Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Road
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Phone: (609) 897-9400
E-mail:
Sean Grace
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m. / Closed Mondays
Trails are open daily dawn to dusk.
Autumn, 2008
EVERY DAY AT THE PRESERVE
(Tuesday through Sunday)
The Plainsboro Preserve is a joint effort of the Township of
Plainsboro, the County of Middlesex, 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. In addition, you will find a nature center with nature
exhibits, a reference library, a Nature Store, and over five
miles of trails. Why not 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 can answer your questions and offer advice.
Hiking Trails (open daily dawn to dusk, as posted): Over
five miles of trails traverse an interesting variety of
habitats.
FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS
Saturdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Welcome to the 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. 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: $3 per person for members, $5 per person for nonmembers
(unless otherwise noted).
Preregistration is encouraged.
Call 609.897.9400.
AMAZING INSECTS
Saturday, September 6
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The beginning of September is a great time to go looking for
insect life at the preserve. We should see a variety of
butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and two species of praying
mantis. Families will discover a vast array of insect life while
exploring for insects with bug boxes and nets. Learn how to
find, identify, and observe an amazing variety of insect
lifestyles and adaptations. The entire family will enjoy this
foray in search of the ever-present insects!
INTERMEDIATE BIRDING
Saturday, September 13
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Have you learned the basics of birding, and want to learn a few
of the key methods and tricks veteran birders employ on their
adventures? Bring your binoculars and field guides to this
journey into the outdoors of the Plainsboro Preserve, searching
for our resident birds and passing migrants.
WONDERS OF WETLANDS
Saturday, September 20
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Wetlands are home to a variety of animal and plant species. The
Plainsboro Preserve has a diversity of wetlands, including
streams, a lake, vernal pools, and hardwood swamp. In this
exciting program we will look at different animal and plant
species before heading outside for an exploratory hike.
ANIMAL HOMES AND HABITATS
Saturday, September 27
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Plainsboro Preserve is a wildlife sanctuary filled with many
wondrous creatures. During this program, families will put their
detective skills to work as they search for animal homes and
learn about the adaptations these creatures utilize.
RADICAL RAPTORS
Saturday, October 4
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Raptors – hawks and owls – are some of the most fascinating
birds. New Jersey is one of the best places to see hawk
migration, and this class coincides with the peak of migration.
Family members of all ages will learn interesting facts about
hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures. How well can an eagle see?
In addition, we will discuss some of the best areas to look for
migrating raptors in New Jersey. A class will be followed by a
short hike outside looking for these seasonal migrants.
GETTING CRAFTY WITH NATURE
Saturday, October 11
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The forests are vibrant with the colors of autumn. This fall
palate of colors often inspires the creativity in all of us.
Associate naturalist Renee Fiorilla will lead this adventure
into nature to find that perfect item to use for your very own
personalized nature craft.
FALL FOLIAGE FORAY
Saturday, October 18
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The leaves of the trees are turning the brilliant colors of
autumn, and this class is scheduled to coincide with the peak of
fall color. Join associate naturalist Shari-Beth Nadell on this
educational and eye-opening walk through the colorful woods of
the preserve. Participants can collect leaves while learning
about the reasons for the seasonal changes.
STORIES FROM THE WORLD OF NATURE
Saturday, October 25
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Join professional storyteller Miss Rosemary for nature stories
from far and near. Family members of all ages will enjoy tales
that are filled with the wisdom and wonder of the natural world.
Many include puppets and audience participation, and are
followed by a related craft or short guided walk. Come prepared
to head outside, weather permitting.
BATS, THE MISUNDERSTOOD MAMMAL
Saturday, November 1
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Bats are amazing animals, but they may be in serious trouble in
North America. Did you know that New Jersey has nine species of
bats that primarily eat insects? Learn why bats are declining in
North America and see some of the natural history surrounding
these misunderstood animals, which we associate most often with
Halloween and Dracula.
COEXISTING WITH WILDLIFE
Saturday, November 8
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Heidi Mass of the Mercer County Wildlife Center will be bringing
live animals as part of her presentation on how humans and our
native wildlife can live peacefully together. Heidi will answer
many of the mysterious questions we have received over the past
year: “Who is digging up my lawn?” “Who is eating my roses?”
