The New Jersey School of Conservation

Nature by the Book: The NJSOC Book Club
2025-04-26 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston, 07826, United States
Help us pilot our first book club!

Join us as we read together The Forest Unseen by David Haskell.
“In this wholly original book, biologist David Haskell uses a one-square-meter patch of old-growth Tennessee forest as a window onto the entire natural world. Visiting it almost daily for one year to trace nature’s path through the seasons, he brings the forest and its inhabitants to vivid life (Amazon).”
This is our first book club, and participants will help shape the experience, including deciding what to read next! We’ll meet to discuss the book on Saturday, April 26th. We’ve reserved space at the School of Conservation at 10:30 am for this, but ultimately participants will decide whether to meet in person or virtually. You’ll receive weekly discussion points to ponder that will guide our group conversation.
High School students and up are welcome to join. Please register by March 15th. Our official kick-off date will be March 17th. Participants will receive addtional instructions via email (don’t forget to monitor the email address you use to register!).

The 2025 Annual NJSOC Spring Cleanup
2025-04-16 10:00 - 16:00
It’s been a long winter and it’s time for some Spring Cleaning! 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 keep our campus looking its very best. Some of the jobs we’ll be tackling include painting the climbing wall pavilion and toilet, dismantling a wall on the ASE Road and scrubbing elements, perhaps some indoor painting, and invasives removal. It’s an ever changing list, and we’ll send registered participants an update and suggestions for tools it will be helpful to bring along shortly before the event. Bring a bag lunch and beverage for a well-deserved lunch break with your new, hard-working friends! You supply the labor; we’ll supply the campfire and a chance to make new friends while performing valuable service to the SOC!
Due to the nature of the work, this event is best suited for adults and older teens. Nearly all our work will be outdoors; heavy rain will postpone the event to Friday April 18th and you will be notified of the change via email. Please make sure to monitor the email address you register with!

3rd Tuesday Hiking Series for Women (ages 18+)
2025-04-15 09:45 - 12:00
Join like-minded women and hike on trails at NJSOC.

Advanced Archery Course (3 sessions) for Ages 10 & up
2025-04-12 12:00 - 13:30
You pull back the bowstring… stare downrange at the target. Release! The arrow flies away and plunges into the target. Bullseye!

Join the fun! Participants will be taught by USA Archery certified instructors. We will have you flinging arrows in no time. Be advised, archery is great fun and habit-forming! No experience or equipment necessary! This workshop series is open to adults and youth (ages 10+) who meet the following prerequisites:

Ages 10-14 must have completed a class with us previously
Ages 14 and up must be able to shoot at 20 yards.

Choose from two spring courses. Each and consists of three 90-minute classes on three consecutive Saturdays: Saturdays, April 12, 19, and 26 @ 12:00 – 1:30 pm Saturdays, June 7, 14, and 21 @ 12:00 – 1:30 pm Each Saturday class will include both instruction and supervised open shooting practice time. Eager to participate, but not able to make all three sessions? Email us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org and we’ll work out a solution! Ruth and John Goralski are Level 3 Instructor/Trainers with USA Archery. They are also past PA state champions. If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Refund Policy/Inclement Weather: 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. Registration fees are not adjusted and 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. In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified if a session will not be held as scheduled. A session cancelled due to bad weather will be made up the next day (Sunday). If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Beginner Archery Course (3 sessions) for Adults (ages 14 & up)
2025-04-12 10:15 - 11:15
You pull back the bowstring… stare downrange at the target. Release! The arrow flies away and plunges into the target. Bullseye!

Join the fun! Participants will be taught by USA Archery certified instructors. We will have you flinging arrows in no time. Be advised, archery is great fun and habit-forming! No experience or equipment necessary!
This workshop series is open to adults (ages 14+) and consists of three 60-minute classes on three consecutive Saturdays. Choose from two spring courses:

Saturdays, April 12, 19, and 26 @ 10:15 – 11:15 am
Saturdays, June 7, 14, and 21 @ 10:15 – 11:15 am

Each Saturday class will include both instruction and supervised open shooting practice time. Participants who complete the program will be able to easily transition into any archery program or move on to our Advanced Course. Eager to participate, but not able to make all three sessions? Email us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org and we’ll work out a solution!
Ruth and John Goralski are Level 3 Instructor/Trainers with USA Archery. They are also past PA state champions.
If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org.
Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Refund Policy/Inclement Weather:
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. Registration fees are not adjusted and 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.
In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified if a session will not be held as scheduled. A session cancelled due to bad weather will be made up the next day (Sunday).
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Beginner Archery Course (3 sessions) for Youth (ages 8-13)
2025-04-12 09:00 - 10:00
You pull back the bowstring… stare downrange at the target. Release! The arrow flies away and plunges into the target. Bullseye!

Join the fun! Participants will be taught by USA Archery certified instructors. We will have you flinging arrows in no time. Be advised, archery is great fun and habit-forming! No experience or equipment necessary!
This workshop series is open to adults (ages 14+) and consists of three 60-minute classes on three consecutive Saturdays. Choose from two spring courses:

Saturdays, April 12, 19, and 26 @ 9:00 – 10:00 am
Saturdays, June 7, 14, and 21 @ 9:00 – 10:00 am

Each Saturday class will include both instruction and supervised open shooting practice time. Participants who complete the program will be able to easily transition into any archery program or move on to our Advanced Course. Eager to participate, but not able to make all three sessions? Email us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org and we’ll work out a solution!
Ruth and John Goralski are Level 3 Instructor/Trainers with USA Archery. They are also past PA state champions.
If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org.
Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Refund Policy/Inclement Weather:
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. Registration fees are not adjusted and 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.
In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified if a session will not be held as scheduled. A session cancelled due to bad weather will be made up the next day (Sunday).
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Beavers: Nature’s Engineers – A STEM Exploration for K-6 Educators
2025-04-04 16:00 - 2025-04-05 16:00
Join us for a fun and interactive STEM workshop where we’ll learn all about beavers and their amazing engineering skills!

