Tags: wildlife

$5/person. Reservation requested. Sponsored by the Whitesbog Preservation Trust.

Wild New Jersey is a description of David Wheeler's whirlwind year-long tour of the most ecologically diverse state for its size in America. Along with the expert guidance of charismatic wildlife biologists and local conservationists, he explores mountains, valleys, beaches, pine barrens, caves, rivers, marshlands, and more-breathtaking landscapes and the state's Noah's Ark of fascinating creatures. This isn't your ordinary ride on the Jersey Turnpike. Fasten your seatbelts and join Wheeler as he...

• Kayaks through the Meadowlands under the watchful eye of the Empire State Building,
• Pans for cretaceous fossils in a hidden brook once home to mastodons and giant sloths,
• Rides a fishing boat in the frigid snows of winter on a high-seas quest for Atlantic puffins,
• Trudges through the eerie darkness of a bog on a mysterious night hike,
• Dogsleds across the windswept alpine slopes in the haunts of the porcupine and bobcat.

With Wheeler's compelling narrative, in-depth background details, and eye for revealing the offbeat, you can count this as the first nature book to paint the extraordinary picture of New Jersey's unlikely wilderness in all its glory. Come along for all the adventure and insight in Wild New Jersey!

David will talk about and sign copies of his book at Pinelands Preservation Alliance's Bishop Farmstead. Copies of the book will be for sale.

Light refreshments will be served. FREE. No RSVP required.

Decoy Show: Highlights include: Lectures, Decoy, Vendors, Waterfowl Outfitters, Water Dog Demonstrations.

This favorite Decoy Show at Batsto will feature decoy carvers both local and from across the region. They will conduct carving demonstrations and sell their wares. Duckboats of many varieties and the Barnegat Sneak Box will be part of the venue. Wildlife photographers and artists will display their talents and products. Vendors with a variety of tasty treats and beverages along with other outdoors oriented information booths have all the makings for a pleasant, enjoyable springtime family outing.

Free admission and free parking.

Sponsored by the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc.

The Expo helps people connect with the natural world by providing a unique blend of conservation information, education and hands-on opportunities to learn outdoor skills and activities. Numerous environmental and conservation exhibits, demonstrations and seminars are planned for the weekend. Visitors can learn about, and try, a wide array of activities including fishing, hiking, shooting sports, kayaking, camping skills, rock climbing, wildlife watching and much more.