CCLC Professional Development Workshop: Climate Change’s Impact on Climate Justice
2025-08-18 16:00 - 2025-08-19 16:00, 2025-11-14 16:00 - 2025-11-15 16:00 (America/New_York) | NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston, 07826, United States
New Jersey defines “environmental justice communities” by three criteria: presence in a community of concern; the presence of disproportionate environmental and public health stressors; and the absence or lack of environmental and public health benefits. Our morning “Coffee and Climate Science” presentation will explore the impacts and solutions for some of our home state’s key environmental issues. Afternoon field activities will focus on a dive into some of NJ’s most vulnerable communities and the stakeholders that are impacted. Educators will leave with materials to turnkey lessons back to any classroom setting.
View tentative agenda
Register here or use the link below!

Nature Zen Tangle Drawing Workshop and Walk
2025-08-22 15:00 - 18:00
Join us as we learn about this meditative drawing method.

Zen Tangles are an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun artform in which you use structured patterns to create beautiful images. The designs are non-representational and unplanned. There is no up or down to Zen Tangle art. You don’t need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it. The result is always a delightful surprise!
In this workshop, we’ll learn the principles of Zen Tangles and practice drawing the basic patterns. We will then go for a walk and draw inspiration from nature to make our own Tangles and designs. Back inside, we will practice our Zen Tangles, share our creations, and enjoy this calming kickoff to the weekend.
No artistic skill is necessary! All materials will be provided and you will leave with supplies to continue to practice your art at home. Light snacks will be provided.
This workshop is for artists age 18 and up; 12 and up are welcome with an adult. Everyone is an artist!

Introduction to Fly Tying
2025-09-06 09:00 - 12:00
Catch a fish with a fly you made yourself!

Using clever combinations of feathers, fur, and wire – a fly tyer aims to imitate the look, flutter, wiggle, color, and silhouette of a bug or bait fish, all in hopes of presenting an appetizing imitation to an unsuspecting fish. A skilled angler is also a student of nature and selects a fly that mimics what insects are doing in nature.
Join us at the New Jersey School of Conservation for an introduction to the art of fly tying. Golden Stone Outfitters of Lafayette, NJ is generously donating their expertise and all the materials you’ll need to tie your own wooly bugger fly. We’ll also provide opportunities to try your hand at casting a fly rod if you’ve never had the pleasure of doing so. Bring your fishing license if you’d like to test out your fly on one of our fly rods (or your own) and catch one of our warm water fish species in Lake Wapalanne.
No interest in casting a fly rod? Fly tying is also an ART! We totally get it if the artistic expression of creating the fly is what appeals to you! Whether your fly catches a fish or catches compliments as a colorful accessory, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this hands-on introduction to the traditional skill of fly tying.
This workshop is open to adults and youth ages 16 and up. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited to 12 participants. NJ fishing license is required should you actually want to fish; no license required if you just want to practice casting and fly tying.
In case of rain, this workshop will be postponed to Sunday, September 7, and participants will be notified via email (don’t forget to check the email you use to register!).
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.
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, September 7th. If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Late Summer Plant Walk-About
2025-09-07 10:00 - 12:00
Learn about the surprising uses of the plants we see everyday!

Come with herbalist and casual forager Reid Giacomarra as we explore the School of Conservation campus in search of seasonal edible, medicinal & historically relevant native, nonnative & invasive plants, trees and maybe even some mushrooms.
Your guide, Reid, has always been fascinated by all things wild, with plants having a particular pull. She’s studied herbalism with David Winston, Rosemary Gladstar and other plant lovers. She has previously worked at the NJ based herbal products company, Herbalist & Alchemist. She also enjoys gardening, foraging, & roaming about our local forests.
This program is open to adults and older teens (age 16 and up). This will be an easy walk over sometimes uneven terrain; comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Please dress for the weather, with rain gear or an umbrella in case of light rain! Heavy rain will postpone event to Sunday, September 14th and participants will be notified by email.
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.
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, September 14th. If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

Observing Nature: Inward and Outward
2025-09-13 09:30 - 17:30
Free yourself from your mental gerbil wheel and experience the peace and focus that come from simply being present!

