9th Annual Pinelands Summer Short Course

Learn about the Barnegat Bay Partnership’s successful Jersey Friendly Yards Program. In this session, you’ll learn how to use our Jersey Friendly Plant Database, and learn the ways in which schools, homeowners, and municipalities can become Jersey Friendly Yards Certified!

Instructors: Caroline McFarland and Nina Sassano

Join us for a two-part session exploring how art, science, and storytelling help us connect with and communicate about the natural world. In Part 1, discover how the Jacques Cousteau Reserve uses these elements in its programs & take part in a storytelling activity (bring a photo you’ve taken of your favorite natural space!). In Part 2, get hands-on with creative activities that deepen your connection to the estuary. You’ll walk away with creative inspiration to enrich both your work and personal life. No art experience needed!

Instructor: Kaitlin Gannon, Education Coordinator & Amy Plantarich – Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve

Berry farming and harvesting is practiced throughout the New Jersey Pinelands by commercial growers as well as backyard hobbyists, organic and conventional growers, and even wild plant foragers. In this program I will discuss the origins of the industries and look at the development of farming and harvesting practices along with guidance for the grow your own participants.

Instructor: Peter Oudemans, Professor, Rutgers University

Join a Pinelands Adventures guide for a unique kayak tour of Batsto Lake, where layers of rich history and vibrant ecology come to confluence. Established in 1776, Batsto played a vital role in the Revolutionary war area as an Iron production center. Its legacy remains a treasure trove of historical and ecological diversity, and outdoor recreational opportunities. As we paddle, we’ll explore the aquatic and shoreline habits, with a focus on unique Pine Barrens plants and animals in their natural setting. Learn how centuries of human activities have shaped and been shaped by this resilient, yet sensitive landscape. (Transportation is provided.)

Instructor: Pinelands Adventures, LLC

Nestled in the middle of suburbia, Hammonton Lake Park is an island of mixed pine and oak upland forest surrounded by Atlantic white cedar wetlands. An Ocean County Parks Naturalist will lead the walk around the trails of Hammonton Lake, and we will discuss topics such as forest fire, Pine Barrens ecology, and the plants and wildlife, including birds that you will find in the area. We will walk approximately 2.5 miles. Please wear appropriate footwear, and dress for the weather. Bug spray with DEET is highly recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Van leaves from Kramer Hall

Instructor: Josh Gant, Naturalist, Ocean County Parks and Recreation

Explore Batsto with Wharton State Forest’s Naturalist and Historian! Topics will include the flora and fauna of the Pine Barrens, notable people who lived and worked in Batsto Village, and the ways in which humans interacted with the natural resources of the Pinelands through different eras of Batsto’s history. The tour will also include time in Batsto Mansion. Participants will drive on their own to Batsto, where they will meet with the guides at the parking area in front of the Visitor Center. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended!

Instructor: John Hebble, Historian, Wharton State Forest and Ally Hora, Naturalist, Wharton State Forest

This course will feature a guided hike along the same road the loggers of the 1700’s traveled when they timbered out the majestic cedar trees in Mordecai’s Swamp. The walk is approximately 5 miles or less over 13 footbridges and through the middle of an old-age swamp. Attendees should wear sturdy shoes (no sandals or flip-flops) and bring water, a snack and bug repellant. (Participants will drive on their own to Batsto, where they will meet with the guide at the parking area in front of the Visitor Center.)

Instructor: Rosemarie Mason and Diane Mason, Outdoor Club of South Jersey

The Pinelands is home to more than two dozen species of wild orchids. Although some are flamboyant, many are small and inconspicuous. This presentation will employ the magic of macro-photography to provide close-up views of all of them. In addition, attendees will learn about the amazing life histories of some of these fascinating plants as well as why the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has chosen the Pinelands as an important study site.

Instructor: Niki Giberson

Join us for a two-part session exploring how art, science, and storytelling help us connect with and communicate about the natural world. In Part 1, discover how the Jacques Cousteau Reserve uses these elements in its programs & take part in a storytelling activity (bring a photo you’ve taken of your favorite natural space!). In Part 2, get hands-on with creative activities that deepen your connection to the estuary. You’ll walk away with creative inspiration to enrich both your work and personal life. No art experience needed!

