Group Hikes and Nature Walks across New Jersey

Apr 11 (Sat): Hike at Holmdel Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., about 3 miles, easy pace. Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County’s most popular locations for recreation and nature appreciation. Hike on a wooded trail through rolling hills with views of the forest and a pond. Recommend hiking shoes and poles (if you use them). Bring insect repellent during tick season. Bring water and snacks. There are facilities. No charge for the hike. Rain cancels. Leader will provide meeting location and directions after participants register. Leader: Sandra, sandrahike@newjersey.sierraclub.org Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS) 

Apr 11 (Sat): Garrett Mountain to the Great Falls Hike, Paterson (Passaic Co.) 10 a.m., 6 miles in 4 hours, hilly terrain. We will start by hiking around the top of Garrett Mountain Park and admire the views. Then we will hike down to the Great Falls in Paterson and see the falls from all vantage points and return, uphill for about a 300-ft ascent. Features: Barbour Pond, the Equestrian Center, Lambert Tower, Auto Lookout, Morris Canal Greenway, the Great Falls. Restrooms are near the parking lot and portable toilets at the falls. Requirements: Hiking boots and day pack with water required. Bring lunch. No pets. Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar. Directions will be sent via email to those who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, the_hikist@mac.com, and Jerry Ruocco (SS) 

April 11 (Sat): NJ Sierra Club Ocean County Group: Barnegat Bay Blitz Land Cleanup Walk at Lake Shenandoah County Park (Ocean Co.) 10 a.m. 2-3 miles, easy flat trail around the lake. 227 acres of towering oaks and pines surround the gorgeous trout stocked lake, which is the focal point of the park. Leashed dogs are welcome. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. We will have a few trash pickup sticks, but if you have one please bring it. Our NJ Sierra Club Ocean County Group trail cleanup will be included as part of the Blitz, since it is between April 11 and April 26. On our hike last year we observed trash along the trails and are pleased to volunteer this year with Ocean County Parks and the Barnegat Bay Partnership. We'll meet Christopher Claus, Chief Park Naturalist Ocean County Park, before the cleanup. Meet at the Visitor's Center parking lot, 660 Ocean Ave. (Rt 88) and 300 New Hampshire Ave, Lakewood. There are facilities. Look for the Sierra Club banner on our car. Co-leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo,  gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O) 

>>>Ocean County Group meets in the Home Town Dairy Room at the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Toms River, NJ<<<

Apr 12 (Sun): Cherry Blossom Festival Week Hike at Branch Brook Park (Essex Co.) 9 a.m., about 5 miles in 3 hours. Each spring, more than 4,000 cherry trees produce a panoply of blossoms, celebrated during the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Week. The park has the largest collection of Japanese flowering trees in one location in the United States. Wear sneakers or hiking boots. No dogs, please. Bring water and snacks. There is a visitor center, an athletic center, three indoor bathrooms, and portable toilets. Meet at: 248 Mill St., Belleville. Leader: Ron Pate, ronpate31@verizon.net Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway (G) 

Apr 17 (Fri): Virginia Bluebells Walk at Duke Island Park (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. The Virginia bluebells are in bloom at Duke Island Park. They are a native plant found in river floodplains; we’ll see the beautiful “wild blue” popping out among the greenery. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Raritan River to the Headgates Dam. The dam is proposed for removal to restore the natural confluence between the North and South Branches of the Raritan. Meet at the Visitors Center main parking area, 191 Old York Rd., Bridgewater Township. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: John Miraglia, johnworks3@aol.com, and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV) 

Apr 19 (Sun): Earth Day Hike at Maurice River Bluffs Preserve (Cumberland Co.) 10 a.m. Easy 1-mile loop, followed by additional miles at a moderate pace on hilly terrain with beautiful views of the tidal Maurice River. Supportive footwear recommended and hiking poles (if you use them). The Maurice River Bluffs provides stopover habitat for migrating songbirds, ospreys, and bald eagles. Bring binoculars, water, snacks, and lunch. Address: 1200 Silver Run Rd., Millville. There are no facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian, tfboghosian44@gmail.com, and Ysan Reischke, reischky@gmail.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (SJ) 