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 peaceful forest environment of the School of Conservation is the perfect place to accomplish this! 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 is the 4th year the Friends of NJSOC is offering this program! In order to make it possible for more people to participate, we are offering two single-day sessions on back-to-back days: Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th. You need only register for one date (although you are welcome to register for both days if you wish!).
This popular program 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.”
“Wonderful! This workshop was everything I was hoping it would be. I really enjoyed the day, the meditations were powerful, and sharing of participants’ nature photos was very enjoyable!”

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.

Observing Nature: Inward and Outward
2025-09-14 09:30 - 17:30
REGISTRATION FOR SUNDAY’S PROGRAM IS CLOSED. TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR SATURDAY, SEPT. 13TH.
Free yourself from your mental gerbil wheel and experience the peace and focus that come from simply being present!

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 peaceful forest environment of the School of Conservation is the perfect place to accomplish this! 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 is the 4th year the Friends of NJSOC is offering this program! In order to make it possible for more people to participate, we are offering two single-day sessions on back-to-back days: Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th. You need only register for one date (although you are welcome to register for both days if you wish!).
This popular program 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.”
“Wonderful! This workshop was everything I was hoping it would be. I really enjoyed the day, the meditations were powerful, and sharing of participants’ nature photos was very enjoyable!”

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.

Tuesday Fall Hikes for Women (ages 18+)
2025-09-16 09:15 - 12:00
Join like-minded women and hike on trails at NJSOC.

Ladies only! Join us each month for a Tuesday morning hike on local trails, as we look for signs of the changing seasons, photo opportunities and forest calm. Along the way, we will learn hiking tips for the woods. Lois Lyons, an NJSOC Master Educator, will be your guide. This program is for ages 18 and up.
We will meet at NJSOC at 9:15 am and hike from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Hike Distance: 3 – 4 miles
Pace: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Moderate to slightly strenuous; hikes include flat and rocky trails, some hills.
Hiking shoes or boots are required. Trekking poles are highly recommended. Bring a daypack holding 1 – 2 liters of water, some snacks and a rain jacket. Hike will be held in light rain. Dress in layers.
Join us for a single hike ($10), or register at a discounted rate for the 3-hike series (all three for $25):
Session #1 – “Beaver Dam” Hike – Tuesday, September 16
Session #2 – “Flatbrook River” Hike – Tuesday, October 21
Session #3 – “Towards Stokes Forest” Hike – Tuesday, November 11

CCLC Professional Development Workshop: Climate Change’s Impact on Weather
2025-09-26 16:00 - 2025-09-27 16:00
Due to climate change, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events is predicted to increase, bringing more flooding, drought and storms to NJ. Our morning “Coffee and Climate Science” presentation will explore the impacts of and solutions to changing weather in NJ and beyond. Afternoon field-based experiences with meteorological experts will take teachers into Stokes State Forest to to explore how local research is informing action. Educators will leave with materials to turnkey lessons back to any classroom setting including focusing on their own community for place-based climate education.
View tentative agenda
Register here or use the link below!

Early Autumn Plant Walk-About
2025-09-28 10:00 - 12:00
Learn about the surprising uses of the plants we see everyday!

Come with herbalist and casual forager Reid Giacomarra as we explore the School of Conservation campus in search of seasonal edible, medicinal & historically relevant native, nonnative & invasive plants, trees and maybe even some mushrooms.
Your guide, Reid, has always been fascinated by all things wild, with plants having a particular pull. She’s studied herbalism with David Winston, Rosemary Gladstar and other plant lovers. She has previously worked at the NJ based herbal products company, Herbalist & Alchemist. She also enjoys gardening, foraging, & roaming about our local forests.
This program is open to adults and older teens (age 16 and up). This will be an easy walk over sometimes uneven terrain; comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Please dress for the weather, with rain gear or an umbrella in case of light rain! Heavy rain will postpone event to Sunday, October 5th and participants will be notified by email.
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.
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 5th. 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
2025-10-02 16:00 - 2025-10-03 16:00
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):
Thursday, October 2nd, Optional early arrival to alleviate the stress of morning travel.
4-5pm Arrive at NJSOC and settle into cabins
5- 6pm- BYO Dinner
6-7pm- Canoe Paddle on Lake Wapalanne to explore SOC’s own beaver lodge!
7-8pm- Campfire, Stargazing & S’mores!
Friday, October 3rd, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
8-9am- Overnighters will enjoy a NJSOC breakfast
9am- Arrivals for single day participants
9am-9:30 – Welcome & Introductions
9:30- 1pm- Outdoor activities: Round trip (3.5mile) hike to Steam Mill Beaver Meadow, “Ways of the Wild” Exploration and bag lunch
1-3:30pm – 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 Activity
3:30- 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
Register here or use the link below!

