HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m. / Closed Mondays 

CLOSING: Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day.

Rancocas Nature Center Information Page

Summer Calendar of Events

Autumn, 2008

CHILDREN’S NATURE SERIES
All programs require advance registration.

LITTLE SPROUTS
Fridays, September 12, 19, 26 and October 3, 10
Saturdays, September 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 11
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
This series is designed for 2½- to 4-year-olds. Gardens are a wonderful place for young children to have a hands-on experience with nature. Youngsters and their parent or caregiver will share fun-filled mornings learning about garden visitors, fall flowers and fruits, and plant care in and around RNC’s colorful Children’s Garden.
Cost: $6 per child per session for members, $10 per child per session for nonmembers.

NATURE EXPLORERS
Sundays, September 21,
October 5, 19, November 2, 16, December 7
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
After a hot, busy summer, spend a cool Sunday afternoon learning about the world around us and exploring the center’s grounds. Geared toward kids aged 5½ to 8, each Sunday program includes a creative project, games and activities, and a nature walk. During the last session on December 7, children will have an opportunity to make nature-oriented holiday gifts for family and friends.
Cost: $7 per child per session for members, $10 per child per session for nonmembers.

NATURE TODDLERS
Fridays, October 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21
Saturdays, October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22
10:00 to11:30 a.m.
These weekly programs at the center are designed to engage toddlers aged 3 to 5 and their parent or caregiver in songs, games, crafts, hikes, and discoveries. Each week a different nature topic, such as seeds, falling leaves, nature’s preparation for winter, and other autumnal themes, will be explored.
Cost: $7 per child per session for members, $10 per child per session for nonmembers.

ANNUAL FALL NATIVE PLANT SALE
Saturday, September 20
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Reap the benefits of landscaping with native flora. Whether you’re starting from scratch with a new plan or adding some color to a bare spot in your yard – go native! The selection will include rare and useful species not usually found at local nurseries. Place your native plant order early to be sure of availability. A comprehensive list of available species will be on hand at the visitors’ center and online at www.njaudubon.org/centers/rancocas. All preorders can be picked up at the Rancocas Nature Center on Saturday, September 20. A small selection of additional plants will also be available for purchase on pickup day.

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

GARDEN WALK AT RANCOCAS
Saturday, September 6
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Take a naturalist-led walk around the center grounds, focusing on our meadow and native plant, butterfly, and children’s gardens. Colorful nectar sources attract seasonal wildlife. Bring cameras, binoculars, and your gardening questions; we can try to look it up if we don’t know the answer. Pack a lunch and enjoy a midday meal at our picnic tables.
Cost: free to members, $4 individual or $8 family for nonmembers.

WALK THE RANCOCAS TRAILS
Sunday, September 27
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Join an NJAS staff person or an associate naturalist for a guided walk through the varied habitats at our center. It’s a great way to become familiar with our well-maintained trails; the next time you visit you can just pick up a trail map (at the visitors’ center) and be your own guide. The easy pace is suitable for all ages; please use a backpack to transport small children.
Cost: free to members, $4 individual and $8 family nonmembers.
 
KNOW THE “BEAR” FACTS
Saturday, October 25
2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
The Black Bear is New Jersey’s largest land mammal and has been sighted in all twenty-one counties. This interesting and interactive program is suitable for children and adults, and is presented by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection staff at the Rancocas Nature Center. Informative topics include bear biology, the natural history of bears in the Garden State, current research, and practical ideas on coexisting with Black Bears. Following the program, participants can “meet and greet” native New Jersey reptiles that live at our center.
Presenter: Michelle Ruggiero, N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Environmental Protection. Please preregister for this event.
Cost: free.

AUTUMN MEADOW WALK
Tuesday, November 4 (Election Day)
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
As autumn transitions into winter, nature is already preparing for next spring. Join a Rancocas naturalist for a leisurely walk through our meadow looking for seeds, insects, meadow inhabitants, and late migrants. The easy pace is suitable for all ages; please use a backpack to transport small children.
Cost: free to members,
      $4 individual and
      $8 family for nonmembers.

