The New Jersey School of Conservation

Wapalanne Women's Wellness Weekend
2025-12-05 17:00 - 2025-12-07 13:00 (America/New_York) | NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston, 07826, United States
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
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!

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!

The Art of Being Human: Observing Our Nature Within
2026-04-18 09:30 - 17:30
Previously titled “Observing Nature: Inward & Outward”. Join us as we celebrate five years of our partnership with Peter DelVecchio.

(Previously titled “Observing Nature: Inward & Outward”)
This program offers a deep, personal experience in learning to still the mind, open the heart, open the eyes, and use our higher senses to observe within ourselves and around us at all times.
This popular program is now in its fifth year, designed and led by Peter Del Vecchio, sharing his decades of training and life experiences as both a keen observer of the natural world and yogic mindfulness guide.
Instructor-led activities include simple and powerful mindfulness and deep relaxation techniques, nature walks (some silent), journaling, discussions, and cell phone nature photography – a favorite!
The serene forest environment of the School of Conservation is the perfect place to accomplish this! Once we come in touch with our true self within, it is so much easier to navigate the world to attain our goals.
Throughout our lives from early childhood, we are guided toward intellectual learning: facts, dates, calculations, etc. The Art of Being Human: Observing Our Nature Within offers a practical, deeper type of learning to help free us from that “mental gerbil wheel”. We learn to focus inwardly in order to better focus outwardly. The benefit is a much cleaner, happier, giving, and more fulfilling life.
This program is designed for ages 12* to adult (*children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). No prior experience is required – just a love of nature and learning. Here’s what previous participants have had to say:
• “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.

The NJSOC Earth Week Spring Cleanup
2026-04-20 09:00 - 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 resetting the benches at Piney Point, tidying up paths and elements along the ASE Road, weeding at the Frog Hollow Pollinator Garden and invasive plant 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. You supply the labor; we’ll supply a quick lunch and a chance to make new friends while performing valuable service to the NJSOC!
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 May 12th and you will be notified of the change via email. Please make sure to monitor the email address you register with!

Spring Wildlife and Geology Hike
2026-05-02 09:30 - 12:30
Hike, identify, and explore: A 4-mile journey at the NJSOC

Spring SOC Hike
Join us as we hike through the campus of the School of Conservation and into Stokes State Forest. We will journey to the Spring Cabin past vernal pools and up to the Geology Loop, searching for wildflowers and rocks while identifying our botanical and geological findings.
This will be a 4-mile hike for adults and children over13 accompanied by an adult. A smartphone will be helpful for identification. Trails may be rocky or snow-covered. Be sure to dress appropriately. Hiking poles are recommended. Additional information will be provided upon registration. Please remember to check the email you use to register.
Your registration fee is a donation to the School of Conservation and will help to support our 2026 programs. Pay what you wish, knowing that you are making a difference.

Fool a Fish?
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:00
Get ready for an outdoor fishing adventure designed just for curious and creative kids ages 10–16!

Have you ever wondered if you could design your own fishing fly and actually catch a fish with it? Now’s your chance to find out. Join us at Lake Wapalanne on the NJSOC campus for a hands-on program where you’ll learn how to tie your very own fishing flies from scratch.
Bring along a parent or guardian and work together as we teach you simple fly-tying techniques. Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to get creative—experiment with your own designs and see what you can invent!
Then comes the real test: we’ll head down to the lake to try out your creations and see if the fish are biting. No experience? No problem. We’ll provide special equipment, so you won’t need traditional fly rods or casting skills. And if you’re under 16, you don’t even need a fishing license.
Along the way, you’ll also learn about fish ecology and the fascinating life beneath the water’s surface—all while enjoying the great outdoors.
Come explore, create, and catch something amazing!
This program is limited to 8 teams of child and parent / guardian.

Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs - Youth Fishing Challenge 2026
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00
Spend some quality time fishing with your family at Lake Wapalanne!

This fun fishing event is open to all youth (17 & younger). Your child will need to bring their own fishing gear. Registered youth participants may be eligible to receive prizes for the fish they catch during the event. (Youth must be present at the end of the event to be awarded prizes.)
This event is sponsored by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program and hosted by the Friends of NJSOC. Space is limited and registration in advance is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pets are not permitted.
This date is a NJ Free Fishing Day when a fishing license is NOT required for anyone age 16 and older.

