Upcoming Outings

Mar 24 (Sun): Cloverdale Farm County Park Nature Walk (Ocean Co.) 10 a.m., 2 miles, easy pace. 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. We’ll tour the Interpretive Center and walk the self-guided nature trail. Meeting at 34 Cloverdale Rd, Barnegat. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Preregistration is required. Co-leaders George & Leona F, leona@pineypaddlers.com, and Margaret Mary Piccolo, gogreenp1@yahoo.com (O)

Apr 1 (Mon): Hike at Mercer County Park (Mercer Co.)  10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. Dyngus Day hike along Mercer Lake to check out the park’s new Ropes and Zipline Course. Walk to the John Rogers House, built in 1761, which is now an open-air, reconstructed ruin that is adapted for interpretation. From there to the West Picnic Area (facilities) for a break and then along the lake and some woods trails before returning to Grandparents Grove for lunch. Meet us at Grandparents Grove, which is next to the Marina and Boathouse, 334 S. Post Rd. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com, and Joanne Pannone,  jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey (C)

Apr 7 (Sun): Amico Island Park Spring Birding Walk (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., 2-3 miles, easy pace. The great blue heron colony becomes active with spring courtship. Look for migrant neotropical birds such as palm, blackpoll, black-throated blue, black-throated green, and magnolia warblers. Resident species, such as yellowthroat and red-winged blackbirds, begin territorial singing. Most trails are wide and level, traversing meadows, forest, pond, and wetland habitat. Various points in the park afford very nice views of the Delaware River and the flats at the mouth of Rancocas Creek. Meet us at 81 Norman Ave., Riverside. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars. There is a portable toilet at the parking lot. Some trails can be muddy, appropriate footwear is recommended. Rain cancels. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

April 10 (Wed): Hike at Perrineville Lake Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. It’s National Hug Your Dog Day! Leashed dogs are welcome. Beautiful woodlands, natural fields, and a picturesque lake meet here in the heart of quiet Millstone. Bring water and snacks. There are some ups and downs on forest trails. Hiking boots and poles recommended. Meet us at 23 Agress Rd., Millstone. There is a portable toilet available at the parking lot. Rain cancels. Option, late lunch at Albivi Brick Oven. Leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com   Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore  (JS)

April 13 (Sat): Cherry Blossom Festival Hike, Branch Brook Park, Belleville/Newark (Essex Co.) 10 a.m. The hike will cover 7 miles in 4 hours. Level terrain. Easy difficulty. Moderate pace. There will also be a shorter version of the route, 3-4 miles, with a second leader. Features: Cherry Blossoms of Newark and Belleville, Family Day events, music, food booths. Facilities: There are two visitor centers with indoor bathrooms. Requirement: sneakers or hiking boots and a daypack with water and lunch. Registration required viaweb: Start with the calendar at https://www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey and click on the "Cherry Blossom Festival Hike,” then click on RSVP. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak <The_Hikist@mac.com>, and Jerry Ruocco, and Ron Pate Ronpate31@verizon.net (SS)

Apr 13 (Sat): Maintenance and Trail Repairs, Watchung Reservation, Mountainside (Union Co.) 10 a.m. We will be back in the parking lot by 1 p.m. No dogs please. Rain cancels. Meet at the Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Rd., Mountainside. Activities include pruning vegetation, removing small fallen trees and branches, clearing drainage ditches, and pulling invasive plants. Bring water and snacks. Wear hiking boots. Gloves and eye protection recommended. Bring a rake, clippers, shears, if possible. If you don't have garden tools, we will have some available. There are facilities. Leader: Kevin O'Brien, (908) 403-0900, kbkob@aol.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/loantaka  (L)

Apr 14 (Sun): Hike the Maurice River Bluffs Preserve (Cumberland Co.) 10 a.m. We’ll meet in the preserve’s parking lot at 1200 Silver Run Rd. in Millville and hike 2 miles at an easy pace on the blue and orange trails where there are scenic overlooks and the opportunity to spot an eagle or two. The packed dirt trails have occasional roots and elevation changes. Wear good footwear and bring hiking poles if you use them. Bring water and snacks. There are no facilities. For those wanting to see more of the preserve, there is an option for an afternoon outing at an easy to moderate pace on trails with steeper and more frequent elevation changes. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian, tfboghosian44@gmail.com , and Leona Fluck and Candy Moleff. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (SJ)

