Pinelands Short Course
Thank you for making this year's Pinelands Summer Short Course another amazing event!
Keep an eye out for news regarding the 36th Annual Pinelands Short Course taking place in March 2025.
Event Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Hosted by 老司机福利社 for the New Jersey Pinelands Commission
Description: An event featuring educational presentations that explore the unique history, ecology, and culture of the Pinelands.
Educators can earn 4 Professional Development Credits
Refund Policy: No refunds
This is a rain or shine event.
Price: $60.00
Seating size is limited. Register Early.
Check-In begins 8:30 a.m. in Kramer Hall, 30 Front St. Hammonton NJ. 08037
Participating in the field trip Walking Thru History on the 1808 Trail? You may check-in at Batsto Village. Because you will be driving yourself to this location, you do not need to come to Kramer Hall first. Please note: The tour will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. Directions are listed in the field trip description below.
If the weather turns foul or is deemed "too hot" for you to participate in any of the field trips, you can sit in any of the lectures that have open seating in Kramer Hall.
Lunch: There is limited seating in Kramer Hall for you to enjoy the lunch you bring from home. There are many restaurants, markets, and convenience stores within walking distance.
Habitats for Birds and Wildlife
Join us for a collaborative session about creating a yard habitat that is friendly
to birds and other wildlife. We will explore many different ways to provide food,
shelter, and water to birds throughout the seasons, which will naturally support other
aspects of wildlife, particularly pollinators and beneficial insects. Presented by
Kara Guerrieri.
Agriculture in the Pinelands
LIMITED SPACE REMAINS! This presentation will provide a unique perspective on the cultivation of native Pine
Barrens plants, while examining the development of cultural practices over the past
100 years. Attendees will also learn about the current challenges of farming, including
how issues such as groundwater quality, soil health, climate change and invasive species
affect the survival of these important agricultural industries. Presented by Peter
Oudemans, Professor and Director, Rutgers University, Phillip E Marucci Center for
Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension
Pine Barrens to Pinelands
Discover the Pinelands of today and learn how they evolved from the Pine Barrens of
the past. Presented by Joel Mott, Principal Public Programs Specialist, NJ Pinelands
Commission
Seven Bridges Road: From the Past to the Future
The essence of this presentation is focused on the natural and human history of Seven
Bridges Road (formally Great Bay Boulevard) and includes the Sheepshead Meadows and
the adjacent islands (Seven Islands, Story Island Complex). It begins with the geology
of the region and the earliest inhabitants, the Lenni-Lenape. It extends to the future
with treatment of the effects of climate change and sea level rise. Presented by Kenneth
W. Able
Mullica River Paddle Exploration
SOLD OUT! Goshen Pond in the Mullica River is teeming with life in June. Professional guides
will point out the amazing flora and fauna and provide insight into the unique ecology
of the Pinelands during a short, guided kayak paddle on calm waters. Boats, life jackets,
and transportation will be provided. Participants should bring water, sunscreen, bug
repellent, and a dry bag for any items they need to protect/keep dry. Transportation
is provided. Meet out front of Kramer Hall. Guided by Jeff Larson and Monica Cahill,
Pinelands Adventures. This trip is reserved for those 12 years and older. Each minor MUST be accompanied
by an adult.
Nature Walk Around Hammonton Lake Park
SOLD OUT! Nestled in the middle of suburbia, Hammonton Lake Park is an island of mixed pine
and oak upland forest surrounded by Atlantic white cedar wetlands. An Ocean County
Parks Naturalist will lead the walk around the trails of Hammonton Lake and we will
discuss topics such as forest fire, Pine Barrens ecology, and the plants and wildlife,
including birds that you will find in the area. We will walk approximately 2.5 miles. Wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather
and bug spray with DEET is highly recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Transportation is provided. Meet out front of Kramer Hall. Guided by Josh Gant, Ocean
County Parks
Walking Through History on the 1808 Trail
This course will feature a guided hike along the same road the loggers of the 1700鈥檚
traveled when they timbered out the majestic cedar trees in Mordecai鈥檚 Swamp. The
walk is approximately 5 miles or less over 13 footbridges and through the middle of
an old-age swamp. Attendees should wear sturdy shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and
bring water, a snack and bug repellant. Participants will drive on their own to Batsto,
where they will meet with the guide at the parking area in front of the Visitor Center.
Presented by Rosemarie Mason and Diane Mason, Outdoor Club of South Jersey.
