Goodale Road.
Age: teens and adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Gloves, reflective vests, litter pickers, and bags provided.
The Black Bear and the Bobcat
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
2-Aug 9 AM
Description: Learn about the previously locally extinct species of BTB that have since been reintroduced into the Pine Barrens on this 2-mile hike down the Cranberry Dot Trail
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather permitting. We advise participants bring water and bugspray/tick repellent.
Remembering the Sussex Branch of the Lackawanna
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
2-Aug 11 AM
Description: This interactive presentation based on the book written by Dave Rutan will cover the history of the Lackawanna Railroad from its beginning to its end in 1966.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
2-Aug 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.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Volunteer Work at Whitesbog
Whitesbog Village, General Store
2-Aug 10 AM
Description: Join our volunteers in outdoor and indoor projects around the village. You can choose from helping to clear trails and garden paths or helping to organize our office supplies for our events!
See Whitesbog FB page for more information.
Village Tour
Whitesbog Village, General Store
2-Aug 1 PM
Description: Walk the Historic Village trails, learn about Whitesbog's role in history and visit Suningive, the worker's cottage and other museums & landscapes that speak to Whitesbog's heritage.
Age: all ages. $10 per person.
See Whitesbog FB page for more information.
Nature School on the Porch
Double Trouble State Park, village information building
3-Aug 10 AM
Description: Join us for Nature School on the Porch, a cozy, outdoor learning experience for kids.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please dress for the weather and consider bug spray and sunblock. Rain or thunder cancels.
Low Tide Beach Walk
Liberty State Park, 300 Morris Pesin Drive
3-Aug 10 AM
Description: Come on out to Liberty State Park for a beach walk and scavenger hunt at Caven Point Beach!
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please be advised there is over a mile and a half of walking involved. Be sure to dress to be outdoors and wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy. If it is a hot day, sunscreen and water are also recommended.
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
6-Aug 8:30 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/
Echoes of Hope Farm
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, Somerville Library, 35 West End Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
6-Aug 6:30 PM
Description: As the Wallace House goes under construction again for a major historic rehabilitation ahead of its 250th birthday, explore the stories of Hope Farm and what they mean for Somerville's past, present, and future at the crossroads of Central Jersey.
Age: ages 10 and up
Please call (908) 725-1015 or email wallacedutch@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Nature Walk and Craft - Beach
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
7-Aug 11 AM
Description: Come learn all about a beach habitat and what kind of animals make their home there, and make a beach craft to take home with you!
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Be sure to dress to be outdoors and wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy. If it is a hot day, sunscreen and water are also recommended.
Ecology of Reeve's Bogs
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Reeve’s Bogs
9-Aug 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 permitting. We advise participants bring water and bugspray/tick repellent. Mudboots/waterproof shoes are also recommended but not required.
Bike Ride
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Warbasse Junction parking lot
9-Aug 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 ages.
Call (973) 887-4332 or email paul_rottmann@hotmail.com for more information. Meetup.com (Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee Bike Rides)
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.
Shorebird Walk
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
9-Aug 10 AM
Description: Join us for a guided walk to look for and learn about some of the visiting summer bird species and those who make their homes year round in the park!
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors, wear shoes comfortable for walking, and bring binoculars if you have them. If it is a hot day, sunscreen and water are also recommended.
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
9-Aug 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.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Moonlight Walk
Whitesbog Village, General Store
9-Aug 8 PM
Description: Listen to the night sounds of the Pines, learn about Whitesbog and experience the seasonal changes of the Pinelands. 3–5-mile duration.
Age: all ages. $10 per person.
See Whitesbog FB page for more information.
Weather permitting.
Wildlife at Pakim Pond
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
10-Aug 9 AM
Description: Come learn all about the ecosystem around Pakim Pond and the diverse wildlife it supports! This half-mile hike is perfect for all ages!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather permitting. We advise participants bring water and bugspray/tick repellent.
Nature School on the Porch
Double Trouble State Park, village information building
10-Aug 10 AM
Description: Join us for Nature School on the Porch, a cozy, outdoor learning experience for kids.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please dress for the weather and consider bug spray and sunblock. Rain or thunder cancels.
Stream Ecology
Washington Crossing State Park, Knox Grove Day Use Area
10-Aug 10 AM
Description: Stream Ecology will dive into the world of macroinvertebrates within the south branch of Steele Run right here in Washington Crossing State Park. Dragonfly nymphs, water bugs, small fish, and amphibians all call small streams home. Other wildlife will also be highlighted.
Age: all
Call (609) 737-0623 or email joseph.moore@dep.nj.gov for more information. This outing will involve about a mile of walking total including uneven terrain at times. Dip nets and other collection tools will be provided. Meet in the Knox Grove Playground Area at 10am with sturdy shoes and plenty of drinking water. Appropriate for ages 3 & up. This is a FREE event.
Week of 8/11/2025 - 8/17/2025
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
13-Aug 8:30 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/
Monarch Magic!
