Group Hikes and Nature Walks across New Jersey

Aug 29 (Sat): Walking Toward Your Future Self at Lake Henry (Bergen Co,) 9a.m., 3 miles, easy pace around the 1-mile lake path. Lake Henry is nestled behind Continental Soldier Field in Mahwah—a beautiful setting for a morning of reflection and intentional walking. We'll begin with a guided visualization to connect with your future self, a guided journaling session to capture what surfaced and then walk the lake trail in silent presence to further explore what your future self is calling you toward.  After our walk, we'll gather for lunch to journal again to identify an actionable step forward and then share what the trail offered. No experience with hiking, meditation, or journaling necessary—just an openness to each of those practices. Bring a journal or notebook, lunch, water and insect repellent. Recommend hiking shoes. A folding chair or blanket is optional. No pets. Facilities at Continental Soldier Field, 550 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah. No charge for the hike. Rain cancels. Leader will provide meeting location and directions after participants register. Leader: Kathy, info@athenawellness.com. Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/north-jersey  (N)

Aug 29 (Sat): Summer Hike at Henry Hudson Trail (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3+ miles, easy pace. The Henry Hudson trail is a recreational trail for nature appreciation and environmental purposes. Walk on a flat gravel trail along Sandy Hook Bay. Recommend walking 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,  gohikenow@icloud.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

Sept 12 (Sat): Sandy Hook Hike, Gateway NRA, Highlands (Monmouth Co) 10 a.m. Arrive by 9:40 a.m. Hike starts at 10 a.m. 5 miles, 3 hours, Sandy Terrain with Sand Dunes. Features: Dunes and Beaches. Location: Gateway National Recreation Area, Highlands.  Restroom buildings in the park. Wear hiking boots and non-cotton hiking socks, and a backpack with water and snack/lunch. RSVP required: at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar.  Scroll down to “Sandy Hook Hike" and click on it. Click on the RSVP (in red background) then fill it out. Directions will be sent via email to those who RSVP. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak the_hikist@mac.com and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Sept 13 (Sun): Guided Tour of the Isaac Watson House (headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution) and Spring Lake Walk (Mercer Co.) 12:30 p.m. The Watson House is open for public-guided tours in the spring and fall. Free, but donations are welcome. Built by Isaac Watson in 1708 and recognized as the oldest house in Mercer County, this historic landmark was originally set on 800 acres and is situated on a bluff overlooking Watson's Creek in John A. Roebling Park. After the tour, we’ll take a walk around Spring Lake and look for sunning turtles on logs, resident birds, mute swans on the lake and active beaver lodges. Bring water and snacks. There are food trucks and picnic tables. Leashed dogs are welcome. Meet at the parking area 151 Westcott Ave., Hamilton Twp. There are restrooms at the Tulpehaking Nature Center. Rain cancels the Spring Lake walk. Leaders:  Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required:  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

Sept 20 (Sun): Cloverdale Farm County Park Naturalist Guided Tour and Nature Walk (Ocean Co.) 11:00, about 2 miles.  Patti Trasferini is the head naturalist and program coordinator at Cloverdale Park. Our presentation will begin at 11:30 a.m. There is no charge.  The Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Program acquired Cloverdale Farm in 2004. Within the boundaries of this 90-acre park, we find the diversity of the Pine Barrens wetlands, uplands, and the beauty of 20 acres of cranberry bogs all year long. Meet at the picnic tables area next to the visitor’s center, 34 Cloverdale Rd., Barnegat. There are restrooms. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, pants tucked into socks. Bring insect repellent. Co-leaders: Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo,  gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O)

Sept 24 (Wed): Autumnal Equinox Hike at Billie Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m., about.3 miles, easy pace. This 75-acre natural area is mostly flat, wooded terrain with some inclines, and occasional tree roots. The preserve is a “central park” in Princeton with two lakes. Meet at 30 Mountain Ave., Princeton parking lot. Look for the Sierra Club banner on our car. There are restrooms. Hiking boots and hiking poles (if you use them) are recommended. Trails can be muddy in some places. Rain cancels. Bring water and snacks. Option: late lunch at Conte’s Pizza. Co-leaders: Leona F.,  leona@pineypaddlers.com  and Lynn E., lynnebeling@comcast.net  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