Check-in / Event Schedule:

9:30 – 9:55 AM: Check-in at Long House. This is the red building with the statue in front.
Following check-in until 10 AM: Select and set up your fishing spot. Reminder: while accompanying adults are also welcome to fish, space along the lakeshore and earthen dam is limited and safety is one of our top concerns. Once youth participants have taken their spots along the lakeshore, adult anglers may fill in any remaining spaces as safety allows.
10 AM: We will all wait for a signal to drop lines in the water once everyone is situated.
10 AM – 12:30 PM: Fishing Fun! Each member of your family who is fishing will have a scorecard. Children will be eligible for prizes. A volunteer will fill in the information about each fish you catch on the scorecard. Volunteers will also be available to assist you.
12:30: Pack up your gear and meet in front of Long House. There will be 4 prizes awarded to youth participants at the end of the program. While volunteers review your scorecards, this is a good time to enjoy your lunch and learn a little bit about the School of Conservation.
12:50: Presentation of prizes to children and goodie bags. Each family will receive a goodie bag, but must be present at the end of the event to receive one.
1:00: Thank you and Goodbyes!

Sponsored by New Jersey Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing Program

Fool a Fish? - One on One
2026-06-07 09:00 - 12:00
A fun fly tying fishing challenge designed for curious and creative kids ages 10–16

Have you ever wondered if you could design your own fishing fly and actually catch a fish with it? Now’s your chance to find out. Join us at Lake Wapalanne on the NJSOC campus for a hands-on program where you’ll learn how to tie your very own fishing flies from scratch.
Bring along a parent or guardian and work together as we teach you simple fly-tying techniques. Based on how much fun we had during our small pilot program last month, we’ve decided to limit our sessions to just two or three students. This will allow us opportunities for one on one instruction and individualized guided practice.
Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to get creative—experiment with your own designs and see what you can invent! Then comes the real test: we’ll head down to the lake to try out your creations and see if the fish are biting. No experience? No problem. We provide special equipment so you won’t need traditional fly rods or casting skills. And if you’re under 16, you don’t even need a fishing license.
Along the way, you’ll also learn about fish ecology and the fascinating life beneath the water’s surface—all while enjoying the great outdoors.
Come explore, create, and catch something amazing!
This June program will be limited to 3 teams of child and guardian

Learning in the Living Lab: An Educator Workshop for Grades 6-8
2026-06-12 16:00 - 2026-06-13 16:00
Join us for a field based, hands-on Project Learning Tree workshop , helping grade 6-8 educators bring environmental learning outdoors.

Join us for an immersive Project Learning Tree (PLT) workshop at the New Jersey School of Conservation, designed for educators working with students in grades 6–8. This experiential professional learning opportunity uses the natural setting as a living laboratory to strengthen environmental literacy and engage middle school learners through hands-on, inquiry-based instruction.
Participants will explore and implement activities from the Environmental Education Activity Guide for NJ Teachers, with a focus on ecological systems, human–environment interactions, and critical thinking. Educators will practice field investigations, data collection, and collaborative problem-solving while learning strategies to connect environmental concepts to science, social studies, math, and language arts curricula aligned with New Jersey Student Learning and Climtae Change Standards.
The optional overnight format supports deeper exploration of environmental topics through evening programs, reflective discussions, and team-based learning experiences. Educators will leave with practical classroom-ready activities, increased confidence teaching outdoors, and tools to help students analyze environmental issues, develop solutions, and become informed environmental stewards.
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 – Paddle on 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- Field, Forest & Stream
11:45 – 12:45pm – Lunch (provided by NJSOC)
1:00 – 2:15pm – Activity 2- Nature’s Skyscrapers
2:30 – 3:45pm – Activity 3- Invasive Species
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.

Wings Over the Water: A Dragonfly & Damselfly Workshop
2026-06-14 12:00 - 16:00
Get ready to spot and learn all about dragonflies and damselflies in this fun, hands-on outdoor workshop!

