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Family Nature Programs Saturdays 2:30-4:00* New Jersey Audubon’s Plainsboro Preserve

 Welcome to the New Jersey Audubon’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.  (609) 897-9400
*Unless otherwise noted
 
THE SOUNDS OF NATURE
Saturday, February 26th  
2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Every species of frog, toad, and bird have their own songs and calls. This is a great way to learn about how animals communicate and the songs that they make.  We will test our ability to identify a variety of New Jersey’s animal life and may even try our hand at imitating them.  

TERRIFIC TURTLES
Saturday, March 5th   
3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Did you know that the vernal pools of Plainsboro Preserve are home to many types of elusive turtles?  Participants meet several species of turtles in our nature center up close before creating their very own paper turtle to take home!  We will also hike out to the vernal pools to search for turtles, weather permitting.  
 
Woodcock and amphibian evening walk  *Special Time*
Saturday, March 12th
Walk begins at 5:30 P.M.
Join us at the Plainsboro Preserve to witness the nuptial flights of the male woodcock as they try to woo their female counterparts. The Preserve has a number of these amazing and secretive birds and in years past we have seen and heard many of them.  Linger into the night as the amphibian chorus grows.  Join Sanctuary Director Sean Grace for this fun and informative evening walk.

FULL MOON HIKE  *SPECIAL TIME*
Saturday, March 19th
7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
A familiar trail by day becomes a whole new experience at night!  Our fearless naturalist will lead you on an adventure in which owls hoot, coyotes howl and strange rustlings in the brush are wonderful possibilities.  Join us for this family friendly exploration into the animal world at night.

 
LITTLE TYKE HIKE
Saturday, March 26th
3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Join Teacher Naturalist Corey Sperling on a fun adventure into the natural world with your favorite budding naturalist.   We will explore the natural world together through stories and hands on explorations.  For children ages 3-6, must be accompanied by an adult.   

FIELD TRIPS & PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS AND TEENS

Please pre-register ten days in advance with a payment of $10 for NJA members or $15 for nonmembers.  Checks must be made out to “NJ Audubon”. Send payment to Plainsboro Preserve, 80 Scotts Corner Road, Cranbury, NJ 08512, or pay with a credit card over the phone.  
 
RESERVOIR ROMP
Saturday, February 26th  
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.
 
SOURLANDS SALAMANDER SEARCH
Friday, March 25th 7:00 – 9:00PM
Join us for an adventure into the Sourland Mountains as we search for the remarkable spotted salamander.  When the first warm rains of spring arrive, many amphibians emerge from their winter burrows and migrate to their breeding pools.  This is the only time of year that these large bodied salamanders can be seen above ground in large numbers.  Don’t miss this spectacular natural event!  Bring a headlamp or flashlight and dress warmly. This trip requires a short walk into the woods at night.  Join Melissa Craddock and Sean Grace on this nighttime adventure.