Category: Blog

Last week, the NJ School of Conservation was pleased to unveil a historic marker, presented by the Sussex County Commissioners Historical Marker Program. It was a joyous day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and of course, history for all of those who attended

Thanks to our community of supporters, 2025 was a year of incredible growth, connection, and impact at the NJ School of Conservation. We’re excited to share our 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the meaningful progress we made together

What makes a life-changing outdoor education experience possible? At the NJ School of Conservation, our class offerings range from environmental sciences to humanities, social sciences, and outdoor pursuits—the possibilities for learning are endless. But who teaches these classes, and how do they become so skilled? At NJSOC, we don’t just have teachers—we have Master Educators

After more than 75 years of leading the world in outdoor education, the gates of New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC) are at risk of closing forever. Governor Sherrill’s proposed budget eliminates all funding for NJSOC

Just one hour from The School of Conservation, Vince Portelli makes maple syrup from local sugar maple trees in his backyard. He started his business, Frontier Maple Products, after friends and family enjoyed his sapping hobby that he learned through youtube videos. Now, he sources thousands of gallons of his sap from friends in New York State and collects some from his yard in Bloomingdale, NJ. To collect the sap, he travels with a large stainless steel tank from New Jersey to New York and back

For March, our at-risk species of focus is the Barred Owl (Strix varia), a brown-and-white-striped raptor that resides in both forested locales and swampland. This species has the appearance of a large fluffy-looking owl, with a brown barring on its upper breast and brown streaking on its lower breast and belly. Its head is rounded and lacks ear tufts, while its eyes are dark brown. The Barred Owl occurs throughout the eastern United States, north to southern Canada, and south to the Gulf Coast and Florida, and is a year-round resident, meaning it does not migrate

This month’s at-risk species is the Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum). The elusive amphibian overwinters in deciduous forested areas, while it breeds in vernal pools, which are temporary bodies of water that dry up in the summer. They are usually found under logs and other ground-lying objects, however, they are a rare find unless you are looking to observe them on breeding nights in the late winter or early spring

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the individuals who have helped shape our nation’s story, including leaders who have protected land, water, and community health. Black environmental leaders have long advocated for access to clean air, safe water, and healthy places to live, helping shape our understanding of conservation and justice for generations to come. From early pioneers who practiced sustainable land use, to modern advocates fighting environmental inequality, to young leaders redefining what environmentalism looks like, their impact continues to grow

This past Wednesday, we were excited to welcome our very first school group of 2026 to campus: Jordan Road School from the Somers Point School District! Their sixth-grade class joined us for a three-day, two-night overnight experience, continuing a tradition that spans more than four decades

This January, we are spotlighting the Bobcat (Lynx rufus), an elusive feline native to NJ. Bobcats are considered a medium-sized cat, standing at about two feet tall – they are larger than a domesticated housecat but much smaller than a cougar or lion. The species’ fur can range from a yellowish brown color to a reddish brown color, with distinctive markings varying from ‘tabby’ strips to heavy spotting. Their ears are slightly tufted and they have a short bobbed tail

As 2025 comes to a close, we at the NJ School of Conservation are reflecting on a year marked by connection — to students, educators, researchers, partners, and the land that sustains our work. Across every department, our shared commitment to environmental education, stewardship, and community shaped a year of meaningful progress

Our next at-risk species is the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen), also commonly referred to as the Northern Copperhead. This reptile resides in a variety of environments, ranging from forests and wetlands to suburbs. Northern Copperheads range from the Florida panhandle to northern Massachusetts, and west to Nebraska

The Fowler’s Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) is native to New Jersey, as well as Michigan and parts of the US coast of the Gulf of Mexico. These amphibians thrive in a wide range of habitats from woodlands to beaches. However, they cannot withstand extreme temperatures, so they burrow underground for protection during the hot and cold months

On Saturday, November 1st, NJSOC proudly hosted our annual Staff, Board, and Volunteer Appreciation Day, a special opportunity to recognize the incredible individuals who pour their passion, time, and talent into our mission year-round

This month, we are spotlighting the Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum) as part of our Wildlife At Risk blog series. This amphibian has a black body with markings that differ in color based on its sex (gray for females and white for males). Residing in moist forested regions, this solitary salamander is oftentimes discovered underneath rocks or in leaf litter, and can be found throughout the entire state of New Jersey

Last week, teachers from across New Jersey gathered together at NJSOC for our latest professional development workshop, Beavers: Nature’s Engineers. Led by NJSOC’s Director of Education, Tanya Sulikowski, and Holly Romahn, a 4th grade teacher at Hardyston Elementary School and part-time naturalist at High Point State Park, this immersive hands-on experience gave K-12 educators the chance to explore how one small mammal has an outsized impact on our ecosystems, and how to bring that story into their classrooms

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

Throughout the next few months, we are excited to showcase animals located around the NJSOC to raise awareness about conserving at-risk species and ways you could make a difference

As summer 2025 is nearing an end, I am saddened to announce that I will be leaving the NJSOC. I loved assisting the NJSOC team these past several months, including analyzing data for the Salamander Population and Adaptation Research Collaboration Network (SPARCnet), teaching Herpetology to 4th-12th graders, and caring for NJSOC’s Educational Ambassador Animals

Over the past few months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to intern at the New Jersey School of Conservation, a place where environmental education, community, and stewardship come together in meaningful ways. As a proud Ramapo College of New Jersey alum, this experience has been such an important step in my journey—allowing me to step into new roles, gain practical skills, and see what environmental education looks like in action

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

By: Amelia Basile, NJSOC Education Volunteer At Stokes Music Camp, campers from ages 10 to 17 partake in outdoor activities, learn about the environment through NJSOC classes, challenge their musical skills and meet new friends that share a love for music. Whether these campers stay for one week or two,

For two weeks in July the New Jersey School of Conservation hosted Stokes Music Camp; an opportunity for student musicians to expand their musical talents and creativity in our beautiful and inspiring outdoor setting

By: Ashleigh Clenord, Education Intern This summer, the NJSOC will proudly welcome a dynamic lineup of programs that unite young people, educators, and communities in transformative ways. Thanks to valued partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to education, leadership, and environmental stewardship, NJSOC continues to be a place where