Did you know that Sussex County, NJ has more dragonfly and damselfly species than any other county in the US? In fact, we have more “Odonata” in Sussex County than the entire state of California!
Spend a day alongside the ponds, streams, and wetlands of Stokes State Forest as you discover the remarkable world of dragonflies and damselflies — some of the most ancient and acrobatic insects on the planet. New Jersey is home to over 170 species of these stunning fliers, and this hands-on workshop gives you the tools and knowledge to find, identify, and appreciate them.
Led by experienced naturalists and odonate enthusiasts, Bruce Taterka and Tanya Sulikowski, the day blends classroom learning with time in the field. You’ll learn to identify and photograph dragonflies in lake, stream and meadow habitats. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned naturalist looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop offers something for everyone.
Schedule for the Day
12:00p- Welcome & Orientation (Nature Center Classroom)

Introductions and overview of the day
Brief orientation to NJSOC grounds and habitats
Safety briefing and field ethics

12:15-12:45pm Dragonfly Biology & Ecology (Nature Center Classroom )

Dragonfly and damselfly morphology and behavior
Life cycle: aquatic nymphs → aerial adults
Predator–prey relationships and ecological roles
Importance of habitat
Distribution of the Pocket Guide to Dragonflies of the NJSOC and overview of New Jersey’s odonate richness

12:45-1:15pm Introduction to iNaturalist & MacroBlitz (Lab Classroom)

Brief introduction (15 minutes) for participants to download the app and learn the basics of uploading observations
Outdoor practice with iNaturalist around Lake Wapalanne

1:15-2:15pm Macroinvertebrate Sampling (Flatbrook River)

Safety and ethics briefing
Kick nets and rock-flipping
ID keys, field guides, iNaturalist
Photographing specimens
Biotic index

2:30pm – 3:15pm: Odonata Exploration (Lake Wapalanne)

Exploring the shoreline and emergent vegetation

3:15pm – 4:00pm: Odonata Exploration (Flatbrook River)

Exploring the stream and adjacent riparian areas

4:00pm – 4:15pm: Wrap-up and Debrief

Reflection on the importance of odes the insect community, and the impacts of habitat degradation
Brainstorming conservation efforts and teaching and outreach strategies

Wapalanne Women's Wellness Weekend -- Summer Edition
2026-06-26 17:00 - 2026-06-28 13:00
Join us for the 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 nature journaling, hiking, archery, yoga, boating, campfires, and much more. As we ease into summer take time to relax and center yourself in a beautiful natural setting. 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 sustainability practices, climate change mitigation, and environmental justice.
Programs:
Nature Journaling – Learn how to use nature in your journaling from a Master Educator. Then go for a walk and draw inspiration from nature. All supplies provided.
Wild Plant Hike – Take a hike with a Master Educator and learn about native plants and their uses. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Outdoor Yoga – Join us for an outdoor session 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. All levels of experience are welcome.
Boating – Enjoy a peaceful afternoon gliding across Lake Wapalanne and learn some basics of canoeing. No experience needed, life vests are provided.
Archery – Learn all about Archery from a certified instructor. Enjoy learning a new skill in a beautiful setting. No experience needed all equipment is provided.
Campfire – Join us around the campfire for songs and s’mores.

Lodging:
When you register you will be able to choose a cabin with or without an en suite toilet and shower. You will also choose top or bottom bunk in the cabins with an en suite toilet and shower. All accommadations have heat/AC and WiFi. The cabins with en suite toilet and shower also have a mini fridge or full kitchen. You will need to provide your own bedding, pillow, and towel. A detailed packing list will be sent after you register. Remember to let us know if you are coming with friends!

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.

