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.
CLOSURES: Closed on Friday, July 4, for Independence Day.
Summer, 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. 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 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
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. 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 six to adult. Cost: $3 member, $5 nonmember
(unless otherwise noted). Pre-registration is encouraged. Call
609.897.9400 to register.
AMAZING ANIMALS OF VERNAL POOLS
Saturday, June 7
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Learn all about frogs, toads, snakes, turtles, and salamanders
during this program about our cold-blooded companions.
Amphibians and reptiles use the vernal pools of the Preserve to
breed and lay their eggs. Jump into this program with us to
learn which species live here and when and where to find them.
Be prepared for a wet hike out to the vernal pools!
BIRDWATCHING FOR PRIZES
Saturday, June 14
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The participants will accompany the naturalist during this
ninety-minute program in an attempt to locate and identify
twenty species of birds on the preserve. If the group is
successful in meeting this goal, prizes will be awarded to all!
TERRIFIC TURTLES
Saturday, June 21
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Did you know that the vernal pools of Plainsboro Preserve are
home to several species of 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.
TRACKING WILD ANIMALS
Saturday, June 28
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. This program will take us into the forest in
search of animal prints. We may make plaster casts to take home.
CREATURES BENEATH THE WATER
Saturday, July 5
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
What mysterious creatures live beneath the waters of the brooks
of the Plainsboro Preserve? Wade out with our preserve
naturalist to search and discover the mysteries of these cold
waters. Come prepared to get wet!
NESTING BIRDS UP CLOSE
Saturday, July 12
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Join one of the naturalists 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.
ANIMAL HABITAT HUNT
Saturday, July 19
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
signs by using the clues that animals leave behind. Be prepared
for an adventure!
AMAZING INSECTS
Saturday, July 26
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Using nets and bug boxes, participants will discover a vast
array of insect life. The focus of this program will be to find,
identify, and observe a wide variety of insect lifestyles and
adaptations. The entire family will enjoy this foray in search
of ever-present insects!
A TASTE OF ORGANIC GARDENING
Saturday, August 2
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Did you realize that spring is not the only time to plant a
vegetable garden? Learn which crops can be planted now for the
fall harvest. You will also gain some practical tips on how to
start your own garden free from harmful chemicals. Learn why
organic gardening and farming are not only good for the
environment, but also good for you.
Taste firsthand the difference between organically grown and
commercially grown vegetables.
FOREST FORAY
Saturday, August 9
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The leaves of the trees are a brilliant green and are at the
peak of their growing season. Join associate naturalist
Shari-Beth Nadell on this educational and eye-opening walk
through the woods of the preserve. Participants can collect
leaves and use them to create woodsy crafts. See how an
increment borer is used to core and age a mighty beech!
BRING ON THE BUTTERFLIES!
Saturday, August 16
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
What is another reason why August is so great? The beautiful
butterflies, of course! 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.
STORIES OF NATURE IN SUMMER
Saturday, August 23
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 a small craft or short hike.
SENSORY SAFARI
Saturday, August 30
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The outside world is ready to be explored. Young children will
delight in this program that teaches the participants to use
five senses to investigate the world around them. The sights,
smells, and sounds of the outdoors await you!
SUMMER CAMPS
Welcome to the 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.
Preregistration is mandatory and a family membership is
required.
Summer Camp Themes For Boys and Girls Entering Grades 1
Through 3
Cost: $240 per week.
Young Naturalist
June 23 to 27
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.
Nature Variety
June 30 to July 3
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 2007 summer camp season! Top picks include
games, crafts, hikes, and nature experiences. These
activities are the “best of the best”!
Special Price $200
Fascinating Creatures
July 7 to 11
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. Using our collection of live and mounted
animals, campers will get up close and personal with our
woodland friends before venturing into the wilderness to
search for signs of these creatures.
Wild Discoveries
July 14 to 18
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.
Digging in the Dirt
July 21 to 25
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 pots with the dirt
around us. This camp will certainly be a hands-on
experience!
Nature Awareness
July 28 to August 1
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
engaging 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.
Wild Wisdom
August 4 to 8
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 1 to 3
Legends, stories, and myths from various cultures will be
the inspiration for this week. Each day the campers will
listen to the wisdom of the ancients before setting out to
make natural discoveries for themselves.
Cold-Blooded Creatures
August 11 to 15
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, and frogs in their
natural habitats. Encounters with live animals are
accompanied by related learning activities and crafts.
All Creatures Big and Small
August 18 to 22
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 1 to 3
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.
Sensory Safari
August 25 to 29
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Grades 1 to 3
Using one of the five senses, every day is a new sensory
adventure on the nature preserve! 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!