April 18 (Thurs): Cherry Blossoms at Colonial Park Gardens and Walk the D&R Canal Towpath (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. Colonial Park Gardens is one of the treasures in Somerset County. It features a 144-acre arboretum, perennial garden and much more. We’ll enjoy the cherry blossoms and then continue our walk on the D&R Towpath (surface is sand and crushed stone) to a restored bridge tender’s station. Meeting at Colonial Park Gardens, Parking Lot F, near the Lilac Garden. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. Leaders: George and Leona F, pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

Apr 20 (Sat): Come Celebrate Earth Day at the Essex County Environmental Center (Essex Co.) 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. An annual outdoor festival and fun day honoring our beautiful planet Earth. There will be crafts and games for kids, including canoeing. Learn how we can help the environment. Also, short hikes will be led by Ron Pate. Meet at the Environmental Center, 621-B Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland. Facilities are available. Leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway  (G)

April 23 (Tues): Barnegat Bay Blitz Land Cleanup (Ocean Co.)  9 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is the 11th year that the NJ Chapter of the Sierra Club is participating in the "Blitz" cleanup. We'll meet Lauren Keltos, NJ Department of Environmental Protection clean-up team captain for Barnegat Township, at the Barnegat public launch area. From there we'll travel to areas identified in need of cleanup. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. Bring water and snacks. After the cleanup: option for 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 27 (Sat): Cattus Island County Park Nature Festival and Hike (Ocean Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. This is a great daylong event for the entire family. We’ll walk through Pinelands woods and along the sandy trails around marshes and Silver Bay’s beaches while looking for osprey in nesting platforms. The park is celebrating 44 years of “Connecting Community with Nature.” The festival will have nature walks, kayak trips, live animal talks, and live music. Meet us at the Cooper Environmental Center, 1170 Cattus Island Blvd., Toms River. Bring binoculars, water, and snacks. There will be food vendors. Leashed dogs are welcome. Co-leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo,  gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Register online: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county   (O)

May 1 (Wed): May Day Hike at The Watershed Institute (Mercer Co.)  10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. We’ll walk the new accessible Hickory Loop boardwalk trail, which connects to the Blue Trail. The Blue Trail takes us around field edges and along forest paths with some elevations as we continue to the restored Wargo Pond and dock overlook. The trail may be muddy in places; wear appropriate footwear. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. After lunch we’ll visit the Watershed Center’s live exhibits and the Butterfly House. Meeting at 31 Titus Mill Rd. Pennington. Leashed dogs are permitted. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Joanne Pannone, jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com and  Leona  F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

May 4 (Sat): Friends of Monmouth Battlefield Bird Walk at Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Monmouth Co.) Meet 9 a.m. at the Visitors Center. The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield will be leading a guided bird walk on the battlefield trails, wooded paths, and field edges. Their walk will identify birds who live there or pass through in the spring. There are facilities. Bring binoculars, water, and snacks. No pets on this walk. George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com To receive further information if cancelled due to inclement weather, please register online:  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore  (JS)

May 4 (Sat): Hike Eagle Rock Reservation (Essex Co.) 9 a.m., easy pace. We will hike and clean up as we walk the reservation trails for 2-3 hours. Wear hiking boots, Bring water and a snack. Rain cancels. No dogs. Meet at the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, main entrance, Prospect Avenue and Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange. There are facilities. Trash bags will be provided. For questions contact the leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net  Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway  (G)

May 5 (Sun): Spring Hike at Parvin State Park (Salem Co.) 10 a.m., option for 3 or 5 miles, easy pace. The Green and Red trails through the woods are well-maintained but have exposed tree roots in some sections. Situated around Parvin Lake on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest. Spring bursts out in bright colors and rich fragrances. Bring water, snacks, and lunch on the hike. Good footwear recommended. It’s Cinco de Mayo – Sombreros optional! Meet at the Visitors Center, 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove. There are facilities. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian, tfboghosian44@gmail.com and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (SJ)

