REGISTER FOR NATURE JOURNALING MEETUP

We'll meet at Mountain Lakes House to draw from nature in a playful and non-judgmental setting. This meetup is FREE, although registration is required. The program is designed for adults and older teens. Younger participants (under 16) are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.

What is a meetup and how is it different from a class? While a class is a structured learning environment with a defined curriculum, schedule, projects, and goals, a meetup is a gathering of people with shared interests who get together, often with a facilitator (in this case Eleni Litt).

Meetup Location: Mountain Lakes House

Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) and local foraging experts for a Mugwort Foraging Event at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton.

In this hands-on event, participants will delve into the world of the invasive plant, Mugwort. Under the guidance of our stewardship team and local foraging experts Matt and Shannon, participants will learn how to properly identify mugwort, sample a recipe, and safely remove it from designated restoration areas at the preserve. From teas to donuts to savory dishes, discover how mugwort can enhance your kitchen creations.

Sign up for this session via Eventbrite.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

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!

Space is limited to 20 participants; be sure to sign up in advance. Please note that this event is geared towards adults.

Photo Credit: Xintong “Equinox” Si

Join us for our May Nature Walk through the trails of the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve.

Led by the Friends of Princeton Open Space stewardship team, this guided walk will offer a chance to explore lush trails, vibrant spring blooms, and the sights and sounds of nature as the season comes alive. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, it's the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with nature. Our stewardship team will also share insights into the history of the preserve and the ongoing land stewardship efforts that help protect this special place for future generations.

Be sure to wear sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear. Feel free to bring a camera or binoculars along to help you spot and capture the beauty of wildlife as we explore.

Sign up for our May Nature Walk on Eventbrite

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) and eco-artist Susan Hoenig on Monday, May 11th at 11:00 AM for a guided nature walk and exhibition that brings together art, ecology, and conservation. Learn how we can all play a role in protecting American beech trees and the forest ecosystems that depend on them. Explore the beauty of American beech trees through a special indoor exhibition, then step outside for a guided nature walk to a beech grove in John Witherspoon Woods.

Along the way, learn how these remarkable trees support entire forest ecosystems and why they are increasingly at risk from Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), a fast-spreading threat that can weaken and kill infected trees. Hear directly from the FOPOS stewardship team about the work underway to protect these vital trees and forest ecosystem.

REGISTER FOR NATURE JOURNALING MEETUP

We'll meet at Mountain Lakes House to draw from nature in a playful and non-judgmental setting. This meetup is FREE, although registration is required. The program is designed for adults and older teens. Younger participants (under 16) are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.

What is a meetup and how is it different from a class? While a class is a structured learning environment with a defined curriculum, schedule, projects, and goals, a meetup is a gathering of people with shared interests who get together, often with a facilitator (in this case Eleni Litt).

Meetup Location: Mountain Lakes House

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) and eco-artist Susan Hoenig on Saturday, May 9th at 12:30 PM for a guided nature walk and exhibition that brings together art, ecology, and conservation. Learn how we can all play a role in protecting American beech trees and the forest ecosystems that depend on them. Explore the beauty of American beech trees through a special indoor exhibition, then step outside for a guided nature walk to a beech grove in John Witherspoon Woods.

Along the way, learn how these remarkable trees support entire forest ecosystems and why they are increasingly at risk from Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), a fast-spreading threat that can weaken and kill infected trees. Hear directly from the FOPOS stewardship team about the work underway to protect these vital trees and forest ecosystem.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

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!

Space is limited to 20 participants; be sure to sign up in advance. Please note that this event is geared towards adults.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Celebrate Arbor Day with Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) and eco-artist Susan Hoenig on Friday, April 24th at 10 AM for a unique experience that blends art, nature, and conservation. Explore the beauty of American beech trees through a special indoor exhibition, then step outside for a guided nature walk to a beech grove in John Witherspoon Woods.