Join us for a field-based and hands-on workshop that brings the fascinating world of beavers into the classroom! Designed for K-6 teachers, this workshop will explore the vital role beavers play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating climate change.
Through a hike to explore an active beaver meadow, interactive STEM activities, learning games, and a creative costume activity, educators will build their own understanding and leave with fun, practical tools to help students understand the importance of these remarkable animals.
Objectives:

Understand the ecological role of beavers and their contributions to biodiversity, water management, and climate resilience.
Integrate STEM concepts into classroom activities with a focus on engineering, biology, and environmental science.
Encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity through an interactive design challenge and active learning games.
Utilize a “Structure and Function” dress-up costume activity to make science concepts come alive in a kinesthetic way.

Acquire ready-to-use lesson plans that incorporate STEM concepts and active learning strategies and book and resource suggestions to fit the needs of your classroom.

Whether you’re teaching science, environmental studies, or simply want to inspire curiosity in your students, this workshop will provide exciting tools and activities that bring the incredible world of beavers to life!
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (RAIN OR SHINE):
Friday, April 4th, Optional early arrival to alleviate the stress of morning travel.
4-5pm Arrive at NJSOC and settle into cabins5- 6pm- BYO Dinner6-7pm- Canoe Paddle on Lake Wapalanne to explore SOC’s own beaver lodge!7-8pm- Campfire, Stargazing & S’mores!
Saturday, April 5th, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
8-9am- Overnighters will enjoy a NJSOC breakfast9am- Arrivals for single day participants9am-9:30 – Welcome & Introductions9:30- 1pm- Outdoor activities: Round trip (3.5mile) hike to Steam Mill Beaver Meadow, “Ways of the Wild” Exploration and bag lunch1-3:30pm – Indoor activities: STEM Design Challenge: Beaver Dam Building, Active Learning Games: The Beaver’s Role in the Ecosystem, Climate Change and Conservation and Structure and Function Dress-Up Activity3:30- 4pm- Reflection, Feedback and Departure
Instructor Bios:
Holly Romahn With over 30 years of teaching experience, Holly has taught students in grades K-4. Currently teaching 4th grade science and social studies, she has a strong interest and background in elementary aged STEM and nature education. Holly teaches at Hardyston Township Elementary School and also works as a seasonal naturalist at High Point State Park, helping visitors learn about the outdoors. Holly’s goal is to engage students by making learning fun and hands-on.
Tanya Sulikowski is the Director of Education at the NJ School of Conservation. As a wildlife ecologist, Tanya spent a portion of her early career documenting beaver activity in the NJ Pinelands. She loves providing opportunities for educators to get into the field and get their hands dirty while exploring creative new ways to connect students to our natural world.
Workshop Details:
Registration fee for overnighters includes breakfast and lunch, overnight accommodations in cabin-style housing and all workshop materials. The fee for a single day includes lunch and all workshop materials.
Participating educators will receive a $150 stipend, made possible through grant funding, upon completion of the workshop.
Please contact Tanya Sulikowski, NJSOC Director of Education, with any questions. tsulikowski@njsoc.org
Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if canceled 7 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 7 days of the event.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Paint Among the Pines: Piney Point Edition
2025-03-29 13:00 - 15:00
Is winter beginning to wear on you? Creativity and camaraderie is the cure that will get you through to Spring! You’ve got this!!

Is winter beginning to wear on you? Creativity and camaraderie is the cure that will get you through to Spring! You’ve got this!!
Is winter beginning to wear on you? Creativity and camaraderie is the cure that will get you through to Spring! You’ve got this!!
Join us for our inaugural “Paint and Sip” (hot chocolate that is) program: Paint Among the Pines. This will be the first in a series of Paint and Sips hosted by Keri Giannotti. In this edition, we will capture our beloved Piney Point as it appeared during a dazzling display of the Aurora Borealis last fall. All materials are covered in the participant fee. All you have to bring is yourself, your passion and excitement, and some snacks. If you bring a friend, even better!

Holiday Decorations from Natural Materials
2024-12-07 14:00 - 17:00
Bring the outdoors in this holiday season with ornaments you make yourself!

Usher in the Holidays with an afternoon of creating holiday tree decorations with natural materials. We’ll take a short walk to collect acorns, pinecones, sticks, leaves, or whatever natural treasures you can find to create your own ornament. We will supply glitter, glue, string, wire, acorns, pinecones and other natural materials, and examples of decorations you might want to create. Or use your imagination and creativity to come up with your own design!. Once everyone has finished, we’ll each hang one of our ornaments on a tree at Piney Point, enjoy a campfire, and light the tree we decorated together as darkness falls.
This program is open to adults and children of any age. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please purchase a ticket for each participant age 3 and up.
If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org.

SOC After Dark
2024-10-19 19:00 - 21:00
Fall is the perfect time for stories around the campfire. And that’s just the beginning!

