Pine Barrens Experience 2025

Though we did not head into the Pine Barrens today, we did have a little hike on the cross country course. Interestingly, that is how we began this adventure during our first group pre-experience. I think we were aware of a lot more this time. We recognized six different birds, with the help of...

Today we spent the fifth and last full day of our Intensive Learning program at the Franklin Parker Preserve. The trail began at the same location as Tuesday’s hike to Apple Pie Hill, but we went in a different direction. Our trip today was focused on hiking along train rails and bird watching. We...

I was in the pines because I found it hard to believe that so much wilderness could still exist so near the big Eastern cities. – John McPhee, The Pine Barrens, 1967. Upon arriving at Rancocas Cranberry Preserve (a former cranberry farm now managed by PPA), our guide Jason started our visit off with...

There ain’t no place like this left in the country, I don’t believe — and I traveled around a little bit, too. -John McPhee, The Pine Barrens, 1967 On the third day of the Pine Barrens IL, we visited Franklin Parker Preserve and hiked the Batona Trail. On this trail, we learned lots about...

3/21/2025 Spring has sprung at Batsto Village! The signs were everywhere from a sunny but windy day, to crocuses and snowdrops in bloom, to singing birds. Our first day provided us with a preview of our upcoming adventures through both the human and ecological histories of Batsto and the Pine Barrens. We practiced with our...