794 Rancocas Road Mount Holly, NJ 08060 (609) 261-2495 E-mail: rancocas@njaudubon.org Directions

Hours:                        Tuesday - Saturday 9 - 5 Sunday 12 - 5                  Closed Monday Winter Schedule: The Center closes at 4 PM 11/15 through 3/15

Best of RNC Photo Exhibit

Calling All Photographers!

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. Refreshments will be served on opening night, November 7.
Cost: free to members, $3 individual and $6 family for nonmembers.

Click here for a program flier (pdf)

Entry Rules

All photographs must have been taken on the Rancocas Nature Center grounds. Images up to 8” x 10,” will be accepted; a maximum of five entries per person can be submitted. Photographs may be matted, unmated, or framed. These prints will be on display at the center until November 30, 2008. Digital photos may also be submitted electronically via email to rancocas@njaudubon.org or burned to a CD; electronic images will be included in a PowerPoint presentation that will be viewed on Opening Night, November 7, 2008, and at other times. Please mail prints and CD’s to NJAS Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas Road, Mt. Holly, NJ 08060, or bring them to the center. All photographs must be received by October 23, 2008.

Entries must have the following information written on the back of the photo or included with the submission (please also supply this information for electronic images): 1) Title of picture; 2) Name, address, and email of photographer; 3) Location of photo; 4) Month and year of photo; and 5) Arrow pointing to the top of the picture (electronic images need to be correctly rotated).

All images submitted will become the property of NJAS Rancocas Nature Center for non-commercial use in educational and promotional materials. Framed artwork may be returned upon request.

During the month of November, visitors to the Rancocas Nature Center will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photo; a vote can be cast each visit. The photographers of the two photos with the most votes are each entitled to a free NJAS t-shirt or a voucher for a free RNC program.

Native Plant Sale

ANNUAL FALL NATIVE PLANT SALE
Saturday, September 20, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Click for a Plant List and Order Form

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. 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.

FREE MEMBER BIRD WALKS

Fridays 8:00 A.M., September 5. October 3, November 7 and December 5

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.

PROGRAMS for All Ages at RNC

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Know the "Bear" Facts     FREE

Saturday, November 15 (Note the Date Change)
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.

Rancocas Nature Center Happenings

What's New On RNC Pages

This page has been updated with announcements for upcoming programs.

The volunteer page has been updated.

Photographs by Nina Wilde have been added to the Visitor Scrapbook pages.

Additional Programs and field trips can be found here.

Children's Nature Series

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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.

Click here for pictures from past programs.

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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.

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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.

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Here are some pictures of the fun we had planting the gardens. To view photos of the gardens in bloom click: Children's Garden or Butterfly Garden.

All program fees and membership dues help support the NJAS and your local NJAS Center. Membership benefits include discounts on all our programs. Consider becoming a member today.

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Photos by Steve Mattan and RNC Staff.