Summer Camp Topics For Boys and Girls Entering Grades 4
through 6
Cost: $240 per week
Woodland Games
June 23 to 27
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 4 to 6
Who 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.
Nature Camp Sampler
June 30 to July 3
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 2007 summer camp season! Top picks
include games, crafts, hikes, and nature experiences. These
activities are the “best of the best”!
Special Price: $200.
Survivor
July 7 to 11
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 4 to 6
Learn survival skills by putting them into practice. Campers
will safely build shelters, procure food and water, and cook
on a fire or camp stove during this adventurous week. In
addition, campers will navigate by map and compass and track
wild animals through the forests of the preserve.
All About Animals
July 14 to 18
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 Summer Camp.
Investigations will take the campers from the live animals
in our nature center to the wild places of the nature
preserve.
Ecosystem Explorers
July 21 to 25
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 4 to 6
Every day campers will explore a new habitat. Hardwood
forests, vernal pools, and grassy fields are just some of
the places that will be investigated using scientific tools
this week.
Woodland Adventures
July 28 to August 1
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 4 to 6
This week offers campers an opportunity to visit many of the
places on the Plainsboro Preserve 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.
Predator and Prey
August 4 to 8
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 4 to 6
This week campers will learn about the ancient relationship
between predators and prey! Campers will be introduced to
different animals and learn how they either obtain prey or
avoid talons and teeth. Children will have the opportunity
to see the world from the perspective of a camouflaged
animal as they practice the art of stealth.
Search and Rescue
August 11 to 15
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 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.
N.S.I. (Nature Scene Investigators)
August 18 to 22
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 4 to 6
Something has happened in the forest and the Nature Scene
Investigators have been asked to solve the mystery! Cam-pers
will learn investigation techniques and use deductive
reasoning during this week of nature sleuthing.
Naturalist Know-How
August 25 to 29
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grades 4 to 6
Make discoveries while learning to use the many cool tools
of a naturalist. Campers will learn about tree aging using
an increment borer, bird watching through binoculars, and
tree identification using a field guide.
SPECIAL SUMMER EVENT
National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 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.
NATURE FIELD TRIPS
Welcome to the Plainsboro Preserve’s Nature Field Trips. 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, snacks, and
appropriate clothing. We prefer ten-day preregistration and
advanced payment of $7 for NJAS members or $10 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 by
clicking here, or we will
mail them. Group size is limited and a minimum number of
participants are necessary. E-mail:
plainsboro@njaudubon.org or call 609.897.9400.
BOGS, BUGS, AND BOTANY IN THE PINES
Saturday, June 7
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Webbs Mill Bog is a special place. Located in Greenwood Forest
State Wildlife Management Area, 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 if you have them.
BIRDING AT SIX MILE RUN
Saturday, June 14
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Moderate three-mile hike.
Join naturalist Arlene Oley and Stephanie Fox from D&R Canal
State Park. They will explore the grasslands and floodplain
forest of Six Mile Run while looking for breeding birds, summer
sparrows, raptors, tanagers, and wildflowers.
Cost: $10 member, $15 nonmember.
WILDLIFE UP CLOSE: BIRD NEST BOX SURVEY
Plainsboro Preserve
Saturday, June 21
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Join naturalist Greg Hartman for an up-close look at bird nest
boxes and the birds that nest in them. Learn to differentiate
species’ nest types. Nesting season will be well underway and we
should get a look at the birds, their nests, and young. Become
part of a lasting research project as we record data on our
nesting birds and their nesting habits.
EXPLORING THE PRESERVE
Saturday, July 12
9:00 a.m. to noon
The Plainsboro Preserve encompasses over 1,000 acres, most of
which are rarely visited by humans. This hike will take you
through the cultivated gardens of native plants and through the
less-explored areas of the preserve to observe the natural
world. Trip leader associate naturalist Greg Hartman is an
accomplished birder and expert botanist. Meet inside the Nature
Center of Plainsboro Preserve.
FORSYTHE (BRIGANTINE) NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Saturday, August 9
Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Back to Brig with Sandy Hook Bird Observatory’s Pete Bacinski
and Andy Lamy at the peak of shorebird migration, followed by a
trip to Tuckerton for Brown Pelicans.
FORSYTHE (BRIGANTINE) NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Saturday, August 30
Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Join associate naturalists Rob Fanning and Lloyd Shaw for a tour
of Brigantine at the peak of shorebird diversity with godwits,
Buff-breasted and Baird’s Sandpipers as possibilities.
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 trail network and native 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 us 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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