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Environmental Education
It isn't hard to be an environmental superhero. The region's nature centers will show you how you can be kind to our planet.



Items within Environmental Education
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Bayshore Discovery Project
Launched in 1928, the A.J. Meerwald was one of hundreds of schooners that trolled for oysters in the Delaware Bay. Today, it's a floating environmental education center. Themed voyages, such as Birding and Raptor Sails, Lighthouse Cruises, and other special programs combine fun, ecological education and historical information for the whole family.
 
Bordentown City Environmental Commission
BCEC meetings are held at 7pm on the second Wednesday of every month and are open to the public.  Meetings are held at the Carslake Community Center, 209 Crosswicks Street. 
 
Camden Children's Garden
Camden Children’s Garden is a giggle-fest just waiting to happen. The Storybook Garden, Butterfly House, Dinosaur Garden, along with a carousel and miniature train ride – it’s all a larger-than-life fantasy land where kids’ imaginations are in charge.
 
Delaware River Greenway Partnership
In addition to providing river cleanups and classes about the the Delaware River, Delaware River Greenway Partnership also manages the proposed Delaware River Heritage Trail, for biking and hiking through New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
 
Dix Fish and Wildlife Management Area
 
Dorothy Preserve
What could be better than a two-fer?  That's the Dorothy Preserve.  With two different environments, the 337 acre preserve is part Pinelands forest and part Pinelands Savanna.  The place has all kinds of birds, wildlife and vegetation that is found in few places outside the Pinelands which makes it a favorite among nature-lovers searching for a quiet place to hike.
 
Franklin Parker Preserve
Drive the sandy roads that run along the Wading River, go past the pitch pine forests and blueberry fields and you’ll find the Franklin Parker Preserve, 14 square miles of ecological treasures. With about 5,000 acres of wetlands and another 4,000 that are upland pine oak forest, the cranberry bog-turned-preserve is a haven for a number of endangered species -- and the people who love them.  
 
Gloucester County Nature Club
They’ve been around since 1949 and although they've been at it for almost 60 years, the members, who come in all ages, keep coming up with new and interesting ways to explore, learn about and protect the region’s natural resources. With a calendar packed with field trips, special events, programs, and other activities, it’s no wonder the Gloucester County Nature Club has been around so long.
 
Harold N. Peek Preserve
If you are a newcomer to hiking, birding or just appreciating nature, the Harold N. Peek Preserve is a good place to start. It's also a good place to head if you are an experienced naturalist. The Preserves' 256-acres are threaded with three trails that will lead you past cedar and hardwood swamps, Pine Barrens, and one of the largest wild rice marshes in New Jersey. The birding is exceptional and as for wildlife, you don’t even have to try hard to see it.
 
Herrontown Woods Arboretum
Go find your hiking boots or other rubber-soled waterproof shoes, get your binoculars and explore the 142-acre Herrontown Woods Arboretum. More than 30 species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers line the nature trails that wind through the woods and over a shallow creek. The trails slope gently and gradually so they aren't too difficult and when they are dry, some trail sections can accommodate wheelchairs.
 
Ironwood Outdoor Center
What used to be a YMCA camp has been turned into a community outdoor center with outdoor programs for groups, affordable swim facilities for families and trails and boat docks for anyone to use. For the adventurous, Ironwood’s rope course will get the adrenalin flowing, but unless you are part of a group, you’ll have to wait for one of their open house days. But once you ride the zip line, you’ll know it was worth the wait.
 
Lewis W. Barton Arboretum and Nature Center
If it is low-key you want, it is low-key you'll get at the Lewis Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve. Part of the rolling grounds of Medford Leas Continuing Care Community, the 168-acre grounds are open to the public so that non-residents can also enjoy the trails, woodlands, meadows and carefully manicured gardens.
 
Long Bridge Park
Right along the Rancocas Creek, Long Bridge Park has a little of everything that goes into making a great park . . . forested areas, pond, wetlands, meadows, marshland and lots of space for families to play. You can hike along four trails that wind 2.5 miles past fishing spots, picnic tables and pavilions, playground and nature areas.
 
Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area
Keep going down the private road, go past the farmlands and you’ll get to the wetlands and wide open spaces of Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area. Load your boat in at the boat ramp and go deeper into the marshes and wetlands to get a closer look at the birds, wildlife and foliage. Or drop your line for an afternoon of fishing. Don't worry, they didn't forget you Landlubbers out there. Mad Horse also has plenty of biking and hiking trails.
 
Palmyra Cove Nature Park
Let the rest of the world hustle and bustle.  You can find an oasis of serenity at Palmyra Nature Park, a 250 acre refuge on the banks of the Delaware River.  Easy trails that wind through woodlands and wetlands make it easy for everyone to commune with nature. Kids (and more than a few grown-ups) will enjoy the hands-on activities in the modern education center.
 
Paws Farm Nature Center
Wait until the kids get their hands on all the hands-on activities at Paws Farm Nature Center. At Paws, live (friendly) animals, play stations, indoor and outdoor activities, trails and pint-size environments set the stage for kids to fire up their brains while having fun. In fact, they’ll be so busy playing they won’t even realize they are learning.
 
Scotland Run Park
Some places were just meant for picnics. And boating. And fishing. That’s Scotland Run Park. You can’t beat 940 acres of parkland and trails for hiking or biking and the 80-acre Wilson Lake. Add in the nature center, where naturalists host dozens of programs for kids and adults, and Scotland Run Park is the perfect place for a picnic … and so much more.
 
 
Seabrook Educational and Cultural Center
If you need proof that a picture is worth a thousand words, a visit to The Seabrook Educational and Cultural Center should do the trick. Thousands of photos and artifacts recall the history of Seabrook Farms and tell the dramatic stories of the Japanese, Peruvian, Appalachian, European and Caribbean refugees and immigrants who lived and worked at Seabrook Farms during World War II.
 
The Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education
Why just look at nature when you can reach out and touch it. Carefully, of course and under the guidance of the educational staff at The Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Environmental Education Foundation. Using the maritime forest, salt marsh, tidal streams and other resources in the 194 acre coastal habitat as a living classroom, groups get hands-on, interactive experiences with nature. Members can also take advantage of the birding and wildlife viewing opportunities.
 
Barclay Farmstead
The centerpiece of the property is a restored, furnished federal-style brick farmhouse built in 1816 by Joseph Thorn for his family of eight. Today, your family -- no matter how big or small -- will get a charge out of seeing how life was lived in the "olden days."  The 32-acre estate still has some of the original buildings of this former Quaker farmstead including a forge, the 'mansion' and other sites.
 

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