2026 Pinelands Summer Short Course

Class Max: 35

Communication in Nature Series Part 1: Plants

This three-part lecture series highlights information relating to animal and plant communication. Each one can work as a separate stand-alone presentation, not requiring prior knowledge of another part to understand.

Ms. Bulava will focus on communication among plant species. Plants, especially trees, have incredible methods of “talking” using both the wind and underground networks or the “wood wide web.” Participants will learn about the information plants can exchange and how different species help each other survive. 

Instructor: Jennifer Bulava, Principal Park Naturalist, Burlington County Parks

Class Max: 35

Sawmills in South Jersey: A Culture Within the History

This presentation explores the history of sawmills in South Jersey and their importance in shaping the region’s early economy and cultural identity. It examines how the abundant natural resources of water and timber made sawmill operations possible and helped communities grow. Attention is given to the role of local sawyers of the past and linking them to the cultural importance of sawyers in South Jersey today. By connecting industry with local heritage, the presentation highlights sawmills as an important but often overlooked part of South Jersey history.

Instructor: Frank Vogel

Class Max: 35

Wildfire Corridors Across the Pinelands

Wildfires have historically shaped the Pinelands in response to fuel cover, firebreaks, prevailing weather and fire behavior. The resulting fire ecosystem has changed historically and is subject to both fire suppression, prevention and ongoing landscape management. However, consideration must now include the necessary protection of life and property for local communities, outdoor recreation, pinelands agriculture, regional traffic and air quality. The presentation will focus on the fire corridor across the core of the Wharton tract from the Atsion lowlands to the Pine Plains. Historically, this was mapped as part of “sandy barren deserts.”

Instructor: Horace Somes Jr.

Class Max: 35

Forestry 101 - An Introduction

What is forestry? Why is it important to manage our forests? What type of forests do we manage on both public and private lands? 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, measurements, forest health, and the consequences of not managing our forests.

Instructor: John Hooven, CCF, District Forester, DelAtlantic Conservation District and Chair of NJ Society of American Foresters

Class Max: 16

Paddling in the Pines - Batsto Lake from Industry to Ecology

Join Pinelands Adventures for a unique guided kayak tour of Batsto Lake, where layers of rich history and vibrant ecology come to confluence. Established in 1766, 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: Monica Cahill, Assistant Manager, Naturalist and Guide, Pinelands Adventures

*Since this is a field trip, please also select A09 to ensure your registration is processed correctly.

Class Max: 12

Nature Walk around Hammonton Lake Park

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. Attendees should wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather and bug spray with DEET is highly recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them. (Transportation is provided.)

Instructor: Guided by Naturalist, Ocean County Parks and Recreation

*Since this is a field trip, please also select A09 to ensure your registration is processed correctly.

Class Max: 25

Batsto Village: Nature and Industry in the Pine Barrens

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. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended! (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: John Hebble, Historian, Wharton State Forest and Ally Horan, Naturalist, Wharton State Forest 

*Since this is a field trip, please also select A09 to ensure your registration is processed correctly.

Class Max: 25

Walking Through History on the 1808 Trail

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

*Since this is a field trip, please also select A09 to ensure your registration is processed correctly.

MORNING FIELD TRIP ATTENDEES MUST SELECT THIS OPTION.

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

Class Max: 35

Communication in Nature Series Part 2: Birds

This three-part lecture series highlights information relating to animal and plant communication. Each one can work as a separate stand-alone presentation, not requiring prior knowledge of another part to understand.

Ms. Bulava will present findings of new research that deepens our understanding of bird communication. What are birds saying to each other and why? Innovative research has shed light on this and so much more!

Instructor: Jennifer Bulava, Principal Park Naturalist, Burlington County Parks

Class Max: 35

The New Jersey Tick Problem – It’s Not Just Lyme Disease

Dr. James L. Occi, a microbiologist with Rutgers University, will describe the different species of ticks found in NJ, their biology and ecology and blood-feeding lifestyle. He will also explain which pathogens can be transmitted by each tick species, while showing numerous images during the presentation.