An Introduction to the Hidden Kingdom of Fungi, with a Special Focus on Pine Barrens
Species
Join naturalist Keara on a virtual fungi foray through the NJ Pine Barrens, uncovering
the myriad roles fungi play in this environment, from functioning as nutrient cyclers,
to acting as pathogens, to forming mycorrhizal mutualistic associations with trees
and plants. Whether you're already a fungi enthusiast or just a curious beginner,
this program offers something for everyone interested in the fascinating world of
fungi and the Pine Barrens ecosystem. Ms. Giannotti is the director of Camp Creek
Run, a 50-acre camp & nature preserve in Marlton, NJ, and a member of the NJ Mycological
Association. Presented by Keara R. Giannotti, Naturalist, and Executive Director Camp
Creek Run
Drop Out Zone
New Jersey is situated perfectly along the Atlantic Flyway 鈥 a pathway that hundreds
of species of birds follow during both northward and southward journeys to and from
their wintering and breeding grounds. New Jersey is blessed to be both centralized
to this pathway while inherent with a broad array of landscape diversity. In combination,
these two factors make the state a prime 鈥渟topover鈥 area for birds to refuel their
tanks during their long peregrinations. This presentation is designed for adult audiences
that want to become more familiar with New Jersey鈥檚 many natural areas, avian biology
and behavior and how a states geology can drive its natural heritage. Presented by
Blaine Rothauser, Senior Ecologist, GZA, GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Orchids of the Pinelands and Why the Smithsonian is Interested
The Pinelands is home to more than two dozen species of wild orchids. Although some
are flamboyant, many are small and inconspicuous. This presentation will employ the
magic of macro-photography to provide close-up views of all of them. In addition,
attendees will learn about the amazing life histories of some of these fascinating
plants as well as why the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has chosen the
Pinelands as an important study site.Presented by Robert Sprague, President, Native Orchid Conference
Nature Printing Workshop
LIMITED SPACE REMAINS! Nature printing is a simple, direct-printing process that stirs our kinship with the
Earth andcharges our creative energies. Try this intriguing, ancient art and science
and follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, Ben Franklin and many historic nature
printers! Laura Bethmann, artist and author of Hand Printing from Nature, will discuss,
demonstrate and guide class participants in making basic nature prints from leaves.
We will use printmaking inks and simple tools to print their beautiful forms and textures
on paper. (Recommended: participants bring a bib apron to wear for this class.) Presented
by Laura Bethmann, artist and author
Climate Change-Makers! Using Art & Poetry to Raise Awareness of Climate Change
Discussing climate change often evokes many different thoughts and emotions that can
be hard to express. This class provides an introduction to this science concept and
a framework for participants to express those thoughts and emotions regarding climate
change through ephemeral art and various types of poetry. Participants will become
acquainted with their senses outdoors and will develop an increased knowledge, appreciation,
and respect for the environment through the opportunity to create ephemeral art and
express the process through poetry with an emphasis on Climate Change. This class
will meet on the front porch of Kramer Hall. Presented by Lois E. Lyons, NJ School
of Conservation
An Introduction to the Hidden Kingdom of Fungi, with a Special Focus on Pine Barrens
Species
Join naturalist Keara on a virtual fungi foray through the NJ Pine Barrens, uncovering
the myriad roles fungi play in this environment, from functioning as nutrient cyclers,
to acting as pathogens, to forming mycorrhizal mutualistic associations with trees
and plants. Whether you're already a fungi enthusiast or just a curious beginner,
this program offers something for everyone interested in the fascinating world of
fungi and the Pine Barrens ecosystem. Ms. Giannotti is the director of Camp Creek
Run, a 50-acre camp & nature preserve in Marlton, NJ, and a member of the NJ Mycological
Association. Presented by Keara R. Giannotti, Naturalist, and Executive Director Camp
Creek Run
Reptiles of New Jersey
New Jersey is home to a wide variety of reptilian residents. From turtles, to lizards,
to snakes, New Jersey has them all. We will go over the common species that people
are likely to encounter and learn how to keep both them and us safe when we interact.
There will also be an opportunity to see a live Wildlife Ambassador or two! Presented
by Staff of Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
Habitats for Birds and Wildlife
Join us for a collaborative session about creating a yard habitat that is friendly
to birds and other wildlife. We will explore many different ways to provide food,
shelter, and water to birds throughout the seasons, which will naturally support other
aspects of wildlife, particularly pollinators and beneficial insects. Presented by
Kara Guerrieri.