Fool a Fish? - One on One
2026-07-05 10:00 - 13:00
A fun fly tying fishing challenge designed for curious and creative kids ages 10–16

Have you ever wondered if you could design your own fishing fly and actually catch a fish with it? Now’s your chance to find out. Join us at Lake Wapalanne on the NJSOC campus for a hands-on program where you’ll learn how to tie your very own fishing flies from scratch.
Bring along a parent or guardian and work together as we teach you simple fly-tying techniques. Based on how much fun we had during our small pilot programs in May and June, we’ve decided to limit our sessions to just two or three students. This will allow us opportunities for one on one instruction and individualized guided practice.
Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to get creative—experiment with your own designs and see what you can invent! Then comes the real test: we’ll head down to the lake to try out your creations and see if the fish are biting. No experience? No problem. We provide special equipment so you won’t need traditional fly rods or casting skills. And if you’re under 16, you don’t even need a fishing license.
Along the way, you’ll also learn about fish ecology and the fascinating life beneath the water’s surface—all while enjoying the great outdoors.
Come explore, create, and catch something amazing!
This July program will be limited to 3 teams of child and guardian

Solar Field Volunteer Day
2026-08-05 08:30 - 11:30
Help us create a pollinator meadow and new educational space!

The NJSOC is working closely with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on a project to remove invasive species and establish a pollinator meadow in the old solar field. This will create a wonderful new wildlife habitat and educational space on campus. In preparation for a fall seeding, we need to remove some of the remaining invasive species and need your help. The targets for the day will be common mullein and foxtail grass and eradicating them involves hand pulling and transport to our disposal site. If you’d like to join the fun, wear long pants and long sleeves and BYO gloves. We’ll provide the education, inspiration and snacks.
This event will be held in light rain or shine. Thunderstorms will cancel and you will be notified of the change via email. Please make sure to monitor the email address you register with!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Tanya Sulikowski, Director of Education at tsulikowski@njsoc.org.

The NJSOC Book Club… Summer Session
2026-08-15 10:30 - 12:00
Our FREE book club is back with a new title for Summer 2026!

Our FREE book club is back with a new title for Summer 2026!
Join us as we read together Raising Hare, a memoir by Chloe Dalton. 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, August 15th, 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, July 5th. 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 Raising Hare:
NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • FINALIST FOR THE 2025 WOMEN’S PRIZE
A fascinating meditation on freedom, trust, loss, and our relationship with the natural world, explored through the story of one woman’s unlikely friendship with a wild hare.
“Imagine you could hold a baby hare and bottle-feed it. Imagine that it lived under your roof and bounded around your bedroom at night, drumming on the duvet cover when it wanted your attention. Imagine that, more than two years later, it still ran in from the fields when you called it and slept in your house for hours on end. For political advisor and speechwriter Chloe Dalton, who spent lockdown deep in the English countryside, far away from her usual busy London life, this became her unexpected reality.
In February 2021, Dalton stumbles upon a newborn hare—a leveret—that had been chased by a dog. Fearing for its life, she brings it home, only to discover how difficult it is to rear a wild hare, most of whom perish in captivity from either shock or starvation. Through trial and error, she learns to feed and care for the leveret with every intention of returning it to the wilderness. Instead, it becomes her constant companion, wandering the fields and woods at night and returning to Dalton’s house by day. Though Dalton feared that the hare would be preyed upon by foxes, weasels, feral cats, raptors, or even people, she never tried to restrict it to the house. Each time the hare leaves, Chloe knows she may never see it again. Yet she also understands that to confine it would be its own kind of death.
Raising Hare chronicles their journey together while also taking a deep dive into the lives and nature of hares, and the way they have been viewed historically in art, literature, and folklore. We witness firsthand the joy at this extraordinary relationship between human and animal, which serves as a reminder that the best things, and most beautiful experiences, arise when we least expect them.”

Climate Change Education: Empowering New Jersey’s Nonformal & Independent Educators
2026-08-31 16:00 - 2026-09-01 16:00
Join us for a field based workshop that will empower NJ’s educators with tools, activities, and confidence to teach climate change

In 2020, NJ became the first state in the US to incorporate climate change education into all K-12 content areas.
This professional learning workshop is designed to support New Jersey’s nonformal and independent school educators in confidently and effectively teaching climate change through engaging, learner-centered experiences. The program focuses on building both content knowledge and instructional capacity, ensuring educators feel prepared to facilitate meaningful climate learning in a variety of nonformal settings.
Participants will deepen their understanding of climate change science while exploring Jersey-centric, hands-on, and outdoor lessons that connect local climate impacts to global systems. Through guided activities and model lessons, educators will experience strategies they can immediately adapt for use with their own audiences.
The workshop also supports educators in aligning existing programs with New Jersey Climate Change Standards, helping them strengthen connections between learning experiences and education goals. Dedicated time for collaboration and discussion will allow participants to share ideas, refine lessons, and learn from peers across the state.
By the end of the workshop, educators will leave with increased confidence, practical teaching tools, and a supportive professional network—empowered to engage learners in relevant, action-oriented climate change education.

Tentative Schedule (Rain or shine)
MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

7:00 – 8:00am – Morning walk (optional)
8:00 – 8:45am – Breakfast (provided by NJSOC)
9:00 – 9:30am – Welcome and Introductions
9:30 – 10:30am – The Basic Science of Climate Change
10:30am-10:45am- Break
10:45-11:30- The New Jersey Climate-Change Education Standards for Nonformal Educators
11:45 – 12:45pm – Lunch (provided by NJSOC)
1:00 – 2:15pm – Ephemeral Art & Poetry of Climate Change
2:30 – 3:45pm – NJ Wildlife: Using iNaturalist to Explore Climate Change Issues
3:45 – 4:00pm –Workshop Summation & Gratitudes
4:00pm – Departure

Workshop Details:
This workshop is presented through a collaboration of the NJSOC and the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education with generous support from National Geographic and a private donor.
This workshop is open to New Jersey nonformal educators (employed by zoos, nature centers, museums, community organizations, correctional facilities, etc.) and teachers in independent schools. Registration fee includes breakfast and lunch, overnight accommodations in cabin-style housing and all workshop materials.
Educators will receive $150 stipends 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.

The Art of Being Human: Observing Our Nature Within
2026-09-12 09:30 - 17:30
Previously titled “Observing Nature: Inward & Outward”. Join us as we celebrate five years of our partnership with Peter Del Vecchio.

This program offers a deep, personal experience in learning to still the mind, open the heart, open the eyes, and use our higher senses to observe within ourselves and around us at all times.
This popular program is now in its fifth year, designed and led by Peter Del Vecchio, sharing his decades of training and life experiences as both a keen observer of the natural world and yogic mindfulness guide.
Instructor-led activities include simple and powerful mindfulness and deep relaxation techniques, nature walks (some silent), journaling, discussions, and cell phone nature photography – a favorite!
The serene forest environment of the School of Conservation is the perfect place to accomplish this! Once we come in touch with our true self within, it is so much easier to navigate the world to attain our goals.
Throughout our lives from early childhood, we are guided toward intellectual learning: facts, dates, calculations, etc. The Art of Being Human: Observing Our Nature Within offers a practical, deeper type of learning to help free us from that “mental gerbil wheel”. We learn to focus inwardly in order to better focus outwardly. The benefit is a much cleaner, happier, giving, and more fulfilling life.
This program is designed for ages 12* to adult (*children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). No prior experience is required – just a love of nature and learning. Here’s what previous participants have had to say:
• “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.

Connecting People and Place: Conservation Psychology in Action
2026-10-03 11:00 - 15:00
Join us to explore how understanding human behavior and connecting landscapes and people can inspire lasting environmental stewardship.

OVERVIEW & LOGISTICS
This unique hybrid workshop offers participants the opportunity to engage virtually with the New Jersey School of Conservation in Sandyston, NJ and the The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, CA to explore the challenges—and promise—of community-based conservation through the lens of Conservation Psychology. Local people determine the success of conservation projects, so learning from them on how to best engage them in ways that benefit them will make our nature conservation work more successful.
Those who are local to the New Jersey School of Conservation are invited to gather onsite to participate in the Zoom session together, creating a shared learning environment while connecting virtually with partners in Palm Desert and beyond.
Following the Zoom presentation, onsite attendees will take a break for lunch. Please bring your own lunch to enjoy on the grounds as we prepare for the afternoon portion of the workshop.
After lunch, onsite participants will take part in a guided hike on the grounds of the School of Conservation. This immersive, place-based experience will extend the morning’s conversation, using the natural landscape as a living classroom.
By combining virtual dialogue with in-person exploration, this two-part workshop offers both broad connection and grounded experience—linking ideas to action in meaningful and memorable ways.

CONTENT & AGENDA
11 AM – 12 Noon
Part I. “Community-Based Conservation: Towards a More Effective Form of Nature Conservation ” (Live Zoom Presentation)
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking Zoom introduction to Conservation Psychology and how it can best be used to foster effective community-based conservation led by James Danoff-Burg of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert.
Conservation Psychology explores the powerful connection between people and the natural world—examining why we care about nature, what motivates environmental action, and how organizations can inspire meaningful, lasting behavior change. Drawing on his extensive experience in conservation education and community engagement as a professor at Columbia University and conservation leader at San Diego Zoo and now The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Dr. Danoff-Burg will guide participants through real-world challenges and practical strategies for engaging communities in watershed protection and addressing modern conservation issues such as invasive species and climate change.
Whether you’re an environmental professional, student, educator, volunteer, or simply passionate about protecting our planet, this session will provide valuable insights into how understanding human behavior can strengthen conservation efforts and create deeper, more effective community impact.
12 Noon – 1 PM
Discussion/Lunch (bring your own) for onsite participants at NJSOC
1 PM – 3 PM
Part II. “Layers of the Land” (Guided Hike)
Dr. Frank Gallagher, Director of Research for the SOC and Associate Professor at Rutgers University will guide participants on a hike through the NJSOC property as a living record of human history, beginning with an introduction of how the landscape has been shaped by past use, restoration, and ongoing human connection. The hike connects the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, emphasizing their role in reforestation and land management, while also touching on watershed protection and modern conservation challenges like invasive species and climate change. Throughout, we will incorporate ideas from Conservation Psychology to encourage reflection on how perceptions of landscapes evolve and influence stewardship, ending with a discussion that invites participants to consider their own role in the forest’s ongoing story.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how understanding human behavior can be one of our most powerful conservation tools.

SPEAKERS

DR. JAMES DANOFF-BURG is the Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where he leads the institution’s conservation strategy and global field initiatives.
In his leadership at The Living Desert, Danoff-Burg has become well-known for promoting a broader, socially engaged approach to conservation. He champions programs that combine biological science with social science — including the Building Community Conservation Success (BCCS) workshops and the collaboration with IUCN to create the Center for Behavior Change at The Living Desert— to train conservation practitioners around the world in how best to engage communities as key partners in species protection and ecosystem stewardship. These programs emphasize that long-term biodiversity conservation requires not just habitat and species work but also meaningful involvement with people who live alongside wildlife.
Before his role at The Living Desert, he also served as a Professor at several universities including Columbia University, and led or consulted for multiple conservation-focused organizations, including founding Helping Rhinos USA, a nonprofit dedicated to rhino conservation, the San Diego Zoo, and now The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. His career reflects both on-the-ground fieldwork and strategic leadership in international and community conservation.
Under his direction, The Living Desert’s conservation efforts span 105 projects in 12 countries across three continents, integrating habitat restoration, endangered species programs, behavior change research, and capacity-building collaborations with field partners.

DR. FRANK GALLAGHER is the Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Environmental Planning and Design program of Rutgers University’s Department of Landscape Architecture. He is also the New Jersey School of Conservation’s Director of Research, coordinating the school’s academic Research Consortium.
For over forty years, Dr. Gallagher has explored the connection between people and landscape through both land management and academic research. He has served as Chief of Interpretive Services, Administrator and Assistant Director of the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry. After teaching courses in biology, evolution and environmental science for ten years at Upsala College, he joined the faculty at Rutgers, The State University part time in 1994, and full time in 2012.
His current appointment as Associate Professor of Professional Practice and the Director of the Environmental Planning and Design program within the Department of Landscape Architecture consists of academic advising, and working with academic administrators, administrative staff and faculty to ensure the continued development and delivery of a cutting edge program. He serves on the graduate faculty for the Department of Landscape Architecture, Department of Ecology Evolution and Natural Resources and the Federated Department of Biological Sciences at Rutgers Newark and also serves as a Research Associate at Montclair State University.
Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to public land conservation and ecological education, including ecological planning for Liberty State Park and chairing management planning for multiple New Jersey state parks. His efforts have earned recognitions such as the EPA Environmental Quality Award.