Fall is the perfect time to gather around the campfire with friends for some not-too-scary stories. Popular local storyteller Ken Karnas will be our featured speaker at this Pre-Halloween event. Throughout his 42-year teaching career, Ken used stories to enhance every academic area he taught. In addition to using storytelling in the classroom, Ken has shared his tales with audiences of all ages in libraries, museums, parks, and at NJSOC’s Piney Point fire circle.
Following the storytelling, you’re invited to join us for a not-at-all-scary night hike. Discover the beauty of Stokes State Forest by moonlight and learn about some of its residents who are active at night on this easy hike along an open path.
Or, if you prefer, bring some marshmallows and hang out at the campfire, or head over to the corral for some stargazing on your own.
Come just for the campfire and stories (about 30-40 minutes), or stay longer and enjoy the SOC “nightlife”. It’s up to you!
This program is open to adults and families with children of any age. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for each individual. In case of inclement weather, we’ll move the storytelling indoors and hike as planned as long as the rain isn’t heavy.
If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org.
Refund Policy/Inclement Weather:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 7 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 7 days of the event.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

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Field Forestry & Climate Change Workshop
2024-10-10 16:00 - 2024-10-11 16:00
The NJSOC is partnering with the NJ Forest Service to help educators learn about connections between forestry and climate science.

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation but an impressive 40% of our land cover is forested. Forests are critically important resources that provide wildlife habitat, food, recreation, and ecosystem services that clean our air and water, mitigate flooding, and sequester carbon.
The New Jersey School of Conservation is partnering with the New Jersey Forest Service to help educators learn about forestry. This field-based workshop will provide an opportunity for educators to work alongside foresters and researchers as we collect and interpret data from forest stands on the NJSOC campus. Participants will learn how carbon pools are calculated, how forests are managed, and why they are a critical part of our statewide climate change initiatives.
Educators will leave with a deeper understanding of how field science connects to climate research, and new resources for experiential education at their schools, even if they only have access to a single tree!
Participating educators will receive a $50 stipend, made possible through grant funding, upon completion of the workshop.
We encourage workshop participants to arrive on Thursday night to alleviate the stress of Friday morning travel.

(Tentative) Workshop schedule:
Thursday, October 10 (optional overnight)
4:00pm- Arrive at NJSOC and settle into cabins
5:00pm- Campus Tour & Activities
6:00pm- BYO Dinner
7:00pm- Canoe Paddle on Lake Wapalanne
8:00pm- Campfire
Friday, October 11
8:00am- Breakfast Big Timbers (for overnighters)
9:00am- Arrivals & Check In (for non overnighters)
9:15-9:30am- Introductions, Workshop Overview
9:30-10:30am- NJ Forest Overview/Forest Action Plan and Climate Change Initiatives
10:30- 11:45am- Forest Measurements & Carbon Calculation Activity
12:00- 1:00pm- Lunch
1:15- 2:30pm- Carbon Pool Calculation Activity
2:45- 3:30pm- Interpretation of Data & Forests as Mitigating Tools for Climate Change
3:30-4:00pm- Reflections, Classroom Applications
4:00pm- Depart NJSOC

Registration fee for overnighters includes breakfast and lunch, overnight accommodations in cabin-style housing and all workshop materials. The fee for a single day includes lunch and all workshop materials.
Please contact Tanya Sulikowski, NJSOC Director of Education, with any questions. tsulikowski@njsoc.org
Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if canceled 7 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 7 days of the event.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

2024 Fall Fling Archery Course (3 Sessions) for Adults (Age 14+)
2024-10-05 12:00 - 2024-10-19 13:30
Explore Archery! Course consists of 3 Saturday sessions that will include basic archery skills, fun drills, and archery games.

You pull back the bowstring. You stare downrange at the bullseye. Release! The arrow flies away and plunges into the target. Bullseye!
Join the fun! Participants will be taught by USA Archery certified instructors. We will have you flinging arrows in no time. Be advised, archery is great fun and habit-forming! No experience or equipment necessary!
This workshop series is open to adults (ages 14+) and all participants must register in advance. There will be a total of three sessions consisting of 90 minutes classes on three consecutive Saturdays.
The sessions will be:

Saturday, October 5th @ 12 pm – 1:30 pm
Saturday, October 12th @ 12 pm – 1:30 pm
Saturday, October 19th @ 12 pm – 1:30 pm

Each Saturday class will include both instruction and supervised open shooting practice time. Participants who complete the program will be able to easily transition into any archery program. Eager to participate, but not able to make all three sessions? Email us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org and we’ll work out a solution!
Ruth and John Goralski are Level 3 Instructor/Trainers with USA Archery. They are also past PA state champions.
If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed on the NJ School of Conservation Campus.
Refund Policy/Inclement Weather:
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. Registration fees are not adjusted and 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.
In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified if a session will not be held as scheduled. A session cancelled due to bad weather will be made up by adding time to the following session or, if necessary, rescheduling for a Sunday.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

2024 Fall Fling Archery Course (3 Sessions) for Children ages 8 -14
2024-10-05 10:00 - 2024-10-19 11:00
Explore Archery! Course consists of 3 Saturday sessions that will include basic archery skills, fun drills, and archery games.

You pull back the bowstring. You stare downrange at the bullseye. Release! The arrow flies away and plunges into the target. Bullseye!
Join the fun! Participants will be taught by USA Archery certified instructors. We will have you flinging arrows in no time. Be advised, archery is great fun and habit-forming! No experience or equipment necessary!
This workshop series is open to children(ages 8-14) and all participants must register in advance. There will be a total of three sessions consisting of 60 minute classes on three consecutive Saturdays.
The sessions will be:
Saturday, October 5th – 10 AM to 11 AMSaturday, October 12th – 10 AM to 11 AMSaturday, October 19th – 10 AM to 11 AM
Each Saturday class will include both instruction and supervised open shooting practice time. Participants who complete the program will be able to easily transition into any archery program. Eager to participate, but not able to make all three sessions? Email us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org and we’ll work out a solution!
Ruth and John Goralski are Level 3 Instructor/Trainers with USA Archery. They are also past PA state champions.
If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed on the NJ School of Conservation Campus.
Refund Policy/Inclement Weather:
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. Registration fees are not adjusted and 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.
In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified if a session will not be held as scheduled. A session cancelled due to bad weather will be made up by adding time to the following session or, if necessary, rescheduling on a Sunday.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Native Plants 1-2-3: Plan & Plant, Pollinators, & Preparing for Winter
2024-10-05 10:00 - 13:00
Where are you on your Native Plant gardening journey? This three-in-one workshop offers something for everyone!

