Lorrimer Sanctuary is open to members and the general public for the following:

• Walking
• Nature Study
• Photography
• Organized Classes

Lorrimer Sanctuary was bequeathed to the New Jersey Audubon Society by Ms. Lucine L. Lorrimer in 1956. The main house, parts of which date back to the late 1700's, is the present visitors' center and Sanctuary office. The visitors' center has an exhibit and lecture room, winter bird feeding station, interpretive displays, hands-on exhibits, and a gift shop, the proceeds of which benefit the Sanctuary. There is a self-guiding trail system that winds through the 14 acres of land. Much of the acreage is second-growth woods (mostly oak, maple, ash, and beech); and small stands of planted evergreens. The trails are open during Sanctuary hours. All plants and animals are protected -- they may not be harmed, harassed or removed. While you are here please visit the Center, walk the trails, and browse through the gift/book shop.

During your visit to Lorrimer you may meet a class of children gaping at a salamander, gazing with fascination at a milk snake coiled on a warm rock, or listening to a blue-winged warbler proclaim territorial rights.

On another visit you may encounter a group of early-morning birders identifying migrant songbirds as they flit through the towering spruces and oaks.

One late afternoon you might cross paths with a scout group discovering that nature can be exciting despite a long day of school.

These are just come of the activities that are conducted by Lorrimer Sanctuary staff:

For Children (Pre-K through Grade 6)

• Summer Natural History Day Camps
• Class Field Trips
• "On-Site" School Programs
• Boy Scout and Girl Scout Classes
• Saturday Nature Classes

For Adults

• Nature Study Workshops
• Slide Presentations for Groups
• Nature Weekends
• Teacher Education Workshops
• Birdwatching Field Trips

Brochures explaining these programs are available from the Sanctuary office.

Environmental Education Programs
At the Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS to LORRIMER SANCTUARY

The following classes are available to teachers, scout troops, school and youth groups.  All programs are taught by experienced environmental educators on our beautiful, 14-acre nature sanctuary.  Each of the following programs is taught at an age-appropriate level for your specific group.  Many of the classes meet specific New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for science and language arts.  Cost is $5 per student or $50 minimum.  Class size is limited to 25 students.

All About Birds- Like all living organisms, each species of bird has developed physical adaptations that enable it to be successful. An in-class discussion using bird mounts, bird parts (feathers, eggs, nests etc.), pictures, and graphics will be used to teach students the unique adaptations of birds.  Following the indoor portion, we’ll head outside for a bird walk on our nature trail to study some of our backyard birds.

Apple Cider Making- A seasonal favorite!  Through hands-on participation, students will experience the old fashioned method of pressing apple cider. We’ll start under the apple trees with a discussion of the life cycle of trees and plants.  Then, using our antique cider press, we’ll make our own authentic apple cider- the rewards are sweet! (Offered mid-September through mid-November)

Come to Your Senses- Through indoor and outdoor activities and games, students will learn how to utilize all of five senses while exploring the natural world.  Feel the earth, smell the flowers and listen to the birds while gaining an appreciation for the natural world.

The Endangered- Did you know that New Jersey is home to over sixty endangered animal species? Students will learn what contributes to a species becoming endangered, what extinction is, and how they can help endangered species.

Home is where the Habitat is- This program begins in the classroom with a discussion of what humans and animals need to survive.  We’ll define what makes a habitat and how different plants and animals need different habitats.  We’ll then head outside to explore the habitats here at the sanctuary to find out who lives here.

Incredible Insects- Your students will really ‘bug out’ over this program!  Learn what makes an insect an insect and discover the ecological roles they play, their habitats, and their adaptations.  Using nets and bug boxes we’ll venture into insect habitats to collect and observe some insect specimens.  (May - September)

Leaves on Parade- As nature prepares to slow down for the coming winter, your students can discover the beauty of the autumn woods.  From examining brightly colored leaves to seeing first-hand the effect of years of fallen leaves on a forest ecosystem, this program encourages critical thinking and creativity.  (September – November)

Mad About Mammals- What are warm blooded, furry, and can be seen in your own backyard?  Mammals, of course!  Learn all about the mammals that live right here in New Jersey- from the beavers that swim to the bats that fly.  An indoor slide show and hands-on lesson with pelts, skins, skulls, and other artifacts will be followed by an outdoor exploration in search of resident mammals.

Nature’s Palette- Nature is full of colors!  Students will gain an appreciation for the colors of the natural world through discussion and hands-on activities.  Using only natural materials and their imagination, students will learn about nature while making their own works of art.

Radical Reptiles- Often feared and misunderstood, reptiles are among the most incredible and fascinating animals on the planet.  Through demonstrations, discussion, and class participation, this program will allow your students an up-close look at live turtles and snakes in a safe and respectful environment.

Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt- It’s time to celebrate and find nature’s signs of the season. Each season brings a new assortment of natural items for students to find.  Will we find everything on our scavenger hunt list? Children will participate in hands-on discovery and activities. Dress for the outdoors.

