By: Molly Petrilla
PLAINSBORO The Plainsboro Preserve will host a series of free programs on weekends through late November.
In all, seven family events will take place on Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the preserve.
On Oct. 14, participants in a "Fall Foliage Forest Foray" will collect leaves while hearing about why the seasons change and, in particular, why the leaves change colors in autumn.
"Beautiful Birds," slated for Oct. 21, will feature a walk with preserve Director Sean Grace, who will explain local birds’ field marks, habitats and biology.
Professional storyteller Rosemary Wright will share nature tales from a variety of cultures in "Halloween Stories & Animal Tales" on Oct. 28. The stories she tells that week will focus on creatures and myths surrounding Halloween.
On Nov. 4, families can hike through the forest and preserve on an "Owl Prowl!" to hear a variety of information about the often-elusive birds.
Participants will be asked to employ their five senses to investigate the sights, smells and sounds of the outdoors in a "Sensory Safari" on Nov. 11. The same day, there will also be an "Animal Tracking" expedition during which participants will learn different ways to identify and follow animal prints.
Ms. Wright will return to the preserve on Nov. 25 for "Thanksgiving Stories & Animal Tales." In honor of the holiday, she will center her stories around Thanksgiving, and the session may include a small craft project.
The preserve’s "Field Trips for Adults" program will also take place on Saturdays this fall, with a variety of exercise- and nature-friendly activities set for the coming weeks.
On Oct. 14, a strenuous 5.8-mile hike is scheduled to the top of Raccoon Ridge, a prime spot for viewing the autumn raptor migration. The all-day hike costs $20 for preserve members and $30 for non-members.
Naturalists Arlene Oley and Greg Hartman will lead a moderate 4-mile hike through the Sourland Mountains on Oct. 21, during which participants will learn about bird migration.
Ms. Oley will also lead a 2-mile hike through the Assunpink Park on Nov. 19 to focus on sparrows, waterfowl and other area bird life.
The Plainsboro Preserve, located on Scotts Corner Road, is open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Monday.
More information about the preserve is available at www.njaudubon.org/Centers/Plainsboro/ or by calling (609) 897-9400.

