A "short course" on the Pinelands
Stockton University will host the 27th annual "Pinelands Short Course" on March 12, with 32 programs throughout the day that explore the region's culture, ecology, and history.
Stockton University will host the 27th annual "Pinelands Short Course" on March 12, with 32 programs throughout the day that explore the region's culture, ecology, and history.
Eighteen of this year's presentations are new, and all are designed to be "family friendly," with a goal of "instilling a sense of stewardship among young children," according to the university and the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, its co-sponsor.
Courses are designed to appeal to "current or future Pinelands enthusiasts" from middle school to adult, and the sponsors encourage grown-ups who bring young people to participate in the same courses, which last75 minutes.
This year's new courses feature such topics as monitoring ospreys, a new film on the Pine Barrens, presentations on the region's butterflies and caterpillars, moths, raptors and wild turkeys, "the suburbanization of the Jersey Devil," the story of the highbush blueberry, the people who helped Washington win at the Battle of Trenton, sustainable forest management, a photographic exhibit, and a dulcimer performance.
There will also be two programs on climate change, one presented by the New Jersey state climatologist, David A. Robinson.
Popular programs from previous Short Courses will be available, as well. These include courses on frogs and toads, Pinelands weather, stream water quality, the pygmy forest, ghost towns, birding, lichens, stream water quality, and exploring the Mullica River. Some of the programs will include live animals.
The cost is $40 for adults and $35 seniors and students. Registration and course selection are required in advance, and there are no refunds for cancellations. Deadline for registration is Friday, March 4, at 4 p.m.
"Pinelands-themed food" and beverages will be available for purchase the university's campus center. Stockton University is in Galloway Township, Atlantic County.
The daylong program, which starts at 9 a.m. and concludes at 3:45 p.m. has grown popular in recent years. Sponsors urge early registration so that participants may enroll in their first course selections.
A detailed brochure on the Short Course is available by calling 609-894-7300, Ext 125. The form is also available online and can be downloaded and printed from the Pinelands Commission's website: www.nj.gov/pinelands.
People wishing to register online may go to http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=107&pageID=470
856-779-3841