Along the way, learn how these remarkable trees support entire forest ecosystems and why they are increasingly at risk from Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), a fast-spreading threat that can weaken and kill infected trees. Hear directly from the FOPOS stewardship team about the work underway to protect these vital trees and forest ecosystem.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

A community hike to commemorate the induction of Witherspoon Woods and 153-Acre Wood Old-Growth Areas into the Old-Growth Forest Network.

Join us for a celebration of TWO Old-Growth Forests in Princeton. We will celebrate and initiate both forests and head on a hike into Witherspoon Woods to see the oldest and most enduring trees in the region.

We will walk through a portion of the 40-acre Witherspoon Woods, known for its stately red oak, tulip poplar, black cherry, red maple and white oak trees in a mixed hardwood forest. Taking the red trail requires sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven with frequent rock outcrops along the natural surface path.

REGISTER FOR NATURE JOURNALING MEETUP

We'll meet at Mountain Lakes House to draw from nature in a playful and non-judgmental setting. This meetup is FREE, although registration is required. The program is designed for adults and older teens. Younger participants (under 16) are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.

What is a meetup and how is it different from a class? While a class is a structured learning environment with a defined curriculum, schedule, projects, and goals, a meetup is a gathering of people with shared interests who get together, often with a facilitator (in this case Eleni Litt).

Meetup Location: Mountain Lakes House

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

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!

Space is limited to 20 participants; be sure to sign up in advance. Please note that this event is geared towards adults.

RESERVE YOUR TICKET

Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) and South Jersey Wildlife Tours for a guided Eastern Screech Owl Walk at dusk on Saturday, March 21st at 7:30pm.

Did you know that Eastern Screech Owls are one of the most common owl species in North America? Odds are you have one of these nocturnal neighbors mere miles (or less!) from your doorstep. During this experience, we will walk the trails at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton and listen and look for Eastern Screech Owls, learning much more about them along the way.

Space is limited to 20 participants; be sure to sign up in advance. Please note that this event is geared towards adults as it begins at 7:30 PM.

Please note that Screech Owl sightings are not guaranteed. We do have high owl activity at the preserve but you never know how the night will go.

REGISTER FOR THE MARCH NATURE WALK

Join us for our March Nature Walk through the trails of the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. This guided walk offers a chance to explore the Preserve as spring emerges and the land wakes from its winter rest.

Meetup Location: Mountain Lakes House parking lot

REGISTER FOR NATURE JOURNALING MEETUP

We'll meet at Mountain Lakes House to draw from nature in a playful and non-judgmental setting. This meetup is FREE, although registration is required. The program is designed for adults and older teens. Younger participants (under 16) are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult.

What is a meetup and how is it different from a class? While a class is a structured learning environment with a defined curriculum, schedule, projects, and goals, a meetup is a gathering of people with shared interests who get together, often with a facilitator (in this case Eleni Litt).

Meetup Location: Mountain Lakes House

REGISTER FOR THE GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT

Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) and South Jersey Wildlife Tours on Monday, February 16th at 10 a.m. We’ll walk the trails at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve to observe and count bird species as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, a worldwide community science project that helps researchers better understand bird populations. Along the way, learn tips for attracting wildlife to your own backyard and hear how FOPOS is working to protect and restore your backyard—our local open spaces. Perfect for birders of all experience levels. Space is limited to 20 participants; be sure to sign up in advance.

Cost: FREE. This free community event is sponsored by Friends of Princeton Open Space. Consider making a donation to FOPOS and show your love for our local environment! All donations support our year-round work.

POSTPONED TO SATURDAY, JANUARY 31st at 4 pm due to snowy, icy conditions.

Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) and South Jersey Wildlife Tours for a guided Waterfowl Walk . We will explore the trails around the lake at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in search of the fascinating waterfowl wintering in Princeton.

Space is limited to 20 participants; be sure to sign up in advance.

Cost: FREE. This free community event is sponsored by Friends of Princeton Open Space. Consider making a donation to FOPOS and show your love for our local environment! All donations support our year-round work.

REGISTER FOR THE WATERFOWL WALK