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Plainsboro Preserve Calendar

HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. / Sunday, 12:00PM to 5:00 P.M. / Closed on Mondays
TRAILS:  Open dawn to dusk daily. 

  Please click here for a printer friendly version of our
Winter Event Schedule (Dec 2011 - Feb 2012)
 

Please click here for a printer friendly version of our
Spring Event Schedule (March - May 2012). 

     

FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS
Saturdays 2:30pm - 4:00pm

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 6 to adult. Cost: members, $3 per person; nonmembers, $5 per person (unless otherwise noted). Pre-registration is encouraged – call 609.897.9400

ANIMAL TRACKING SERIES: PART 1 *CANCELLED*
Saturday, January 14th
2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Come and learn about the art and science of animal tracking.  In this class we will introduce a variety of tracking skills including clear print classification, trailing, animal locomotion, and reading sign.  This class will offer helpful tips for tracking during an outside field session.  Dress appropriately for the weather and bring a notebook. PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

 

NEW JERSEY OWL PROWL *CANCELLED*
Saturday, January 21st
6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  ***SPECIAL TIME***

Looking and listening for owls is fun and this is a favorite program with our members.  Which owls live here year round and Hooo migrates to New Jersey?  Which owl has been known to snack on fish and earthworms?  Join us for a presentation learning some cool owl facts followed by a hike looking for these creatures of the night at the Preserve.  Join our naturalist as we try to call in some of New Jersey’s nocturnal hunters. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

SURVIVAL SERIES: PART 2
Saturday, January 28th
2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

If you have ever wanted to learn some skills that will help to keep you alive in a survival situation, then this is your chance.  This three part series will expose participants to practical knowledge about shelter, making fire, procuring water, and other survival skills.  In our second class we will learn how to safely make fire and some of the benefits that a fire can provide.  

ANIMAL TRACKING SERIES: PART 2
Saturday, February 4th    
2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Come and learn about the art and science of animal tracking.  In our second class we will focus on trailing animals and how animals move.  If we have snow we will spend our program outside trailing animals on an adventure.  Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a notebook. 

SURVIVAL SERIES: PART 3
Saturday, February 11th
2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

If you have ever wanted to learn some skills that will help to keep you alive in a survival situation, then this is your chance.  This three part series will expose participants to practical knowledge about shelter, making fire, procuring water, and other survival skills.In our last class we will try our hand at making a snow cave (weather permitting) or other forms of shelter.

WINTER WONDERLAND HIKE
Saturday, February 18th    
2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

The Plainsboro Preserve is a great place to go for a winter wonderland exploration. Associate Naturalist Shari-Beth Nadell will be leading us on a hike to seek out signs of winter animal activity and will be sharing a variety of information on New Jersey’s natural history.  Bring your hiking shoes, dress in layers, and come prepared for a moderate hike to some of the lesser explored areas on the Preserve.  Expect to cover a couple of miles at a moderate pace.

ANIMAL DETECTIVES
Saturday, February 25th
2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Animals have a variety of adaptations that allow them to survive in the wild.  We will study animal mounts, furs, and live animals before we head outside and look for signs of animals in winter.  We will discuss some of the adaptations that allow animals to survive during the winter months. 



NATURE FIELD TRIPS
Welcome to Nature Field Trips for interested learners. Each field trip is designed to let adults and focused family members 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, snack, and appropriate clothing. We prefer ten-day preregistration and advanced payment of $10 for NJAS members or $15 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 to field trips can be found online here. Group size is limited and a minimum number of participants is necessary. E-mail: plainsboro@njaudubon.org or call 609.897.9400. 

WINTER TRACKING SERIES AT THE DUKE FARMS
Saturday, January 14th & February 4th   
9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Come and learn about the art and science of animal tracking.  In these classes we will introduce a variety of tracking skills including clear print classification, trailing, animal locomotion, and reading sign.  This class will offer helpful tips for tracking during an outside field session.  Dress appropriately for the weather and bring a notebook.  

 

NEW JERSEY OWL PROWL 
Friday, January 27th  
6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Looking and listening for owls is fun and this is a favorite program with our members.  Which owls live here year round and Whooo migrates to New Jersey?  Who has been known to snack on fish and earthworms?  Join us for a presentation learning some cool owl facts followed by a hike looking for these creatures of the night at the Preserve.  Join our naturalist to learn about New Jersey’s nocturnal hunters.  

 

RESERVOIR ROMP
Saturday, February 25th  
8:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Ages 9 – adult
During late winter we get a variety of waterfowl species in central New Jersey.  We will visit Round Valley Reservoir to look for roosting and feeding waterfowl.  Depending on our luck we may continue along to Spruce Run Reservoir to see what other winter waterfowl we can turn up.  Join Vicki Schwartz for a fun and informative day in the field.  


BIRD SEED SALE DAYS

New Jersey Audubon offers bird seed sale days three times a year.  Support NJAS Plainsboro Preserve by purchasing our high-quality locally grown bird seed, mixes, and suet.  Select bird feeders will be on sale the day of the pickup at the preserve.  Our expertly trained staff can help you make your selections to help encourage your favorite local birds to visit your feeders. Bird seed order form: http://www.njaudubon.org/Calendar/BirdSeed.html

Saturday December 10th, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Orders due by Saturday November 20

Saturday February 11th, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Orders due by Saturday January 29.