The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders Invites you to Autumn Nature Programs in Burlington County 2015

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1 The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders Invites you to Autumn Nature Programs in Burlington County 2015 To register for nature programs, call programs are FREE For park directions, go to After Work Walks Wednesday September 9, 5:45pm, Smith s Woods Wednesday September 23, 5:45pm, Boundary Creek Wednesday October 7, 5:45pm, Long Bridge Park Wednesday October 21, 5:45pm, Amico Island Take a break from the hectic week and walk some of the trails in our parks after work with a naturalist. Explore our parks in a fun, relaxing way. Adventure at Dawn Friday September 11, 6:45am, Boundary Creek Friday October 9, 7:00am, Crystal Lake Friday November 13, 7:00am, Smith s Woods Look, listen and feel the world waking up with Park Naturalist Kate Szostak. From bird songs to changing weather patterns, observe the change the sun has on our planet. Dress appropriately, and be ready for a leisurely morning walk during the sunrise. (Caffeine is not required but recommended to those who need it). Registration Required. Sneaker Sundays 12 noon, one Sunday each month Join Freeholder Director Mary Ann O'Brien on Sneaker Sundays to walk County Park trails. A great opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the expansive scenery and wildlife while practicing healthy exercise habits. September 13, Pennington Park October 11, Crystal Lake Park Fall Mountain Bike Ride Sunday September 20, 2pm Rancocas State Park, Hainesport, 800 Rancocas Ave. Come out with your mountain bike and pedal the new trail system and explore this lesserknown park in Hainesport with County Park Rangers! Enter at the Rancocas Ave. entrance and meet at the end of the gravel driveway. No facilities available. Registration required. Art and Nature Thursday September 24, Long Bridge Park, 10:00am Thursday October 22, Smith s Woods, 10:00am People have been writing about nature for ages, and you can too! Walk with Park Naturalist Kate Szostak and discover the many different ways nature can be interpreted by art. Write, draw, and photograph your way through our parks system.

2 Moonlit Walks Monday September 28, Smith s Woods, 8:00pm Wednesday October 28, Laurel Run Park (Delran), 7:00pm Tuesday November 24, Long Bridge Park, 5:30pm Join our staff for a moonlit walk through the park to look for signs of nocturnal animals and gaze at the stars. Be sure to dress appropriately and bring binoculars if you have them (no flashlights please). Registration Required. Tuesday Talks & Friday Forums A series of nature programs held on select Tuesdays and Fridays in various County Park locations. Friday Forums will be the same location and topic as the Tuesday, so please register for either Tuesday OR Friday. Registration is required for all events. Led by Park Naturalist Jen Bulava. Tuesday Sept 29 or Friday Oct 2 Birding at Boundary Creek, 9am. Tuesday Oct 13 or Friday Oct 16 Nature walk at Amico Island, 9am. Tuesday Oct 27 or Friday Oct 30 Fall foliage walk at Smithville Park at 10am. Meet at parking lot A off Meade Lane. Tuesday Nov 17 or Friday Nov 20 Nature Walk (waterfowl focus) at Willingboro Lakes, 10am. Watching Wildlife Saturday October 3, Smith s Woods, 9:00am Walk with Park Naturalist Kate Szostak to learn about the best ways to look for and watch wildlife. Learn how to properly use binoculars, cameras, and field guides to observe wildlife without disturbing them. There will be a focus on discovering the short-distance and long-distance migration of animals in our parks. Registration required. Plant Pressing Saturday October 3, 11:00am, Smith s Woods Pressing leaves is an excellent way to keep and remember what you ve seen in our parks. Take a walk with Park Naturalist Kate Szostak to learn how to press and preserve plants into a booklet. Registration required. Backyard Wildlife Seminar Saturday October 3, Smithville Park, 1:00pm Love viewing wildlife in the great outdoors? Wish you could watch them from the comfort of your own home? Come to this informational seminar to learn how to attract birds and pollinators and repel pests such as squirrels, groundhogs, and certain insects in natural ways. A series of handouts will be provided on these topics, a list of plants ranked according to deer fondness, as well as how to live responsibly with wildlife. Folding chairs are recommended. Meet at parking lot A off Meade Lane. Registration required. Sneak Peak: Barker s Brook Natural Resource Area Friday October 23, 9am Barker s Brook, meet at County Fairgrounds Parking Lot, 1960 Jacksonville Road, Columbus Barker s Brook Natural Resource Area is a very sensitive 570-acre grassland habitat immediately south of the County Fairgrounds. It is normally closed to the public, but we are opening it up for a day for a sneak peak at this property. Take a walk on the old farm roads and look for birds and other wildlife. Led by Park Naturalist Jen Bulava. Registration required.

