Winter 2026-27 Programs

Our Winter 2026-27 Programs at Rancocas Nature Center will be Dec., Jan.& Feb. 
We look forward to an exciting Winter season of events for your pleasure!

LONGWOOD GARDENS CHRISTMAS BUS TRIP
Wednesday, December 2    10:30 AM to 7:45 PM (Rain or Shine)
This holiday season, join Rancocas for our favorite winter tradition. For 2026, A Longwood Christmas explores the infinite wonder of the universe. A majestic display of stellar spectacles, luminous lights, and cosmic wonders all create a magical, star-studded landscape infused with the color of thousands of seasonal plants. From the sprawling West Conservatory to imaginative new outdoor spaces—Longwood will be truly transformed. Arrival at the Gardens is scheduled for 12 p.m., giving plenty of time to take in all that is offered, including the after-dark light show. Visit www.longwoodgardens.orgfor details of the holiday displays. The trip is sponsored by the Rancocas Nature Center and includes charter bus transportation (from and to Prospector's, Mt. Laurel) and entry ticket. Cost: $102/per person (our pricing is very competitive). Registration for this event is available at LONGWOOD BUS TRIP. Payment secures  the registration, and all sales are final. You can also register by mailing a check to Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas Road, Westampton, NJ 08060 or by stopping at the center. Final information will be sent to all registrants the week prior to the event.       MEMBERSHIP

SANTAQUEST     SAVE THE DATE!!
Sunday, December 6       12 PM to 3 PM (staggered start times)
Although the holiday season is Santa’s busiest time, he always finds time to visit the Rancocas Nature Center. This year Santa is excited to check out a special sight on the trails. Bring your imagination, holiday spirit, and tracking skills and join us for this annual fun-filled event. Details and registration.   SANTAQUEST            MEMBERSHIP

MAPLE SUGARING (for all ages and scouts)
Sunday, February 28             12:30 to 3 PM (staggered start times)
What a tasty way to spend a winter afternoon! Bring your scout group or family and enjoy a program about maple sugaring, the oldest continuous industry in North America. As you follow directions and signage, you’ll visit multiple interactive stations along the Rancocas trails. Learn about the Sugar Maple tree and the history of maple sugaring, observe a tapping demonstration, and enjoy a maple syrup tasting. To ward off the chills, we’ll have an old-fashioned campfire burning. Cost: (individuals & families): Rancocas Nature Center members, $9/person, $35/family (limit 5); nonmembers, $11/person, $45/family (limit 5); Cost: Scouts/siblings and accompanying leaders, $10/person. Scout keepsake 2” Maple Sugaring Badge $5/each. Carpooling is encouraged for scout groups. Register online for your time slot at MAPLE SUGARING.            MEMBERSHIP

CELEBRATING THE RANCOCAS NATURE CENTER’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2027
Throughout 2027, the Rancocas Nature Center will be acknowledging its 50th year of operation. We’ll be scheduling events and programs that highlight Rancocas’ continued commitment to environmental education for the community and stewardship of the preserve. Our year-long activities will culminate on October 10, 2027, with an exciting on-site celebratory event that shares the history of the center—past and present—with all who have made Rancocas what it is today and all who will be part of its future. “Save the Date” and join us!! Everyone is welcome!

TALES & TRAILS (ages 3+)
Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16, January 6, 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24       10:30 to 11:30 AM 
The Rancocas Nature Preserve is beautiful throughout the winter months! Join us for this free family-friendly children’s program. Each session will start with a nature-themed storybook, then proceed with a hike on the trails to explore Rancocas during the colder season. This program is geared toward children 3 years and up and their families. Babies in backpacks are welcome! Cost: Rancocas Nature Center members/free. Register TAILS AND TRAILS 3+. Inclement weather cancels.               MEMBERSHIP

ART & NATURE -- 5-week series (ages 3 to 6 years) Parental Participation Required
Fridays, December 4, 11, 18, January 8 & 22 10:30 AM to 12 PM
Children ages 3 to 6 years old are invited to explore the outdoors and create an art project with the natural material they find. Each session will include an outdoor adventure/hike and an indoor art making opportunity. Mild weather will let us create our projects outside. Children love nature and creating with their hands. Cost (with a current Rancocas Nature Center membership): $75/per child/for five sessions or $18/per child/per class. Register ART AND NATURE.            MEMBERSHIP

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM -- AKA Parents Date Night (ages 5 to 12 years)
Members Only!
Saturday, January 9 4:30 to 8 PM
Ever wondered what goes on in the Rancocas Nature Center at night? Join us to find out! A fun filled evening is in store, complete with a flashlight scavenger hunt, visit with the animals, crafts, games, pizza, and a viewing of “Night at the Museum." Kids, come in your PJ’s and bring a sleeping bag and pillow to make your movie night as cozy as possible. Sorry, no parents allowed. Cost: Current Rancocas Nature Center members: $30/per child. Register NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM.         MEMBERSHIP

ANIMAL EXPLORERS-- 5-week series (ages 3 to 6 years) Parental Participation Required
Fridays, January 29, February 5, 12, 19 & 26 10:30 AM to 12 PM 
Children love animals! Three to six year old are invited to learn about the critters that live in our area of New Jersey. Each session will focus on a different animal and will include fun bio facts, “please touch” natural materials and artifacts, themed games and crafts, and maybe a chance to meet one of our resident animals. These indoor sessions will be complimented with time outdoors searching for wildlife, if the weather cooperates. Cost (with a current Rancocas Nature Center membership): $75/per child/for five sessions or $18/per child/per class. Register ANIMAL EXPLORERS.       MEMBERSHIP