Bees and Bee-havior
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00
Discover the awesome beauty of the honeybee!

Join enthusiasts, Kevin Roche and his son, Luke, in this introduction to the honeybee, Apis mellifera. We will get up close and personal (literally) to gain a better understanding of the lifecycle of honeybees and their important role in pollination.
We will spend time outdoors engaged in the sport of bee lining, a method used to locate a colony of wild honeybees. We’ll learn how to to distinguish honeybees from other pollinators (such as bumble bees, wasps, etc.), catch and mark foraging honeybees using a bee box, and use techniques to estimate the direction and distance to an active hive. This sport naturally provides us with an opportunity to evaluate and improve nesting habitat for these pollinators who are currently suffering alarming losses which surpass all historical trends. It also provides a great opportunity to practice our orienteering skills!
Your program leader, Kevin Roche, has worked with Rutgers NJPIRG students on behalf of our local honeybees, and is dedicated to helping these valuable pollinators thrive.
This program is open to all ages. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
Rain will postpone the event to Sunday, October 5th (bees don’t fly in the rain!) and participants will be notified via email. Please plan to keep both dates open!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. The rain date for this session is Sunday, October 5th.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

October Beginner Archery Course (3 sessions) for Youth (ages 8-13)
2025-10-11 10:00 - 2025-10-25 11:00
Come join the fun!

Join the fun! 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 youth (ages 8-13) and consists of three 60-minute classes on three consecutive Saturdays:

Saturdays, October 11, 18, and 25 @ 10:00 – 11:00 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 by adding time to the following class.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

October Beginner Archery Course (3 sessions) for Adults (ages 14 & up)
2025-10-11 12:00 - 2025-10-25 13:00
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.

Saturdays, October 11, 18, and 25 @ 12:00 – 1:00 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 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 by adding time to the next session.
If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

CCLC Professional Development Workshop: Climate Change’s Impact on Wildlife
2025-10-17 16:00 - 2025-10-18 16:00
Climate change can alter where species live, how they interact, and the timing of biological events, which could transform current ecosystems and food webs. Our morning “Coffee and Climate Science” presentation will explore the impacts on and solutions for NJ wildlife. Afternoon field activities will provide tools for students and teachers to role play these scenarios from NJ’s Highlands to the Coastal Plain and to act as ecologists to explore solutions. Educators will leave with materials to turnkey lessons back to any classroom setting with a focus on wildlife in their own communities in order to study the climate’s effect.
View tentative agenda
Register here or use the link below!

Painting Among the Pines: Lake Wapalanne in the Fall
2025-10-26 13:00 - 15:00
Get ready to unleash your inner artist among the vibrant fall foliage at Lake Wapalanne – no experience needed, just creativity and love!

The inspiration comes from a serene view of Lake Wapalanne captured in the golden hours of an autumn afternoon. Notice how the sun sets low, casting a warm amber glow across the bare branches. The trees have mostly shed their leaves, revealing intricate patterns of trunks and branches silhouetted in orange light. A few evergreen pines hold onto their deep green hues, adding contrast to the fall color palette.
In the foreground, the rippling lake reflects the fiery treeline, creating a dynamic mix of movement and mirror-like calm. The crisp air and fading light signal the quiet beauty of late fall—when the world pauses between the vibrant foliage and winter’s hush.
Materials are included in the fee, all you have to bring is excitement and some confidence.
You are welcome to bring snacks. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited but we will have apple cider provided.
This program is open to adults and youth ages 14 and up. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 10 artists.

