Calendar

Hailed as “America’s Favorite Houseplant,” the African Violet provides color and beauty in the home all year long. Join the Burlington County Gardeners Association to learn more about this fascinating plant, including the best growing methods and proper care.

The Battle of Gettysburg lasted for three days in July 1863. It was the bloodiest battle fought on American soil and, for the Union army, it represented a turning point in the Civil War. How the armies positioned themselves became a key factor in determining the outcome. But the battle is filled with “What if…?” moments. Learn about the pivotal moments over the course of those three days. Presented by David Jost, a graduate of Gettysburg College.

A series of nature walks led by Naturalist Jen Bulava on select Tuesdays and Fridays. This is a repeat of the Tuesday September 17 program. The topic this week will focus on wildflowers and pollinators. Register online.

Slow down your week with Holly Horner of Balanced Planet Yoga with a vinyasa flow that will have a perfect balance of challenging and calming postures. Cool down with stretches as the sun sets and end your day on a totally relaxed note. There is no fee but online registration is requested.

Some say that when a dream catcher is hung above your bed, it moves freely in the night air and catches the negative dreams as they drift by - protecting you while you sleep. Make your own handmade, boho-chic dreamcatcher with neutral and colorful options - beads, feathers, raw chiffon and silk, lace and florals! The team from Ivy on Main Floral Design will assist you in creating and weaving your own unique dreamcatcher. Register Online.

Weekly farmers market held at the Agricultural Center featuring local produce, breads and pastries, baked goods, crafts, live music, and cooking demonstrations.

Let’s welcome another new instructor! Ashley Chackman is a holistic wellness coach and chef with DoTERRA essential oils. Join Ashley in learning about adding essential oils to your life and to your spice rack. Ashley will cover why quality matters with essential oils - what's in the bottle and what to look for when purchasing your own. You will also be learning about how you can use the oils to make healthy and comforting dishes including a Warm Apple Crostata and Mulled Cider Scented with Cardamom, Wild Orange, and Ginger. Everyone will leave with essential oil infused sugars to spice up their favorite fall classics. Learn how easy it is to incorporate oils into your kitchen arsenal. Register online.

Nothing beats the taste of a Jersey tomato in the summertime. While it's hard to can the taste of a fresh tomato, you can preserve the summer's bounty for use throughout the winter months to prepare tasty salads and pastas. Participants will learn the basics of water bath canning with this hands on class and take home some of their preserves. Register online.

Weekly farmers market held at the Agricultural Center featuring local produce, breads and pastries, baked goods, crafts, live music, and cooking demonstrations.

Always wanted to learn how to line dance to your favorite country songs but didn't ever want to hit the dance floor at the local saloon? Join us at the Burlington County Fairgrounds each Friday in September and learn all of the basics! Beginners are welcome. Instruction by Jeremy Duncan. 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, and 9/27. Rain or Shine. Fun for all ages!

Always wanted to learn how to line dance to your favorite country songs but didn't ever want to hit the dance floor at the local saloon? Join us at the Burlington County Fairgrounds each Friday in September and learn all of the basics! Beginners are welcome. Instruction by Jeremy Duncan. 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, and 9/27. Rain or Shine. Fun for all ages!

Join our Park Rangers for an overnight camping experience in the park. Go for a sunset hike with the sights and sounds of the seasonal night life in the park followed by a campfire under the moonlight. Bring your own tent, camping gear, and food (cooking on fire is allowed for this event). Registration required. Meet at Crystal Lake Park 2401 Axe Factory Road, Mansfield, NJ. Severe weather will cancel event and registrants will be notified.

Gets a glimpse of autumn migration at Crystal Lake as we observe a great diversity of birds heading south. Bring binoculars and wear proper footwear for hiking steep slopes. Led by Naturalist Jen Bulava. Register online.

Take an interpretive hike with Naturalist Jen Bulava. Appreciate the impressive diversity of plants found at Crystal Lake. Here you will find many different types of trees and wildflowers that are not commonly seen elsewhere in Burlington County. Bring binoculars and wear proper footwear for hiking steep slopes. Register online.

Use the golden, natural light of early evening to make your natural photographic subjects pop. Join Naturalist Jen Bulava to photograph wildlife, landscapes, and other natural objects during one of the best times of the day. A basic understanding of photography and how your camera works is required. Space is limited; register online.

Explore our parks while enjoying the sunset! Join Naturalist Kate Forte on a hike to learn about the crepuscular animals that utilize this time of the evening to hunt and gather food. Come and see for yourself which animals are active and why. Register online. Series continues on October 28.

Help keep our environment clean and green! Participate in cleaning up litter that has made its way into this park. Bags, gloves, and grabbers will be provided along with light refreshments and a water jug to refill your reusable water bottle. If you need community service hours, please register by 4PM Friday September 27th. To register, email cleancomm@co.burlington.nj.us

That Smells Good – Children will use their sense of smell to learn about what grows in a garden. This gardening program is for preschoolers accompanied by an adult. Each meeting will focus on a different aspect of gardening and include work time in the garden. Please dress accordingly. Register online. There is no charge for this program, but participants need to be Rancocas Nature Center members. Series continues on Wednesdays, September 18, 25 and October 2, 9, 16.

Like to hike, but don’t like doing it alone? Join us for a brisk hike after work and relax in a natural setting. We will enjoy the views week to week as summer transitions into early fall. Register online. Program is free, but donations are encouraged. Hikes continue each Wednesday on September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and November 6.