TEEN AND SCOUT CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS (ages 13 to 17)
Saturday December 5 9 AM to 12 PM
Sunday, February 7 1 to 4 PM
The Rancocas Nature Center has monthly supervised stewardship conservation project volunteer opportunities. It’s a great way for scouts and other youth 13 to 17 years-old to get out into nature and accumulate service hours. Parental consent is required and parents are welcome to help as well. Activities vary depending on the season but often include removal of invasive species and mulching native plant enclosures and gardens. Volunteers should bring water bottles, work gloves, and dress in work clothes, including appropriate footwear. Upon request, letters can be provided for youth needing proof of service for Scouts, 4-H, Honors Society, etc. Details and sign-up links can be found on the Rancocas Nature Center website at www.rancocasnaturecenter.org

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY OF SERVICE (ages 8 to 17) Parental Participation Required for Children 13 years and Younger
Monday, January 18 12 to 3 PM
On this special day of service, we’ve extended our Teen Conservation Volunteer Day program to include ages 8 to 17. Rancocas staff will supervise all volunteers with trail clean-up and the removal of invasive plants. Volunteers should bring water bottles, work gloves, and dress for the weather, including appropriate footwear. Upon request, letters can be provided for youth needing proof of service for Scouts, 4-H, Honors Society, etc. Details and sign-up links can be found on the Rancocas Nature Center website at www.rancocasnaturecenter.org.

SCOUTING AMERICA MERIT BADGE: NATURE
Sunday, January 31 11 AM to 5 PM
Prior to the class, independent work Requirement 7 A or B must be submitted by email.
This is a great, first Science Merit Badge for younger scouts. It’s a one-day program that involves learning about several types of living organisms while also touching on some important ecological principles. The hands-on activities are simple enough for younger scouts. We’ll introduce our live resident animal, and take a nature walk on our grounds. This badge is given by Mary Belko and Carl Christianson, both certified merit badge counselors. Please eat lunch before you come and bring water bottles and a snack. Cost: $40/per scout. Register online at www.rancocasnaturecenter.org. For questions/information, contact meritbadges@rancocasnaturecenter.org.

INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE
Sunday, January 3 and February 7 1:30 to 2:30 PM
Join Rancocas Nature Center for an interpretive hike through our varied habitats. It’s a great way to become familiar with the trails. You can bring a camera and/or binoculars as we’ll be sure to stop at scenic spots along the way. The hike is suitable for all ages 5+, so you’ll need a child carrier to transport younger children. Cost: Current Rancocas Nature Center members/free; non-members/a donation is suggested. Register INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE.  Inclement weather cancels.            MEMBERSHIP

FAMILY SEASONAL STROLLS
Saturday, January 16 3:30 to 4:30 PM
Saturday, February 13 3:30 to 4:30 PM
Come prepared for an adventure! Join us as we explore nature in the chillier winter months. This is a two-mile, family-friendly walk at the Rancocas Nature Center that highlights the fauna, flora, and unique natural wonders of the season. Bring your binoculars if you have them, your curiosity, and dress for the weather! Note: our trails are varied-- boardwalks, exposed roots, and occasional wet/muddy areas, so wear appropriate footwear. Cost: Current Rancocas Nature Center members/free; non-members/a donation is suggested. Register FAMILY SEASONAL STROLLS. Inclement weather cancels.         MEMBERSHIP

TWILIGHT MEADOW ADVENTURE (ages 6+)
Saturday, February 20 4:45 PM
We may be hibernating in our houses in late winter, but wildlife has already started to awaken. Join us for an early evening program highlighting some of nature’s creatures that are becoming active at this exciting time. Before heading out to explore, we’ll do a short, inside program to introduce you to some of the wildlife we might encounter or hear in our meadow at dusk, such as woodcock, peepers, and fairy shrimp. Dress for the weather, wear waterproof or snow boots, and bring a flashlight/headlamp and camp chairs. The program ends after dark. Cost: $3/per person; $10/family (up to 5 people); Register TWILIGHT  ADVENTURE.        MEMBERSHIP

CONNECT WITH NATURE SERIES: PUFFINS AND TERNS ON SEAL ISLAND
Wednesday, December 30 11 AM to 12 PM
An avid birder for more than 20 years, Patty Rehn is a longtime naturalist at Rancocas Nature Center and member of the all-women “Raven Luna Chicks” World Series of Birding team. In the summer of 2013 and again in 2015, she was a volunteer for Maine Audubon’s Project Puffin. For two and one-half weeks she lived on Seal Island NWR with five other women collecting data on the puffins and other seabirds that nest on Seal Island. In this lively presentation, Patty shares the highs and lows, challenges and adventures of “island life.” Cost: Current Rancocas Nature Center members/free; non-members, $10/per person. Register PUFFINS AND TERNS.            MEMBERSHIP

2027: KICK-OFF OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION YEAR with a DOUBLE HEADER: KOKEDAMA AND BINGO
January 10th is National Houseplant Appreciation Day and we have double the fun planned. Calling all our houseplant lovers to help us kick off the year-- join us for one or both programs on Sunday, January 10.

PASSIONATE FOR PLANTS SERIES: KOKEDAMA WORKSHOP (ages 16+)
Sunday, January 10 12:30 to 2:30 PM

Kokedama, meaning “Moss Ball” in Japanese, is a type of simpler bonsai developed in the 1600s to 1800s. Like anything cool, it has had a resurgence in popularity recently using houseplants instead of typically traditional bonsai woody plants. Sharing photos and pre-made samples, we’ll start with a discussion of “kokedam” and other current houseplant potting trends. Then participants will be led step by step through the Kokedama-making process, including choosing a display method. All plants and materials to make one project are included (supplies for additional projects may be available for purchase that day). Workshop Cost: Current Rancocas Nature Center members, $27/per person; non-members, $32/per person. Register KOKEDAMA.            MEMBERSHIP