CCLC Professional Development Workshop: Climate Change’s Impact on Health
2025-11-06 16:00 - 2025-11-07 16:00
Climate change has led to an increase in human exposure to heat waves, forest fires, storms, droughts and infectious disease vectors, with consequences to human health and communities. Our morning “Coffee and Climate Science” presentation will explore the impacts of and solutions for NJ residents. Afternoon field activities will provide tools for students and teachers to experience the restorative power of our natural resources- from a single tree to an entire forest. Educators will leave with materials to turnkey lessons back to any classroom setting that will help them in turn focus on their own communities.
View tentative agenda
Register here or use the link below!

Nature by the Book: the NJSOC Book Club...Fall Session
2025-11-16 10:30 - 12:00
Our FREE book club is back with a new title!

Join us as we read together Slow Birding by Joan E. Strassmann. Participants will read at their own pace, with an opportunity to discuss virtually using 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 Sunday, November 16th 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, October 5th. Please feel free to register and jump in any time up to November 8th. Participants will receive addtional instructions via email (don’t forget to monitor the email address you use to register!).
About Slow Birding: “Many birders travel far and wide to popular birding destinations to catch sight of rare or “exotic” birds. In Slow Birding, evolutionary biologist Joan E. Strassmann encourages readers to slow down and notice the spectacular birds all around them.
In this inspiring guide to the art of slow birding, Strassmann tells colorful stories of the most common birds to be found in the United States—birds we often see but might not have considered deeply before. For example, northern cardinals thrive in the city, where they are free from predators. White brows on a male white-throated sparrow indicate that he is likely to be a philanderer. This essential guide to the fascinating world of common, everyday birds features:

detailed portraits of individual bird species and the scientists who have discovered and observed them
advice and guidance on what to look for when slow birding, so that you can uncover clues to the reasons behind specific bird behaviors
bird-focused activities that will open your eyes more to the fascinating world of birds

Slow Birding is the perfect guide for the birder looking to appreciate the beauty of the birds right in their own backyard, observing keenly how their behaviors change from day to day and season to season.“

Thankfulness Hike
2025-11-28 09:45 - 12:30
Let’s be thankful for our friends and the forest!

We’ll meander along the trails near the Flatbrook River and through the woods of the NJ School of Conservation. We will stop and be grateful for all the woodland sights and sounds. The hike will be led by Lois Lyons, a Master Teacher at NJSOC.
This Thanksgiving hike will be at an easy to moderate pace and terrain, for 3 to 4 miles. Bring a daypack holding 1-2 liters of water, some snacks (Thanksgiving leftovers?!) and a rain jacket. Hike will be held in light rain. Dress in layers.
Hiking boots or shoes and hiking poles are highly recommended.
This program is for adults 18 and over, and children over 12 are welcome with an adult.
We will meet on the NJSOC campus at 9:45 am and hike from 10 am to 12:30 pm.

Wapalanne Women's Wellness Weekend
2025-12-05 17:00 - 2025-12-07 13:00
Welcome to Wapalanne Women’s Wellness Weekend where you can relax and refresh in nature

