794 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
(609) 261-2495
E-mail: rancocas@njaudubon.org
HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m. / Closed Mondays
CLOSINGS:
Sunday, April 12, for Easter.
Spring, 2009
CHILDREN'S NATURE SERIES
All programs require advance registration.
NATURE TODDLERS
Fridays, March 13 and 27
Saturdays, March 14, 21, 28
10:00 to11:30 a.m.
This weekly program at the center is designed to engage young
children ages 3 to 5 and their parents/caregivers in songs,
games, crafts, hikes, and discoveries. Each week a different
nature topic relating to the current season and the natural
world will be explored. Children do not need to attend all weeks
of the series. Cost: for members, $7 per child per session; for
nonmembers, $10 per child per session.
LITTLE SPROUTS
Fridays:
April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 29
Saturdays:
April 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 30
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
This series is designed for 2?- to 4-year-olds. Gardens are a
wonderful place for young children to have a hands-on experience
with nature. Youngsters and their parent/caregiver will share
fun-filled mornings learning about garden visitors, spring
flowers and fruits, and plant care in and around RNC's colorful
Children's Garden. Children do not need to attend all weeks of
the series.
Cost: for members, $6 per child per session; for nonmembers, $10
per child per session.
NEW TIME AND AGE GROUP!
SATURDAY NATURE EXPLORERS
Saturdays:
March 7, April 4, and May 2
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Geared toward children aged 5? to 7, each Saturday's program
includes a creative project, games and activities, and a nature
walk. A different spring topic will inspire explorations on the
trail. This is a great way for children to get out and about
after a mostly indoor season. Cost: for members, $7 per child
per session; for nonmembers, $10 per child per session.
NEW TIME AND AGE GROUP!
SUNDAY ADVENTURES WITH NATURE
Sundays:
March 1, April 5, and May 3
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday afternoons will become an adventure for children ages 8
to 11. Each week we'll hike the Rancocas trails, investigate a
different aspect of the natural world around us, and tie it to
fun activities. Children are encouraged to suggest areas of
interest they would like to explore. Cost: for members, $7 per
child per session; for nonmembers, $10 per child per session.
PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES
All programs require advance registration.
INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE AT RANCOCAS
Sundays,
March 15, April 19, and May 17
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
On the third Sunday of each month, join a NJAS staff person or
an associate naturalist for an interpretive hike through our
varied habitats. It's a great way to become familiar with our
well-maintained trails. Bring a camera and binoculars; we'll
stop at various scenic spots along the way. The easy pace is
suitable for all ages (please use a child carrier to transport
small children).
Cost: free for members, $4 per person and $10 per family for
nonmembers.
THE BUZZ ABOUT BEES
Saturday, May 23
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Do you know why honeybees swarm? What makes for a healthy hive?
Ever seen a pollen basket? Bring your questions and your
curiosity. Local beekeeper Fred Sanger will share his expertise
and enthusiasm during this exciting presentation. Who knows -
maybe you'll want to try backyard beekeeping this year.
Cost: for members, $7 per person and $15 per family; for
nonmembers, $10 per person and $21 per family.
ADULT PROGRAMS
SCIENCE FOR SENIORS -
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Fridays: March 6 and 27,
April 17, and May 8
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Discovery is exciting at any age. Join other interested adults
for an informative afternoon and add a new topic of conversation
to Friday night's dinner. Each science and nature program will
include a different theme relating to the world around us. Call
the center for additional information.
Cost: $6 members, $9 nonmembers.
MORNING BIRD WALKS AT RANCOCAS
Fridays:
March 6, April 3, and May 1
8:00 a.m.
Join an RNC associate naturalist for a
"first-Friday-of-the-month" bird walk. 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
Taylor's Preserve
Sundays: April 5 and May 17
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Hawkins Road
Sunday, April 26
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
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 can-cels a walk. Call the center for directions
to the site. Please arrive by 8:00 a.m. sharp.
Cost: $7 members, $10 nonmembers.
TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL
WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING
Saturday, May 9
Support New Jersey Audubon and the Rancocas Nature Center on the
Big Day! Associate naturalist Sandra Keller and past Teen Bird
Club president Sarah Tanedo will be birding Burlington County
this year, and your support is needed. Please contact RNC if you
would like to sponsor a team.
FIELD TRIPS
Unless otherwise noted, all field trips require a five-day
preregistration and advance payment of $15 for NJAS members or
$20 for nonmembers. No refunds are made unless we cancel the
trip. Field trips meet at or near the trip locations;
instructions will be provided by e-mail or mail, or can be
picked up at the center. Trips take place rain or shine (within
reasonable limits). Group size is limited and a minimum number
of participants is necessary. Bring binoculars and/or scopes,
lunch, and appropriate gear. Register by calling 609.261.2495
with credit card information or by mailing a check to RNC, 794
Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. To facilitate sending site
directions, please include your e-mail address with your
registration.