You want to improve your local environment and help pollinators. You’re thinking about replacing your lawn with native plants… but worried about what the neighbors will say! Master Gardener, Barbara Rosenberg will share techniques that can disguise the real intent of the new garden where lawn used to be, and suggest native plants that lend themselves to “keeping up appearances”.
You’re probably familiar with the relationship between Monarch butterflies and milkweed and are ready to expand your knowledge of the pollinators your garden is helping. From the generalists to the specialists, SOC Environmental Educator, Aliza Kawecki, will introduce you to some of the plants in our “Frog Hollow” pollinator garden and their fascinating relationships with the pollinators they support.
And where do those pollinators go in the winter? We often forget how crucial late fall, winter, and early spring care of our garden spaces is to overwintering creatures large and small. Dr Randi Eckel, owner and founder of Toadshade Wildflower Farm and current vice president (and past president) of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, will discuss how (and where!) wildlife overwinters, and how to manage our spaces to support and protect the creatures we attract to our gardens through all twelve months of the year.
If you wish, pack a lunch and stay to chat informally after the workshop with your new friends and our presenters. A great way to make lasting connections with like-minded people!
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.

Nature Journaling: A Professional Development Workshop for K-12 Educators
2024-10-04 16:00 - 2024-10-05 15:30
Join us for a field-based workshop where K-12 educators can learn how to incorporate nature journaling into their teaching practice!

Journaling advances the foundation of learning through outdoor inquiry, investigation and scientific thinking, whether it is of trees in the forest, birds on a pond, spring flowers and weeds sprouting in a community garden or muddy footprints on a school playground!
Journaling also builds all subject skills of observation, curiosity and creativity with pictures, words and numbers using a sketchbook and pencil. No special scientific, artistic or literary abilities are required to enjoy this.
Teachers will find inspiration at the beautiful NJSOC campus in the heart of Stokes State Forest while learning how to include Nature Journaling across all curricular areas, inside and outside the classroom. Many skills will be shared and experienced, including introductory journaling techniques and activities, simple artistic elements of design, building a sense of place, developing scientific thinking skills and natural history concepts, structuring observations and forming questions, lasting memories and connections.
Links to NJ Standards will be provided and teachers will be excited to pass along these skills to students of all ages!
Participating educators will receive a $50 stipend, made possible through grant funding, upon completion of the workshop.
Instructor Bio: Lois Lyons is a retired Chemistry teacher with over 35 years of experience in formal and nonformal classrooms. This Presidential Award winning educator volunteers with the Monmouth County Park System and Retired Educators Association. She volunteers and works at NJSOC. Lois is an avid hiker and has a passion for the outdoors that she connects with her watercolor painting.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (RAIN OR SHINE):
Friday, October 4th, Optional early arrival to alleviate the stress of morning travel.
4-5pm Arrive at NJSOC and settle into cabins
5- 6pm- Canoe Paddle on Lake Wapalanne
6-8pm- BYO Dinner, Campfire, Stargazing & S’mores!
Saturday, October 5th, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
8-9am- Overnighters will enjoy a hearty breakfast
9am- Arrivals for single day participants
9am-12pm- Intro to ConceptsOutdoor activities:

I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of

Elements of Design
Comparison or Inside Out

12-1pm – Lunch at Big Timbers
1-3pm – Outdoor activities, while hiking NJSOC trails

My Secret Object
Zoom In/Zoom Out
String Safari

3-3:30pm- Reflection, Feedback and Departure
Registration fee for overnighters includes breakfast and lunch, overnight accommodations in cabin-style housing and all workshop materials. The fee for a single day includes lunch and all workshop materials.
Please contact Tanya Sulikowski, NJSOC Director of Education, with any questions. tsulikowski@njsoc.org
Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if canceled 7 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 7 days of the event.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

ANJEE Autumn Conference
2024-09-20 08:00 - 17:00
The NJSOC is proud to host the Fall 2024 ANJEE conference. Please Save the Date, September 20, 2024, and check back with us for registration information soon!

Observing Nature: Inward and Outward
2024-09-14 09:30 - 17:30
Free yourself from your mental gerbil wheel and experience the peace and focus that come from simply being present! The peaceful forest environment of the School of Conservation is the perfect place to accomplish this! In “Observing Nature: Inward and Outward,” you’ll learn how to still your mind, open your heart, open your eyes, and open your higher senses to take in what is going on within and around you at all times. The practical skills you learn to strengthen your own powers of observation will help make it easier to navigate the world and its unexpected surprises in order to succeed at reaching your goals.
This program is designed for ages 12* to adult (*children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult), and no prior experience is required– just a love of nature and learning. Instructor-led activities will include simple, yet powerful, mindfulness techniques, deep relaxation instruction, nature observation walks (some silent), private journaling, and cell phone nature photography,
This popular program is now in its third year and is led by Peter Del Vecchio, using his training and life experiences as both a keen observer of the natural world and yogic mindfulness guide. Here’s what previous participants have had to say about Observing Nature: Inward and Outward:
• “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.