Sept 26 (Sat): Hike at Cheesequake Park (Middlesex Co. bordering Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy to moderate pace. Cheesequake Park has recreational trails and ecosystems including saltwater/freshwater marshes, pine barrens, and hardwood forests. Walk on mostly easy to moderate trails with some inclines. 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, gohikenow@cloud.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore  (JS)

Sept 26 (Sat): Walking with the Land at Lake Henry (Bergen Co.) 9 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace around the 1-mile lake path. Lake Henry is nestled behind Continental Soldier Field in Mahwah—a beautiful setting for a morning of quiet listening and intentional walking. There is an ancient idea, found across cultures and throughout human history, that nature is not just a backdrop to our lives, it’s a teacher. We'll begin with a guided visualization to help you arrive fully and open to what the natural world has to offer, followed by a guided journaling session to capture what surfaced. We'll then head out onto the trail in silent presence, carrying our guiding question: "What does the land have to teach me?" After our walk, we'll gather for lunch to journal our insights, share what the land offered and how we’ll integrate that learning into our lives. No experience with hiking, meditation or journaling necessary—just  an openness to each of those practices. Bring a journal or notebook, lunch, water and insect repellent. Recommend hiking shoes. A folding chair or blanket is optional. No pets. Restrooms at Continental Soldier Field, 550 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah. Rain cancels. Leader will provide meeting location and directions after participants register. Leader: Kathy, info@athenawellness.com. Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/north-jersey (N)

Oct. 3 (Sat): Guided Bird Walk at Palmyra Cove Nature Park (rain date Oct. 4) (Burlington Co.) 8:30 a.m., 2 miles, easy flat walking trails with some scenic views on 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. The park has consistently been a fall migration hot spot. In recent years, about 25 species of warbler have been observed, including rarities such as mourning and Connecticut warbler. Shorebirds, such as greater yellowlegs and least sandpiper, turn up on the pond edges and river. Our guides and NJ Sierra Club members, Sharon Hardy and her husband Walt Nadolny, are avid birders who love to travel and learn about birds wherever they go, and this is a favorite local spot. Binoculars are a must; they do have a few pairs to share. Bring water and snacks. Please, no dogs on this bird walk. Meet in the parking lot: 1335 NJ-73, Palmyra. Facilities are not available on weekends. Rain cancels. Leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey (W)

Oct. 3 (Sat): Meditation Hike Eagle Rock Reservation (Essex Co.) Arrive by 6:30 a.m. We will enjoy the sunrise in the forest and then do a forest meditation hike throughout the reservation for two hours. Bring water and a snack. Wear hiking boots. No dogs, please. Rain cancels. Meet at the 9/11 Memorial in Eagle Rock Reservation, 1 Crest Dr, West Orange. Leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net or 973-965-7578. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/sierra-singles (SS)

Oct 4 (Sun): Hike at Batsto Village Wharton State Forest (Atlantic Co.) 10 a.m., 2 miles, easy pace on the Batsto Lake Blue Trail and through the village with lunch at the picnic tables back at the parking area. Leashed dogs are welcome. Good footwear and hiking poles are recommended (if you use them). Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet at the Batsto Village Visitors Center parking lot, 31 Batsto Rd., Hammonton. There are facilities. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian, tfboghosian44@gmail.com and Ysan Reischke, reischky@gmail.com  Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (SJ)

Oct 10 (Sat): Fall 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. Leader: Sandra,  gohikenow@icloud.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

