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Nature Programs
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- Wildlife Watch
- Young Naturalist Program
VIRTUAL NATURE PROGRAMS
The following presentations are applicable to the current season and offered as a part of our regular nature program schedule. For a full list of all the virtual nature programs, please see our Virtual Programs Page.
Species Spotlight Series
In this video series, you will learn about various species that call Burlington County Parks home! Naturalist Kate will highlight a local species every two weeks to help better understand their behaviors, natural history, and significance in the surrounding environment.
July 14: Eastern Box Turtle
June 30: Virginia Opossum
June 9: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
May 26: Eastern Garter Snake
May 12: Eastern Bluebird
AMAZING PLANT ADAPTATIONS
Join Park Naturalist Jen Bulava as she walks around Smithville Park to identify some surprising plant adaptations found in the spring and summer. From strategies for attracting pollinators to deterring herbivores, many of these plants can best be described as innovative, deceitful, and even murderous!
In the summer months the Burlington County Parks System provides special youth programs: The Young Naturalist Program and the Junior Ranger Program.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program is a free summer program for children ages 5-12. When you register online, you will be given a link to download the activity packets for the appropriate age group. The activities in the program packets can be completed on your own time throughout the summer. There are also many individual events led by park staff that coincide with the Junior Ranger Program.
Young Naturalist Program
The Young Naturalist Program (YNP) is a free summer program for teenagers. This program will allow teens with an interest in the environment to develop a greater appreciation of the outside world. We meet once a week for a 7 week series in the summer.
Programs for schools and scouts
Customized programs for school groups and scout groups are available by appointment. Email Parks@co.burlington.nj.us to request a program. At this time due to in-person COVID-19 limitations, we cannot accommodate groups over 10 people at a time. Virtual options are available upon request.
Indoor Programs
Please see our listings of virtual programs at the top of this page, as well as our archived presentations on the Burlington County Parks YouTube channel. At this time, due to COVID-19 limitations, the following presentations are potentially available live via an online platform for your group or organization:
Click here for a full description of each presentation (PDF).
To request information or to schedule one of the listed programs, please contact us at 609-265-5858 or request by email.
Rancocas Nature Center
The Rancocas Nature Center offers programming and a summer day camp! Visit www.rancocasnaturecenter.org
for more information.
Park data
The Wildlife Sightings Log is where we post significant sightings of birds and other animal species that are not seen on a regular basis. If you see something that is not a regular resident species in one of the Burlington County Parks, please submit it using the form on the wildlife log page. To see which species have been reported in the parks, you can go to the individual Park's webpage to see a cumulative summary of species. For birds, you can also view the overall cumulative bird checklist to see which birds are present at different times of the year, and their resident vs migratory status.
This is a current list of all the bird species that have officially been documented in the Burlington County Parks and what time of year they can be found. For complete species lists for individual County Parks, please go to the corresponding park page on our website.
Nature-related activities & INformation
Backyard Birding - an interactive visual and audio guide to birds you're likely to see right in your backyard! Listen to their calls and see which ones you recognize!
Backyard Habitats - information on the benefits of using native plants and a variety of ways to help attract pollinators and other beneficial wildlife to your yard.
Do-it-yourself Bird Feeder Ideas:
Pine Cone Feeder
Plastic Bottle Feeder
Spotted Lanternfly Resources for homeowners
Burlington County Parks Crossword Puzzle
Coloring Pages from Park Rangers
Crafting with Nature
Crafting with natural objects is a great way to learn about wildlife and appreciate its beauty. Naturalist Kate Forte's craft tutorial uses resources right from nature! Create a unique craft that can be done with objects found right in your backyard.