Instructor: James L. Occi, MS, MS, PhD Microbiologist, Center for Vector Biology Rutgers University

Class Max: 35 

Carnivorous Plants of the Pine Barrens 

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a hotspot of biodiversity when it comes to carnivorous plants. Attendees will learn about the types of carnivorous plants that call the Garden State home and which species are present in the Pine Barrens, while learning how to identify them in the field! Jamie will also discuss their research into carnivorous plants, what they have learned so far, and what their next steps are. Beginners and expert botanists alike are welcome at this talk, are there will be time for questions at the end!

Instructor: Jamie Lubov, Student Researcher

Class Max: 35

Liven Up Your Forest – Deadwood for Wildlife

Death is a functional process crucial for new life in the forest. This presentation will focus on the ecological contributions of a tree that has undergone the fateful transition from life to death, while exploring the complex relationship between wildlife and dead trees – or “deadwood” – in the disturbance-dependent, Pine Barrens ecosystem. We will cover misconceptions about deadwood, how wildlife uses deadwood to survive, and management strategies for deadwood in your forest.

Instructor: Tyler Savage, Community Forestry Technician, DelAtlantic Conservation District

Class Max: 18

Last of the Gentlemen Naturalists, The Life & Times of Dr. Joseph Leidy

This presentation will focus on Dr. Joseph Leidy, who was the father of American Paleontology and Parasitology. Dr. Leidy was the first person to solve a murder using a microscope, and he wrote the book on single-celled life of the Pine Barrens. Meet him in person as we travel back to the 19th century to learn about the scientific breakthroughs that occurred in the Garden State.

Please note: The presentation is done in first-person interpretation style from the standpoint of someone who lived in the 1800’s. Images and terminology from that time-period will be used.

Instructor: Marc Rogoff

Class Max: 35

Communication in Nature Series Part 3: Amphibians, Insects, and Mammals

This three-part lecture series highlights information relating to animal and plant communication. Each one can work as a separate stand-alone presentation, not requiring prior knowledge of another part to understand.

Ms. Bulava will present current information that deepens our understanding of vocal and non-vocal means of communication between frogs & toads, certain insects, and some species of mammals that occur in the Pinelands.

Instructor: Jennifer Bulava, Principal Park Naturalist, Burlington County Parks

Class Max: 35

Wildlife of the NJ Pine Barrens

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a unique environment that 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 (live animals) will join us for a closeup view.

Instructor: Jim Hansen, After-School Coordinator and Educator, Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge

Class Max: 35

Wildfire Corridors Across the Pinelands

Wildfires have historically shaped the Pinelands in response to fuel cover, firebreaks, prevailing weather and fire behavior. The resulting fire ecosystem has changed historically and is subject to both fire suppression, prevention and ongoing landscape management. However, consideration must now include the necessary protection of life and property for local communities, outdoor recreation, pinelands agriculture, regional traffic and air quality. The presentation will focus on the fire corridor across the core of the Wharton tract from the Atsion lowlands to the Pine Plains. Historically, this was mapped as part of “sandy barren deserts.”

Instructor: Horace Somes Jr.

Class Max: 35

The Trouble with Oaks, NJ Pine Barrens Edition

Though the Pine Barrens are dominated by pitch pine, they are also a unique ecosystem for oaks. Oaks are under threat across the eastern U. S. and Mid-Atlantic, and this presentation goes into the reasons, and why this genus is so important. Per the National Park Service, oaks are suffering from “death by a thousand cuts.” We will look at the fundamental problems facing oaks, and why the New Jersey Pine Barrens may be bucking the trend for the decline of oaks in the region.