Oct 10 (Sat): Sterling Forest Hike, Tuxedo Park, NY (Orange Co.) Time: Arrive by 9:40 a.m., Hike starts at 10 a.m. Estimated: 6-7 miles in 4 hours, in hilly terrain and strenuous. Features: Sterling Lake, Bare Rocks Lookout, Remains of the 2024 Forest Fire. Facilities: Indoor restrooms at the visitor’s center. Requirements: No pets. Hiking boots and non-cotton hiking socks. Bring a day-pack with water and lunch. Registration required via Web: Start with the calendar at https://www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar and click on the “Sterling Forest Hike”, then click on RSVP (in red background), then fill it out. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, The_Hikist@mac.com and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Oct. 11 (Sun): Fall Migration Birding Walk at Colonial Lake Park, Lawrenceville (Mercer Co.) 9 a.m., about 2 miles. Colonial Lake Park is set around a man-made lake along Shabakunk Creek. This is our first Sierra Club birding walk at the park and we will be guided by experienced birder and NJ Sierra Club member, Susan Matson. A 25-acre lake serves as the focal point of this park. It is spacious, has sun and shady areas, lots of benches, and a nice long paved walkway around the whole lake. Fall migration will be in full swing with warblers, thrushes, and flycatchers moving through the trees ringing the lake path. Increasing numbers of resident and transient waterfowl utilize the open water of the lake. Meet in the parking lot at 100 Bridge Dr, Lawrence Township. There are no facilities. Bring water and snacks. No dogs, please. Rain cancels. Leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (C)

Oct. 12 (Mon): Indigenous People’s Day Hike at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park (Middlesex Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. The Yellow Trail is a grassy/rocky section through the woods that includes narrow boardwalks. A small pond on the White Trail has beaver lodges and new picnic benches for our snack break. Option: the forested Blue Trail has elevations, exposed roots to step over, and large stones for steps in some sections. Good footwear recommended and hiking poles (if you use them). Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Dogs on leash are welcome. Portable toilet at parking lot. The meeting location will be sent to those who register. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: S.P., spjersey@gmail.com and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Registration is required: http://www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

Oct. 16 (Fri): National Trails Day: Our Seventeenth Annual Guided Walk at Double Trouble State Park/Village (Ocean Co.) 10 a.m., 2-3 miles, easy pace. Once home to both a lumber industry and cranberry farm, this former company town is a window into past and current industries in the Pinelands. Andrew Anderson, historic resource interpretive specialist, will be our guide. Meet at Double Trouble State Park parking lot, Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds. There are indoor restrooms. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo, gogreenp1@yahoo.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O)

Oct 17 (Sat): Shoreline Cleanup at Lincoln Park West in Jersey City (Hudson Co.)  10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the Hudson County Sierra Club, Jersey City Birds and Hackensack Riverkeeper at this annual event. Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves and tools will be supplied. Bring water and snacks. Location: Lincoln Park West Wetlands and Nature Trail, Jersey City (parking lot near Joseph J. Jaroschak Field). There are facilities.  Leader: Steve Krinsky. For more information, email hudsonsierraclub@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/hudson-county (HC) 

Oct. 17 (Sat): Ramapo Valley County Reservation Hike (Bergen Co.) 8 a.m., 4-5 miles, moderate pace. The Ramapo Valley County Reserve offers over 4,000 acres of diverse terrain, featuring waterfalls, scenic vistas, and the serene MacMillan Reservoir. The trails wind through lush forests and offer panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. Meet at the main parking area, 610 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Sturdy hiking shoes and poles recommended. Rain cancels. Facilities are available near the parking lot. No dogs, please. Leaders: Rebecca, rebeccalwilkin@gmail.com, and Kathy. Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (N)

Oct 25 (Sun): Nature Walk on the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway (Hudson Co.) 10 a.m. Join the Hudson County Sierra Club and the Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy for an easy 3-mile round-trip nature walk with views of Bayonne Inlet on the Hudson River where migrating ducks and geese are arriving this autumn. Bring water and snacks. Steady rain cancels. Meet in the parking lot of South Cove Commons Mall near Otaiko Restaurant. Bayonne, NJ. Leader: Pat Hilliard. For more information, email hudsonsierraclub@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/hudson-county (HC) 