Apr 21 (Tues): Earth Day – Barnegat Bay Blitz Land Cleanup (Ocean Co.) 9 a.m.–12 p.m. This is the 13th year that the NJ Chapter of the Sierra Club Ocean Group is participating in the “Blitz” cleanup. We’ll meet Lauren Keltos, NJDEP Team Captain, Barnegat Township. Address: Barnegat Township public launch parking lot, 427 E. Bay Ave., Barnegat. There are no facilities. From there, we’ll travel to areas identified as needing cleanup. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. Bring water and snacks. After the cleanup, there is an option for a late lunch at Sweet Jenny’s Restaurant. Co-leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo, gogreenp1@yahoo.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O) 

Apr 25 (Sat): Annual Essex County Environmental Center Earth Day Celebration (rain date: Apr 26) (Essex Co.) 11 a.m.–3 p.m. The Gateway Group of the Sierra Club will again be tabling at the event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ron Pate. This year, the Center’s education staff is focusing on the theme “Dig in for the Planet” for craft and activity stations. Address: 621 Eagle Rock Ave. B, Roseland. To volunteer or for further information, contact Ron Pate, ronpate31@verizon.net Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway (G)

Apr 25 (Sat): Guided Bird Walk at Palmyra Cove Nature Park (Burlington Co.) 7:30 a.m., 2 miles on easy, flat walking trails with scenic views of the Delaware River. Palmyra Cove Nature Park shows how a neglected dredge spoil area and former leaf dump can be transformed into an oasis of biodiversity. Migration builds slowly, beginning with waterfowl in March, thrushes in early April, and many warblers in late April and May. Habitats include wetlands, woodlands, meadows, wild creek and river shoreline, and a freshwater tidal cove. Our guides, Sharon Hardy and her husband Walt Nadolny, are avid birders and longtime travelers; this is a favorite local spot. Meet in the parking lot: 1335 NJ-73, Palmyra. Binoculars are a must (a few pairs available). Bring water and snacks. No dogs, please. Heavy rain cancels. Co-leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey (W) 

Apr 26 (Sun): Earth Day at Montclair’s 4th Annual EcoFest (Essex Co.) 12 noon–4 p.m. Join the NJ Sierra Club’s Gateway Group as we celebrate Earth Day at Montclair’s 4th Annual EcoFest on South Park St. in downtown Montclair. There are facilities. The Club will again sponsor a Drive Electric Earth Month event, display Sierra Club literature, and host a game wheel with environmental questions for adults and children. There will be music, interactive games, and displays on composting, native plants, solar energy, and home electrification. If you have an EV you’d like to show and discuss, contact Bill Beren at beren1@verizon.net. Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway (G) 

Apr 26 (Sat): Free Expert-Led Hike at South Mountain Reservation (Essex Co.) 3 p.m., about 2–3 hours and 3–4 miles at a relatively moderate pace over rocky trails, including one long climb from the Rahway River. Good balance and appropriate footwear required (bring hiking poles if you use them). Includes a discussion of the ecology of the Rahway River and its watershed and how the river serves as the drinking water supply for Orange and Rahway. Children welcome. No dogs, please. Bring water and snacks. Steady rain cancels. Meet at the Clipper Pavilion on Cherry Lane in West Orange by the Regatta Playground (not at McLoone’s), 0.4 mi south of Northfield Ave. and 0.9 mi north of South Orange Ave. Cosponsored by the South Mountain Conservancy and the Rahway River Watershed Association (RRWA). Leader: Dr. Kirk Barrett, President of RRWA. Register at rahwayriver.org/calendar.html and www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway (G) For information, contact Ron Pate, ronpate31@verizon.net or 973-965-7578.