Instructor: John Hooven, CCF, District Forester, DelAtlantic Conservation District and Chair of NJ Society of American Foresters

Class Max: 18

Last of the Gentlemen Naturalists, The Life & Times of Dr. Joseph Leidy

This presentation will focus on Dr. Joseph Leidy, who was the father of American Paleontology and Parasitology. Dr. Leidy was the first person to solve a murder using a microscope, and he wrote the book on single-celled life of the Pine Barrens. Meet him in person as we travel back to the 19th century to learn about the scientific breakthroughs that occurred in the Garden State.

Please note: The presentation is done in first-person interpretation style from the standpoint of someone who lived in the 1800’s. Images and terminology from that time-period will be used.

Instructor: Marc Rogoff

Class Max: 25

Lenape Elders Share Stories, Crafts, and Music

Lenape elders will share stories, traditional teachings, crafts, native flute, drum, songs and dance. The stories are Illustrated through porcupine quillwork, pine needle basketry, made from natural materials gathered along the Delaware Bay along with woodlands style bead embroidery.

Instructor: Teri “Many Flowers Pure Spirit Woman” Hislop, Unilachtigo clanmother, Lenape descendant, and Keeper of Traditional Craft along with Lenape Elder Chuck “Gentlemoon” Demund, Unami clan chief, Lenape descendant

*Since this is a double classroom session, please also select C10 to ensure your registration is processed correctly.

Class Max: 16

Paddling in the Pines - Batsto Lake from Industry to Ecology

Join Pinelands Adventures for a unique guided kayak tour of Batsto Lake, where layers of rich history and vibrant ecology come to confluence. Established in 1766, 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: Monica Cahill, Assistant Manager, Naturalist and Guide, Pinelands Adventures

*Since this is a field trip, please also select C10 to ensure your registration is processed correctly.

Class Max: 12

Nature Walk around Hammonton Lake Park

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. Attendees should wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather and bug spray with DEET is highly recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them. (Transportation is provided.)

Instructor: Guided by Naturalist, Ocean County Parks and Recreation

*Since this is a field trip, please also select C10 to ensure your registration is processed correctly.

Class Max: 25

Batsto Village: Nature and Industry in the Pine Barrens

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. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended! (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: John Hebble, Historian, Wharton State Forest and Ally Horan, Naturalist, Wharton State Forest 

*Since this is a field trip, please also select C10 to ensure your registration is processed correctly.

AFTERNOON DOUBLE SESSION WORKSHOP AND FIELD TRIP ATTENDEES MUST SELECT THIS OPTION.

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

Class Max: 35

Pinelands Discovery

This presentation will introduce the audience to the legendary Pine Barrens, while discussing its wildlife and history. Over many years living and working in the area, Mr. Mott has experienced this national treasure up close and will share his expertise and knowledge while highlighting the area’s recreational opportunities.

Instructor: Joel M. Mott, Principal Public Programs Specialist, NJ Pinelands Commission

Class Max: 35

Wildlife of the NJ Pine Barrens

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a unique environment that 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 (live animals) will join us for a closeup view!

Instructor: Jim Hansen, After-School Coordinator and Educator, Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge

Class Max: 35 

Carnivorous Plants of the Pine Barrens 

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a hotspot of biodiversity when it comes to carnivorous plants. Attendees will learn about the types of carnivorous plants that call the Garden State home and which species are present in the Pine Barrens, while learning how to identify them in the field! Jamie will also discuss their research into carnivorous plants, what they have learned so far, and what their next steps are. Beginners and expert botanists alike are welcome at this talk, are there will be time for questions at the end!

Instructor: Jamie Lubov, Student Researcher

Class Max: 35

Liven Up Your Forest – Deadwood for Wildlife

Death is a functional process crucial for new life in the forest. This presentation will focus on the ecological contributions of a tree that has undergone the fateful transition from life to death, while exploring the complex relationship between wildlife and dead trees – or “deadwood” – in the disturbance-dependent, Pine Barrens ecosystem. We will cover misconceptions about deadwood, how wildlife uses deadwood to survive, and management strategies for deadwood in your forest.

Instructor: Tyler Savage, Community Forestry Technician, DelAtlantic Conservation District