3 Fall Foliage Nature Hike Saturday, October 24, 10am Crystal Lake Park, Mansfield Join us for a beautiful autumn hike through the woods to learn and appreciate the diversity of native trees. Must wear proper footwear for steep slopes. Rain cancels. Led by Park Naturalist Jen Bulava. Registration required. Overnight Outdoor Adventure Saturday November 14- Sunday November 15, 6:00pm-10:00am Undeveloped park property, North Hanover Twp Spend the night camping in the woods with County Park Rangers in an undeveloped park property. Observe nocturnal wildlife and view the seasonal stars and planets. Bring your own tent and camping gear. Directions provided at the time of registration. Registration required. PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH For all children s programs described below, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Parents/ guardians should be prepared to stay for the duration of the event. Tots & Treks (Infant to 5yrs old with parent) Wednesday, October 14, 10:00am, Long Bridge Park It is never too early to introduce your little ones to nature. Get some fresh air, exercise, and meet other parents on these walks through our parks led by Park Naturalist Kate Szostak. Dress appropriately and be prepared for unpaved trail surfaces. Registration Required. Map & Compass Orienteering Saturday, October 24, 1:00pm Crystal Lake Park, Mansfield Recommended for ages 9 & up Learn how to use a map and compass for navigation in a challenging landscape. This program will involve working in small groups to find hidden objects in the woods. Trails are steep in sections and proper footwear with treads is required. Rain cancels. Led by Park Naturalist Jen Bulava. Registration required. Fun with SEEDS! Thursday, November 5 (rain date Friday November 6) (Schools are closed for the teacher s convention) Smith s Woods, Smithville Park, 10:00am Meet at Smith s Woods parking lot near the restrooms, playground, and pavilions For ages 5 & up. Students will learn all about how trees spread their seeds. We will go on a scavenger hunt to look for different seeds and figure out which trees they came from. We ll use the seeds we find to sort out which ones are spread by wind, animals, water, etc. Working in small groups, students will then act out the seed dispersal methods of local plants. Bring a bag to collect seeds in. Registration required.

4 Fall Cleanups/service projects in the County Parks Volunteers should wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and sturdy shoes that can get muddy. Bags and gloves will be provided. Severe weather cancels the event. Letters documenting volunteer community service will be available to students. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and parent/guardian signed waivers are required for all participants under age 18. Saturday November 14, 9:00am-12:00pm (sign in begins at 8:45) Amico Island Park, 81 Norman Ave., Delran Collect and inventory litter along the shoreline of the Delaware River. Pre-registration is appreciated for planning but not required. or call Clean Communities at , ext Any day during low tide at Amico Island Park, Norman Avenue, Delran Daily tides bring debris onto the shoreline at Amico Island. Organize a group, or go out with friends or family to help keep the island litter free. County park rangers will meet your party and provide safety information, gloves, bags and removal of collected debris. parks@co.burlington.nj.us or call to set up a time. ARTS and CULTURE Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, NJ Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday 12pm-4pm September 10-October 31, th Annual Juried Art Exhibit Intake Date: August 28 2pm-4pm; August 29 9am-12pm Opening Reception: Saturday, September 12, 2015, 1pm-3pm Worker s House & Gallery 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, NJ Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm Ongoing Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County Warden s House Gallery 150 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm Ongoing Hugh H. Campbell Art Collection Burlington County Lyceum of History & Natural Sciences 307 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10am-7pm; Wednesday-Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-3pm Burlington County: Rooted in Agriculture From the earliest crops cultivated by Native Americans, through the ups and downs of commercial farming, to the local food movement of today, the exhibit traces the rich history of agriculture in Burlington County. On display through December 31.