Aquatic Connections: How Stream Ecology Tells the Story of Your Landscape
2024-08-19 - 2024-08-22
Educators of middle and high-school aged students are invited to apply for the New Jersey School of Conservation’s summer workshop, Aquatic Connections: How Stream Ecology Tells the Story of Your Landscape. This residential program will take place from August 19-22, 2024 at the school’s 240-acre campus in the heart of Stokes State Forest in Sussex County. Participants will reside in cabins and share meals at the NJSOC field station, providing an immersive experience that will enhance collaboration.
Aquatic Connections will focus on three aspects of aquatic ecosystems. First, participants will engage in hands-on learning about stream macroinvertebrates by exploring the Flat Brook River on the NJSOC campus. Teachers will learn to sample and identify macroinvertebrates, and how to use stream sampling to make connections between human and natural systems.
Second, teachers will work alongside university scientists to explore the physical and chemical parameters of the Flat Brook. The focus on geology, water chemistry and landscape-level forest health will help participants understand how aquatic systems function and change over time.
Third, the workshop will feature the iNaturalist app/program and pilot the new National Geographic funded MacroBlitz project. Teachers will be trained in iNaturalist and MacroBlitz and will apply geographic practices and use geographic perspectives to identify, map and assess spatial and temporal distribution of macroinvertebrate species in the Flat Brook and beyond.
Teachers will collaborate to use their acquired skills and knowledge to create a portfolio of low prep lessons to spark student curiosity and engage in environmental problem-solving in their respective communities.
Interested applicants should be in a current position teaching middle or high-school aged students and be able to demonstrate a strong interest in natural history, field biology and ecology. Some activities will involve walking several miles over moderate terrain and take place outdoors in daytime and at night, rain or shine. Accommodations will be made for successful applicants with mobility challenges.
There is no cost to participants.
Scholarships are funded by National Geographic, the Fred Burroughs Chapter of Trout Unlimited and a private donor. Scholarships include all meals, cabin-style lodging at the NJSOC and workshop materials.

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2024. Applicants will be notified by May 15, 2024. The application can be found HERE.
Contact NJSOC Director of Education, Tanya Sulikowski, with any questions. tsulikowski@njsoc.org
Working Agenda
Day 0- Sunday August 18
Optional arrival on Sunday night for check in.
BYO dinner. Sunset hike
Day 1- Monday Aug 19
Welcome to NJSOC- Campus orientation
Introductions/Icebreakers
Connections to NGSS/Expectations for deliverables
Lunch
MacroBlitz Part 1
iNaturalist Part 1
Dinner
Sunset paddle on Lake Wapalanne
Campfire
Day 2- Tuesday Aug 20
Early morning hike/yoga (optional)
Breakfast
MacroBlitz Part 2
iNaturalist Part 2
Lunch
Forest Health Research
Stream Geology
Dinner
Nighttime activity- Moth surveys as an indicator of forest health
Day 3- Wednesday Aug 21
Early morning hike/yoga (optional)
Breakfast
MacroBlitz Part 3
Chemical Testing/Temperature Studies
Lunch
Collaboration Time
Dinner
Evening activity- fly tying and fly casting (sponsored by Trout Unlimited)
Campfire
Day 4- Thursday Aug 22
Breakfast
Mining iNaturalist Data and Analysis
Collaboration Time/Classroom resources
Lunch
Lesson Idea Presentations
Evaluations
Apply Here

NJSOC 75th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
2024-06-01 08:30 - 18:00
Come celebrate 75 years of NJSOC with us at our Anniversary Celebration!

It’s our 75th Anniversary Celebration Weekend and we have so much to celebrate!! In 2020, the School of Conservation was closed, and its future uncertain. The Friends of the NJSOC sprang into action to save the school and began offering programs again in just a few short months. Now, in 2024, SOC is open, staffed, and busy doing what we do best—providing “Environmental Education for Everyone, Everywhere.” We want to share this important milestone with all of our friends, old and new.
We’ve planned a special day highlighting all that the school has to offer—nature exploration, education, fun activities, a social hour and luncheon, and the wonderfully unique SOC experience of a campfire with good music and good friends along the shore of Lake Wapalanne. Our Saturday celebration will also be an opportunity for our dedicated leaders to share the rich 75-year history of the School of Conservation, our most recent successes, and our bold vision for the future to lead the way in teacher training, student experiences, and academic research centered on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. The weekend programs and activities are geared for adult participants.
Our 75th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, June 1 is FREE from the morning flag ceremony to the evening campfire, but pre-registration is REQUIRED. Please read on for optional add-on tickets to extend the celebration to enjoy the SOC after dark by spending Friday or Saturday night in a comfortable SOC cabin nestled within Stokes State Forest.
Again we welcome friends, old and new, to celebrate our 75th Anniversary in true SOC style. This event is geared for adults. Your FREE main event ticket for Saturday, June 1st includes:
8:30- 8:45 AM: Flag Ceremony at Long House led by NJ Youth Corps Phillipsburg
9:00 AM: Check in at Kittatinny Hall
9:30-11:30 AM: Panel Presentation: NJ Leaders in Climate Change Education
12:00-1:00 PM: Social hour in Big Timbers – Music by Michael Patrick
1:00-2:00 PM: Luncheon in Big Timbers: Keynote Speaker and Award Presentations
2:00-5:00 PM: SOC Activity Sampler: Archery, Fiber and/or candles, Metalsmithing, Boating, Water ecology
5:00 PM: Campfire with song leader Michael Patrick. Will there be s’mores? Join us and find out!
Capacity for this event is limited. Once full, you may add your name to the waiting list and we will notify you if space becomes available. If you are registered and will be unable to use your ticket, please contact us so someone who is waitlisted can join us.
The following food and lodging packages are available for those wishing to extend their celebration before and after Saturday:
Friday Night Kick Off Add-On: May 31 – $50/person

Arrival beginning at 1:00 PM, community BBQ dinner between 6:00 -7:00 PM at Piney Point (weather permitting), followed by a campfire.
Friday night lodging*
Saturday 7:30 – 8:15 AM Continental Breakfast

Sunday Morning Add-On: June 1 & 2 – $50/person

Saturday, June 1, Dinner at 6:00 PM
Saturday night lodging*
8:00 – 9:00 AM: Continental Breakfast
9:30 AM – Vesper Glen fellowship
11:00 AM – Bag lunch pick up.
Noon – departure

* SOC guests will be housed in shared cabin-style lodging that may include a short walk to the bathroom or dormitories with shared bathrooms. There is a limited number of overnight accommodations that include private bathrooms for guests with limited mobility.

