Programs for Adults and Interested Teens
HUMP DAY AFTERNOON HIKES (ages 18+)
Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18, January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19 and 26 2:30 to 4 PM
In the winter our Hump-day hike continues to be in the afternoons for better light. If you like to hike, but don’t like doing it alone, come on out for a brisk, intermediate ability hike (with multiple elevation changes) in nature—the perfect way to get some exercise incorporated into your day while enjoying the weekly changes you observe as the season progresses. Inclement weather cancels. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at HUMP DAY AFTERNOON
WEEKDAY BIRD WALK AT RANCOCAS
Thursday, December 5 and January 16 9 to 10/10:30 AM
Join Audrey Dorofy on the Rancocas Nature Center grounds in search of birds--our local residents and we hope to see some migrants passing through. Bring a water bottle and binoculars. Let us know ahead of time if you would like to borrow a loaner pair. Dress to walk in mostly hard sand or gravel with some exposed roots, occasional hilly terrain, and a mix of wooded and open areas. This is a relaxed pace, one-to-one-and-a-half-hour walk. All skill levels are welcome.
The program is free; FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at WEEKDAY BIRD WALK
Thursday, December 5 and January 16 9 to 10/10:30 AM
Join Audrey Dorofy on the Rancocas Nature Center grounds in search of birds--our local residents and we hope to see some migrants passing through. Bring a water bottle and binoculars. Let us know ahead of time if you would like to borrow a loaner pair. Dress to walk in mostly hard sand or gravel with some exposed roots, occasional hilly terrain, and a mix of wooded and open areas. This is a relaxed pace, one-to-one-and-a-half-hour walk. All skill levels are welcome.
The program is free; FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at WEEKDAY BIRD WALK
ESCAPE ART SERIES: SEASONAL STITCHERY AND SNIPPETS OF HOLLY (ages 16+)
Sunday, December 15 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Sign up for this workshop with teacher naturalist Robin Sperry and learn how to cross stitch--one of the easiest forms of embroidery. We’ll use a simple pattern inspired by the American Holly tree to create a holiday ornament or colorful mason jar band. And while working on the project, Robin will share fun facts about this interesting native species that is prolific in the Rancocas preserve. Cost: $25/per person (includes all needed supplies and materials). Register online at ESCAPE ART SERIES
Sunday, December 15 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Sign up for this workshop with teacher naturalist Robin Sperry and learn how to cross stitch--one of the easiest forms of embroidery. We’ll use a simple pattern inspired by the American Holly tree to create a holiday ornament or colorful mason jar band. And while working on the project, Robin will share fun facts about this interesting native species that is prolific in the Rancocas preserve. Cost: $25/per person (includes all needed supplies and materials). Register online at ESCAPE ART SERIES
SATURDAY GUIDED WALKS (ages 14+)
Saturdays, December 21, January 18 and February 15 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Studies show that taking a walk in a natural area is good for your physical and mental health. Adults and interested teens can join Rancocas Nature Center for a Saturday guided hike in the preserve. Inclement weather cancels. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at SATURDAY GUIDED WALKS
Saturdays, December 21, January 18 and February 15 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Studies show that taking a walk in a natural area is good for your physical and mental health. Adults and interested teens can join Rancocas Nature Center for a Saturday guided hike in the preserve. Inclement weather cancels. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at SATURDAY GUIDED WALKS
NEW YEARS EVE DAY HIKE (ages 13+)
Tuesday, December 31 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Say “Goodbye” to 2024 by enjoying the meadows, woods, and trails of the Rancocas preserve. This is a vigorous two and a half hour three-mile hike with elevation changes, so dress for the weather, bring a warm beverage, and pack a snack. Meet at the Rancocas State Park Westampton parking area near Irick Road. Inclement weather cancels. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at NEW YEAR's EVE DAY HIKE
Tuesday, December 31 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Say “Goodbye” to 2024 by enjoying the meadows, woods, and trails of the Rancocas preserve. This is a vigorous two and a half hour three-mile hike with elevation changes, so dress for the weather, bring a warm beverage, and pack a snack. Meet at the Rancocas State Park Westampton parking area near Irick Road. Inclement weather cancels. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at NEW YEAR's EVE DAY HIKE