Oct. 25 (Sun): Hike the Franklin Parker Preserve Yellow Trail (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m. Two options: 5 miles, moderate pace on sandy trails and woods trails. An option now available when you arrive at the meeting place is an easy-paced hike, this one an out-and-back of about 2 miles (total), the pace of this hike a little slower than the other hike. The hike will be along reclaimed cranberry bogs and through pitch pine forest on packed dirt trails and roads. With any luck, our two groups will meet at the lunch spot, a pavilion overlooking a large pond. And there may be a surprise or two along the way! Pine Barrens gentians are a New Jersey native wildflower, unusual because they bloom from September through early November. We are meeting at the Speedwell entrance off Rt. 563, Woodland Township. There is a portable toilet. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch on the hike. Good footwear recommended and hiking poles (if you use them). Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian, tfboghosian44@gmail.com and Ysan Reischke, reischky@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/south-jersey (SJ)

Oct. 30 (Fri): No Mischief Hike with Your Dog at Perrineville Lake Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. A popular park to walk your dog! Let’s enjoy the foliage in beautiful woodlands. There are some ups and downs on forest trails. Hiking boots are recommended and hiking poles (if you use them). Meet at 23 Agress Rd, Millstone. There is a portable toilet available in the parking lot. Rain cancels. Option: late lunch at Albivi Brick Oven restaurant. Co-leaders: Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Sandra, Gohikenow@icloud.com. Registration is required at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

Nov. 4 (Wed): Preservation Celebration Hike at Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace on the Green and Red Trails. There are narrow woods trails with elevations. Appropriate footwear and hiking poles are recommended (if you use them). Monmouth Battlefield State Park is the site of one of the longest Revolutionary War battles (June 28, 1778). The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) has acquired and preserved a 22-acre property as an addition to Monmouth Battlefield State Park. Congratulations and massive kudos to our NJ Sierra Club volunteers Stan Greberis, Gary Frederick, and Kip Cherry, who have worked for two years collectively with the public, Monmouth Conservation Foundation, and Green Acres to prevent the construction of a flex warehouse opposite the entrance to Monmouth Battlefield State Park by enabling the State to buy the property! Meet at the Visitors Center, 16 Business Rt. 33, Manalapan. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome! Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Sandra, Gohikenow@icloud.com and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

Nov. 7 (Sat): Mills Reservation Hike, Upper Montclair (Essex Co.) Meet before 10 a.m. We will hike 4-5 miles in the Mills Reservation starting in Mountainside Park. Enjoy stunning views of Manhattan, the Audubon Society, Hawkwatch, and the old Quarry. Bring water and a snack. Bring hiking poles and wear hiking boots. No dogs, please. Rain cancels. We will meet at 424 Highland Ave. in Upper Montclair. Leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net or 973-965-7578. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/sierra-singles (SS)

Nov. 8 (Sun): Celebrate Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights with a Fall Walk at Colonial Park Gardens (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., 2-3 miles, easy pace. A walk to see the last of changing colors, with exposed branches and evergreens. Colonial Park Gardens is one of the treasures in Somerset County. It features an accredited arboretum and shrub collection–and much more. After walking the grounds, we’ll cross the canal bridge to the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath (surface is sand and crushed stone). Meet at Colonial Park Gardens’ parking Lot F. There are facilities. Bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. Leashed dogs are welcome. Option: late lunch at a local restaurant. Co-leaders: Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com and S.P., spjersey@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

Nov. 11 (Wed): Veterans Day Birding Walk at Veterans Park (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. Veterans Park is a 350-acre park known for its recreation and wildlife. Located near Martin’s Lake and Pond Run stream, the park attracts various bird species, including bald eagles. There are woods, boardwalks, and paved trails, with some elevations. The NJTA and D&R Greenway website notes that the paved trails are accessible by wheelchair and baby stroller. Wear appropriate footwear and bring hiking poles (if you use them). Meet at the Tennis Court parking lot, 2264 Kuser Rd, Hamilton Township. There are facilities. Bring water and snacks. Option: late lunch at Golden Dawn Diner nearby. Rain cancels. Leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (C)

Nov. 14 (Sat): Hike at Shark River Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, moderate pace. Shark River Park is the first park in Monmouth County for recreation and nature appreciation. Walk on mostly flat trails with some slopes, cross over the Shark River, and through the center of the park. There are facilities. No charge for the hike. Leader will provide meeting location and directions after participants register. Leader: Sandra, gohikenow@icloud.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

