Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs - Youth Fishing Challenge 2026
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston, 07826, United States
Spend some quality time fishing with your family at Lake Wapalanne!

This fun fishing event is open to all youth (17 & younger). Your child will need to bring their own fishing gear. Registered youth participants may be eligible to receive prizes for the fish they catch during the event. (Youth must be present at the end of the event to be awarded prizes.)
This event is sponsored by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program and hosted by the Friends of NJSOC. Space is limited and registration in advance is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pets are not permitted.
This date is a NJ Free Fishing Day when a fishing license is NOT required for anyone age 16 and older.

Check-in / Event Schedule:

9:30 – 9:55 AM: Check-in at Long House. This is the red building with the statue in front.
Following check-in until 10 AM: Select and set up your fishing spot. Reminder: while accompanying adults are also welcome to fish, space along the lakeshore and earthen dam is limited and safety is one of our top concerns. Once youth participants have taken their spots along the lakeshore, adult anglers may fill in any remaining spaces as safety allows.
10 AM: We will all wait for a signal to drop lines in the water once everyone is situated.
10 AM – 12:30 PM: Fishing Fun! Each member of your family who is fishing will have a scorecard. Children will be eligible for prizes. A volunteer will fill in the information about each fish you catch on the scorecard. Volunteers will also be available to assist you.
12:30: Pack up your gear and meet in front of Long House. There will be 4 prizes awarded to youth participants at the end of the program. While volunteers review your scorecards, this is a good time to enjoy your lunch and learn a little bit about the School of Conservation.
12:50: Presentation of prizes to children and goodie bags. Each family will receive a goodie bag, but must be present at the end of the event to receive one.
1:00: Thank you and Goodbyes!

Sponsored by New Jersey Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing Program

Fool a Fish? - One on One
2026-06-07 09:00 - 12:00
A fun fly tying fishing challenge designed for curious and creative kids ages 10–16

Have you ever wondered if you could design your own fishing fly and actually catch a fish with it? Now’s your chance to find out. Join us at Lake Wapalanne on the NJSOC campus for a hands-on program where you’ll learn how to tie your very own fishing flies from scratch.
Bring along a parent or guardian and work together as we teach you simple fly-tying techniques. Based on how much fun we had during our small pilot program last month, we’ve decided to limit our sessions to just two or three students. This will allow us opportunities for one on one instruction and individualized guided practice.
Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to get creative—experiment with your own designs and see what you can invent! Then comes the real test: we’ll head down to the lake to try out your creations and see if the fish are biting. No experience? No problem. We provide special equipment so you won’t need traditional fly rods or casting skills. And if you’re under 16, you don’t even need a fishing license.
Along the way, you’ll also learn about fish ecology and the fascinating life beneath the water’s surface—all while enjoying the great outdoors.
Come explore, create, and catch something amazing!
This June program will be limited to 3 teams of child and guardian

Wings Over the Water: A Dragonfly & Damselfly Workshop
2026-06-14 12:00 - 16:00
Get ready to spot and learn all about dragonflies and damselflies in this fun, hands-on outdoor workshop!

Did you know that Sussex County, NJ has more dragonfly and damselfly species than any other county in the US? In fact, we have more “Odonata” in Sussex County than the entire state of California!
Spend a day alongside the ponds, streams, and wetlands of Stokes State Forest as you discover the remarkable world of dragonflies and damselflies — some of the most ancient and acrobatic insects on the planet. New Jersey is home to over 170 species of these stunning fliers, and this hands-on workshop gives you the tools and knowledge to find, identify, and appreciate them.
Led by experienced naturalists and odonate enthusiasts, Bruce Taterka and Tanya Sulikowski, the day blends classroom learning with time in the field. You’ll learn to identify and photograph dragonflies in lake, stream and meadow habitats. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned naturalist looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop offers something for everyone.
Schedule for the Day
12:00p- Welcome & Orientation (Nature Center Classroom)

Introductions and overview of the day
Brief orientation to NJSOC grounds and habitats
Safety briefing and field ethics

12:15-12:45pm Dragonfly Biology & Ecology (Nature Center Classroom )

Dragonfly and damselfly morphology and behavior
Life cycle: aquatic nymphs → aerial adults
Predator–prey relationships and ecological roles
Importance of habitat
Distribution of the Pocket Guide to Dragonflies of the NJSOC and overview of New Jersey’s odonate richness

12:45-1:15pm Introduction to iNaturalist & MacroBlitz (Lab Classroom)

Brief introduction (15 minutes) for participants to download the app and learn the basics of uploading observations
Outdoor practice with iNaturalist around Lake Wapalanne

1:15-2:15pm Macroinvertebrate Sampling (Flatbrook River)