BIRD TALK: WINTER WATERFOWL OF NEW JERSEY
Saturday, January 11 1 to 2 PM
Winter is a wonderful time to look for waterfowl in New Jersey. A large variety of ducks, swans, and geese spend the winter on the state’s coastal waterways and inland bodies of water. Join Rancocas teacher naturalist and avid birder Michelle Horowitz for an informative session, and discover which species are around in the winter months, how to identify them, and where they might be found. The program is free for Rancocas members; $10/person for non-members. Register online at WINTER WATERFOWL
Saturday, January 11 1 to 2 PM
Winter is a wonderful time to look for waterfowl in New Jersey. A large variety of ducks, swans, and geese spend the winter on the state’s coastal waterways and inland bodies of water. Join Rancocas teacher naturalist and avid birder Michelle Horowitz for an informative session, and discover which species are around in the winter months, how to identify them, and where they might be found. The program is free for Rancocas members; $10/person for non-members. Register online at WINTER WATERFOWL
ESCAPE ART SERIES: NATURE’S SHADOW BOX (ages 16+)
Sunday, January 12 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Looking to get out of the house and exercise your imagination? Join us as we get creative using natural items and decoupage to create tiny worlds inside of shadow boxes. All supplies will be provided, but of course you are free to bring trinkets or other small items to add to your creation. Cost: $25/per person (includes all needed supplies and materials). Register online at NATURE'S SHADOW BOX
Sunday, January 12 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Looking to get out of the house and exercise your imagination? Join us as we get creative using natural items and decoupage to create tiny worlds inside of shadow boxes. All supplies will be provided, but of course you are free to bring trinkets or other small items to add to your creation. Cost: $25/per person (includes all needed supplies and materials). Register online at NATURE'S SHADOW BOX
CONNECT WITH NATURE SERIES: LOSING THE LAWN--A PERSONAL JOURNEY
Sunday, January 19 1 to 2 PM
Is it easy to create a bountiful natural wildlife habitat in your yard? Join Rancocas naturalist Patty Rehn as she shares a presentation on how she transformed her lawn into a native garden teeming with birds, mammals, and insects. Explore ways to create a productive habitat in place of the green monoculture in your yard. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. And the bonus is less area to mow. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at LOSING THE LAWN
Sunday, January 19 1 to 2 PM
Is it easy to create a bountiful natural wildlife habitat in your yard? Join Rancocas naturalist Patty Rehn as she shares a presentation on how she transformed her lawn into a native garden teeming with birds, mammals, and insects. Explore ways to create a productive habitat in place of the green monoculture in your yard. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. And the bonus is less area to mow. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at LOSING THE LAWN
CONNECT WITH NATURE SERIES: TIMBUCTOO
Sunday, February 2 1 to 2 PM
Fifteen years after archeological studies put Timbuctoo “on the map” as a historic site, preservation and educational activities are thriving. Come and hear Timbuctoo descendant, Guy Weston, talk about what has been learned at the site, about the Timbuctoo Historical Society’s innovative projects to share information in schools and in community settings, and about strategies to preserve Timbuctoo for generations to come. Weston will also seek input on ways to make Timbuctoo more engaging for visitors, since the primary above ground evidence of Timbuctoo’s history is a small cemetery. Weather permitting, a visit to Timbuctoo will follow the program. The program is free; a donation to the Timbuctoo Historical Society is suggested. Register online at TIMBUCTOO
Sunday, February 2 1 to 2 PM
Fifteen years after archeological studies put Timbuctoo “on the map” as a historic site, preservation and educational activities are thriving. Come and hear Timbuctoo descendant, Guy Weston, talk about what has been learned at the site, about the Timbuctoo Historical Society’s innovative projects to share information in schools and in community settings, and about strategies to preserve Timbuctoo for generations to come. Weston will also seek input on ways to make Timbuctoo more engaging for visitors, since the primary above ground evidence of Timbuctoo’s history is a small cemetery. Weather permitting, a visit to Timbuctoo will follow the program. The program is free; a donation to the Timbuctoo Historical Society is suggested. Register online at TIMBUCTOO