Nov. 14 (Sat): South Mountain Reservation Hike, West Orange (Essex Co.) Time: Arrive by 9:40 a.m., Hike starts at 10 a.m. Estimated: The hike will cover 6 miles in 3-4 hours, in moderately hilly terrain. Features: Hemlock Falls, Washington Rock and Quarry Lookouts, Rahway River, Tulip Springs. Facilities: New, futuristic self-cleaning restroom building. Requirements: No pets. Hiking boots and non-cotton hiking socks. Bring a day-pack with water and lunch. RSVP required via Web: at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar. Scroll down to “South Mountain Reservation Hike" and click on it. Click on the RSVP (in red background), then fill it out. Directions will be sent via email to those who RSVP. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, The_Hikist@mac.com and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Nov. 15 (Sun): Visit Edelman Fossil Park and Museum of Rowan University (Gloucester Co.) 10 a.m. The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum features a 66-million-year-old 6-inch-deep "fossil bone bed" set into a 65-acre former marl quarry. The bedrock of Gloucester County, where Edelman Fossil Park is located, is composed of alternating layers of sand, silt, and clay due to fluctuating sea levels since the Cretaceous. We'll walk through the Cretaceous World Galleries and experience full-scale reconstructions of dinosaurs, reptiles, and sea creatures that roamed the earth in this region. And we'll meet Hadrosaurus "Haddy", New Jersey's hometown dinosaur discovered in Haddonfield and now featured in the Dinosaur Coast Gallery. General Museum Admission: (Adult - $29; Child 3-12 - $24). The new Quarry Grounds Cafe is open every day. The Veranda overlooks the fossil quarry. Option to meet us at 9:30 a.m. in the cafe. www.efm.org/quarrygrounds. Museum Address: 66 Million Mosasaur Way, Mantua. Co-leaders: Gina Carola, ginaceee@verizon.net and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Please register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey (W)

Nov. 29 (Sun): Slow "Turkey Trot" Hike at Duke Island Park (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., about 3 miles, easy pace. Let’s burn some of those Thanksgiving calories! Duke Island Park includes trails that are part of the Raritan River Greenway. The park website describes flat, paved, and wheelchair-accessible paths along the scenic Raritan River. We’ll meet at the Visitors Center main parking area Lot F, 191 Old York Rd, Bridgewater Township. There are facilities. Look for the Sierra Club banner on a blue Forester. Inclement weather cancels. Bring snacks, water, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome. Co-leaders: Leona and George F. at pineypaddlers@gmail.com and S.P., spjersey@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

Dec. 5 (Sat): Eagle Rock Reservation Hike (Essex Co.) Meet before 10 a.m. We will hike 4-5 miles at a moderate pace. Wear hiking boots. Bring water and a snack. No dogs, please. Rain cancels. Meet at the 9/11 Memorial in Eagle Rock Reservation, 1 Crest Dr, West Orange. Leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net or 973-965-7578. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/sierra-singles (SS)

Dec. 6 (Sun): Hike at Batsto Village Wharton State Forest (Atlantic Co.) 10:00 a.m. The pre-lunch hike is an easy-paced (less than 2.5 mph), one-mile walk that is still in the planning stages, taking us either through Batsto Village for a visit to the Nature Center (winter hours not yet set) on Batsto Lake or over the Sand and Water Trail to view groves of Atlantic white cedar and features of the Mordecai Swamp. Lunch will be at picnic tables back at the trailhead. Those interested in a post-lunch hike can join us on a faster, moderately paced (2.5 to 3.0 mph) 4-mile loop hike through oak and pine forest and along Batsto Lake with one early out opportunity. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. Meet at the Batsto Village Visitors Center parking lot, 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton. There are facilities. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian, tfboghosian44@gmail.com and Ysan Reischke, reischky@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (SJ)

Dec. 12 (Sat): Hike at Henry Hudson Trail (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3+ miles, moderate pace. The Henry Hudson Trail is a recreational trail for nature appreciation and environmental purpose. Walk on a flat gravel trail along Sandy Hook Bay. There are facilities. No charge for the hike. Leader will provide meeting location and directions after participants register. Leader: Sandra, gohikenow@icloud.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