May 9 (Thurs):  BAPS Hindu Mandir (temple) Guided Tour (Mercer Co.) 9:30 a.m. Located in Robbinsville, the mandir is a hallmark of Hindu architecture and culture and the largest such temple outside of Asia. The campus is open to all visitors. It is wheelchair accessible. Meet us in front of the 49-foot-tall gold Murti (sacred statue). At 9:45 a.m. we will walk together to the welcome center to meet our guide. There is a strict dress code. Shoulders and upper arms must be covered, and legwear must be below the knee. Shoes cannot be worn inside, so be sure to wear socks. Shoe coverings can be provided or bring your own. The walking tour inside on the marble floor will be an hour-plus. Photography is prohibited inside. No large bags. No food or drink is 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. For questions contact the leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration for this tour is required; group size is limited. There is no fee. www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey (C) 

May 11 (Sat): Five Ponds Trail Hike, Ringwood State Park (Passaic Co.) 10 a.m. The hike will cover 5.7 miles in 4 hours in hilly terrain, Total ascent 900 ft., Moderate to Strenuous difficulty. We will start with a tour of the Gardens then hike the Five Ponds Trail. Features: The NJ Botanical Garden, The Five Ponds Trail (pink). Facilities: There is a restroom near the gardens. Requirements: Hiking boots and a daypack with water and lunch. Registration required via web: Start with the calendar at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey and click on the “Five Ponds Trails Hike," then click on RSVP. 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)

May 11 (Sat): Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 3-4 miles, easy pace. Lord Stirling Park is in the western part of the Great Swamp. We’ll walk on level trails through marshes and swamps that feature boardwalks, ponds, and what might be the oldest tree in New Jersey, the Great Swamp Oak, 700 years old. We’ll meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Wanda, pridegrrlnj@aim.com, and Rebecca Wilkin, rebeccalwilkin@gmail.com   Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/lgbt  (LGBTQ+)

May 11 (Sat): NJ Sierra Club Amico Island Park - Early Morning Bird Walk (Burlington Co.) 8:30 a.m., 2 -3 miles, easy pace. Susan Matson is an avid and experienced birder and will be our guide on this return birding walk to Amico Island. In mid-May the park is filled with birds and bird song! In addition to observing migratory bird species, Susan will lead us in identifying the resident species in our New Jersey backyards. In April we saw the great blue heron rookery and on this walk we’ll have the opportunity to observe the young blue herons that have hatched. The rookery hosts 100 nesting herons every 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. Binoculars are a must! Bring water and snacks. Please no dogs on this bird walk. Meet us at 81 Norman Ave., Riverside. There is a portable toilet at the parking lot. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required. www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

May 13 (Mon): Hike at Double Trouble State Park/Village (Ocean Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. We’ll walk through pine forests, cedar swamps, and sandy areas around the cranberry bogs with views of Cedar Creek and several reservoirs. Originally a cranberry farm and packing plant, the former company town called Double Trouble is a window into past and current industries in the Pinelands. We’ll meet in the parking lot at Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds., Bayville. There are facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. 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)

May 16 (Thurs): Hike at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park (Middlesex Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. It’s Love a Tree Day! The woods section of the park is primarily a mature, late succession or “climax forest” dominated by American beech, oaks, birch, tulip poplar, and sweet gum. 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 has elevations, exposed roots to step over and large stones for steps in some sections. Hiking poles and good footwear recommended. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome. Portable toilet at parking lot. Meeting location will be emailed with registration confirmation. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: S.P., spjersey@gmail.com and George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

June 1 (Sat): Hike Eagle Rock Reservation (Essex Co.) 9 a.m., 4-5 miles, moderate pace. The Eagle Rock Reservation is a 400-plus acre park and forest reserve. Wear hiking boots, Bring water and a snack. Rain cancels. No dogs please. Meet at the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, main entrance, Prospect Ave. and Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange. For information, contact the leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net  Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway  (G)