5 Burlington County Fairgrounds Events 1960 Jacksonville Road, Columbus Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 Jersey Fresh Wine Festival 12:00pm-5:00pm A two day wine festival featuring the wines from many New Jersey wineries, food vendors, craft vendors and live music. Hosted by Garden State Wine Growers Association ( Sampling one-day pass- $20 if purchased early through their website or $25 at gate Sampling two-day pass - $40 purchased early only through their website Non-samplers 21 or older - $5 admission at gate only Under 21 visitors must be accompanied by someone 21 or older Tractor Pull Event Saturday September 19 Saturday October 17 On the tractor pull track sponsored by the Central Jersey Tractor Puller s Association. Garden tractors begin pulling at 12:00pm and large tractors begin pulling at 4:00pm. The event is free for spectators. Saturday, October 3 Sunday October 4 FIDO s Festival USA 10:00am to 5:00pm Two day all-inclusive dog festival for humans and their furry counterparts. Additional information and advanced tickets available at Saturday, October 17 Oktoberfest 11:00am to 7:00pm Free admission CJTPA Tractor Pull Season Finale Burlington Military Affairs Committee (BMAC) 5K race, endurance run and antique car show (11am) Local brews and bands at noon Monday October 19 4H Equestrian Dressage Event 8:00am-4:00pm In the equestrian riding rings sponsored by the Burlington 4H Young Riders. Free for spectators. Riders may register to enter. Registration fees are $20.00 per class for non-4h riders and $7.00 per class for 4H riders. The Burlington County Community Agricultural Center 500 Centerton Rd., Moorestown Farmer s Market every Saturday from 8:30am 1:00pm, May October 31 Cooking Classes at the Farmhouse Kitchen Visit for information on vendors, crafters, cooking demonstrations, and special themed events each Saturday

6 Programs at Rancocas Nature Center 794 Rancocas Road, Westampton, NJ, Register for programs with RNC by or call to request a mailed form CHILDREN S PROGRAMS NATURE IN ART FOR PRESCHOOLERS Fridays, September 11, October 9, & November 6 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Nature is all around us. For the very young, their interactions with the natural world are learning experiences that can translate into art projects. This program is designed for preschoolers ages 3-5 accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each session will include an introduction to a nature theme and an art project. Pre-registration required. Cost: RNC members, $3/session/per child; nonmembers, $5/session/per child September 11 Collage with Natural Materials October 9 Rock Painting November 6 Leaf Rubbings NATURE HIKES WITH A RANGER FOR PRESCHOOLERS Fridays, September 25, October 30, November 20 10:00 to 11 a.m. Burlington County Rangers will share their love of the outdoors with preschoolers ages 3-5 and their parent or guardian. Give young children a chance to explore the outdoors. All age-appropriate hikes utilize the Rancocas Nature Center s Visitors Center and trail system. Pre-registration required. Cost per session: Donations accepted at the center. September 25 Fall Nature Hike October 9 Halloween Hike November 20 Turkey Hike PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES CONNECT WITH NATURE CREATURES OF THE SKY BUTTERFLIES AND THEIR KIN Sunday, September 20 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It s that time of year again for our Monarchs to begin their incredible journey to Mexico. But they aren t the only butterflies and their relatives that call Rancocas home. We ll take a look at this fascinating group, their metamorphosis and how to identify some of the local species. The afternoon includes an investigative hike and a Monarch tagging. Preregistration required. Cost: RNC members, $7/person, $15/family (limit 5); nonmembers, $9/person, $21/family (limit 5). CONNECT WITH NATURE-- EXPLORING THE PARK AFTER DARK Friday, October 16 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Have you ever wondered what happens in the forest after the sun sets? When we are getting ready for bed some Rancocas wildlife are just becoming active. Learn about some of our local nocturnal creatures and then get into the Halloween spirit as we explore the trails in the still of the night. Pre-registration required Cost: RNC members, $7/person, $15/family (limit 5); nonmembers, $9/person, $21/family (limit 5). CONNECT WITH NATURE ENJOYING BACKYARD BIRDS Sunday, November 15 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The feeders at Rancocas are bursting with activity every day. Your backyard can also attract a variety of species for you to observe and ID. Learn about backyard habitats, basic bird ID, and build a bird feeder for the visiting wildlife. Cost of materials: $6/per feeder. Pre-registration required Program Cost: RNC members, $7/person, $15/family (limit 5); nonmembers, $9/person, $21/family (limit 5).