Safety and ethics briefing
Kick nets and rock-flipping
ID keys, field guides, iNaturalist
Photographing specimens
Biotic index

2:30pm – 3:15pm: Odonata Exploration (Lake Wapalanne)

Exploring the shoreline and emergent vegetation

3:15pm – 4:00pm: Odonata Exploration (Flatbrook River)

Exploring the stream and adjacent riparian areas

4:00pm – 4:15pm: Wrap-up and Debrief

Reflection on the importance of odes the insect community, and the impacts of habitat degradation
Brainstorming conservation efforts and teaching and outreach strategies

Wapalanne Women's Wellness Weekend -- Summer Edition
2026-06-26 17:00 - 2026-06-28 13:00
Join us for the Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend where you can relax and refresh in nature

Welcome to Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend on the historic NJSOC campus in the middle of beautiful Stokes State Forest!
Come and enjoy a weekend to refresh your mind, body, and spirit with nature journaling, hiking, archery, yoga, boating, campfires, and much more. As we ease into summer take time to relax and center yourself in a beautiful natural setting. Come on your own or bring some friends and stay in our rustic cabins with views of Lake Wapalanne.
The cost of this weekend includes two nights of lodging, six meals and six programs. It also helps us continue our work to foster environmental knowledge and action through education programs that promote sustainability practices, climate change mitigation, and environmental justice.
Programs:
Nature Journaling – Learn how to use nature in your journaling from a Master Educator. Then go for a walk and draw inspiration from nature. All supplies provided.
Wild Plant Hike – Take a hike with a Master Educator and learn about native plants and their uses. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Outdoor Yoga – Join us for an outdoor session to learn why we practice yoga and how important it is to our wellness. Bring a mat or towel as we do some movement and end with a meditation. All levels of experience are welcome.
Boating – Enjoy a peaceful afternoon gliding across Lake Wapalanne and learn some basics of canoeing. No experience needed, life vests are provided.
Archery – Learn all about Archery from a certified instructor. Enjoy learning a new skill in a beautiful setting. No experience needed all equipment is provided.
Campfire – Join us around the campfire for songs and s’mores.

Lodging:
When you register you will be able to choose a cabin with or without an en suite toilet and shower. You will also choose top or bottom bunk in the cabins with an en suite toilet and shower. All accommadations have heat/AC and WiFi. The cabins with en suite toilet and shower also have a mini fridge or full kitchen. You will need to provide your own bedding, pillow, and towel. A detailed packing list will be sent after you register. Remember to let us know if you are coming with friends!

Individuals who identify as women are welcome at this event.

Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 14 or more days before the event. While we appreciate being notified if you are unable to attend an event, refunds are not given for cancellations within 14 days of the event. If we must cancel, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Solar Field Volunteer Day
2026-08-05 08:30 - 11:30
Help us create a pollinator meadow and new educational space!

The NJSOC is working closely with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on a project to remove invasive species and establish a pollinator meadow in the old solar field. This will create a wonderful new wildlife habitat and educational space on campus. In preparation for a fall seeding, we need to remove some of the remaining invasive species and need your help. The targets for the day will be common mullein and foxtail grass and eradicating them involves hand pulling and transport to our disposal site. If you’d like to join the fun, wear long pants and long sleeves and BYO gloves. We’ll provide the education, inspiration and snacks.
This event will be held in light rain or shine. Thunderstorms will cancel and you will be notified of the change via email. Please make sure to monitor the email address you register with!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Tanya Sulikowski, Director of Education at tsulikowski@njsoc.org.

The NJSOC Book Club… Summer Session
2026-08-15 10:30 - 12:00
Our FREE book club is back with a new title for Summer 2026!

Our FREE book club is back with a new title for Summer 2026!
Join us as we read together Raising Hare, a memoir by Chloe Dalton. Participants will read at their own pace, with the opportunity to discuss virtually via the Heylo app. You’ll receive weekly discussion points to ponder that will guide our group conversation. We’ll meet to discuss the book face-to-face on Saturday, August 15th, at the School of Conservation from 10:30 to noon. This meeting will also include an outdoor activity related to our reading.
High School students and up are welcome to join. Participants will provide their own copy of the book. We will officially begin reading on Sunday, July 5th. Please feel free to register and jump in any time. Participants will receive additional instructions via email (don’t forget to monitor the email address you use to register!).
About Raising Hare:
NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • FINALIST FOR THE 2025 WOMEN’S PRIZE
A fascinating meditation on freedom, trust, loss, and our relationship with the natural world, explored through the story of one woman’s unlikely friendship with a wild hare.
“Imagine you could hold a baby hare and bottle-feed it. Imagine that it lived under your roof and bounded around your bedroom at night, drumming on the duvet cover when it wanted your attention. Imagine that, more than two years later, it still ran in from the fields when you called it and slept in your house for hours on end. For political advisor and speechwriter Chloe Dalton, who spent lockdown deep in the English countryside, far away from her usual busy London life, this became her unexpected reality.
In February 2021, Dalton stumbles upon a newborn hare—a leveret—that had been chased by a dog. Fearing for its life, she brings it home, only to discover how difficult it is to rear a wild hare, most of whom perish in captivity from either shock or starvation. Through trial and error, she learns to feed and care for the leveret with every intention of returning it to the wilderness. Instead, it becomes her constant companion, wandering the fields and woods at night and returning to Dalton’s house by day. Though Dalton feared that the hare would be preyed upon by foxes, weasels, feral cats, raptors, or even people, she never tried to restrict it to the house. Each time the hare leaves, Chloe knows she may never see it again. Yet she also understands that to confine it would be its own kind of death.
Raising Hare chronicles their journey together while also taking a deep dive into the lives and nature of hares, and the way they have been viewed historically in art, literature, and folklore. We witness firsthand the joy at this extraordinary relationship between human and animal, which serves as a reminder that the best things, and most beautiful experiences, arise when we least expect them.”