Instructor: Kaitlin Gannon, Education Coordinator & Amy Plantarich – Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve

New Jersey is situated perfectly along the Atlantic Flyway – a pathway that hundreds of species of birds follow during both northward and southward journeys to and from their wintering and breeding grounds. New Jersey is blessed to be both centralized to this pathway while inherent with a broad array of landscape diversity. In combination, these two factors make the state a prime “stopover” area for birds to refuel their tanks during their long peregrinations. This presentation is designed for adult audiences that want to become more familiar with New Jersey’s many natural areas, avian biology and behavior and how a states geology can drive its natural heritage.

Instructor: Blaine Rothauser, Senior Ecologist, GZA, GeoEnvironmental, Inc

What is forestry? Why is it important to manage our forests? What type of forests do we manage? If you love our forests and trees, and want to learn more about basic forest ecology, this is the program for you! We will discuss the importance of forest management and measurements, briefly discuss forest health, and the consequences of not managing our forests. This program is provided by a forestry professional who will discuss the importance of utilizing foresters in the management of forests, both public and private.

Instructor: John Hooven, CCF, Cape Atlantic Conservation District Forester

MORNING FIELD TRIP ATTENDEES MUST SELECT THIS OPTION.

Please select this option to move forward with the registration process. You must select four options in order to checkout.

Be prepared for the outdoor ½ day field trips
What to wear: Comfortable hiking or walking shoes and no flip-flops.
Wear layers: base/wicking layer, insulating layer(s), outer wind/rain proof layer.
What to Bring: Drinking water (a minimum of one liter per person), depending on weather conditions.
Lunch (if needed) and a snack
Extra clothing and/or rain gear (depending on weather conditions)
Any needed medication (Example: inhaler, EpiPen, etc.)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, lip balm), Sunglasses, Insect repellent, Binoculars, if wanted.

New Jersey’s wildlife has always been diverse and interesting. Examine fossils from New Jersey from one billion years ago to todays endangered and threatened species. Learn about the changes in terrain, sea level and climate that influenced our native species over geologic history and then sort through 15-million-year-old sediments to find fossils you can keep!

Instructor: Marc Rogoff, Prehistoric Life of New Jersey, Dig It!

What is forestry? Why is it important to manage our forests? What type of forests do we manage? If you love our forests and trees, and want to learn more about basic forest ecology, this is the program for you! We will discuss the importance of forest management and measurements, briefly discuss forest health, and the consequences of not managing our forests. This program is provided by a forestry professional who will discuss the importance of utilizing foresters in the management of forests, both public and private.

Instructor: John Hooven, CCF, Cape Atlantic Conservation District Forester

AFTERNOON DOUBLE SESSIONS AND FIELD TRIP ATTENDEES MUST SELECT THIS OPTION.

Please select this option to move forward with the registration process. You must select four options in order to checkout.

Important information below for outdoor ½ day field trips
What to wear:Comfortable hiking or walking shoes and no flip-flops.
Wear layers: base/wicking layer, insulating layer(s), outer wind/rain proof layer.
What to Bring:Drinking water (a minimum of one liter per person), depending on weather conditions.
Lunch (if needed) and a snack
Extra clothing and/or rain gear (depending on weather conditions)
Any needed medication (Example: inhaler, EpiPen, etc.)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, lip balm), Sunglasses, Insect repellent, Binoculars, if wanted.

Explore Batsto with Wharton State Forest’s Naturalist and Historian! Topics will include the flora and fauna of the Pine Barrens, notable people who lived and worked in Batsto Village, and the ways in which humans interacted with the natural resources of the Pinelands through different eras of Batsto’s history. The tour will also include time in Batsto Mansion. Participants will drive on their own to Batsto, where they will meet with the guides at the parking area in front of the Visitor Center. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended!

