JACKSON – The state Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Resource Education Center (FREC) in Jackson will hold free Forest Explorer programs.
These programs give families the opportunity to learn about native plant and animal species and get a hands-on nature experience, according to a press release.
Programs begin at 10 a.m. in the Interpretive Center and will be about 90 minutes long. There is no pre-registration. The Interpretive Center is at 495 Don Connor Blvd, Jackson. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable sneakers/boots and to bring plenty of water and insect spray.
July 9 — Exploring the Project Learning Trail. On this 1-mile hike, explore a variety of woodland habitats. Identify tree species and some of the animals that depend upon them.
July 16 — Sounds from the Forest. Learn about and listen to drums, flutes and rattles made from items that grow in the forest. Participants will become forest musicians when they play these hand-made instruments as a “solo artist” or as a “band.”
July 23 — Swamp Life. Take a hike and discover a variety of fascinating species such as painted turtles, salamanders, carnivorous plants and the great blue heron.
July 30 — Animals of the Forest. Have you ever wondered why a snake lies on a rock in the sun? Or what type of call a bird was chirping? Take a walk and explore the animals that live on the property. At the end of the walk, enjoy interacting with reptiles and amphibians courtesy of Ocean County Parks.
Aug. 6 — Changing Forest. The Forest Resource Education Center contains 875 acres of predominantly forested land, some are pinelands, some are savannahs. Learn about the different types of forests and successional stages present on the property. The walk will be about 3 miles and may not be advisable for young children since it will be a longer walk.
Aug. 13 — The United States of Trees. Enjoy a “virtual tour” of different types of trees from around the United States without leaving the FREC trails. This interactive program designed for all ages will introduce and reinforce the names and locations of the states on a U.S. map while attendees identify tree species and where they grow.
Aug. 20 — Native Pollinators. How do flowers really grow? First you need a pollinator. Join the staff for an exploration of the field and forested area surrounding the Interpretive Center in a search for native pollinators.
Aug. 27 — A Day in the Life of a Tree. What does a tree do all day? Explore along the trails to look closely at common tree species of New Jersey, perform hands-on activities to simplify an understanding of how trees breathe, make their own food, fight off insect pests and what happens when they die.
For more information: 732-928-2360.