Solar Field Volunteer Day
2026-08-27 08:30 - 11:30
Help us create a pollinator meadow and new educational space!

The NJSOC is working closely with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on a project to remove invasive species and establish a pollinator meadow in the old solar field. This will create a wonderful new wildlife habitat and educational space on campus. In preparation for a fall seeding, we need to remove some of the remaining invasive species and need your help. The target for the day will be foxtail grass and eradication involves hand pulling and transport to our disposal site. If you’d like to join the fun, wear long pants and long sleeves and BYO gloves. We’ll provide the education, inspiration and snacks.
This event will be held in light rain or shine. Thunderstorms will cancel and you will be notified of the change via email. Please make sure to monitor the email address you register with!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Tanya Sulikowski, Director of Education at tsulikowski@njsoc.org.

The Art of Being Human: Observing Our Nature Within
2026-09-12 09:30 - 17:30
Previously titled “Observing Nature: Inward & Outward”. Join us as we celebrate five years of our partnership with Peter Del Vecchio.

This program offers a deep, personal experience in learning to still the mind, open the heart, open the eyes, and use our higher senses to observe within ourselves and around us at all times.
This popular program is now in its fifth year, designed and led by Peter Del Vecchio, sharing his decades of training and life experiences as both a keen observer of the natural world and yogic mindfulness guide.
Instructor-led activities include simple and powerful mindfulness and deep relaxation techniques, nature walks (some silent), journaling, discussions, and cell phone nature photography – a favorite!
The serene forest environment of the School of Conservation is the perfect place to accomplish this! Once we come in touch with our true self within, it is so much easier to navigate the world to attain our goals.
Throughout our lives from early childhood, we are guided toward intellectual learning: facts, dates, calculations, etc. The Art of Being Human: Observing Our Nature Within offers a practical, deeper type of learning to help free us from that “mental gerbil wheel”. We learn to focus inwardly in order to better focus outwardly. The benefit is a much cleaner, happier, giving, and more fulfilling life.
This program is designed for ages 12* to adult (*children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). No prior experience is required – just a love of nature and learning. Here’s what previous participants have had to say:
• “Thoroughly enjoyed the program with Peter at NJSOC. Made me appreciate how important it is to practice being present and practice mindfulness on a daily basis.”
• “I loved the focus on ‘love and forgiveness’”.
• “I would recommend this program to anyone who has anxiety or other mental health struggles, as you learn a lot of coping strategies and how to be present.”
• “At first, I wasn’t sure about coming to this program because it didn’t sound like something that would be beneficial to me. However, after coming here, I can say that I have learned a lot about myself, what I need to work on, and how to do it.”
Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 7 or more days before the event. In the case of a multi-day event, you must cancel 7 or more days before the first day of the event. No partial refunds are given if you cannot attend all days of the event.
While we appreciate being notified if you are unable to attend an event, refunds are not given for cancellations within 7 days of the event.
For events that are weather-dependent, a raindate/reschedule date is included in the event description. We do not offer refunds if an event is rescheduled for the specified date.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Connecting People and Place: Conservation Psychology in Action
2026-10-03 11:00 - 15:00
Join us to explore how understanding human behavior and connecting landscapes and people can inspire lasting environmental stewardship.

