By: Michela Sales, NJSOC Executive Assistant
As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, the Friends of the NJ School of Conservation invite you to join us for a series of programs designed to bring people closer to nature. From guided hikes and hands-on workshops to creative arts and mindful observation, our Fall and Winter 2025 programs offer something for everyone who loves the outdoors.
Each program is carefully crafted to provide a balance of learning, community, and fun. Whether you’re exploring local plants, practicing archery, or crafting holiday ornaments from natural materials, these experiences encourage deeper connections with the natural world and with one another.
Program Highlights
Introduction to Fly Tying
September 6, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn to tie your own Wooly Bugger and discover how to use it for fishing in Lake Wapalanne.
Plant Walk-Abouts
September 7 & 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Take a closer look at the surprising history and uses of plants we encounter every day.
Observing Nature: Inward & Outward
September 13 or 14, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Develop new ways of seeing the world through simple mindfulness practices and cell-phone photography techniques.
Tuesday Fall Hikes for Women
September 16, October 21, November 11, 9:15 am – 12:00 pm
Spend the morning hiking local trails with a community of like-minded women.
Bees and Bee-havior
October 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Discover the remarkable world of honeybees and observe their behavior up close.
Archery for Beginners
October 11, 18 & 25
Youth (ages 8–13): 10:00 – 11:00 am
Adults (14+): 12:00 – 1:00 pm
A three-session course introducing basic archery skills through drills, games, and guided practice.
Paint Among the Pines
October 26, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Enjoy an afternoon of painting surrounded by the beauty of the Pines, with a cup of warm cider in hand.
Thankfulness Hike
November 28, 9:45 am – 12:30 pm
Celebrate the season of gratitude with a guided hike along the trails and through the woods.
Holiday Decorations from Natural Materials
December 6, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Create your own holiday ornaments using acorns, pinecones, and other natural treasures, then wrap up the day with a campfire and s’mores.
This fall and winter, we invite you to slow down, step outside, and experience the wonder of nature with us at NJSOC. Each program offers a chance to learn, to reflect, and to celebrate the simple joys of the season.
Visit njsoc.org/events to view the full calendar and register!