BEST OF RNC PHOTO EXHIBIT
Friday, November 7,
Opening Night: Meet the Artists
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (exhibit runs through Sunday, November 30).
Visitors to our center are just as likely to carry a camera as a pair of binoculars, so we’re creating a venue for them to share their photos with the general public. Photographers of all ages are encouraged to submit up to five images (no larger than 8"x 10" prints for this exhibit). The only requirement is that all photographs must have been taken on the Rancocas Nature Center grounds. Vote for your favorite when you visit the center. The two winners will receive a T-shirt of their choice or a voucher for a free RNC program. Call the center for more details or visit our Web site at www.njaudubon.org/centers/rancocas. Refreshments will be served on opening night, November 7.
Cost: free to members, $3 individual and $6 family for nonmembers.

HIBERNATE, MIGRATE, OR STAY ACTIVE?
Sunday, November 9
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
It’s amazing how nature prepares for change. As the shortening days of November signal the onset of winter, everyone is scurrying around so they’re not left out in the cold. Seasonal strategies abound! Hike the Rancocas trails with a naturalist and observe the transformation. The easy pace is suitable for all ages. Please use a backpack to transport small children, and please preregister for this event.
Cost: $4 individual and $8 family for members, $6 individual and $15 family for nonmembers.

ADULT PROGRAMS AT RNC

MORNING BIRD WALKS AT RANCOCAS
Fridays, September 5, October 3, November 7, and December 5
8:00 a.m.
Join an RNC associate naturalist for a “first-Friday-of-the-month” bird walk. Migrants and resident species can be found at our center. Sightings are added to the RNC bird list. Meet at the picnic tables by the parking lot. Walks begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Cost:       free to members,
      $5 for nonmembers.

SHORT WALKS WITH SANDRA KELLER
Palmyra Cove
Sunday, September 21
9:00 a.m. to noon
Taylor’s Preserve
Sunday, October 19
9:00 a.m. to noon
You don’t need much time or gas to take advantage of these short walks with associate naturalist Sandra Keller. A quick morning trip to a local hot spot is a great way to start your Sunday. No reservations are needed; the idea is to keep it simple. Only persistent rain cancels a walk. Call the center for directions to the sites. Please arrive by 9:00 a.m. sharp.
Cost:       $7 members,
      $10 nonmembers.

NJAS STEWARDSHIP TALK & WALK
Saturday, October 4
10:00 a.m. to noon
Over the past two years, the New Jersey Audubon Society has been working with private landowners in focus areas throughout the state. Now NJAS is putting stewardship “on the ground” at the Hovnanian Sanctuary.* Its 512 acres in Ocean County are home to several species of threatened and endangered flora and fauna. Learn about our stewardship plan, upcoming restoration activities, and ways you can get involved. Immediately following the talk we will tour the Rancocas Sanctuary and have a discussion of the management techniques NJAS is utilizing for wildlife habitat restoration. Presenters: Elizabeth Ciuzio, for NJAS Conservation Department, and RNC staff.
Cost:       free to members,
      $5 nonmembers.
*Note: Lloyd Shaw will lead a field trip to the Hovnanian Sanctuary on November 8. For details, see “Birding Historic Sites of the Pinelands” listed under “Field Trips,” on page 12.

FIELD TRIPS

Unless otherwise noted, all field trips require a five-day preregistration and advance payment of $15 for NJAS members and $20 for nonmembers. No refunds are made unless we cancel the trip. Field trips meet at or near the trip locations. Instructions will be mailed. Trips take place rain or shine (within reasonable limits). Group size is limited and a minimum number of participants are necessary. Bring binoculars and/or scopes, lunch, and appropriate gear. Call 609.261.2495 to register with credit card information or mail a check to RNC, 794 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. To facilitate sending site directions, please include your e-mail or mailing address when you register.

MIGRATING FALL WARBLERS AT RIVERWINDS
Saturday, September 27
8:45 a.m. to early afternoon
Visit little-explored areas in and around the Riverwinds Complex in West Deptford, Gloucester County. The area includes many viewing locations along the Delaware River and Mantua Creek, and affords the chance to see a variety of warblers, including Chestnut-sided, Nashville, Blackpoll, American Redstart, and Magnolia.
Leaders: Gary and Margie Lizzi.

BIRDING CAMDEN COUNTY
Sunday, September 28
Meet at 8:15 a.m.
Enjoy new additions to the calendar this fall: explore local little-known gems in Camden County. Barclay Farms and Magic Forest lie at the headwaters of the Cooper River and are fine locations, in the middle of Cherry Hill, to spot fall migrants and resident wildlife.
Leader: Lloyd Shaw.