June 5 (Wed): Canoe/Kayak at Lake Mercer in Mercer Park (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m. It’s World Environment Day! We’ll paddle around the 365-acre Lake and see Blue Herons fishing at the water’s edge and many other birds. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. We’ll have lunch after the paddle at picnic tables. Meet us at the Marina Boat parking lot to unload boats on the ramp. There are facilities. Rentals are not available in the morning. Rain cancels. Leaders: George & Leona F., at pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

June 8 (Sat): Two Lakes Hike and Swim, Harriman State Park, NY (Orange Co.) 10 a.m. The Sierra Singles are going to Harriman State Park for a hike and swim. Hiking 7 miles in 4 hours in hilly terrain. Strenuous difficulty. Facilities: a portable toilet at the parking lot. Requirements: hiking boots, backpack, sun block, bug spray. Bring a daypack with water and lunch. No pets. Optional: swimsuits, camp towel, water shoes. Registration required via web: Start with the calendar at  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey and click on the “Two Lakes Hike and Swim," then click on RSVP. 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)

June 8 (Sat): Roebling Museum Garden Tour (Burlington Co.) Time TBD. Join us for the Roebling Museum Garden Tour to celebrate the beautiful spring weather and local gardens in the company town famous for building America’s most iconic bridges! A ticket for the garden tour includes access to the museum exhibits as well as a walking tour of the former company town, with stops at lovely home gardens. The museum volunteers guided walking tour will begin at the Roebling Museum. There are facilities. Tours run on the hour from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Ticket price is $15. Bring water and snacks. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Please register with leaders to coordinate a meeting time. www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

June 8 (Sat): Maintenance and Trail Repairs, Watchung Reservation, Mountainside (Union Co.) 10 a.m. We will be back in the parking lot by 1 p.m. No dogs please. Rain cancels. Meet at the Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Rd., Mountainside. Activities include pruning vegetation, removing small fallen trees and branches, clearing drainage ditches, and pulling invasive plants. Bring water and snacks. Wear hiking boots. Gloves and eye protection recommended. Bring a rake, clippers, shears, if possible. If you don’t have garden tools, we will have some available. There are facilities. Leader: Kevin O’Brien, (908) 403-0900, kbkob@aol.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/loantaka  (L)

June 11 (Tues): Hartshorne Woods Park – Clayton Creek Section Hike (Monmouth Co.) 11 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. Note later meeting time. Our hike will begin on Clayton Run with scenic views and then connect with the main trail system of the park at Laurel Ridge. Laurel Ridge takes us through the forest and features a wooded overlook extension. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are permitted. Rain cancels. Meet us at 239 Locust Ave., Locust. A portable toilet is available. Leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore  (JS)

Jun 14 (Fri): Flag Day “Rose” Walk at Colonial Park Gardens and D&R Canal (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., easy pace, 3-mile walk to “smell the roses,” including a walk on the D&R Canal. The Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden displays thousands of roses of many varieties, with both modern and historic significance. Colonial Park Gardens is one of the treasures in Somerset County. It features a 144-acre arboretum, perennial garden and much more. Bring water and snacks. Option: late lunch at a local restaurant. Rain cancels. Meet us at 156 Mettlers Rd., Somerset. There are facilities. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley  (RV)

June 20 (Thurs): Summer Solstice Walk at Mercer County Park (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, depending on the weather, easy pace. We’ll walk along Lake Mercer and on woods trails with some ups and downs. After our walk check out the new Spray Park. It features a shaded structure with tables underneath and a variety of in-ground sprays. It is open to all ages; individuals and families are welcome. Meet us at Grandparents Grove, which is next to the Marina and Boathouse, 334 S. Post Rd. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Co-leaders: Joanne Pannone, jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com and Leona  F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

Jul 6 (Sat):  Hacklebarney State Park (Morris Co.) 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 4-5 miles, moderate hike. The Black River gorge, woodlands, and trails provide a great escape for walkers and hikers. Some of the trails have hills, and there are a few river bridges to cross to reach other parts of this park. This is a lovely summer hike. Meet at 119 Hacklebarney Rd., Long Valley. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Hiking boots are recommended. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Wanda, pridegrrlnj@aim.com, and Rebecca Wilkin, rebeccalwilkin@gmail.com   Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/lgbt  (LGBTQ+)