BARNEGAT LIGHT STATE PARK AND CEDAR RUN DOCK ROAD
Saturday, March 7
Meet at noon
Travel to Barnegat Light State Park for Harlequin Ducks, gulls,
and seabirds, then head to Cedar Run Dock Road, where raptors
will be our target. Note the late-sleep-in start time. This is a
joint trip with the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory. Leader: TBA.
DUCK HUNTING WITH
BINOCULARS IN SALEM COUNTY
Saturday, March 14
8:45 a.m. to early afternoon
Join associate naturalist Lloyd Shaw as he hunts for ducks in
Salem County and Pedricktown. Optics and cameras only, please!
This is a joint trip with Sandy Hook. Leader: Lloyd Shaw.
FRANKLIN PARKER PRESERVE WITH LLOYD SHAW
Saturday, April 11
8:45 a.m. to early afternoon
Located in Chatsworth, the Franklin Parker Preserve will be the
site for this Pinelands adventure. Lloyd Shaw will share his
expertise as you look for local specialties. This is a joint
trip with the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory.
Leader: Lloyd Shaw.
MONDS ISLAND AND FLOODGATES ROAD PARK
Saturday, April 18
9:00 a.m. to early afternoon
Along with a nesting pair of Bald Eagles, New Jersey Audubon's
Monds Island features an active Blue Heron nesting colony with
over thirty nesting pairs. At Floodgates Road Park in East
Greenwich, we'll be on the lookout for early spring songbird
migrants and lingering waterfowl along the Delaware River. Meet
in the main parking lot at the end of Floodgates Road.
Leaders: Gary and Margie Lizzie
SPRING WILDFLOWERS AT BOWMAN'S HILL
Saturday, April 25
9:00 a.m. to midafternoon
Enjoy the spring flowers (and perhaps a few birds) along the
forest paths at the 134-acre Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve.
This complex of woods and fields near New Hope, Pa., features
over 700 species of native flowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees in
a naturalistic setting. Note that there is a $5 admission fee
($3 for seniors) to the preserve. Maximum of fifteen
participants. Leader: Karl Anderson
BIRDING AT BOMBAY HOOK NWR IN DELAWARE
Saturday, May 2
10:00 a.m. to midafternoon
Delaware is closer than you think. One of John Courtney's
favorites, 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. Please call the center if interested in
carpooling from New Jersey to Delaware. Leader: John Courtney.
SPRING MIGRANTS IN
GREENWICH TOWNSHIP AND CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Saturday, May 23
7:45 a.m. to early afternoon
Join Lloyd Shaw as he visits two new destinations for spring
migrants, the Greenwich Township walking trail and the Wenonan
Conservation Area in Cumberland County. This is a joint trip
with the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory.
Leader: Lloyd Shaw.
BIRDING AT SANDY HOOK WITH LINDA MACK
Sunday, May 31
8:15 a.m. to early afternoon
It's a great time of year for uncommon migrants like Mourning
Warbler, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and Gray-cheeked Thrush at
Sandy Hook. Join Linda Mack for an excellent day of birding.
Please call the center if interested in carpooling to Sandy
Hook. This is a joint trip with the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory.
Leader: Linda Mack.
BURLINGTON COUNTY
NATURAL SCIENCE CLUB
NJAS members are invited to 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
Each season we like to say thank you to all of our dedicated
volunteers and acknowledge the many hours they contribute.
Rancocas would not be the vibrant place it is without their
help. Thank you to Heddy Bauer, Bob Birdsall, John and Marilyn
Courtney, Laura Edwards, Gayle Githens, Bob Hall, Janet
Jackson-Gould, Mary Klingelhoeffer, Bob Lord, Steve Mattan, Mary
Metrione, Ken Mitchell, Candy Myers, Pat Pawlowski, Louise
Tompkins, Abe Reuther, Diane Rothschild, George Rowland, Arlene
Spangler, Barbara Wiley, Bill Wiley, Al Wiley, all members of
the Work Group, Blake Elkins, and Amy and Rachael Collings.
Belated thanks goes to Cherry Hill High School 2008 graduate
Zach Ranes. Zach volunteered most Tuesdays during his senior
year and contributed to the center in many ways. We would also
like to acknowledge the efforts of James Roughgarden, whose
recently completed Eagle Scout project resulted in the
installaltion of six benches at scenic locations along the
Rancocas trails. These are a welcome addition that provide a
resting place for hikers. Thank you, James!
Members receive discounts on program fees. If you are not a member and would like to become one, consider
Joining New Jersey Audubon Society.