Welcome to 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 Zen Tangle meditation, hiking, a vegan cooking demo, yoga, Mindfulness Meditation, and much more. Before the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season take time to relax and center yourself in a beautiful natural setting. Maybe ask for an early holiday present to help you find calm before the busy season. 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 sustainablility practices, climate change mitigation, and environmental justice.
Programs will include:
Zen Tangle Meditation – Learn the principles of Zen Tangles and practice drawing the basic patterns from Master Educator Lois. Then go for a walk and draw inspiration from nature to make your own Tangles and designs. Lois Lyons taught high school AP Chemistry, Chem and Biology for 30 years. She advised Environmental Clubs. Lois earned a Presidential Award in Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.Her hobbies are hiking, watercolor painting, kayaking and traveling. Lois has found a new passion at NJSOC—once again teaching students by combining her love of the outdoors, science and the arts. All supplies provided.
Interpretive Hike – Take a hike with a Master Educator Patrice and use your 5 senses to experience the forest as winter approaches. Patrice Kealy has shared her knowledge and love of science, history and the arts with children and adults in many settings throughout New Jersey for over 50 years. While she explores the natural world, Patrice expresses her passion for the wonders of creation as an avid photographer, artist and writer. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Yoga – Join us for a fireside session with Cindy Chiariello 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. Cindy is a Licensed Social Worker and Yoga Teacher/Therapist whose approach to her work has been profoundly shaped by being primary caregiver to her oldest child, an adult daughter who has autism. She decided to become a yoga instructor in 2016 after finding yoga helped alleviate struggles with insomnia, stress, and inflamation and eventually completed additional certificates in Restorative Yoga; Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Special Needs/Adaptive, and Kids Yoga. Cindy is a Yoga Alliance YACEP (Continuing Education Provider) and E-RYT (teacher trainer). She also earned an M.S. in Yoga Therapy from Notre Dame of Maryland School of Integrative Health, and is certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists. All levels of experience are welcome.
Vegan Cooking Demo with DIY Kitchen Diaries – Learn how to cook healthy vegan Chickpea Noodle soup with fresh made Egg-free Noodles with renowned Chef Afi Green. Chef Afi Green graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts for Patisserie and Baking in 2012 in Atlanta GA. She launched DIY Kitchen Diaries in early 2020 in Newark NJ, cooking classes that bring traditional techniques to an easygoing atmosphere.
Mindfulness Meditation – Learn how to practice being fully present, how to be aware of your experiences and surroundings, and how to learn to observe emotions and thoughts without judgement. This session is led by Diana Lapp, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, hiker, and owner of Inner Strength Counseling Services, LLC. She specializes in supporting adults navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, and life transitions through nature-based approaches. Diana is certified in Forest Therapy, with additional training in Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED. She leads Walk & Talk therapy sessions, mindful hikes, women’s circles, and retreats. Her work is rooted in the belief that time in nature grounds us, restores balance, and fosters healing. Each participant will receive a wellness gift and a digital copy of Diana’s Mindfulness Photobook.
Campfire and Storytelling – Join a NJ Storytelling Network Storyteller around the campfire at Piney Point. NJSN was founded in 2002 to collect and preserve the oral tradition through events and educational programs to inspire, enlighten, and entertain the public with the art of storytelling.

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.

Holiday Decorations from Natural Materials
2025-12-06 14:00 - 17:00
Deck the halls this holiday season with ornaments you make yourself from materials found in nature!

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.

MLK Day of Service at the New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC)
2026-01-19 09:00 - 15:00
Join us in person at NJSOC for a fun MLK Day of Service giving back to the community!

Join Us for our MLK Day of Service!

The NJ School of Conservation is inviting you to join us on MLK Day where we’ll honor Dr. King’s legacy by making a positive impact in our community.
Tasks for the day may include outdoor projects like firewood prep, invasive plant removal or you can work indoors on a painting project. Our archivist will be busy organizing our archives with our Volunteer Archive Team. We will also be collecting non-perishable items for the Sussex County food bank.
Come prepared to work outdoors with sturdy shoes, warm clothing that can get dirty and an adventurous spirit. All tools and a delicious lunch will be provided by NJSOC.
In the event of inclement weather, volunteers will be notified of cancellation by 7am on January 19th.
Please register in EventBrite by Friday January 16, 2026.
Schedule for the day:
9am: Arrival
9:15am: Welcome ceremony commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
9:30-11:45am: 1st volunteer work session
12:00pm- 1:00pm: Lunch provided by The NJ SOC
1:00-3:00pm: 2nd volunteer work session.

Introduction to Ice Fishing
2026-01-31 10:00 - 13:00
New to Ice Fishing? Start Here with the NJ School of Conservation!