Signs of Spring- Spring has sprung here at the Lorrimer Sanctuary! It’s time to celebrate and find nature’s signs of the season. Enjoy an eye-opening nature walk with our naturalist as we search high and low for flowers, leaf buds, insects, singing birds and frogs, and maybe even a salamander or two!  (April – June)

Talons, not Teeth- Birds of prey hold a special fascination for many people.  Using mounts, feathers, bones and other artifacts, this program will familiarize students with the unique adaptations that eagles, hawks and owls have developed to enable them to be successful hunters.  Learn which species can be found here in New Jersey.

Tree Rally- How many different species of trees and shrubs can be found on Lorrimer’s 15 acres?  Join our resident naturalist for a fast-paced romp around the sanctuary as we try to tally as many species as possible.  Learn about tree identification, their historical and cultural uses, and what to plant in your backyard. 

Trek Among Tracks- Native Americans and primitive people relied on their tracking skills as a means of survival.  Today, learning how to interpret animal tracks and sign is a fun and enjoyable activity that anyone can learn- even in your own backyard.  After an indoor slide show , we’ll search the sanctuary for signs of resident animals.

Winter Warmth- Do bears really hibernate?  Where do all the bugs go?  In this indoor/outdoor, students will learn how plants, birds, insects, and other animals survive the cold months of winter.  We’ll discuss how animals migrate, hibernate, and stay warm until spring returns.  Dress for the weather! (November – March)

Wilderness Survival- A Lorrimer favorite! Learn what it takes to survive in the wilderness.  Students will learn how to prepare for a hike, use a map and compass, build a survival shelter, collect water, and make fire the primitive way.  What you learn could save your life!

AUDUBON ON CALL-
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM

Can’t make it to the Lorrimer Sanctuary?  No problem- we can come to you!  The following programs are available to teachers, youth groups, scouts, and other organizations.  Each program is approximately 30-40 minutes long.  Class size is limited to 35 students.  Cost is $125 for first program, $75 for each additional program.

All About Birds- Like all living organisms, each species of bird has developed physical adaptations that enable it to be successful. An in-class discussion using bird mounts, bird parts (feathers, eggs, nests etc.), pictures, and graphics will be used to teach students the unique adaptations of birds.

The Nature in Your Schoolyard (Limit 1 class per nature walk)- New Jersey Audubon Society’s teacher/naturalist will lead your students on an exploratory nature walk on your own school grounds. Learning games and hands-on discovery will teach your class that nature is all around them, not just at a “nature center”. Children and teacher must be dressed for outdoor activities.

Mad About Mammals- What are warm blooded, furry, and can be seen in your own backyard?  Mammals, of course!  Learn all about the mammals that live right here in New Jersey- from the beavers that swim to the bats that fly.  An indoor slide show and hands-on lesson with pelts, skins, skulls, and other artifacts will engage students while they learn about our furry friends.

Radical Reptiles- Often feared and misunderstood, reptiles are among the most incredible and fascinating animals on the planet.  Through demonstrations, discussion, and class participation, this program will allow your students an up-close look at live turtles and snakes in a safe and respectful environment.

Talons, not Teeth- Birds of prey hold a special fascination for many people.  Using mounts, feathers, bones and other artifacts, this program will familiarize students with the unique adaptations that eagles, hawks and owls have developed to enable them to be successful hunters.  Learn which species can be found here in New Jersey.

Planning Your Visit

To schedule a program with the Lorrimer Sanctuary call our business office during our hours:  Wednesday – Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 1pm to 5pm.

Please have the following information available when calling to book a program:

• Name, address, and phone number of group
• Name of program
• Date and time desired (including alternate dates)
• Group size and grade level
• Any special education/physical needs of your students

In order to reserve your date and time a $50 deposit is required at least two weeks prior to your visit.  Any remaining balance is due on the date of your visit. 

Cancellation policy:  Any group that cancels less than two weeks prior to the date of the program will be not be refunded the deposit.

Inclement weather:  In the event of rain or snow, we will contact you prior to the program and make a decision together about whether to hold or reschedule the program.  For all programs please ensure students are dressed for the weather.

Our gift shop is full of educational children’s items and books.  If you would like make the store available to your students let our staff know at the time of scheduling.

Yes, we have a Gift Shop!

Many of our members stop by and surprisingly say, "I didn't know this was here! This is a great place to shop." Yes! We have a Gift Shop. Lorrimer Sanctuary's shop carries a complete line of nature gifts, field guides, natural history books, optics, T- shirts, bird feeders, and more. Stop by and support Lorrimer Sanctuary's education and conservation efforts.

Directions to Lorrimer Sanctuary:

From Route 287 (North or South): Take exit for Rt. 208 South and follow directions below.

From Rt. 208 (North or South): Take the Ewing Avenue Exit. Go South on Ewing Avenue through a blinker and a traffic light (intersection of Franklin Lakes Road). Proceed 200 yds. to our driveway on the right side (approximately 1 mile from Rt. 20 8).

From Ramsey/Mahwah Area: Come across Wyckoff Avenue to Franklin Avenue in the center of Wyckoff. Turn right at the light, go approximately 11/2 miles to Ewing Avenue. Turn left onto Ewing Avenue, go under Rt. 208, then proceed as above.

From Paterson area: Take Belmont Avenue to High Mountain Road in Franklin Lakes. Go past Haledon Reservoir on right, then turn right on Ewing Avenue. Go approximately 1 mile. Our driveway is on the left side.