WINTER NATURE JOURNALING WALK (ages 16+)
Saturday, February 8 1:30 to 3 PM
Bring your nature journal/sketchbook and join Rancocas teacher naturalist Robin Sperry on a winter trail hike in the Rancocas Nature Center preserve. We’ll make stops to journal some of the season’s visual diversity—both its stark, raw beauty and its quiet peacefulness. Inclement weather cancels. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at JOURNALING WALK
Saturday, February 8 1:30 to 3 PM
Bring your nature journal/sketchbook and join Rancocas teacher naturalist Robin Sperry on a winter trail hike in the Rancocas Nature Center preserve. We’ll make stops to journal some of the season’s visual diversity—both its stark, raw beauty and its quiet peacefulness. Inclement weather cancels. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at JOURNALING WALK
PASSIONATE FOR PLANTS: HOYA HEART LOVE NOTE (ages 16+)
Sunday, February 9 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Join us and learn how to propagate a Sweetheart Hoya plant and use it as a love note to your significant other, family member, yourself, or even your pet. Yes, most Hoya plants, particularly the Sweetheart Hoya, are non-toxic to our furry family members. This workshop, with Rancocas teacher naturalist Robin Sperry, will show participants how to propagate Hoyas--as single leaf or full-size plants. In addition, we’ll share information about successfully growing hoyas. The finished project—a propagated leaf with “love note” makes a great holiday gift. Cost: $25/per person (includes planter and all needed supplies and materials). Register online at HOYA HEART PLANT
Sunday, February 9 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Join us and learn how to propagate a Sweetheart Hoya plant and use it as a love note to your significant other, family member, yourself, or even your pet. Yes, most Hoya plants, particularly the Sweetheart Hoya, are non-toxic to our furry family members. This workshop, with Rancocas teacher naturalist Robin Sperry, will show participants how to propagate Hoyas--as single leaf or full-size plants. In addition, we’ll share information about successfully growing hoyas. The finished project—a propagated leaf with “love note” makes a great holiday gift. Cost: $25/per person (includes planter and all needed supplies and materials). Register online at HOYA HEART PLANT
WAITING FOR WOODCOCK (for Birders And Past Participants)
Sunday, February 23 5:45 PM
This is an opportunity for those who have already done our woodcock program in previous years, to come out to help us scout for woodcock. Bring your binoculars and/or camera and dress for the weather; it can get chilly waiting till almost dark. Feel free to bring a chair. Beginners should register for our ‘Woodcock for Beginners” in March. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at WOODCOCK BIRDING Inclement weather cancels.
Sunday, February 23 5:45 PM
This is an opportunity for those who have already done our woodcock program in previous years, to come out to help us scout for woodcock. Bring your binoculars and/or camera and dress for the weather; it can get chilly waiting till almost dark. Feel free to bring a chair. Beginners should register for our ‘Woodcock for Beginners” in March. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at WOODCOCK BIRDING Inclement weather cancels.
SAVE THE DATE!
WOODCOCK FOR BEGINNERS: AMERICAN WOODCOCKS & THEIR AERIAL DISPLAYS
Thursday, March 6 5:30 PM
Each year in the late winter, the American Woodcock move northward at the beginning of their breeding season. One of their migration stops is the Rancocas meadow– a reliable spot to catch the male of the species performing a fascinating aerial display to impress the female Woodcocks. Rancocas naturalist Patti Rehn will share an informative PowerPoint presentation at
the Center, then lead an outdoor session in the meadow—a unique viewing opportunity. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at WOODCOCKS AERIAL DISPLAYS Inclement weather cancels.
WOODCOCK FOR BEGINNERS: AMERICAN WOODCOCKS & THEIR AERIAL DISPLAYS
Thursday, March 6 5:30 PM
Each year in the late winter, the American Woodcock move northward at the beginning of their breeding season. One of their migration stops is the Rancocas meadow– a reliable spot to catch the male of the species performing a fascinating aerial display to impress the female Woodcocks. Rancocas naturalist Patti Rehn will share an informative PowerPoint presentation at
the Center, then lead an outdoor session in the meadow—a unique viewing opportunity. The program is free — FRNC membership or donation suggested. Register online at WOODCOCKS AERIAL DISPLAYS Inclement weather cancels.