May 1 (Fri): Hike Allaire State Park (Northern Section) (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., about 3 miles, easy pace. Allaire State Park is an extension of the Pine Barrens. Walk on mostly flat trails and through the 19th-century ironworks site of Allaire Village. Recommend hiking shoes and poles (if you use them). Bring insect repellent in tick season, water, and snacks. There are facilities. No charge for the hike. Rain cancels. Leader will provide meeting location and directions after participants register. Leader: Sandra, sandrahike@newjersey.sierraclub.org Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS) 

May 2 (Sat): Eagle Rock Reservation Hike (Essex Co.) 10 a.m., 4–5 miles at a moderate pace. Wear hiking boots and bring hiking poles (if you use them). No dogs, please. Bring water and snacks. Meet before 10 a.m. at the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, main entrance, Prospect and Eagle Rock Avenues, West Orange. There are facilities. Leader: Ron Pate, ronpate31@verizon.net Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway (G) 

May 9 (Sat): Five Ponds Trail Hike from the NJ Botanical Gardens, Ringwood State Park, Ringwood (Passaic Co.) 10 a.m., 5.7 miles in about 4 hours, hilly terrain. Total ascent 900 ft; moderate to strenuous. We will start with a tour of the Gardens, then hike the Five Ponds Trail. Features include the NJ Botanical Gardens and the Five Ponds Trail (pink). There is a restroom building near the gardens. Requirements: hiking boots and a daypack with water and lunch. No pets. Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar. Directions will be emailed to those who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, the_hikist@mac.com, and Jerry Ruocco (SS) 

May 9 (Sat): Amico Island Park – Early Morning Bird Walk (Burlington Co.) 8:30 a.m., 2–3 miles, easy pace. Our return birding walk at Amico Island will again be guided by avid and experienced birder Susan Matson. In mid-May the park is filled with birds and birdsong. In addition to observing migratory species, Susan will help identify resident birds common to New Jersey backyards. In March we saw the great blue heron rookery; on this walk we may observe young blue herons that have hatched. The rookery hosts about 100 nesting herons from March through June. Most trails are wide and level, traversing meadows, forest, pond, and wetland habitat. Some trails can be muddy; appropriate footwear is recommended, as are hiking poles (if you use them). Binoculars are a must. Bring water and snacks. Please, no dogs. Meet at 81 Norman Ave., Riverside. There is a portable toilet at the parking lot. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey (W) 

May 10 (Sun): Mother’s Day Hike at Shark River Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. Shark River Park is the first park in Monmouth County for recreation and nature appreciation. Walk on mostly flat trails with some inclines along the Shark River and through the center of the park. Recommend hiking shoes and poles (if you use them). Bring insect repellent in tick season, water, and snacks. There are facilities. No charge for the hike. Rain cancels. Leader will provide meeting location and directions after participants register. Leader: Sandra, sandrahike@newjersey.sierraclub.org Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

May 16 (Sat): Wildlife Outing at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge* (Burlington Co.) The Wildlife and Endangered Species Committee is dedicated to the protection of wild animals, particularly threatened and endangered species, and their habitat within New Jersey. The Wildlife Housing Area is the highlight of any visit, with nearly 60 resident owls, eagles, vultures, raccoons, turtles, and more. Admission: Adults (13+): $10; Children (4–12): $5; Children (3 and under): FREE. Address: 4 Sawmill Rd., Medford. Facilities are available. Bring water and snacks. Pets are not permitted. More details coming soon; check www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar for updates. 

May 16 (Sat): Free Expert-Led Hike at South Mountain Reservation (Essex Co.) 10 a.m., about 2–3 hours and 3–4 miles at a relatively moderate pace over rocky trails, with one long climb from the Rahway River up South Mountain. Good balance and appropriate footwear required (bring hiking poles if you use them). Includes a discussion of the ecology of the Rahway River and its watershed, and how the river serves as a drinking water supply for the towns of Orange and Rahway. Steady rain cancels. Children are welcome. No dogs, please. Bring water and snacks. Meet at the Clipper Pavilion on Cherry Lane in West Orange, by the Regatta Playground (aka the Waterfront), not at McLoone’s; 0.4 miles south of Northfield Ave. and 0.9 miles north of South Orange Ave. Cosponsored by the South Mountain Conservancy and the Rahway River Watershed Association (RRWA). Led by Dr. Kirk Barrett, President of RRWA and expert on local watershed issues. Register at rahwayriver.org/calendar.html. For further information contact Ron Pate, ronpate31@verizon.net or 973-965-7578. Also register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway (G) 