Studies show that taking a walk in a natural area is good for your physical and mental health. Adults and interested teenagers can join a naturalist for a Saturday guided hike in the Rancocas preserve. Register online. Program is free, but donations are encouraged.

Join LL Bean’s guides after dark and experience a favorite trail in a completely new light. After learning about proper use of hiking equipment and discussing the importance of pre-hike planning, you'll hit the trails with our guides, which includes an astronomy expert, for a memorable hike under the shining stars. During the trek, we will stop at various stargazing spots to take in the stunning night sky, learn more about winter constellations and take photos. Our guides will also share their knowledge of local ecosystem and teach Leave No Trace principles. A complimentary snack will be served. Don't miss this special nocturnal adventure! Our trips and tours are led by experienced guides who are passionate about the great outdoors and excited to share a new adventure with you. Please Note: This tour is weather dependent. Register online at www.LLBean.com/Marlton

Come join our guides after dark and experience a favorite trail in a completely new light. After learning about hiking equipment use and discussing the importance of pre-hike planning, you'll hit the trails with our guides; including an astronomy expert; for a memorable hike under the shining stars. During the trek, we will stop at various stargazing spots to take in the stunning night sky, learn more about winter constellations and take photos. Our guides will also share their knowledge of local ecosystem and teach Leave No Trace principles. A complimentary tasty snack will be served. Don't miss this special nocturnal adventure! Our trips and tours are led by experienced guides who are passionate about the great outdoors and excited to share a new adventure with you. Please Note: This tour is weather dependent. Register online at www.LLBean.com/Marlton

That Smells Good – Children will use their sense of smell to learn about what grows in a garden. This gardening program is for preschoolers accompanied by an adult. Each meeting will focus on a different aspect of gardening and include work time in the garden. Please dress accordingly. Register online. There is no charge for this program, but participants need to be Rancocas Nature Center members. Series continues on Wednesdays, September 18, 25 and October 2, 9, 16.

Like to hike, but don’t like doing it alone? Join us for a brisk hike after work and relax in a natural setting. We will enjoy the views week to week as summer transitions into early fall. Register online. Program is free, but donations are encouraged. Hikes continue each Wednesday on September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and November 6.

“How Birds Find Their Way” – Some birds are residents and some migrate through New Jersey. Learn about some of their challenges and journeys. Join us for an indoor and outdoor program that gets its weekly theme from a storybook! For preschoolers ages 3-5 accompanied by a parent or guardian, each session will include the reading of a nature-themed picture book and a short weather-dependent hike. Register online. There is no charge for this program, but participants need to be Rancocas Nature Center members. Series continues October 25 and November 22.

NEW LOCATION! Join Rancocas Nature Center supporters for a Beer and Wine Tasting, featuring local brewery, Spellbound of Mt. Holly and Cream Ridge Winery, Cream Ridge, NJ (additional pours available for purchase). Enjoy the live music of Stringradio and delicious food by Michael’s Catering while relaxing in a rustic setting. The event will include a 50/50 Raffle and a Silent Auction. Tickets are $50/each available at the Rancocas Nature or online.

During this annual art show held in the Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery, visitors will see a collective of spectacular artists sharing a wide array of original art. Artists submit up to three works of art in the form of collages, paintings, drawings, mixed media, and/or sculptures.

Join our Park Rangers for an overnight camping experience in the park. Go for a sunset hike with the sights and sounds of the seasonal night life in the park followed by a campfire under the moonlight. Bring your own tent, camping gear, and food (cooking on fire is allowed for this event). Registration required. Meet at Smith’s Woods Park 39 East Railroad Avenue, Eastampton, NJ. Severe weather will cancel event and registrants will be notified.

Join other women who are passionate and enthusiastic about the environment and experience the natural world in exciting ways! Meet once a month to learn about wildlife topics, the natural history of our parks, and to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna in your area. This month’s topic is on plants and pollinators. Come see which plants are significant to pollinators as the seasons start to change. Led by Naturalist Kate Forte. Register online.

Why are wetlands so important? What makes an area a wetland? Are all wetlands the same? Learn the answers to these questions and more while joining Naturalist Kate Forte on a walk through our parks to see the wetlands around us. Register online. Series continues on October 10.

This fall, we welcome the fantastic art of James Boyle. James is a professional illustrator and creator of the wildly anticipated and popular Philly Tarot Deck featured throughout Philadelphia as well as a guest on Good Day Philadelphia.  This exhibit highlights his exceptional skill and vision for the Philly Tarot cards as well as other original artworks.  Cards feature the Phillie Phanatic, Rocky, City Hall and more! James is currently drawing a 5 issue comic books series for the publisher A Wave Blue World. Don’t miss the meet the artist reception that will be held on October 5th from 6pm-8pm and will coincide with the Annual Witches Ball in downtown Mount Holly.  https://www.phillytarotdeck.com/

SEPTEMBER 5 – OCTOBER 13 – WHEATON VILLAGE ARTS EXHIBIT Wheaton Arts is a Museum and Cultural Arts Center in Millville NJ that was founded in 1968. It includes 18 buildings on 45 acres and is the home to a Pottery studio run by the Potters Terry Plasket, Phyllis Seidner, Amy Pesseller, Tessa Carlton, and Samantha Bartlett. They operate as a collective sharing a studio including the 3 kilns: a Reduction kiln for glaze firing, a Salt Glaze kiln and a two chamber Noborigama type wood fired kiln. The pieces they have selected for this show are examples of the types of work they make, mostly functional, that show the individuality of each artist but also demonstrate the thread of commonality that reflects the supportive and communal environment they work in.