Celebrate World Archery Day at NJSOC! (for Adults and Children ages 8+)
2024-05-11 10:00 - 14:00
Have fun learning the basics of Archery as we celebrate World Archery Day at NJSOC.You pull back the bowstring. You stare downrange at the bullseye. Release! The arrow flies away and plunges into the target. Bullseye! Join the fun! Drop by between 10 am and 1 pm for an hour-long lesson and some practice time with our USA Archery-certified instructors. Lessons will begin on the hour at 10, 11, 12, and 1. Come for an hour, or stay for the day! No experience or equipment is needed. We will have you flinging arrows in no time. Be advised, archery is great fun and habit-forming! This program is open to adults and children(ages 8 and up). Children must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must register in advance. Ruth and John Goralski are Level 3 Instructor/Trainers with USA Archery. They are also past PA state champions. If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@friendsofnjsoc.org. Refund Policy/Inclement Weather: Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 7 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 7 days of the event. In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified if a session will not be held as scheduled. The raindate for this program is Sunday May 12th. If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

NJSOC Spring Cleanup II
2024-04-26 10:00 - 16:00
We had so much fun and got so much done, we’re doing it again! It’s Spring Clean Up, Part Two! 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 2024 programming to begin. Some of the jobs we’ll be tackling include painting, raking, weedwhacking, trail maintenance, and gardening. We keep adding to the list! We’ll send registered participants an update and suggestions for tools it will be helpful to bring along shortly before the event. Bring a bag lunch and beverage for a well-deserved lunch break with your new, hard-working friends! You supply the labor; we’ll supply the campfire and a chance to make new friends while performing valuable service to the SOC!
Due to the nature of the work, this event is best suited for adults and older teens. Nearly all our work will be outdoors; we can work in light or intermittent rain– if heavy rain is forecast, you will be notified by email if we have to cancel. Don’t forget to check the email address you registered with!

MacroBlitz: Citizen Science at the Next Level
2024-04-20 10:00 - 16:00
Come learn about what NJSOC offers teachers and students and MacroBlitz, a new National Geographic project that inspires citizen scientists.

Who doesn’t love field trips?
The NJ Science Teachers Assocation, the Alliance for the NJ Environmental Education and the NJ School of Conservation invite you to the NJSOC to learn about our resources for teachers and students and try MacroBlitz, a new National Geographic Society project.
The NJSOC has inspired students, teachers and researchers for 75 years. Come visit the beautiful campus in the heart of Stokes State Forest to learn why. You’ll explore the site and learn about the innovative work being done in field research, climate education and teacher professional development.
The second part of the day will feature MacroBlitz, a new National Geographic initiative that will empower citizen scientists to document aquatic macroinvertebrates using the iNaturalist App. Educators will hunt for stream insects in the Flatbrook River and learn how to document their findings in iNaturalist.
Participants will leave as members of MacroBlitz, with new field skills and tools for engaging students and a new appreciation for the aquatic underworld.
This fun, outdoor day will include a campus tour, hands-on (and instream) workshop and lunch.
Tentative Agenda (rain or shine):10am- Arrival & Welcome10:30am-12p- Campus Tour12-1p- Lunch1-4pm- MacroBlitz Workshop4pm- Summation and Departure
Please contact Tanya Sulikowski, NJSOC Director of Education, with any questions. tsulikowski@njsoc.org

Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 7 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 7 days of the event.

The 2024 Annual NJSOC Spring Cleanup
2024-04-13 10:00 - 16:00
It’s been a long winter and it’s time for some Spring Cleaning! 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 2023 programming to begin. Some of the jobs we’ll be tackling include raking, weedwhacking, trail maintenance, and gardening. We keep adding to the list! We’ll send registered participants an update and suggestions for tools it will be helpful to bring along shortly before the event. Bring a bag lunch and beverage for a well-deserved lunch break with your new, hard-working friends! You supply the labor; we’ll supply the campfire and a chance to make new friends while performing valuable service to the SOC!
Due to the nature of the work, this event is best suited for adults and older teens. Nearly all our work will be outdoors; heavy rain will postpone the event to Sunday, April 14th and you will be notified of the change via email. Don’t forget to check the email address you registered with!

Holiday Tree Decorations with Natural Materials
2023-12-02 14:00 - 17:00
Bring the outdoors in this holiday season with ornaments you make yourself!

Usher in the Holidays with an afternoon of creating holiday tree decorations with natural materials. We’ll take a short walk to collect acorns, pinecones, sticks, leaves, or whatever natural treasures you can find to create your own ornament. We will supply glitter, glue, string, wire, some acorns and pinecones and a couple of examples of decorations you might want to create, or use your imagination and creativity to come up with your own design. Once everyone has finished, we’ll each hang one of our ornaments on a tree at Piney Point, enjoy a campfire, and light the tree we decorated together as darkness falls.
This program is open to adults and children of any age. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please purchase a ticket for each participant age 3 and up.
If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@njsoc.org.