Nature Printing Workshop
SOLD OUT! Nature printing is a simple, direct-printing process that stirs our kinship with the
Earth and charges our creative energies. Try this intriguing, ancient art and science
and follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, Ben Franklin and many historic nature
printers! Laura Bethmann, artist and author of Hand Printing from Nature, will discuss,
demonstrate and guide class participants in making basic nature prints from leaves.
We will use printmaking inks and simple tools to print their beautiful forms and textures
on paper. (Recommended: participants bring a bib apron to wear for this class.) Presented
by Laura Bethmann, artist and author
Climate Change-Makers! Using Art & Poetry to Raise Awareness of Climate Change
Discussing climate change often evokes many different thoughts and emotions that can
be hard to express. This class provides an introduction to this science concept and
a framework for participants to express those thoughts and emotions regarding climate
change through ephemeral art and various types of poetry. Participants will become
acquainted with their senses outdoors and will develop an increased knowledge, appreciation,
and respect for the environment through the opportunity to create ephemeral art and
express the process through poetry with an emphasis on Climate Change. This class
will meet on the front porch of Kramer Hall. Presented by Lois E. Lyons, NJ School
of Conservation
Mullica River Paddle Exploration
SOLD OUT! Goshen Pond in the Mullica River is teeming with life in June. Professional guides
will point out the amazing flora and fauna and provide insight into the unique ecology
of the Pinelands during a short, guided kayak paddle on calm waters. Boats, life jackets,
and transportation will be provided. Participants should bring water, sunscreen, bug
repellent, and a dry bag for any items they need to protect/keep dry. Transportation
is provided. Guided by Jeff Larson and Monica Cahill, Pinelands Adventures. This trip is reserved for those 12 years and older. Each minor MUST be accompanied
by an adult.
Nature Walk Around Hammonton Lake Park
LIMITED SPACE REMAINS! Nestled in the middle of suburbia, Hammonton Lake Park is an island of mixed pine
and oak upland forest surrounded by Atlantic white cedar wetlands. An Ocean County
Parks Naturalist will lead the walk around the trails of Hammonton Lake and we will
discuss topics such as forest fire, Pine Barrens ecology, and the plants and wildlife,
including birds that you will find in the area. We will walk approximately 2.5 miles. Wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather
and bug spray with DEET is highly recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Transportation is provided. Guided by Josh Gant, Ocean County Parks
A Walking Tour of Batsto Village
Batsto鈥檚 Historian will lead a walking tour of the Village. The tour will meet and
conclude at the Wharton State Forest State Visitor Center at Batsto Village. Topics
will include the notable people who lived in the village, and the ways in which humans
interacted with the natural resources of the Pinelands through different eras of Batsto鈥檚
history. The tour will also include a stop at the blacksmith/wheelwright shop for
a demonstration. Participants will drive on their own to Batsto, where they will meet
with the guide at the parking area in front of the Visitor Center. Led by John Hebble,
Historian, Batsto Village
Reptiles of New Jersey
New Jersey is home to a wide variety of reptilian residents. From turtles, to lizards,
to snakes, New Jersey has them all. We will go over the common species that people
are likely to encounter and learn how to keep both them and us safe when we interact.
There will also be an opportunity to see a live Wildlife Ambassador or two! Presented
by Staff from the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
Pinelands Flora and Fauna
This lively presentation includes sights and sounds while taking the audience on an
insightful walk in the woods, familiarizing them with the flora and fauna of the New
Jersey Pinelands. Presented by Joel Mott, Principal Public Programs Specialist, NJ Pinelands Commission
Orchids of the Pinelands and Why the Smithsonian is Interested
The Pinelands is home to more than two dozen species of wild orchids. Although some
are flamboyant, many are small and inconspicuous. This presentation will employ the
magic of macro-photography to provide close-up views of all of them. In addition,
attendees will learn about the amazing life histories of some of these fascinating
plants as well as why the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has chosen the
Pinelands as an important study site. Presented by Robert Sprague, President, Native
Orchid Conference
Check out Some Highlights from a past Summer Short Course Here!
To receive updates regarding this event, please email info@pinelands.nj.gov
Pictures from the 30th Annual Pinelands Short Course
Seeing all my friends and learning about all the fantistic work and research that is happening with different organizations. The networking!
![Participant](/images/components/testimonials/testimonial-pinelands-iss-sq-150.jpg)
Pinelands Short Course
It was very informative, I like how you can do both a day trip and classes.
![Participant](/images/components/testimonials/testimonial-pinelands-2-iss-sq-150.jpg)
Pinelands Summer Short Course