The New Jersey School of Conservation

Nutrients and Energy in Ecosystems
2021-06-14 15:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston, 07826, United States
Come for a walk in the woods and investigate how energy and nutrients interact to keep an ecosystem functioning successfully.
Ecosytems are essential for earth’s survival. In this afternoon workshop, we’ll take a walk through the woods and collect some samples that illustrate how nutrients and energy move through ecosystems. We’ll discuss how the terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems of Stokes State Forest function, what they need to stay healthy, and what can happen when things go wrong. Some hands-on activities will be part of the tour. This workshop is geared for adult participants.
Your expert tour guide for the afternoon is Jon Connolly. Jon is a research biologist and the President of Sussex County Community College. His areas of research are tree anatomy and physiology, ecosystem ecology, biochemistry, and fungal physiology. Jon earned his Ph.D at the University of Maine and his Master of Forest Science degree at Yale University.
The class-tour will occur unless there is torrential rain. Bring rain gear if it is going to sprinkle. It also makes sense to bring along a small trowel and some scissors.

Hug a Tree (Preventing Search and Rescue)
2021-06-12 15:30 - 17:00
Learn from a Search & Rescue expert how NOT to get lost in the woods (and how to stay safe if it does happen).

Nobody wants to get lost in the woods and New Jersey Search and Rescue wants to show young children and their parents ways of avoiding it and what to do if it does happen. There will be a movie, slide presentation, and demonstrations about subjects like what to carry, staying safe, sheltering and keeping warm in the woods. Join us to learn this very simple, but valuable survival information from a Search & Rescue expert. This program is offered as a FREE public service especially for children ages 4-12 and their parents.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Masks must be worn while indoors during this event.

The Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. When NJSOC closed in July 2020, the Friends launched a campaign to save it. This ultimately led to negotiations with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, owners of NJSOC, to obtain an interim management agreement for the School. This agreement was finalized in April 2021, and the Friends of NJSOC are proud to offer limited programming at NJSOC with the help of dedicated and talented volunteers. We are pleased to register you for one of our programs!

Hiking Navigation
2021-06-12 09:00 - 14:00
Attention hikers! Wouldn’t it be great to have a better sense of where you are and where you’re going?

The call of nature has increased so much recently and many new hikers have joined the ranks of those heading into the woods. Imagine how much more enjoyable and safe the experience would be if you had a better sense of where you are and where you’re going! John Rovetto, Mountain Travel and Rescue adviser for the NJ region of the National Ski Patrol, a NY State Licensed guide, a member of New Jersey Search & Rescue and a NY/NJ Trail conference trail maintainer & Sawyer will give you the knowledge you need to improve your outdoor navigation skills. This workshop is for experienced and novice adult hikers and includes both classroom instruction and practical application while hiking in the woods together.
Pre-registration is required. COVID protocols, including mask wearing and social distancing will be practiced during this event.

The Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. When NJSOC closed in July 2020, the Friends launched a campaign to save it. This ultimately led to negotiations with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, owners of NJSOC, to obtain an interim management agreement for the School. This agreement was finalized in April 2021, and the Friends of NJSOC are proud to offer limited programming at NJSOC with the help of dedicated and talented volunteers. We are pleased to register you for one of our programs!

Dendrology and Tree Biology
2021-06-07 15:30 - 18:30
Can’t see the forest for the trees? Then let’s take a closer look at those trees and learn how to ID them by leaves, flowers, and bark.

A walk in the woods is much more satisfying when you know what you are looking at and something about it. Trees in the forest are the habitat for everything else. This afternoon class will be spent walking through the woods learning how to identify trees using leaves, buds, and bark. We will discuss how trees interact and how they function. The tour will consist of listening and observation along with touch and feel approaches. This workshop is geared for adult participants.
Your expert tour guide for this workshop is Jon Connolly. Jon is a research biologist and the President of Sussex County Community College. His areas of research are tree anatomy and physiology, ecosystem ecology, biochemistry, and fungal physiology. Jon earned his Ph.D at the University of Maine and his Master of Forest Science degree at Yale University.
The class-tour will occur unless there is torrential rain. Bring rain gear if it is going to sprinkle. It also makes sense to bring a small trowel and some scissors.

Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs Youth Fishing Challenge
2021-06-05 10:00 - 13:00
It’s FREE Fishing Day! Bring your family and your fishing gear and spend the morning fishing in Lake Wapalanne. You might even win a prize!

This event is open to all ages – no license or trout stamp is required on New Jersey’s Free Fishing Days. The entire family is encouraged to join the fun! You will need to bring your 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.) Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This event is sponsored by NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program and hosted by the Friends of NJSOC. All Division of Fish and Wildlife programs strictly adhere to current New Jersey Covid-19 safety protocols including social distancing guidelines, mask wearing, and travel restrictions. Registration is required.

The Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. When NJSOC closed in July 2020, the Friends launched a campaign to save it. This ultimately led to negotiations with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, owners of NJSOC, to obtain an interim management agreement for the School. This agreement was finalized in April 2021, and the Friends of NJSOC are proud to offer limited programming at NJSOC with the help of dedicated and talented volunteers. We are pleased to register you for one of our programs!

NJSOC 72nd Anniversary Celebration and Open House
2021-05-29 10:00 - 14:00
This Memorial Day Weekend, kick off your holiday with Friends—Friends of NJSOC, that is!

Save the family barbeque for later in the weekend and drop by the NJ School of Conservation Open House on Saturday, May 29th between 10 am and 2 pm. We’ve got a lot to celebrate this year, and Memorial Day Weekend is the right time to do it.
The School of Conservation first opened its doors on Memorial Day weekend 1949; now, 72 years later, we are celebrating its RE-opening. Join us for a tour of this historic facility, paddle a canoe, fish in Lake Wapalanne (valid NJ fishing license required), express your creativity with a rock art project, talk with a wildlife researcher, or just enjoy the opportunity to walk the trails and admire the scenery. Bring a picnic lunch if you wish.
NJSOC has been closed to the public for nearly a year. It is our great pleasure to unlock the gate and welcome you back. Registration is required for this FREE event.

The Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. When NJSOC closed in July 2020, the Friends launched a campaign to save it. This ultimately led to negotiations with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, owners of NJSOC, to obtain an interim management agreement for the School. This agreement was finalized in April 2021, and the Friends of NJSOC are proud to offer limited programming at NJSOC with the help of dedicated and talented volunteers. We are pleased to register you for one of our programs!

Searching for Salamanders
2021-05-15 10:00 - 12:00
Salamanders are an important but often elusive part of an ecosystem. In this program, participants will have an opportunity to learn about these amazing little creatures and their role in our environment. We will also learn about how salamanders can indicate the quality of the environment, for them and us.
Spend the morning with our salamander expert! Registration is required @ $10 per family. Children must be accompanied by an adult. COVID protocols, including mask wearing and social distancing will be practiced during this event.

NJSOC Spring Cleanup II
2021-05-02 10:00 - 15:00
After nearly a year behind a locked gate, NJSOC will reopen for programming! We need lots of help to spruce things up. Can we count on you?

Join our work party as we make a clean sweep of NJSOC’s facilities and grounds to get everything ready for programming to resume. Participants are asked to bring tools (weedwhackers, rakes, brooms), cleaning supplies (rags, paper towels, etc.), and a bag lunch. You supply the labor; we’ll supply the campfire and a chance to make new friends while performing valuable service to the SOC!

NJSOC Spring Cleanup
2021-05-01 10:00 - 17:00