Instructor: John Hebble, Historian, Wharton State Forest and Ally Hora, Naturalist, Wharton State Forest

Have you ever perused a wildlife magazine and tripped on some amazing image of an animal doing something crazy, or posed in perfect light, or caught in the act of a bizarre behavior and wondered, “how’d that guy or gal get that shot?” Well, this one-hour program of my declaration of guilt will answer some questions as I go full disclosure. This program is meant to be fun, entertaining, insightful, and revealing of a trade I continue to try and hone. It’s by far my favorite presentation as I acknowledge my photographic sins and beg forgiveness. Maybe some of you will come clean and confess your own tricks of trade regardless of how subversive. In the process we’ll all learn better when we learn together. Who knows, a communal confession might absolve us of our misdeeds. I’ll discuss the advantages of learning the latest technology and equipment, but more importantly I’ll be challenging us all to push limits and boundaries and think outside the box. Come join me as I confess my deepest and darkness tricks of the trade. Although I might lose some respect, I guarantee you’ll come away with a few new techniques that will make you all better wildlife photographers.

Instructor: Blaine Rothauser, Senior Ecologist, GZA, GeoEnvironmental, Inc

Learn about the Barnegat Bay Partnership’s successful Jersey Friendly Yards Program. In this session, you’ll learn how to use our Jersey Friendly Plant Database, and learn the ways in which schools, homeowners, and municipalities can become Jersey Friendly Yards Certified!

Instructors: Caroline McFarland and Nina Sassano

Berry farming and harvesting is practiced throughout the New Jersey Pinelands by commercial growers as well as backyard hobbyists, organic and conventional growers, and even wild plant foragers. In this program I will discuss the origins of the industries and look at the development of farming and harvesting practices along with guidance for the grow your own participants.

Instructors: Peter Oudemans, Professor, Rutgers University

Nestled in the middle of suburbia, Hammonton Lake Park is an island of mixed pine and oak upland forest surrounded by Atlantic white cedar wetlands. An Ocean County Parks Naturalist will lead the walk around the trails of Hammonton Lake, and we will discuss topics such as forest fire, Pine Barrens ecology, and the plants and wildlife, including birds that you will find in the area. We will walk approximately 2.5 miles. Please wear appropriate footwear, and dress for the weather. Bug spray with DEET is highly recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Instructor: Josh Gant, Naturalist, Ocean County Parks and Recreation

The Pinelands is home to more than two dozen species of wild orchids. Although some are flamboyant, many are small and inconspicuous. This presentation will employ the magic of macro-photography to provide close-up views of all of them. In addition, attendees will learn about the amazing life histories of some of these fascinating plants as well as why the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has chosen the Pinelands as an important study site.

Instructor: Robert Sprague, Past President, Native Orchid Conference

Join a Pinelands Adventures guide for a unique kayak tour of Batsto Lake, where layers of rich history and vibrant ecology come to confluence. Established in 1776, Batsto played a vital role in the Revolutionary war area as an Iron production center. Its legacy remains a treasure trove of historical and ecological diversity, and outdoor recreational opportunities. As we paddle, we’ll explore the aquatic and shoreline habits, with a focus on unique Pine Barrens plants and animals in their natural setting. Learn how centuries of human activities have shaped and been shaped by this resilient, yet sensitive landscape. (Transportation is provided.)

Instructor: Pinelands Adventures, LLC

In this workshop students wil complete a 6" round basket with a stationary oak handle. Both twining and weaving will be used to complete this beginner basket.

Instructor: Niki Giberson

Students will learn the basic technique of Pine needle basket making, along with the stories and lore associated with this traditional craft.

Instructor: Teri Hislop, Many Flowers Pure Spirit Woman Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, Clanmother and Keeper of the Traditional Craft

New Jersey’s wildlife has always been diverse and interesting. Examine fossils from New Jersey from one billion years ago to todays endangered and threatened species. Learn about the changes in terrain, sea level and climate that influenced our native species over geologic history and then sort through 15-million-year-old sediments to find fossils you can keep!

Instructor: Marc Rogoff, Prehistoric Life of New Jersey, Dig It!

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a very unique environment and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge sits on 171 acres of preserved Pine Barrens forest and takes in over 7,000 native NJ wild animals per year to their Wildlife Hospital. We will take a look at some common species that you can find as well as some more rare species. A select few Wildlife Ambassadors will join us to view them up close!

Instructor: Jim Hansen, After-School Coordinator and Educator

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a very unique environment and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge sits on 171 acres of preserved Pine Barrens forest and takes in over 7,000 native NJ wild animals per year to their Wildlife Hospital. We will take a look at some common species that you can find as well as some more rare species. A select few Wildlife Ambassadors will join us to view them up close!

Instructor: Jim Hansen, After-School Coordinator and Educator