OVERVIEW & LOGISTICS
This unique hybrid workshop offers participants the opportunity to engage virtually with the New Jersey School of Conservation in Sandyston, NJ and the The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, CA to explore the challenges—and promise—of community-based conservation through the lens of Conservation Psychology. Local people determine the success of conservation projects, so learning from them on how to best engage them in ways that benefit them will make our nature conservation work more successful.
Those who are local to the New Jersey School of Conservation are invited to gather onsite to participate in the Zoom session together, creating a shared learning environment while connecting virtually with partners in Palm Desert and beyond.
Following the Zoom presentation, onsite attendees will take a break for lunch. Please bring your own lunch to enjoy on the grounds as we prepare for the afternoon portion of the workshop.
After lunch, onsite participants will take part in a guided hike on the grounds of the School of Conservation. This immersive, place-based experience will extend the morning’s conversation, using the natural landscape as a living classroom.
By combining virtual dialogue with in-person exploration, this two-part workshop offers both broad connection and grounded experience—linking ideas to action in meaningful and memorable ways.

CONTENT & AGENDA
11 AM – 12 Noon
Part I. “Community-Based Conservation: Towards a More Effective Form of Nature Conservation ” (Live Zoom Presentation)
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking Zoom introduction to Conservation Psychology and how it can best be used to foster effective community-based conservation led by James Danoff-Burg of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert.
Conservation Psychology explores the powerful connection between people and the natural world—examining why we care about nature, what motivates environmental action, and how organizations can inspire meaningful, lasting behavior change. Drawing on his extensive experience in conservation education and community engagement as a professor at Columbia University and conservation leader at San Diego Zoo and now The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Dr. Danoff-Burg will guide participants through real-world challenges and practical strategies for engaging communities in watershed protection and addressing modern conservation issues such as invasive species and climate change.
Whether you’re an environmental professional, student, educator, volunteer, or simply passionate about protecting our planet, this session will provide valuable insights into how understanding human behavior can strengthen conservation efforts and create deeper, more effective community impact.
12 Noon – 1 PM
Discussion/Lunch (bring your own) for onsite participants at NJSOC
1 PM – 3 PM
Part II. “Layers of the Land” (Guided Hike)
Dr. Frank Gallagher, Director of Research for the SOC and Associate Professor at Rutgers University will guide participants on a hike through the NJSOC property as a living record of human history, beginning with an introduction of how the landscape has been shaped by past use, restoration, and ongoing human connection. The hike connects the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, emphasizing their role in reforestation and land management, while also touching on watershed protection and modern conservation challenges like invasive species and climate change. Throughout, we will incorporate ideas from Conservation Psychology to encourage reflection on how perceptions of landscapes evolve and influence stewardship, ending with a discussion that invites participants to consider their own role in the forest’s ongoing story.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how understanding human behavior can be one of our most powerful conservation tools.

SPEAKERS

DR. JAMES DANOFF-BURG is the Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where he leads the institution’s conservation strategy and global field initiatives.
In his leadership at The Living Desert, Danoff-Burg has become well-known for promoting a broader, socially engaged approach to conservation. He champions programs that combine biological science with social science — including the Building Community Conservation Success (BCCS) workshops and the collaboration with IUCN to create the Center for Behavior Change at The Living Desert— to train conservation practitioners around the world in how best to engage communities as key partners in species protection and ecosystem stewardship. These programs emphasize that long-term biodiversity conservation requires not just habitat and species work but also meaningful involvement with people who live alongside wildlife.
Before his role at The Living Desert, he also served as a Professor at several universities including Columbia University, and led or consulted for multiple conservation-focused organizations, including founding Helping Rhinos USA, a nonprofit dedicated to rhino conservation, the San Diego Zoo, and now The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. His career reflects both on-the-ground fieldwork and strategic leadership in international and community conservation.
Under his direction, The Living Desert’s conservation efforts span 105 projects in 12 countries across three continents, integrating habitat restoration, endangered species programs, behavior change research, and capacity-building collaborations with field partners.

DR. FRANK GALLAGHER is the Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Environmental Planning and Design program of Rutgers University’s Department of Landscape Architecture. He is also the New Jersey School of Conservation’s Director of Research, coordinating the school’s academic Research Consortium.
For over forty years, Dr. Gallagher has explored the connection between people and landscape through both land management and academic research. He has served as Chief of Interpretive Services, Administrator and Assistant Director of the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry. After teaching courses in biology, evolution and environmental science for ten years at Upsala College, he joined the faculty at Rutgers, The State University part time in 1994, and full time in 2012.
His current appointment as Associate Professor of Professional Practice and the Director of the Environmental Planning and Design program within the Department of Landscape Architecture consists of academic advising, and working with academic administrators, administrative staff and faculty to ensure the continued development and delivery of a cutting edge program. He serves on the graduate faculty for the Department of Landscape Architecture, Department of Ecology Evolution and Natural Resources and the Federated Department of Biological Sciences at Rutgers Newark and also serves as a Research Associate at Montclair State University.
Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to public land conservation and ecological education, including ecological planning for Liberty State Park and chairing management planning for multiple New Jersey state parks. His efforts have earned recognitions such as the EPA Environmental Quality Award.