Curious about ice fishing but not sure where to begin? Join us for an introductory ice fishing program designed especially for beginners. We’ll provide all the bait and equipment—you just bring your curiosity and sense of adventure.
The program begins with about one hour of classroom instruction, covering essential topics such as ice safety, ice formation, fish behavior in cold water, and the basic equipment and techniques used in ice fishing. Afterward, we’ll head out onto the ice at Lake Wapalanne for about an hour and a half of hands-on practice, where you’ll get to try what you’ve learned with guidance from experienced instructors.
Any fish caught will be measured, photographed, and safely released. For safety and consistency, only the equipment provided by the program may be used.
Inclement weather date: February 1
Please note: The class will be rescheduled or canceled if ice conditions are deemed unsafe.
Come learn the basics, build confidence on the ice, and enjoy a fun winter experience in a safe, supportive setting!

Painting Among the Pines: Birds of NJSOC
2026-02-22 13:00 - 15:00
Small but mighty, the chickadee is a reminder that even in the coldest months, the NJSOC campus is full of life and personality.

This painting captures the quiet, winter charm of one of the New Jersey School of Conservation’s most beloved year-round residents: the Chickadee. A meticulously detailed Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), known for its unique call and its brave, curious personality that delights hikers on the NJSOC trails.
Set against a soft, ethereal background of muted earth tones and glowing light, this piece highlights the delicate balance between the rugged wilderness of the trails that make up the NJ School Conservation and the fragile beauty of its inhabitants.
Materials are included in the fee; all you have to bring is excitement and some confidence.
You are welcome to bring snacks. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
This program is open to adults and youth ages 14 and up. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 12 artists.

Spring Nature Zen Tangle Drawing Workshop and Walk
2026-03-07 09:30 - 12:30

NJSOC Book Club: The Seed Keeper
2026-03-14 10:30 - 12:00
Our FREE book club is back with a new title for Winter 2026!

Join us as we read together The Seed Keeper, a novel by Diane Wilson. 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, March 14th, 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, February 15th. 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 The Seed Keeper:
“A 2025 National Endowment for the Arts Big Reads Selection
Winner of the Minnesota Book Award
A haunting novel spanning several generations, The Seed Keeper follows a Dakhóta family’s struggle to preserve their way of life, and their sacrifices to protect what matters most.
Rosalie Iron Wing has grown up in the woods with her father, Ray, a former science teacher who tells her stories of plants, of the stars, of the origins of the Dakhóta people. Until one morning, Ray doesn’t return from checking his traps. Told she has no family, Rosalie is sent to live with a foster family in nearby Mankato—where the reserved, bookish teenager meets rebellious Gaby Makespeace, in a friendship that transcends the damaged legacies they’ve inherited.
On a winter’s day many years later, Rosalie returns to her childhood home. A widow and mother, she has spent the previous two decades on her white husband’s farm, finding solace in her garden even as the farm is threatened first by drought and then by a predatory chemical company. Now, grieving, Rosalie begins to confront the past, on a search for family, identity, and a community where she can finally belong. In the process, she learns what it means to be descended from women with souls of iron—women who have protected their families, their traditions, and a precious cache of seeds through generations of hardship and loss, through war and the insidious trauma of boarding schools.
Weaving together the voices of four indelible women, The Seed Keeper is a beautifully told story of reawakening, of remembering our original relationship to the seeds and, through them, to our ancestors (Amazon).”

Planting the Seeds of Environmental Learning: A Workshop for K–5 Educators
2026-03-20 16:00 - 2026-03-21 16:00
Join us for a field based, hands-on Project Learning Tree workshop , helping K–5 educators bring environmental learning outdoors.

Join us for a Project Learning Tree (PLT) workshop at the New Jersey School of Conservation, designed specifically for educators working with students in grades K-5. Set within a beautiful forested campus, this hands-on professional learning experience brings environmental education to life while modeling best practices for outdoor and inquiry-based instruction.
Participants will explore and practice activities from the Environmental Education Activity Guide for NJ Teachers, gaining practical tools to integrate tree-based and environmental concepts across science, literacy, math, and social studies. Through guided outdoor investigations, collaborative lesson planning, and reflective discussions, educators will learn how to foster curiosity, stewardship, and critical thinking in young learners.
The optional overnight format allows for deeper engagement with the natural environment, including evening activities, and community-building experiences. Educators will leave with increased confidence in teaching outdoors, ready-to-use classroom activities aligned with New Jersey Student Learning and Climate Change Standards, and a renewed connection to nature.
This workshop is ideal for classroom teachers, nonformal educators, and early childhood professionals seeking meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways to introduce environmental education in K–5 settings.
Tentative Schedule (Rain or shine)
FRIDAY (Optional early arrival to alleviate the stress of morning travel)

