Listen to the night sounds of the Pines, learn about Whitesbog and experience the seasonal changes of the Pinelands. All walks are 3‑5 miles in length, weather permitting and led by experienced leaders. Reservations requested. $5/person.

Sponsored by the Whitesbog Preservation Trust.

Stroll the Historic Village, learn about Whitesbog's role in history and visit Suningive, Elizabeth White's historic home, the worker's cottages and other buildings that speak to Whitesbog's heritage. $5/person.

Sponsored by the Whitesbog Preservation Trust.

Enjoy the early winter splendor of this site as David guides you on trails that will lead to breath-taking views atop the 30-foot bluffs for which this preserve was named. Learn some little-known facts along the way, such as why the topography of this preserve is so unique to the Delaware
Bayshores and how our stewardship staff and volunteers help to make this site a true hiking hot-spot! Meet at the Maurice River Bluffs Preserve, Cumberland County. Cost: FREE!

Pre-registration is required for all field trips and events. Credit card payments are accepted.

Explore the nature of Bass River State Forest on this 5-mile, moderate-paced hike from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the Lake Absegami breezeway. Be advised the closest restroom is at the Forest Office on your way to the lake.

Bring lunch and eat at the historic Civilian Conservation Corps rain shelter or continue back to your vehicle. Be prepared for mostly flat walking. Rain cancels

For more information and to register contact the Bass River State Forest Office at (609) 296-1114.

Sedge Island is home to New Jersey's only Marine Conservation Zone containing approximately 1,600 acres of highly productive tidal marshes, creeks, ponds, and open water. Register by calling the Seaport at 609-296-8868, cost is $2 per person (payable at the door). Participants can bring their lunch or take advantage of our soup and salad option for $6 (registration required at least one day in advance for the soup and salad option).

Enjoy a slice of rural history enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays as you walk through the historic village. The village will be decorated for the season, snacks will be featured at each stop on the tour. Shop in the General Store for those unique holiday gifts.

Sponsored by PINES, Burlington County College.

Traveling to Bass River Twp. Pickup: Parking Lot, Wells Mills County Park, Waretown. FEE: $6.00 per person. AGE: 9 years - Adult. Pre-registration required.

Sponsored by Ocean County Parks Dept.

The Pinelands Commission usually meets on the second Friday of each month. These meetings are open to the public and are most frequently conducted at the Richard J. Sullivan Center for Environmental Policy and Education, 15C Springfield Road, New Lisbon, New Jersey. The Commission does sometimes meet at other locations in the Pinelands during the year, so please confirm the meeting place by calling the Commission's offices.

Committees of the Commission meet between the regularly scheduled monthly meetings. The committees include Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) Policy and Implementation, Permanent Land Protection, Personnel and Budget, Public and Governmental Programs, and Science.

Traveling to Berkeley Township for a nature walk. Pickup: Nature Center Parking Lot, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood. FEE: $6.00 per person. AGE: 9 years - Adult.

Sponsored by Ocean County Parks Dept.

South Jersey Land and Water Trust staff member Michael Hogan will guide a 2 hour tour. The Sahara Sands site is located at the White Oak Branch of the Great Egg Harbor River, along Jackson Road. The large sand quarry was originally purchased by the state of New Jersey for an ATV track, but after much public opposition, was turned over to the NJ Division of Fish and Game for a Wildlife Management Area. The site contains a large lake, small ponds, open and forested wetlands, and pine oak uplands. It has a rich diversity of Pinelands flora and fauna. NJ designated threatened and endangered species found there include the barred owl, Pine Barrens tree frog and the floating heart, a rare aquatic gentian. Bald eagles are also a frequent visitor. Michael will identify the area's flora and fauna and discuss SJLWT projects in the South Jersey including its current stream assessment and vernal pool programs. The trail may be muddy, please wear appropriate foot wear and dress warm, it may be windy at this open location. Sahara Sands is located on Jackson Road approximately 3/4 mile south of Piney Hollow Road. Free for members, $3 non-members. Please RSVP.

Rich variety of habitats: Atlantic White Cedar and mixed hardwood swamps, oak-hickory forest, old fields, and freshwater lakes. 8-9 miles, moderate to brisk pace. Possible view of Bald Eagles. Meet at Belleplain Main Office. Just south of Route 550, near Woodbine (DMS 39° 14' 36.85" N 74° 50' 58.29" W) (http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/belle.html). NC/NP. Bring lunch and water. Bad weather cancels, call day of hike or check website (http://www.ocsj.org/) to confirm.

Joan Berkey, author of "Early Architecture of Cape May County, NJ: the Heavy Timber Frame Tradition", will lead a tour focused on the 17th and 18th century buildings-mostly houses-still standing in Cape May and Atlantic Counties.

Advance reservations required for all programs. All programs are $10 per person. Payment at the door in the form of cash or check only, please make checks payable to Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Please contact PPA at 609-859- 8860 x 12 or email janewiltshire@pinelandsalliance.org for reservations, directions and information.

****This program has been re-scheduled from original Nov. 13 due to the Nor'easter that hit the Shore****

5 to 6 miles. Easy to moderate pace. Bring water & snack. Meet at Skit for start of hike at 9:30 AM SHARP. Up, back and around on sand roads, trails and fire cuts. Could be some wet areas. Call for directions.

Sponsored by the Outdoor Club of South Jersey.

Join us for our annual solstice celebration as the sun begins anew its journey to longer days. We'll paddle 6 miles from Hawkin Bridge to Evans Bridge. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation.

Hike from the Ranger Station to Deep Hollow Pond and on to Ong's Hat along the Batona Trail. 11 miles, moderate pace. Lunch at Cafe Apany (formerly Anapa's) is part of this hike. Those wishing to bring their own lunch are welcome, but need to recognize that our hike will not resume until the lunch at Cafe Apany has been concluded ; or they can elect to finish the hike on their own if they choose. Return to Ranger Station by same route. Meet at Byrne Office parking lot. Bad weather cancels.

Sponsored by the Outdoor Club of South Jersey.

Hike over three wooden bridges to Batsto for lunch. 9-10 miles. Meet at Atsion at 10am. Bring lunch, moderate pace, LP. Return via sand roads and trails.

Sponsored by the Outdoor Club of South Jersey.