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
15-Aug 10 AM
Description: Get up close and personal with the monarch butterfly! We will learn about the life cycle, feeding habits, and migration journey of this amazing little insect!
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors, wear shoes comfortable for walking, and bring binoculars if you have them. If it is a hot day, sunscreen and water are also recommended.
Creatures of the Night
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
16-Aug 7 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 permitting. We advise participants bring water and bugspray/tick repellent.
Outwater's Militia Encampment
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
16-Aug 10 AM
Description: Come and see the men of Outwater’s Militia join together and drill in preparation for action against his majesty’s troops. Stroll through the encampment when the men are not drilling and learn about the life and times of the Revolutionary War.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
History Kids Club
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village General store
17-Aug 1 PM
Description: Search for bog iron in the Manasquan River.
Age: ages 5-12. $12 per person. Must register online at allairevillage.org.
Call (732) 938-2371 or email info@allairevillage.org for more information.
Dress for wading in water
Adult Craft Workshop
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village General store
17-Aug 2 PM
Description: Adult crafting workshop focused on making fabric coil baskets.
Age: adults. $25 per person. Must register online at allairevillage.org.
Call (732) 938-2371 or email info@allairevillage.org for more information.
Snakes of the Pine Barrens
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
17-Aug 9 AM
Description: Did you know there are more than a dozen different species of snakes in the Pine Barrens? Learn all about our reptilian friends on a 6-mile hike down our Mt. Misery and Cranberry Trails!
Age: ages 8 and up.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather permitting. We advise participants bring water and bugspray/tick repellent. Mudboots/waterproof shoes are also recommended but not required.
Nature School on the Porch
Double Trouble State Park, village information building
17-Aug 10 AM
Description: Join us for Nature School on the Porch, a cozy, outdoor learning experience for kids.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please dress for the weather and consider bug spray and sunblock. Rain or thunder cancels.
Volunteer Shoreline Cleanup
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
17-Aug 10 AM
Description: Looking for volunteer opportunities in Liberty State Park? Come help lend a hand cleaning up the shores of the Richard J. Sullivan Natura Area by removing trash that has come in with the tides.
Age: ages 6 and up
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to spend time working outdoors, wear shoes that can get wet/muddy, and bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. If you have work gloves, bring them as well.
Week of 8/18/2025 - 8/24/2025
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
20-Aug 8:30 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/
Nature Walk and Craft - Beach
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
22-Aug 11 AM
Description: Come learn all about a beach habitat and what kind of animals make their home there, and make a beach craft to take home with you!
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Be sure to dress to be outdoors and wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy. If it is a hot day, sunscreen and water are also recommended.
Surviving the Pine Barrens
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Park office
23-Aug 9 AM
Description: Join us on a 4-mile hike down the Cranberry Dot Trail and learn all about bears, rattlesnakes, and other potential dangers in the Pine Barrens and how to avoid them.
Age: ages 8 and up.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather permitting. We advise participants bring water and bugspray/tick repellent.
Songs and Stories of the American Revolution
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
23-Aug 2 PM
Description: Dressed in colonial clothing and performing rousing period songs and stories, Matthew Dodd will take you back in time to the days of the American Revolution. Mr. Dodd sings and plays the guitar, banjo, mandolin and recorder throughout the show.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Week of 8/25/2025 - 8/31/2025
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
27-Aug 8:30 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/
Monarch Magic!
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
28-Aug 10 AM
Description: Get up close and personal with the monarch butterfly! We will learn about the life cycle, feeding habits, and migration journey of this amazing little insect!
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors, wear shoes comfortable for walking, and bring binoculars if you have them. If it is a hot day, sunscreen and water are also recommended.
History of the Pine Barrens
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Park office
30-Aug 9 AM
Description: From millions of years ago, to the American Revolution and the Civilian Conservation Corps, learn everything to know about the history of the Pines on this 6-mile hike down the Red Trail.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather permitting. We advise participants bring water and bugspray/tick repellent.
Monarch Magic!
Liberty State Park, Nature Center
30-Aug 10 AM
Description: Get up close and personal with the monarch butterfly! We will learn about the life cycle, feeding habits, and migration journey of this amazing little insect!
Age: all ages
Pre-registration required. Please call (201) 915-3400 x503 or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Please dress to be outdoors, wear shoes comfortable for walking, and bring binoculars if you have them. If it is a hot day, sunscreen and water are also recommended.
Ultimate Tree ID
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
31-Aug 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! (visit our Facebook page for more details.)
Age: ages 10 and up.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather permitting. We advise participants bring water and bugspray/tick repellent.
Hell 0n the Water: The Prison Ships of Wallabout Bay
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
31-Aug 1 PM
Description: Park Seasonal Historian will discuss the conditions and stories of soldiers who were held on the prison ships in Wallabout Bay, Long Island, NY.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email WCSPmuseumprograms@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey
