Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Road
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Phone: (609) 897-9400
E-mail:
Sean Grace
HOURS: Tuesday to
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m. / Closed Mondays
TRAILS: Open dawn to dusk daily.
Closings: Mondays
and July 4, Independence Day.
Summer, 2009
EVERY DAY AT THE
PRESERVE
(Tuesday through Sunday)
The Plainsboro Preserve is a joint effort of Plainsboro
Township, Middlesex County, and the New Jersey Audubon Society.
The preserve is a 1,000-acre natural area that supports a
diversity of wildlife, with one of the largest lakes in the
area. Our nature center offers nature exhibits, a reference
library, a nature store, and more than five miles of trails.
Stop by today and put a little nature in your life.
NJAS Nature Store: We have the best selection of field
guides, binoculars, bird feeders, and bird seed in the area.
Our expert staff will be happy to answer your questions and
offer advice.
Hiking Trails (open daily dawn to dusk, as posted): Over
six miles of trails traverse a variety of interesting habitats.
Family Nature Programs
Welcome to the Plainsboro Preserve’s Family
Nature Programs. Each program is designed to explore nature
through a theme. A portion of each program may be spent outdoors
building a deeper connection to the natural world through fun
and informative activities, and we provide a highly trained
environmental educator for each of our programs. Join us and
create memories that will last a lifetime. Educational and fun,
these Family Nature Programs are perfect for beginning
naturalists and their families ages 6 to adult. Cost: members,
$3 per person; nonmembers, $5 per person (unless otherwise
noted). Preregistration is encouraged. Call 609.897.9400.
FABULOUS FROGS
Saturday, June 6
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
What is the difference between frogs and toads? Do we have tree
frogs in New Jersey? Why do frogs sing? Find out the answers to
these questions and learn many fabulous facts about frogs as you
meet them face to face! Prepare to get a little wet as we
venture into the habitats of some of our amphibian friends.
LIVE BIRDS AND
BIRD NEST BOX SURVEY
Saturday, June 13
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Join naturalist Greg Hartman for a look at bird nest boxes and
the birds that nest in them. Learn to differentiate species nest
types. Nesting season will be well under way, and we should get
a look at the birds, their nests, and young. This is an up-close
and personal view of nature that participants will certainly
remember.
TERRIFIC TURTLES
Saturday, June 20
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Did you know that the vernal pools of Plainsboro Preserve are
home to many types of elusive turtles? Meet associate naturalist
Melissa Neumeyer and five species of turtles in our nature
center before setting out to look for these reptiles basking in
the summer sun. Participants then may create their very own
“turtle” to take home!
THE BASICS OF BIRDING
Saturday, June 27
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The plumage of our avian friends is at their summer peak. If you
have ever been interested in a basic look at the sport of
birding, from field guides to binoculars, this program is just
for you! Our naturalist will take you on a short walk outside to
test your new-found skills at the end of the session.
DANGEROUS ANIMALS AND POISONOUS PLANTS
OF NEW JERSEY
Saturday, July 11
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Do you ever wonder what really can hurt you while on an
adventure in the woods? Which common plants pose problems for
people? Come and learn about spiders, snakes, bees, and bears,
and ways to keep you and your family safe. After an information
session inside we will take a nature walk and look for signs of
these natural hazards.
LIFE UNDER A LOG
Saturday, July 18
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Many mysterious creatures of the woods live and thrive on the
forest floor under rotting trees and logs . Participants in this
program will set out with a naturalist to search for and examine
closely these habitats that are home to so many animals.
NEW JERSEY’S THREATENED AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
Saturday, July 25
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
New Jersey is one of the most diverse wildlife habitats in the
country, while at the same time home to over 8 million people.
No wonder there are over seventy endangered and threatened
wildlife species. Peregrine Falcons nest on our bridges and
skyscrapers, Ospreys fish in estuaries, and Pine Barrens
Treefrogs call in Atlantic White Cedar bogs. Come and learn
about these critical issues with Conserve Wildlife’s Maria
Grace, and find out what you can do to help.
STORIES OF NATURE IN SUMMER
Saturday, August 1
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Bring your imagination and join Rosemary Wright for nature
stories from native cultures around the world. Family members of
all ages can find wisdom and wonder in these amazing tales. This
week’s theme will center on nature in summer. Rosemary is a
professional storyteller listed with the New Jersey Storytelling
Network. Class may include making a small craft or taking a
short hike.
DO BUTTERFLIES BITE?