Dec. 12 (Sat): Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge (Somerset Co.) Time: Arrive by 9:40 a.m., Hike starts at 10 a.m. Estimated: 5 miles in 3 hours on flat terrain and boardwalks through wetlands of the Passaic River. Facilities: Indoor restrooms in the Environmental Education Center. Requirements: No pets. Hiking boots and non-cotton hiking socks, and a backpack with water and snack/lunch. RSVP required via Web: at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar. Scroll down to “Lord Stirling Park Hike" and click on it. Click on the RSVP (in red background), then fill it out. Directions will be sent via email to those who RSVP. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, the_hikist@mac.com and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Dec. 12 (Sat): Winter Holiday Traditions at Whitesbog Village—Candy Cane Trail Stroll (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., about 3 miles, easy pace on sandy trails through the village, around the bogs, and in the woods. Join us for the Whitesbog celebration of the holidays: crafting, artists and vendors, wagon rides, pictures with Santa, live music, hot chocolate bar, museum tours, and more! Bring water, snacks, and lunch. The Tundra Swans migrate south from Alaska and Canada, arriving at the flooded cranberry bogs by November or December. Wear appropriate footwear and bring hiking poles (if you use them). Leashed dogs are welcome. Meet at the parking lot, 120 Whites Bog Rd, Browns Mills. Look for the Sierra Club banner on a blue Forester. There are facilities. Leaders: George & Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey (W)

Dec. 18 (Fri): Hike at Smith’s Woods and Holiday Tour of Smithville Mansion (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., about 3 miles, easy pace. After the hike, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Mansion decorated for a Victorian Holiday by local garden clubs ($10 adults, $8 seniors/students). Meet at Smith's Woods Parking Lot, 39 East Railroad Ave, Eastampton. There are facilities. Wear appropriate footwear and bring hiking poles (if you use them). Leashed dogs are welcome. Inclement weather only cancels the hike. Bring water and snacks. Option for late lunch at Vincentown Diner. Leaders: George & Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey (W)

Dec. 26 – Dec 31: Patriots Week in Trenton: History of the American Revolution in NJ (Mercer Co.) Learn about the American Revolution during Patriots Week. Every day of the week offers fun and history for the entire family. See the First and Second Battles of Trenton Reenactments and participate in Walking Tours of the Trenton Battlefields. Leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com. Register if interested to meet for various events: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (C)

Jan. 1 (Fri): Monmouth Battlefield Park Guided Walking Tour of Perrine Hill (Monmouth Co.) The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield will participate in “America’s State Parks First Day Hikes” programs sponsored by the state’s Division of Parks and Forestry. Meet 11 a.m. at the Visitors Center. There are facilities. The group will drive in convoy to Perrine Hill on Rt. 522. At Perrine Hill, we'll view the main American position and walk to sites associated with Molly Pitcher. Bring water and snacks. Good footwear recommended and hiking poles (if you use them). Please, no dogs. Co-leaders: Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Sandra, gohikenow@icloud.com. Register (with a phone #) to receive information if cancelled last minute due to inclement weather, as decided by the park this past New Year's Day morning. www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

Jan. 9 (Sat): Hiking Turkey Swamp County Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., approx. 5–7 miles. Easy pace and easy/moderate terrain (flat, some roots, but longer distance). Turkey Swamp County Park is a hidden gem. Pass through areas of pitch pine and oak trees with soft sand and pine straw underfoot, with a view of the Manasquan River. Good footwear is needed for areas of the trails that may have exposed tree roots or some parts that can get boggy! Bring water and snacks for the hike and lunch afterwards. Any rain cancels. We’ll sit by the lakeside fireplace in the sheltered park office to warm up after our walk. Meet at 200 Georgia Rd., Freehold. From the park’s website: State Hwy. 9 to Rte. 524 west, follow 524 west to Georgia Rd., turn left and follow Georgia Rd. 1.7 miles to the main entrance. There are facilities at the park. Co-leaders: Caitlin and Candace D., sportycatsarehiking@duck.com. Registration is required at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/lgbt (LGBTQ+)