BEST OF THE PINE BARRENS
Sunday, October 5
Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Hike the New Jersey Pine Barrens with Rick Radis, one of New Jersey’s best naturalists. In addition to learning about the natural history of the area’s, wildfire ecology, we will be exploring its distinctive habitats for Pinelands flora and fauna. Bring rubber boots if you have them.

BIRDING PALMYRA COVE
Saturday, October 11
Meet at 7:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.
Join Lloyd Shaw for a Palmyra Cove Big Day. Let’s see how many species Lloyd and company can produce at this great birding location. The bird tally goes toward the Audubon Wildlife Society’s count. There are two different start times. Participants can choose what works best for them. Spend the day or any part of the day. It’s sure to be fruitful and exciting. Meet in the Palmyra Cove Nature Park’s parking lot.

FALL BIRDING AT BOMBAY HOOK NWR, DELAWARE
Saturday, October 11
10:00 a.m. to midafternoon
Delaware is not as far as you think, and worth the trip. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of habitats to explore along the Delaware Bay. Participants will carpool to salt-marsh and freshwater sites in search of waterfowl and raptors. This is always a great trip. Minimal walking is required. Let us know if you’d like to carpool. Leader: John Courtney.

FALL SPARROWS AT RED BANK
Sunday, October 12
Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Sharpen your I.D. skills at Red Bank Battlefield National Park. The dredge spoils area attracts a variety of sparrow species, including White-crowned, Lincoln’s, Swamp, Savannah, and possibly Vesper. Historically, the area is a major Revolutionary War site and is worth a visit on its own.
Leaders: Gary and Margie Lizzi.

SALEM COUNTY AUTUMN FROLIC
Saturday, October 18
Meet at 9:00 a.m.
Associate naturalist Frank Lenik, our Salem County expert, will lead this “autumn frolic,” looking for short-distance migrants and other surprises. Participants will meet at Pedricktown Marsh and are encouraged to carpool from the start location.
Leader: Frank Lenik.

FORSYTHE (BRIGANTINE) NWR WITH PETE BACINSKI
Saturday, November 1
Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Try birding Forsythe (Brigantine) NWR with a seasoned naturalist at the best time of the year. If it’s there, Pete will find it. Expect an extraordinary number of birds and bird species. This is an excellent trip for intermediate and advanced birders looking to beef up a year list.

BIRDING HISTORIC SITES OF THE PINELANDS
Saturday, November 8
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Double Trouble State Park and carpool to the different sites. Combine local history and Pinelands habitat for an interesting mix of old and new. Three historic Pinelands sites are on the day’s agenda: Double Trouble State Park, in an area once known for its lumbering and cranberry industries; the Crossley Preserve, featuring an old clay mining area with a unique habitat of shallow pools; and NJAS’s Hovnanian Preserve, a little-known area where late migrants and winter residents can be seen.
Leader: Lloyd Shaw.

BURLINGTON COUNTY NATURAL SCIENCE CLUB
NJAS members are invited to the monthly meetings of the Burlington County Natural Science Club. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month, September through May, at 7:45 p.m. For updates on meeting locations and presentation topics, visit the club’s Web site at http://oldsquaw.tripod.com 

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

All New Jersey Audubon volunteers are awesome, but we’re a bit partial to ours at RNC. We couldn’t manage without the help of our bookstore and administrative volunteers: Louise Tompkins, John and Marilyn Courtney, Arlene Spangler, Ken Mitchell, Heddy Bauer, Mary Metrione, Pat Pawlowski, George Rowland, Candy Myers, Laura Edwards, Mary Klingelhoeffer, Diane Rothschild, and David White. For all the work they do around the nature center, thank you to Bob Lord, Bob Birdsall, Bob Hall, Bill Wiley, and Al Wiley. Thank you to Emilcott for its generous donation and sponsorship of our WBS team, the Emilcott Chickadees (Carolina), and members Bill Margaretta, Mary Belko, Gregory Cantrell, Steve Mattan, and Nellie Tsipoura. Thank you to our WSB team, the Rancocas Ravaging Red-tails, and members Sandra Keller, Sarah Tanedo, and Barbara Wiley.
 

Members receive discounts on program fees. If you are not a member and would like to become one, consider Joining New Jersey Audubon Society.