May 19 (Tues): Hike at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park (Middlesex Co.) 10 a.m., 3–4 miles, easy pace. The woods section of the park is primarily a mature, late-succession (“climax”) forest dominated by American beech, oaks, birch, tulip poplar, and sweet gum, with dogwood and sassafras. Our hike begins on the Yellow Trail, a grassy/rocky section that includes narrow boardwalks over swampy areas. The forested Blue Trail includes elevations, exposed roots, and large stone steps in some sections. Hiking poles and good footwear are recommended. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome. Portable toilet at the parking lot. Meeting location will be emailed with registration confirmation. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: S.P., spjersey@gmail.com, and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV) 

May 22 (Fri): BAPS Hindu Mandir (Temple) Guided Tour (Mercer Co.) 9:30 a.m. Located in Robbinsville, the mandir is a landmark of Hindu architecture and culture, and the largest temple outside Asia. Entrance is free (donations welcome). The campus is open to all visitors and is wheelchair accessible. There is a strict dress code: shoulders and upper arms must be covered, and legwear must extend below the knee. Shoes may not be worn inside; wear socks. Shoe coverings can be provided, or bring your own. The walking tour on the marble floor will last about one hour (no seating). Photography is prohibited inside. No large bags. No food or drink allowed, and phones must be silent. Please do not touch the delicate carvings. Traditional Indian vegetarian snacks and lunch are available at the temple’s Shayona Café after the tour. Meeting location will be emailed after registration. Co-leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com (C) 

June 6 (Sat): 2026 Rose Day Festival at Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden, Colonial Park Gardens (Somerset Co.) 11 a.m.–5 p.m., rain or shine. The one-acre Rose Garden is an accredited All-America Rose Selections display garden, comprising more than 3,000 roses in over 325 varieties. Pets are not permitted in the Rose Garden. This family event features an activity station for kids, artisan craft vendors, food trucks, rose plants for sale, picnicking on the lawn, and more. Live music schedule: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Borderline (Bluegrass Trio) 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. | Zydeco-a-Go-Go (Zydeco & Cajun) 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Akeylah Simone (R&B, Rock & Jazz) Free admission (donations kindly appreciated). Somerset County, in collaboration with the Delaware & Raritan State Park Commission. Bring water and snacks. Wear comfortable shoes and a brimmed hat. Meet at Colonial Park Gardens Parking Lot F, Mettler Rd. There are facilities. Co-leaders: John Miraglia, johnworks3@aol.com, and George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Please register to confirm the 10:30 a.m. meeting time and location: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

June 7 (Sat): White Trail Birding Hike at Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain, Hopewell Twp. (Mercer Co.) 9 a.m., easy pace, about 3.5 miles, an out and back walk, easy to moderate trail surface. The preserve is a favorite place for birders due to its location in the Atlantic Flyway, more than thirty species of warblers can pass through Mercer County. Our colorful avian friends return from their lengthy sojourns in the Caribbean or Central and South America. Our walk will take us to the highest point in Mercer County, where there are lovely views of the valley and Delaware River in the distance. Good footwear recommended. Bring hiking poles (if you use them). Bring binoculars, water, snacks and lunch. Meeting Location: Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate, horse trailer parking lot, Pleasant Valley Rd. Titusville. The park entrance is across the street from 175 Pleasant Valley Rd. There is a portable toilet in the parking lot and bathroom facilities at the halfway point. Steady rain cancels. Co-leaders: Lynn E., lynnebeling@comcast.net and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com . Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey(C)

June 13 (Sat): Pine Meadow Lake Hike, Harriman State Park, Suffern, NY (Orange Co.) 10 a.m., 7 miles in about 4 hours, hilly terrain. Trails include the Pine Meadow Trail and the Suffern–Bear Mountain Trail. Features include the Equestrian Center, Catamount Mountain, Hawk Cliff, and Pine Meadow Lake. There is a restroom building near the parking lot at the Equestrian Center. Requirements: hiking boots and backpack. Bring a daypack with water and lunch. No pets. Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar. Directions will be emailed to those who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, the_hikist@mac.com, and Jerry Ruocco (SS) 