Voices from the Land: Exploring Landscape and Language, Art and Culture
2023-11-30 16:00 - 2023-12-03 14:00
“Voices from the Land” is a creative process that encourages students to explore the connection between nature, art, language and culture.

The Voices process is standards-based and experiential. Voices builds “community” among people of different backgrounds, ages and abilities: social and emotional learning are integral to the process. Communication, speaking and listening skills, compromise and respect… are essential elements.
A Voices experience begins outdoors… as small groups of people (3-4 per group) explore a natural area: a meadow, stream, forest, beach, park, etc. As the Voices process unfolds, each group selects part of the site that “speaks” to them. Guided by principles of art, groups create art from natural materials found on-site: leaves, sticks, stones, mud, water, etc. After completing their art, the groups share their art with other groups.
Oral language captured during this first phase becomes raw material for the next phase, where groups use written language to create poetry. In the third phase of the process, groups use performance art to re-cast their poems into performance poetry, which they share with other groups. Digital photography documents the Voices process, allowing participants to create posters/books that showcase their work.
Voices has been used in schools across the US, Canada and Europe, with groups ranging from pre-school to adult, and special-needs. Educators Erik and Kris Mollenhauer (Voices originators) will facilitate this hands-on workshop. In 2018, Voices was recognized as “Project of the Year” by Virginia Master Naturalists for its effectiveness.
Tentative Agenda
Thursday night arrival is optional. Our hope is that early arrivals will alleviate the stress of Friday morning travel.
Thursday, Nov 30 Arrive at NJSOC approx. 4 pm; bring your own dinner.
7:00-9:00 pm Special Program – “Through the Dragon’s Mouth”, followed by a “Winter Constellation Star Party” on Lake Wapalanne.
Friday, Dec 1
8:00-9:00 Arrival and settle into cabins
9:00-9:30 Welcome… Introductions… Posters
9:30-10:30 Overview of the “Voices from the Land” process
10:30-12:30 Creating Voices art (outdoor activities)
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:00 Overview of Voices poetry
2:00-3:00 Small group writing time
3:00-3:30 Teaching oral performance
3:30-4:30 Small group planning time
4:30-5:00 Designing Voices books and posters
5:00-6:00 Break
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Campfire and storytelling
Saturday, Dec 2
8:00-8:45 Breakfast
8:45-9:15 Discovery Walk
9:15-10:00 Small group planning time
10:00-12:00 Small group performances
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:00 Summation, Poster Walk, Evaluations
Registration fee includes five meals, overnight accommodations for two nights in cabin-style housing and all workshop materials.
Please contact Tanya Sulikowski, NJSOC Director of Education, with any questions. tsulikowski@njsoc.org
Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 7 or more days before 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.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Climate on My Campus: Using Field-Based Data in the Classroom
2023-11-12 13:30 - 2023-11-13 16:00
Increase your knowledge and classroom resources to implement the New Jersey Climate Change Standards across the curriculum!

We will take advantage of the bucolic setting and exemplary natural resources at the NJ School of Conservation to investigate indicators of climate change and then connect our results to local and global communities. Numerous classroom resources will be highlighted through hands-on, field-based investigations.
During this workshop, you will be introduced to local scientists engaged in current research. Workshop sessions will focus on learning about how and why data is collected in order to help you incorporate near/real-time data into your curriculum.
This workshop is supported by the MBARI EARTH (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s Education and Research: Testing Hypotheses) program that brings together educators and researchers with the goal of bringing real data into classrooms. For more information, please visit the EARTH website. https://tinyurl.com/26n2se9k
In this workshop, you will:
– Learn to identify local indicators of climate change.
– Participate in a tree coring exercise and collect dendrochronology data for an active research project on the NJSOC campus.
– Collect data from the NJSOC campus and use the information to design a new schoolyard to reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.
– Explore a variety of online data sources for classroom activities.
– Combine art and science to interpret and illustrate graphs to convey the “Bigger Picture” of climate change.
– Learn about MBARI’s EARTH lessons and other resources available.
– Network and collaboratively create a lesson plan with other NJ middle and high school teachers using the EARTH lesson plan template. (Participants may receive a $50 stipend upon submission of a completed lesson plan using data/ideas from the workshop.)
– Learn more about the history and resources available at the NJ School of Conservation, the oldest year-round residential environmental learning center in the country.
Workshop Agenda
In order to alleviate the stress of morning travel, participants are invited to arrive on Sunday evening. Monday morning arrival is also welcome if more convenient.
The overnight workshop fee includes cabin-style lodging at the NJ School of Conservation for one night, 3 meals and workshop materials.
The single day workshop fee includes lunch and workshop materials.
Sunday November 12, 2023- *optional arrival*
1:30-2:30 Arrival & Check-in
2:30-5:00 Welcome, NJSOC Tour & Activities
5:30-6:30 Dinner
6:30-8:00 What’s the Bigger Picture Lesson featuring guest Glaciologist and Artist, Jill Pelto
8:00-9:00 Campfire and S’mores
Monday November 13, 2023
7:30-8:30 Breakfast for overnighters
8:30-9:00 Arrival & Check-in
9:00-9:15 Welcome, Educator Introductions and NJSOC Introduction
9:15-10:15 MBARI EARTH Overview, Website Tour, Adopt-A-Float
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30-12:00 Dendrochronology and Climate In the Field
12:00-12:45 Lunch and Networking with Scientists
12:45-1:30 Accessing Climate Data for the Classroom
1:30-2:45 Albedo Lesson- Cool Schools: Designing for Climate Change
2:45-3:45 Lesson Plan Collaboration & Development
3:45-4:00 Evaluation & Adjourn
Workshop Facilitators:
Dr. Nancy FitzGerald- Jefferson Academy for Environmental Science Faculty (retired)
Dr. Frank Gallagher- Director, Environmental Planning Program, Department of Landscape Architecture. School of Environmental & Biological Sciences Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Dr. Missy Holzer- Science Standards Specialist, Great Minds PBC and retired NJ high school science teacher
Tanya Sulikowski- Director of Education, NJ School of Conservation
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Space is limited. Open to formal and informal educators of all disciplines, including pre-service teachers. Deadline to register: November 3, 2023
Contact the NJ School of Conservation’s Director of Education, Tanya Sulikowski, with any questions. tsulikowski@njsoc.org.
Cover art “Proxies for the Past” created by Jill Pelto, www.jillpelto.com
Refund Policy:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 7 or more days before 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.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

SOC After Dark
2023-10-28 19:00 - 21:00
Fall is the perfect time for stories around the campfire. And that’s just the beginning!

