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Rancocas Nature Center
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Grounds at Rancocas Nature Center
Entrance
As you leave Rancocas Road and enter the gravel road leading into the grounds of Rancocas Nature Center, listen for the birds in the trees on either side. The Visitor's Center with its natural history museum and nature store will be on your left and a parking lot up ahead on the right. By the parking lot is an old barn. Behind the center is a fenced-in backyard where outdoor classes are held. A small fish pond, bird houses, and bird feeders help assure wildlife will visit. Wild turkeys sometimes join the Carolina Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Indigo Bunting, Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, White Breasted Nuthatch, sparrows and other birds feeding. Two benches are provided for visitors to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of this natural environment. Be sure to look at the mural "Tree of Helping Hands" on the side of the building. Volunteers left their handprints as leaves on the tree.As you pull into a space in the parking lot on the right you will be facing the Children's Victory Garden and a wide open space used for outdoor classes, camps, and campfires. The space allows for a variety of games.Gardens
There are two gardens on the grounds. The Children's Victory Garden is the focus of programs for the youngest children -- Little Sprouts (ages 2 1/2 to 4). They learn about garden visitors, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The garden was dedicated to two volunteers, John and Marilyn Courtney, who have been integral to the smooth functioning of Rancocas Nature Center for thirty years. The Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden is by the driveway and parking lot. Look for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and butterflies such as Monarchs, Swallow-tails, and Cabbage Whites. Click here to see photos of these gardens over the years.Picnic Areas
Bring a snack or lunch and take advantage of our two picnic areas. One is between the Childrens' Victory Garden and the driveway. Another one is in front of the center nestled in the wooded area at the beginning of the trails. Be sure to leave the area just as you found it; what you bring in please take back out. Dragonfly PondThe newest addition to the grounds is the Dragonfly Pond. It is left of the barn and right of the Yellow Trail.Click here to see information about the trails at Rancocas Nature Center.
Please do not bring on the grounds dogs, bikes, or motorized vehicles.
There is no direct access to Rancocas Creek for launching boats, canoes, or kayaks.
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