Saturday, August 8
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Learn the answer to this question and many more fascinating
facts about butterflies. Join associate naturalist Valerie
Lysenko for this informative session on butterfly biology,
feeding habits, life cycles, and habitats. A brief hike into our
butterfly gardens to discuss methods of attracting butterflies
to your backyard will follow the presentation.
FOREST FORAY
Saturday, August 15
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The leaves of the trees are a brilliant green and at the peak of
their growing season. Join associate naturalist Shari-Beth
Nadell on this educational and eye-opening walk through the
colorful woods of the preserve. Participants can collect leaves
and use them to create woodsy crafts. See how a tool called the
increment borer is used to core and age a tree.
DRAGONS OF THE SUMMER SKIES
Saturday, August 22
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Dragonflies, predators on the wing, prowl the humid summer air.
August is a perfect month to observe these fascinating insects
as they dart and flit through the preserve. Join our resident
“Dragonfly Guy,” associate naturalist Chris Magarelli, on this
hike to the hunting grounds of the dragonfly!
AMAZING INSECTS
Saturday, August 29
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Using nets and bug boxes, families will discover a vast array of
insect life. The focus of this program will be to find,
identify, and observe an amazing variety of insect lifestyles
and adaptations. The entire family will enjoy this foray in
search for the ever-present insects!
Summer Camps
Welcome to Plainsboro Preserve’s Summer Camps.
Our camps are designed to give students an exciting outdoor
alternative for summer break. A portion of each program will be
spent outdoors building a deeper connection to the natural world
through fun and informative activities. We provide a highly
trained environmental educator for each of our programs. Join us
and create memories that will last a lifetime. Each camp runs
from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, and students can choose to
come for just one week or join us for the entire summer. Cost:
$250 per week.
Preregistration is necessary, and a NJAS family membership is
required.
Summer Camp Topics for Boys and Girls
Entering Grades 1 through 3
$250 per week
ALL CREATURES BIG AND SMALL
June 22 to June 26
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 and 2
Each day campers will investigate a new type of animal group
found on the preserve using everything from field guides to
collecting nets. Campers will explore insects, birds, mammals,
and more during this week dedicated to the animal kingdom.
BEST OF THE BEST
June 29 to July 2
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
This camp offers the daily themes that children voted “most fun”
during the 2008 summer camp season! Activities include a stomp
through streams and an insect safari.
Special Price $200.
NATURE AWARENESS
July 6 to July 10
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
Campers will develop a connection to the natural world by
exercising their imaginations, exploring nature through
storytelling, crafts, and outdoor activities. Each day a new
story will inspire another outdoor adventure into the wondrous
woods of the preserve.
COLD-BLOODED CREATURES
July 13 to July 17
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
Creeping and crawling cold-blooded creatures are the focus
during this week of camp. Campers will have the opportunity to
meet snakes, turtles, salamanders, frogs, and insects in their
natural habitats. Encounters with live animals are accompanied
by associated learning activities.
WILD WISDOM
July 20 to July 24
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
Legends, stories, and myths from various cultures will introduce
various topics and natural themes. Campers will use stories as a
jumping off point for exploration. Activities and crafts will
reinforce the campers’ newly found knowledge.
FASCINATING CREATURES
July 27 to July 31
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
Whether they have fur or feathers, crawl or fly, hop or swim,
the wild animals of our world have always captured our
imagination. Which animal is the fastest, biggest, or strongest?
Learn all about the “coolest animals” in the animal kingdom.
YOUNG NATURALISTS
August 3 to August 7
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
Start your campers on the path to becoming naturalists! Campers
will track wild animals, identify trees, and learn some of the
basic tools of the naturalist while exploring the natural world.
SENSORY SAFARI
August 10 to August 14
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
Every day is a new sensory adventure on the nature preserve
using one of the five senses! Campers will explore the wild
world around them by looking, listening, and smelling their way
through the forest. Test your senses with fun games and
activities!
DIGGING IN THE DIRT
August 17 to August 21
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
What mysteries lie within the soil? This week we will dig up
worms, plant some seeds, and create clay creatures with the dirt
around us. This camp will certainly be a “hands-on” experience!
WILD DISCOVERIES
August 24 to August 28
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1 to 3
Discover nature in the strangest places! Look under logs, splash
in a stream, and search through a puddle during this week of
nature investigation. Campers will see the natural world from
different perspectives as they scan the treetops and examine the
stones beneath their feet.