Fall is the perfect time to gather around the campfire with friends for some not-too-scary stories. Popular storyteller Ken Karnas will be our featured speaker at this Pre-Halloween event. Throughout his 42-year teaching career, Ken used stories to enhance every academic area he taught. In addition to using storytelling in the classroom, Ken has shared his tales with audiences of all ages in libraries, museums, parks, and at NJSOC’s Piney Point fire circle.
Following the storytelling, you’re invited to join us for a not-at-all-scary night hike. Discover the beauty of Stokes State Forest by moonlight and learn about some of its residents who are active at night on this easy hike along an open path.
Or, if you prefer, bring some marshmallows and hang out at the campfire, or head over to the corral for some stargazing on your own.
Come just for the campfire and stories (about 30-40 minutes), or stay longer and enjoy the SOC “nightlife”. It’s up to you!
This program is open to adults and families with children of any age. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for each individual. In case of inclement weather, we’ll move the storytelling indoors and hike as planned as long as the rain isn’t heavy.
If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please let us know so we can help! Contact us at info@njsoc.org.
Refund Policy/Inclement Weather:
Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 7 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 7 days of the event.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Educators' Open House
2023-10-16 09:00 - 16:30
Spend a day at the NJ School of Conservation learning about the outdoor field experiences we have to offer to you and your students.

We’ll highlight upcoming professional development workshops, online resources and volunteer opportunities. Then, you’ll get to “be a student for the day” and participate in several of our most popular field experiences, learn how they support New Jersey’s student learning standards, including the new Climate Change standards and Social Emotional Learning Competencies, and find out how you can continue to build on the experience back at your own school. Classes will include Nature Art & Poetry (with climate change emphasis), Metalsmithing, Water Ecology, and Archery.
The Open House will also include opportunities for networking, smore-making and lots of fun! Earn up to 7.5 hours of professional development. Lunch is included.
Your $20 ticket fee is a deposit. After attending the event, you will receive a full refund.

Rustic Bread Baking
2023-10-07 11:00 - 15:00
10/5/23: THIS PROGRAM IS ON, DESPITE THE RAIN. PLEASE DRESS FOR THE WEATHER– RAINCOAT & BOOTS– AND DON’T FORGET YOUR SUPPLIES.
Explore a hands-on experience in bread baking in an outdoor, wood fired oven!

Warm homemade bread, fresh out of the oven, is a sumptuous culinary repast! Try this hands-on experience in rustic bread baking and you can learn how an outdoor wood fired oven works, and bring home your own loaf to share (or not!).
This workshop begins by following a Rustic Yeasted Bread recipe that will be kneaded and coaxed into a loving loaf of bread that will be baked in an outdoor, wood fired oven. During the rising time, participants will collectively make a bakers’ snack.
Every baking experience in the outdoor oven is unique! Feeding the fire, heating the interior of the oven high enough for quick bakers’ snack and stepping the temperature down for the bread baking has its challenges. We will share with you how it all works and keep our fingers crossed for a great bake day!
This workshop is open to individual adults, couples, and to children (ages 11 and up) with an adult partner. Each participant/pair will prepare and bake one loaf of bread to take home at the end of the session.
Please note: We will ask registered participants to bring an apron, large mixing bowl, 1-2 oven mitts, a large, clean dish towel, zip lock bag, and a large paper bag (to carry bread home).
Optional, but helpful: while a seasoned 8″” up to an 11″” cast iron skillet will be provided you may bring your own to bake in (no enamel).
A little about your instructors:
Susan, is a licensed mental health counselor, a former nutrition educator at family childcare homes, and enjoyed demonstrating cooking and baking using a wood burning stove at an outdoor ethnic history museum. Robin, a retired earth science teacher, taught middle school students the art and science of bread baking.
PLEASE NOTE: Pets are not permitted on the NJSOC Campus.
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.

Wood-fired outdoor oven for bread baking.

Autumn Wild Edibles Information Walk
2023-10-07 11:00 - 12:30
10/6/23: POSTPONED TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8th
Wild edibles: nutrition, gastronomy, survival and fun science

Jumpstart a foraging habit for your soups, stews, salads, pestos and fritters! Your program leader, Joanne White, will lead you on a walk to discuss and photograph whatever is available in woods and meadow-like areas. Although this is not an eating event, lots of follow-up information will be available including an email with photos and descriptions of items covered on the walk. There will be references to dichotomous keys, books, nutrition, safety, ethics, gastronomy, survival and fun science. Joanne is a former science teacher with over 40 years of teaching experience, and decades of enjoying wild edibles.
This program is for adults and older teens (age 16 and up). Registration is REQUIRED. Please dress for the weather, with rain gear or an umbrella in case of light rain. You will need your camera (or phone)! Heavy rain will postpone event to Sunday, October 8th.
Please note: No pets are allowed on the NJ School of Conservation Campus.
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. The raindate for this event is Sunday, October 8th. If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.