June 14 (Sun): Intentional Hike at Campgaw Mountain Reservation (Bergen Co.) 9:30 a.m., 3–3.5 miles, moderate pace. Reconnect with yourself and the wisdom of nature on this unique hiking experience. As nature awakens in the warmth of late spring, we’ll explore the landscape of possibility with a guiding question: “Who am I becoming?” This is a chance to slow down, reflect, and let nature guide your inner exploration. Through guided visualization and mindful hiking, we’ll open our senses to the natural world and discover what wants to emerge in our lives. This hike plants seeds for the season ahead and fosters self-reflection, inner connection, and deep conversation with new friends. After the hike, we’ll gather for a facilitated discussion over lunch to integrate and share experiences and insights. Bring water, lunch, a journal, and a sense of adventure. Hiking boots are recommended. No dogs, please. Rain cancels. Meet at Campgaw Mountain Reservation, 200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah. The entrance is off Campgaw Rd., diagonally across from the entrance to Darlington Golf Course. After turning onto Park Entrance Rd., pass underneath Rt. 287. About a half mile from the entrance, bear left onto Fyke Rd. and follow signs for the maintenance office. Meet in the first large parking area on the left. Please arrive at 9:15 a.m. so we can begin at 9:30. Co-leaders: Rebecca Wilkin, rebeccalwilkin@gmail.com, and Kathy Robinson, info@athenawellness.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/north-jersey (N) 

June 20–21 (Sat/Sun): NJ 250: Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Commemoration of the 248th anniversary of one of the largest battles of the American Revolution, which took place in the fields and forests that now make up Monmouth Battlefield State Park. Bring your family and travel back in time to the 1770s. Two armies will prepare for battle: Continental Army soldiers retrained at Valley Forge and a British-German-Loyalist Army hoping to crush the rebels and restore good government. Army encampments welcome visitors beginning at 9 a.m. Watch soldiers clean their muskets while women prepare what may be their men’s last meal. Meet at the Visitors Center, 20 NJ-33 Business, Manalapan Township. There are facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water and snacks; a food vendor will be onsite. A suggested donation of $10 per car is requested to help cover event costs. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Monmouth Battlefield and the NJDEP. Co-leaders: John Miraglia, johnworks3@aol.com, and George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Please register to confirm meeting time: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV) 

June 27 (Sat): South Mountain Reservation Hike (Essex Co.) 10 a.m., moderate pace. We will hike 6–7 miles on hilly, mostly dirt trails; moderate difficulty. Meet in the parking lot at the Turtleback Loop Trail, 374 Walker Rd., West Orange. There are facilities. Wear hiking boots and bring hiking poles (if you use them). Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. No dogs, please. Leader: Ron Pate, ronpate31@verizon.net Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway (G) 

June 28 (Sun): Spring Walk at Grounds For Sculpture (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m. The lotus and water lilies are blooming. Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) was founded by artist and philanthropist Seward Johnson. The Van Gogh Café and the Peacock Café are available for lunch. No outside food permitted; water is allowed. Advance timed ticket reservations are required to ensure entry. Open rain or shine. Tickets are available up to two weeks in advance: www.groundsforsculpture.org/about/. Meet inside the Welcome Center at the Information Booth on the left as you enter. Leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey (C) 

July 1 (Wed): Empty Nester’s Walk at Smith’s Woods and Smithville Park (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m. If you’re an empty nester with new spare time, join the Sierra Club West Group for this easy 2–3-mile walk. Take time to get outdoors, breathe, and connect with nature. All are welcome. Smith’s Woods and Smithville Park feature diverse habitats and views of Rancocas Creek. Meet at the Smith’s Woods access parking lot, 39 East Railroad Ave., Eastampton. Look for the Sierra Club banner on our car. Facilities are available. Bring water, snacks, and hiking poles (if you use them). Leashed dogs are welcome. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, and pants tucked into socks. Optional late lunch at the Vincentown Diner, voted Best Diner in South Jersey. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration required: (W)