Summer Camp Topics for Boys and Girls
Entering Grades 4 through 6
$250 per week
WOODLAND ADVENTURES
June 22 to June 26
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
This week offers the campers an opportunity to visit many of the
places on the Plainsboro Preserve that are rarely seen by
visitors. With over a thousand acres to explore, campers will
have the opportunity to spend each day hiking and discovering
places like “Beaver Lodge” and “Inspiration Point.”
NATURE CAMP SAMPLER
June 29 to July 2
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
This camp offers the daily themes that the children voted “most
fun” during the 2008 summer camp season! Top picks include
games, crafts, hikes, and nature experiences.
Special Price: $200.
SURVIVAL 1
July 6 to July 10
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
Learn survival skills by putting them into practice. This week
will introduce basic survival skills through hands-on
experiences. Campers will build shelters, learn basic
way-finding skills, procure food and water, and cook on a fire
or camp stove during this adventurous week. This is our core
survival course.
SURVIVAL 2
July 13 to July 17
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
Campers will revisit essential survival skills discussed in
Survival 1, and then learn more advanced skills and new
techniques. There will also be a discussion and demonstration of
traditional Native American tools including bows, arrows, and
stone tools. Survival 1 is not a prerequisite.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
July 20 to July 24
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
Search and rescue techniques and basic survival will be
introduced as campers attempt to rescue a “lost” hiker. Each day
campers will learn a new skill, such as compass use, shelter
building, and searching strategies.
WOODLAND GAMES
July 27 to July 31
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
Who ever said learning can’t be fun? Campers will have an
opportunity to learn by playing outdoor games! Leaf Hunt Relay,
Capture the Flag, and Orienteering are just some of the planned
activities during this action-packed camp.
ALL ABOUT ANIMALS
August 3 to August 7
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
Campers will learn about reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals,
and insects during this week of camp. Investigations will take
the campers from the live animals in our nature center to the
wild places of the nature preserve.
FAMOUS NATURALISTS
August 10 to August 14
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
Many great explorers have come before us. Walk in the footsteps
of these pioneers as we learn about their best-known
achievements. Watch for birds like Audubon did, navigate the
forests like Daniel Boone, or even paint flowers like Georgia
O’Keefe.
PREDATOR AND PREY
August 17 to August 21
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
This week campers will learn about the ancient relationship
between predator and prey! Campers will be introduced to
different animals and learn how they either obtain prey or live
and avoid talons and teeth. Children will have the opportunity
to see the world from the perspective of a stalked animal as
they practice the art of stealth.
N.S.I. (Nature Scene Investigators)
August 24 to August 28
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grades 4 to 6
Something has happened in the forest, and the Nature Scene
Investigators have been asked to solve the mystery! Campers are
introduced to investigation techniques and will use deductive
reasoning during this week of nature sleuthing.
NATURE FIELD TRIPS
Welcome to the Plainsboro Preserve’s Nature
Field Trips for interested learners. Each field trip is designed
for adults and focused family members to explore one of the
natural areas of New Jersey. We provide a highly trained
environmental educator for each of our field trips. Join us and
build memories that will last a lifetime, while exploring a
deeper connection with the natural world. All the trips involve
moderate exercise and each participant should bring basic
necessities such as water, sunscreen, snack, and appropriate
clothing. We prefer ten-day preregistration and advanced payment
of $10 for NJAS members or $15 for nonmembers for all trips
(unless otherwise noted). To register, send a check payable to
NJAS to Plainsboro Preserve, 80 Scotts Corner Road, Cranbury, NJ
08512. No refunds are made unless we cancel the trip. Field
trips meet at or near the trip locations; directions and
information are available online
here or
can be mailed. Group size is limited and a minimum number of
participants is necessary. E-mail:
plainsboro@njaudubon.org or call 609.897.9400.
BREEDING BIRD SURVEY
Saturday, June 13
7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Come and explore the Plainsboro Preserve with associate
naturalist Greg Hartman, and discover which birds are setting up
breeding territories and raising a brood of young chicks. Greg
will point out field identification marks and breeding songs of
our feathered friends while keeping a detailed list.
BIRDING AT SIX MILE RUN
Saturday, June 13
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Moderate three-mile hike.
Join associate naturalist Arlene Oley and explore grasslands and
floodplain forest of Six Mile Run while looking for breeding
warblers, summer sparrows, raptors, tanagers, and wildflowers.
