Kittatinny Valley State Park announces community events
Andover The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry, Kittatinny Valley State Park invites the public to participate in an array of spring interpretive programs, scheduled for the month of May. Programs sponsored by the park are free of charge and meet at the visitor center, located 1 mile north of Route 206 off Goodale Road in Andover, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required for all programs by 3:30 p.m. of the day prior to the program date, as space is limited. In case of inclement weather, all participants are urged to call the park office to determine whether programs have been cancelled or rescheduled. All programs may be subject to change. “Magnify-cent” Marshes - 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1 For children ages 10 to 14. Meet at Twin Lakes boat launch off Goodale Rd. Using collecting equipment and magnifying glasses, children will observe the inhabitants of a freshwater wetland and explore their life cycles and adaptations. Be prepared for wet, muddy conditions. Early Bird Walk - 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, May 2 and May 16 For adults. Start the day with a quiet morning out in nature. Set those alarm clocks and join us at the best time of day to look and listen for bird activity. Bring binoculars. Cat-tales Story Hour - 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays, May 3, 17 and 31 For children ages 4 and 5. Introduces children to nature’s wonders by joining the park naturalist for a story and an activity. Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk - 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 13 For adults and children ages 12 and up. Join the park naturalist on this informative and colorful walk observing the variety of spring wildflowers in bloom around the visitor center. Focus on identification, as well as discuss their traditional culinary and medicinal uses. Garden Flower Folklore - 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16 For adults. Learn the “Language of Flowers” during this indoor presentation as we explore the myth and mystery behind our most common garden plants. Garden tour, weather permitting. Invasive Plants: An Introduction - 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 For adults. Learn all about invasive plants, how and when they were introduced, and how to control their growth. Indoor presentation followed by a short walk. L’il Tykes Hike - 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 24 For adults with children ages 5 and under. Share the afternoon with a little one in the Great Outdoors on this naturalist-guided, 1-mile hike. All babies must be carried in a front-pack or back-pack. No strollers or siblings. The Red, White & Blue Hike - 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 28 For adults. Moderate, 4-mile hike on the park’s “patriotic” trails. Bring hiking boots, water and a snack. Family Nature Hike - 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, May 28 For adults and children ages 6 to 12. Bring the family and join us for a scavenger hunt to find all sorts of natural treasures on this 1-mile walk through the park. For additional information, call the Kittatinny Valley State Park office at 973-786-6445 or e-mail kittatinnyvalley@earthlink.net.