“Who is hooting in the night?” “Who is living under my shed?”
ANIMALS PREPARE FOR WINTER
Saturday, November 15
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Winter poses a great challenge for the wild creatures of our
area. Animals have learned to cope with winter in many ways,
including hibernation and migration. If you have ever wondered
how frogs manage the freeze, snakes survive the snow, or
woodchucks weather the winter, this program is for you!
ANIMAL TRACKING
Saturday, November 22
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The creatures of the woodlands often leave only footprints
behind as they go about their secretive existence. These tracks
can reveal amazing amounts of information to the trained eye.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn the ways of
tracking animals and spend some time outside in search of animal
prints. We may make plaster casts to take home.
THE WILY NEW JERSEY WHITE-TAIL
Saturday, November 29
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The White-tailed Deer, once nearly extinct in New Jersey, is now
very common. Deer are survivors and well-adapted to the changing
landscape. During this adventure we will learn some natural
history about deer and discuss the controversies surrounding
them. There will also be suggestions on how to keep deer out of
your garden. The indoor discussion will be followed by a hike
looking for tracks, trails, scrapes, and scat.
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 forging 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,
$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 directly to you. Group size is limited and a minimum
number of participants is necessary.
E-mail:
plainsboro@njaudubon.org or call 609.897.9400.
SOURLAND BIRD MIGRATION HIKE
Saturday, September 6
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Moderate hike
Sourland Mountain encompasses nearly ninety square miles, and is
the largest forested tract of land in central New Jersey.
Migrating birds utilize this important stopover point during
their annual fall journeys. Join sanctuary director Sean Grace
for migrants and resident birds.
GRIGGSTOWN GRASSLANDS BIRDING
Saturday, September 20
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Join naturalist Arlene Oley for an exploration of the Griggstown
Grasslands property managed by the New Jersey Audubon Society.
This will be a good opportunity to look for fall migrants in an
exciting new location. In addition, you will learn why
grasslands are the most threatened habitat in the United States,
and what NJAS is doing to manage this critical resource.
FORSYTHE (BRIGANTINE)
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Saturday, October 4
8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join the naturalists from Sandy Hook Bird Observatory to locate
shorebirds, returning waterfowl, passerine migrants, and raptors
at the peak of fall migration. Upon receipt of payment,
directions with instructions will be e-mailed or sent, usually
one week in advance. Call 732.872.2500 to register.
Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
HAWK MIGRATION HIKE
AT RACCOON RIDGE
Saturday, October 18
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Nearly six-mile round trip hike; moderately strenuous.
The fall colors and hawk migration will be peaking as we hike to
the top of Raccoon Ridge, one of the best places anywhere to
view the great autumn raptor migration. There is a beautiful
panoramic view of the Delaware River Valley, farmlands, and the
rolling hills of northern New Jersey. Come prepared for a day in
the field, and make sure to bring along a pack with water,
lunch, and sunscreen; dress appropriately for cooler
temperatures on the ridgeline. We will hike at a moderate pace
and enjoy raptors at the peak of migration diversity.
EXPLORE BALDPATE MOUNTAIN
Saturday, November 8
9:00 a.m. to noon
Moderate hike
Baldpate Mountain is located on the southeast end of the
Sourland Mountain region, where it rises from the banks of the
Delaware River. There are ten miles of trails that pass through
mature hardwood forests and mixed grasslands. Explore one of the
best-kept secret hiking areas in central New Jersey, and get a
great view across the Delaware River towards Philadelphia.
FORSYTHE (BRIGANTINE)
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Saturday, November 15
9:30 a.m. to noon
Come to Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR at one of the best times of
the year to be there for large numbers of birds. Associate
naturalist Arlene Oley will lead this trip to one of the most
fascinating birding areas in the Northeast. A “must see” event
for anyone interested in observing birds.
BIRD SEED SALE DAYS
Orders are due Saturday, September 13, for pickup on Saturday,
September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We run bird seed sale
days three times a year. Support Plainsboro Preserve by
purchasing our high-quality bird seed, mixes, and suet. Select
bird feeders will be on sale the day of the pickup at the
preserve. Our expertly trained staff can help you make your
selections to help encourage your favorite local birds to visit
your feeders. The bird seed order form is now on our Web site
Here.
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 -- Call 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.
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