BOGS, BUGS, AND BOTANY
IN THE PINES
Saturday, June 20
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Webbs Mill Bog is a special place. Located in Greenwood State
Forest , it is a beautiful example of Pine Barrens bog habitat.
We can expect to see a dozen species of dragonflies, plus a
fascinating variety of the plant life typical of a Pine Barrens
bog, including orchids and several species of carnivorous
plants. We will also keep an eye out for any birds or
butterflies we come across. If we’re lucky, we might even hear a
Pine Barrens Treefrog. We’ll meet at a nearby parking area and
caravan to the bog. Time permitting, we will also visit other
nearby areas of the Pines. Bring lunch and close-focus
binoculars.
BALDPATE MOUNTAIN
Saturday, June 27
Meet at 7:30 a.m.
Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain in Mercer County is a
new field trip location to explore for birds and natural history
with associated naturalist Brian Clough.
Note: This is a Sandy Hook Bird Observatory trip. Single trips:
$15 members, $20 nonmembers, and SHBO volunteers $10, with no
cancellations or refunds. Trips go in any weather, usually to
mid-afternoon. Bring lunch, weather-appropriate gear,
binoculars, and scopes when appropriate. Upon receipt of check,
directions with instructions will be e-mailed or sent, usually
one week in advance. 732.872.2500.
BLACK HOLE OF THE
PINE BARRRENS
Saturday, July 11
Meet at 8:00 a.m.
Join associate naturalist Lloyd Shaw for an expedition to
Winslow WMA and the mysterious “Black Hole of the Pine Barrens”
for birds and other interesting finds.
Please note: This is a Sandy Hook Bird Observatory trip. Single
trips: $15 members, $20 nonmembers, and SHBO volunteers $10,
with no cancellations or refunds. Trips go in any weather,
usually to mid-afternoon. Bring lunch, weather-appropriate gear,
binoculars, and scopes when appropriate. Upon receipt of check,
directions with instructions will be e-mailed or sent, usually
one week in advance. 732.872.2500.
A VISIT TO ATSION AND QUAKER BRIDGE
Saturday, August 8
Meet at 9:00 a.m.
Naturalist extraordinaire Rick Radis’ last event of his Pine
Barrens natural history tour is a visit to Atsion and Quaker
Bridge filled with lots of natural wonders.
Note: This is a Sandy Hook Bird Observatory trip. Single trips:
$15 members, $20 nonmembers, and SHBO volunteers $10, with no
cancellations or refunds. Trips go in any weather, usually to
mid-afternoon. Bring lunch, weather-appropriate gear,
binoculars, and scopes when appropriate. Upon receipt of check,
directions with instructions will be e-mailed or sent, usually
one week in advance. 732.872.2500.
FORSYTHE BIRDING ADVENTURE
Saturday, August 29
Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Associate naturalists Lloyd Shaw and Rob Fanning reprise their
Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR birding adventure from last year at
this weekend. Expect lots of shorebirds and other surprises.
Note: This is a Sandy Hook Bird Observatory trip. Single trips:
$15 members, $20 nonmembers, and SHBO volunteers $10, with no
cancellations or refunds. Trips go in any weather, usually to
mid-afternoon. Bring lunch, weather-appropriate gear,
binoculars, and scopes when appropriate. Upon receipt of check,
directions with instructions will be e-mailed or sent, usually
one week in advance. 732.872.2500.
SPECIAL SUMMER EVENT
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY
Saturday, June 6
10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Share the wonder and enjoyment of trails in your community by
participating in our annual celebration of National Trails Day.
Participants will have the opportunity to assist the staff for a
few hours of care and maintenance of some of the five miles of
trails within the Plainsboro Preserve. Bring sturdy clothes,
work gloves, and a snack for the afternoon. The staff will be
waiting for you inside the nature center.
SANCTUARY NOTES:
All of the staff at the Plainsboro Preserve
would like to thank the volunteers for their hard work and
dedication towards supporting us and our mission.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
609.897.9400
Trail Maintenance and Gardening: Learn about nature while
helping maintain our large trail network and native plant
gardens.
Teaching Opportunities: Do you have a special area of natural
history interest or expertise that you want to share with
others? Stop by and talk with us. Give the gift of knowledge.
Reception and Nature Store Volunteers: This is your opportunity
to help out in a friendly and fun atmosphere with people who
share your love of the natural world!
Members receive discounts on program fees. If you are not a member and would like to become one, consider
Joining New Jersey Audubon Society.
|
