By: Michela Sales, NJSOC Executive Assistant
We were thrilled to welcome 15 students from Ramapo College’s Civic and Community Engagement Center for a weekend of service, learning, and discovery in Stokes State Forest.
Led by NJSOC’s Director of Education, Tanya Sulikowski, the students rolled up their sleeves and got right to work on two important service projects: clearing the Purple Finch Trail to ensure it remains safe and accessible for hikers, and giving our Ambassador Animals’ enclosures a much needed deep cleaning. Their care and attending made a meaningful impact on both our trails and Ambassador Animals.
It wasn’t all hard work and no fun, though! The group also enjoyed participating in team-building exercises, boating on Lake Wapalanne, and hiking to Steam Mill Pond in a hopeful search for beavers. They had a surprising wildlife encounter along the way, nearly crossing paths with a skunk who was happily dining on a frog!
One of the highlights for this weekend’s service trip was the collection of over eight pounds of invasive Autumn Olives. Rather than letting the berries go to waste, the students turned them into a delicious syrup, which was enjoyed over ice cream, french toast, and even italian ice. It was a fun and tasty way to transform an invasive species into a teaching moment.
Around the campfire, the students reflected on their experiences, shared stories, and deepened their sense of self and community. It was the perfect weekend for a few of the Ramapo Roadrunners to get a chance to explore both service and science in an immersive outdoor setting.
We are so grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication of the students from Ramapo College. Their commitment to service and conservation inspires us and gives us hope for the future. We can’t wait to welcome them back to NJSOC for future service trips!
