Group Hikes and Nature Walks across New Jersey

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) 

 Jul 1 (Wed): Empty Nester’s Walk at Smith’s Woods and Smithville Park (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., 2-3 miles, easy pace. Join us on a walk to get outdoors, breathe and connect with nature! Smith’s Woods and Smithville Park feature a diverse collection of habitats as well as 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. Restrooms are available. Bring insect repellent, 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. Rain cancels. Option: late lunch at the Vincentown Diner. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required:  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

Jul 11 (Sat): Hike and Swim Blue Mountain Lake in the Delaware Water Gap NRA, Sandyston ( Sussex Co.) 10 a.m. Arrive by 9:40 a.m.Hike starts 10 a.m.  Six miles in 5 hours including swim time; moderately hilly terrain. Features: Blue Mountain Lake, Hemlock Lake, Crater Lake, The Appalachian Trail. There is a restroom with a sink and faucet in the parking lot. No pets. Wear hiking boots and bring a day-pack with water and lunch. If you are swimming, bring a swimsuit and towel. Registration required at https://www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar Click on the “Hike & Swim at Blue Mountain Lake,” then click on RSVP. Directions will be sent via email to members who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, The_Hikist@mac.com and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

 Jul 11 (Sat): Summer Bird Walk at Amico Island State Park (Burlington Co.) 8 a.m., 2-3 miles, easy pace. Our 8th birding walk at Amico Island will again be guided by experienced birder, Susan Matson. Resident bird life is quite active through the summer. Look for Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo and other wet woods species. Baltimore orioles are abundant and easy to spot in the cottonwood trees. Butterflies such as tiger swallowtail, question mark, variegated fritillary, viceroy, and zabulon skipper are frequent visitors. Dragonflies can be seen over the meadows and along the pond shores. Breezes from the river alleviate the summer heat. Bring water and snacks. Broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen recommended.  Meet us at 81 Norman Ave, Riverside. There is a portable toilet at the parking lot. Please, no dogs. Rain cancels. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required:  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

Jul 19 (Sun): Sunday Stroll and Blueberry Music Jam at Whitesbog Village (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., 2-3 miles, easy walk in woods and on sandy trails around the bogs. After our walk we’ll stop by the acoustic Blueberry Music Jam at the Barrel Factory. All are welcome, come to play or to listen. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Picnic tables are available. Broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome. Meet at the parking lot, 120 Whites Bog Rd, Browns Mills. Look for the Sierra Club banner on our car. Rain cancels the walk. Leaders: George & Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W) 

July 18 (Sat): Ramapo Valley County Reservation Hike (Bergen Co.) 8 a.m., 4-5 miles, moderate pace. The Ramapo Valley County Reservation 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, 608 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)

Jul 25 (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 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 gohikenow@icloud.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS) 

Jul 31 (Fri): Summer Walk at Duke Island Park (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. In July, Duke Island Park features mid-summer blooms, including various native wildflowers, daylilies and flowering shrubs alongside lush, green, mature trees along the Raritan River. The park is characterized by its open, grassy areas and wooded, riparian, or riverbank scenery during the summer months. Enjoy a relaxing walk on a shaded path along the Raritan River to the Headgates Dam.  Bring binoculars; in April one of our members saw a bald eagle perched on a tree branch! Meet at the visitors center Lot B, main parking area, 191 Old York Rd, Bridgewater Township. There are restrooms. Bring water, snacks and lunch.  Broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen recommended. Rain cancels. Leashed dogs are welcome. Co-leaders: John Miraglia, johnworks3@aol.com  and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

Aug 8 (Sat); Hike and Swim Camp Mohican, Delaware Water Gap NRA, Blairstown (Warren Co) 10 a.m. Arrive by 9:40 a.m. Hike starts at 10 a.m. The hike will cover 6 miles in 3 to 4 hours, in hilly terrain. The water of Catfish Pond is really clean and warm for swimming. Features: Catfish Pond and a beach, camp store with food, the Appalachian Trail. There are restrooms with running water, including indoor changing rooms with showers, and a new modern privy near the beach and other sites. Wear hiking boots and bring a day-pack with water and lunch. If you are swimming, bring a swimsuit and towel. No pets. RSVP Required at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar.  Scroll down to “Hike and Swim Camp Mohican" 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) 

Aug 14 (Fri): Hike at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park (Middlesex Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. There are lovely garden displays and a butterfly house. We begin our hike on the Yellow Trail, a grassy/rocky section through the woods that includes narrow boardwalks over swampy areas. Option to continue on the forested Blue Trail that has elevations, exposed roots to step over and large stones for steps in some sections. Good footwear and hiking poles (if you use them) are recommended. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, and pants tucked into socks. Leaders will bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring water, snacks, and lunch, and a folding chair for lunch after the walk along the pond. Dogs on leash are welcome. Portable toilet at parking lot. Excessive heat cancels. Rain cancels. Meeting location will be sent to those who register. Co-leaders: S.P.,  spjersey@gmail.com and Leona F, pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)   

Aug 21 (Fri): Summer Walk at Duke Farms (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., about 3 miles, leisurely walk with property highlights stops along the way, including the Orchid Range. Duke Farms serves as a model of environmental stewardship in the 21st century. The trails are easy and mostly level; the surface varies between paved, gravel, and grass/wood chips. Most trails are in the open. Broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen recommended. Meet at the Farm Barn Orientation Center parking lot. Look for the Sierra Club banner on our car. Address: 1112 Dukes Pkwy. W., Hillsborough. Bring a camera, water, snacks, and lunch on the walk. There are restrooms in the Farm Barn and on the walk. Pets are not permitted. Excessive heat cancels. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo,  gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O)

 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 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 16 (Fri): National Trails Day: Our Sixteenth 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 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)

Ocean County Group MEETINGS: Ocean County Group meets in the Home Town Dairy Room at the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753.