7 ADULT & TEEN PROGRAMS AT RANCOCAS INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE AT RANCOCAS Sundays, September 6, October 4, and November 1 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Join an RNC naturalist for an interpretive hike through our varied habitats. It s a great way to become familiar with our well-maintained trails. The pace is easy and suitable for all ages of adults and interested teenagers. Pre-registration required. Cost: RNC members, FREE; nonmembers, $4/person, $10/family. SCIENCE & HISTORY SERIES Tuesdays, September 8, October 13, & November 10 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Rancocas Nature Center will host a new series for the adult interested in learning about the natural world and the history of the region. Appropriate for home-schooled high school-aged students. Pre-registration required. Cost: RNC members, $7/person; nonmembers, $9/person. September 8 A Biologic Look at RNC Waterways October 13 Fall Tree/Leaf ID November 10 Rancocas Historic Site Tour NATURALIST-LED SATURDAY WALK Saturdays, September 19, October 17, & November 21 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Studies show that taking a nature walk is good for your physical and mental health. Join an RNC naturalist for a themed hike around the preserve. Suitable for adults and interested teenagers. Pre-registration required Cost: RNC members, $3/person; nonmembers, $5/person SPEAKING OF NATURE SERIES Thursdays, September 24, October 22, November 19 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Check the Rancocas website for further details on this series, Pre-registration required. Cost: RNC members, $2/person; nonmembers, $5/person ADULT OFF-SITE FIELD TRIPS All programs require pre-registration. You can register by calling the center or by mailing a check to RNC RANCOCAS STATE PARK FALL BIRDING with LLOYD SHAW Saturday, September 19 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The 600+ acre parcel of the Rancocas State Park that sits north of the north branch of the Rancocas Creek has recently blazed trails featured on a new trail map. Lloyd will guide this morning walk focusing on resident birds and fall migrants, but including observations of other wildlife. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Meet in the RNC parking lot. Leader: Lloyd Shaw. Cost: RNC members, $12; nonmembers, $18. PALMYRA COVE BIRDING CHALLENGE FIELD TRIP Saturday, October 10 7:00 a.m. & 9:00 a.m. (two start times) to late afternoon. Start early in the day to take advantage of the seasonal surge along the Delaware River migratory route. Everyone knows it s a prime time to tally a record-breaking day list. It s your call as to how long you stay. The group will break for lunch. Beginning birders are welcome. Meet in the Palmyra Cove Nature Center parking lot. Leader: Lloyd Shaw. Preregistration required. Cost: RNC members/$15; nonmembers/$20. TAYLOR S PRESERVE & AMICO ISLAND FIELD TRIP Saturday, November 7 8:00 a.m. to early afternoon. These two sites are featured in the Burlington County edition of the Birding and Wildlife Trails map as part of the River s Edge and Ecotones trail that starts along the Delaware River. The day will focus on late migrants, sparrows, and resident passerines and raptors, but there are sure to be other species in this diverse area. For the first stop, meet in the parking lot at the corner of Taylor s Lane and River Road. Leader: Lloyd Shaw. Cost: RNC members/$12; nonmembers/$18.

8 RNC AFFILIATED CLUB MEETINGS RNC OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB Thursdays, September 3, October 1, & November 5, 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. All are welcome. Club meets the first Thursday of every month in the RNC classroom. NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF NEW JERSEY, RNC CHAPTER Mondays, September 21, October 19, & November 16, 7:00 8:30 p.m. Once a month, NPSNJ Chapters sponsor lectures and presentations with featured speakers on topics ranging from introductions to native plants, gardening with natives, identification and appreciation of the beautiful flora and ecosystems of New Jersey, ecological landscaping, and much more. Call the center for additional information. Free Fall Events at Smithville Park sponsored by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders Arts in the Park Sunday, September 13 10:30am 4pm (rain or shine) Enjoy entertainment on three stages and in the gallery including music, dance, theater and storytelling. The Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery will host the 39 th Annual Juried Art Show. In addition to opportunities to purchase original art from local artists, guests are encouraged to engage in free interactive activities, such as Chalk the Walk, Paint the Mural, Clothesline Art Workshop, Paint to the Music and much more. Artists of all levels will have an opportunity to show off their skills. Free admission and free parking. Scarecrows on Parade Month of October Join us for our 4th Annual Scarecrows on Parade. We invite organizations, businesses, clubs and individuals to participate by creating their own family-friendly scarecrows. A small registration fee is required. This is a fun way to promote your organization or business. The scarecrows have proven to be a huge hit with visitors in Smithville Park who vote for their favorite. Winners will be announced at the Fall Foliage Family Float Festival on Oct. 18. Details will be posted on the Parks website. Fall Foliage Family Float Festival Sunday, October 18 (severe weather raindate Oct 25) Canoe & Kayak Launch: 9am 2pm Festival: 9am 4pm Canoe on the Rancocas Creek and see the Fall Foliage as you float along. It all starts at 9am from Historic Smithville Park. Paddlers will be shuttled back to Smithville Park for entertainment and activities for all ages. Canoeing and kayaking is free on a first-come, first serve basis. Paddlers must sign a waiver which will be available on line. Back at Smithville, visitors can dance to the music, and attend children s hands-on activities. Refreshments and unique crafts will be available for sale. Free admission and free parking. Burlington County Park System Historic Smithville Park P.O. Box 6000 Eastampton, NJ ph: (609)