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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“I’ve never been lost, but once I was confused in the woods for three days." --Jim MerrittFor fifteen years, Jim Merritt led groups of school kids and adults on hikes in Stokes State Forest near NJSOC. On Saturday, Jim will once again lead a group on a bushwhack hike in the forest. He will be […]

Bring your family and join us to put the FUN back in the FOREST! Join us for a day of fun in the forest and experience the magic of SOC for yourselves. Build a sense of community as you engage with others in the outdoors. During your visit you will participate in experiential activities in […]

Ready or not... Learn how (and why) to meet the new climate change standards in your K-5 classroom and have fun doing it! Ready to teach climate change? This program is designed to support K-5 teachers in incorporating the new climate change standards into your already-tight curricula. We will model an interdisciplinary and participatory approach […]

Spend the day exploring the NJ School of Conservation with like-minded educators! Get out into the field with other educators who are excited to use iNaturalist! Workshops will be held around the forests, meadows and streams at the NJ School of Conservation and Merrill Creek Reservoir. Educators will learn valuable tips for taking students outdoors […]

Spend the day exploring Merrill Creek Reservoir with like-minded educators! Get out into the field with other educators who are excited to use iNaturalist! Workshops will be held around the forests, meadows and streams at the NJ School of Conservation and Merrill Creek Reservoir. Educators will learn valuable tips for taking students outdoors and will […]

Join us for a magical night of stargazing as the 2021 Perseids Meteor Shower peaks in the skies above NJSOC.Stokes State Forest and the NJSOC are home to some of New Jersey’s darkest night skies. The low level of light pollution makes it possible to see astronomical features not visible in other parts of the […]

Wild edibles: nutrition, gastronomy, survival and fun scienceJumpstart a foraging habit for your soups, stews, salads, pestos and fritters. Your program leader, Joanne White, will lead you on a hike to discuss and take photos of whatever is available in woods and meadow-like areas. Although this is not an eating event, lots of follow-up information […]

Ready or not... Learn how (and why) to meet the new climate change standards in your non-science classroom and have fun doing it!Ready or not… Learn how (and why) to meet the new climate change standards in your non-science classroom and have fun doing it!Ready to teach climate change? This program is designed to support […]

Meet some of the small creatures that live in SOC's water habitats & learn what they tell us about the health of their aquatic environment.Many aquatic animals serve as "bio indicator" species, or species that reveal the ecological health of their environment. In studying macro invertebrates (animals without a backbone that can be seen with […]