4:00 – 5:00pm – Arrive and settle in to cabins
6:00 – 7:00pm – Dinner – please bring your own
7:00 – 7:45pm – Sunset walk around Lake Wapalanne
8:00pm – Campfire + Storytelling

SATURDAY

7:00 – 8:00am – Morning walk (optional)
8:00 – 8:45am – Breakfast for Overnighters (provided by NJSOC)
8:30 – 9:00am – Arrival for single day participants
9:00 – 9:15am – Icebreaker
9:15 – 9:45am – Welcome and Introductions
9:45 – 10:00am – Exploring PLT Resources
10:00am-10:15am- Break
10:15-11:30- Activity 1- Get Outside!
11:45 – 12:45pm – Lunch (provided by NJSOC)
1:00 – 2:15pm – Activity 2- Bursting Buds
2:30 – 3:45pm – Activity 3- Tree Factory
3:45 – 4:00pm –Workshop Summation & Gratitudes
4:00pm – Departure

Workshop Details:
Workshops are presented through a collaboration of the NJSOC and the NJ Forest Service.
Registration fee for overnighters includes breakfast and lunch, overnight accommodations in cabin-style housing and all workshop materials, including the PLT Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide (valued at $45) . 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.

Painting Among the Pines: A Winter Fox on Skellenger Road
2026-03-22 13:00 - 15:00
This painting captures a quiet, wintry moment that feels both serene and a bit magical.

Imagine standing along the quiet stretch of Skellenger Road just as the morning light begins to filter through the frost. In this workshop, we’ll recreate this striking scene: a vibrant orange fox perched atop the roadway to the NJ School of Conservation, serving as a bold focal point against a minimalist winter forest.
This painting is perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists. Its folk-art charm and simplified shapes allow you to focus on color theory and composition without getting lost in overly complex details. It’s about capturing a feeling—the stillness of the woods and the wild spark of a fox on the move.
Materials are included in the fee; all you have to bring is excitement and some confidence.
You are welcome to bring snacks. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
This program is open to adults and youth ages 14 and up. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 12 artists.

Winter Tree Identification
2026-03-29 13:00 - 15:00
Do familiar trees suddenly become strangers once they lose their leaves?

In winter, the forest looks completely different—but the clues are still there. You just have to know how to look.
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll practice identifying trees the old-fashioned way—using our senses (not our phones!), along with traditional tree keys and field guides. You’ll learn how to notice the details that set each species apart: bark texture, branching patterns, buds, scent, habitat, and more.
We’ll begin with some indoor instruction and guided practice before heading outdoors where we’ll work together to “key out” some common local trees in their winter form. By the end, you’ll have practical tools—and the confidence—to identify trees even when they’re bare.
Who will enjoy this workshop? If you love solving puzzles, enjoy a bit of detective work (with a dash of educated guesswork), or simply want to truly learn how to tell one tree from another without looking it up every time—this workshop is for you! Open to adults and youth ages 14 and up. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Spring Sketching and Watercolor
2026-04-04 09:30 - 12:30
Grab your sketchbook & find your muse among the trees as we turn simple vignettes into colorful masterpieces with just three primary paints.

Walk on the beautiful School of Conservation campus and sketch vignettes of nature and scenery. Once our pencil-and-ink sketches are complete, we will use a triad of watercolors to create a range of colors to add to our sketchbooks and complete our themed artistic observations.
No artistic skill is necessary! All materials will be provided, and you will leave with supplies to continue to practice your art at home. Light snacks will be provided.
This workshop is for artists aged 18 and up; 12 and up are welcome with an adult. Everyone is an artist!
