Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) and expert birder Winnie Hughes Spar for a guided bird walk through the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton, NJ. Together, we will observe Princeton's birds and learn about their fascinating habits!
Did you know that New Jersey is one of the best states in the country for birdwatching? Our diverse habitats and our location in the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory route along the Eastern Seaboard, positions the garden state as a leader in birdwatching.
Winnie Hughes Spar has led bird walks for Washington Crossing Audubon Society and Princeton University Reunions, as well as annual Christmas bird counts in Princeton. She is author of the poetry chapbook Frost Flowers and teaches courses on literature and nature at the Watershed Institute.
Space is limited to 20 participants; be sure to sign up in advance. Please note that this event is geared towards adults.
BYO: Please bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers, the trails can get muddy especially around the lake. We will be watching for birds and listening for bird songs; if you have a pair of binoculars we recommend bringing them as well.
Event waiver: Please complete this event waiver - fopos.org/waiver. This needs to be completed once per calendar year.
Meetup Location: Mountain Lakes House Parking Lot
Directions & Parking: We will meet at the Mountain Lake House parking lot, located within the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Here is a link to the parking lot location on Google Maps & Apple Maps. The address of the Preserve is 57 Mountain Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08540; this will bring you to the entrance of the Preserve, not our meet-up location. To get to the Mountain Lakes House parking lot, look for the white gate along Mountain Avenue, marked by a series of black mailboxes along the road. Drive slowly down the long paved driveway. The gravel parking lot will be on your left, approximately 1/2 mile down the driveway.
Rain Date: In case of inclement weather the rain date for this walk is Sunday, April 12 at 8 a.m.
About FOPOS: Since1969, FOPOS has been working to preserve and protect natural spaces in the greater Princeton area and provide environmental education for the community. As a part of our work, we rely on volunteers to help make progress when it comes to restoration work, such as our current forest and riparian restoration projects in the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve.
Can't make this walk? Consider making a donation to show your love for our local environment! All donations support our year-round stewardship work.