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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]