A simple visit to the Trust is a thrill, to see these beautiful birds so well cared for. These are casualties, many of them brought in by concerned people who found them injured, ill, or as orphaned babies. The professionals at the Raptor Trust give these birds their best chance at recovery and, when recovered, the birds are released into an area where they will flourish. Unreleasable birds are given permanent homes, here or elsewhere, with some being used for live educational demonstrations, such as Chainsaw*, the Eastern Screech Owl here. 

Programs include: The Raptor Trust Story, describing the workings of this fantastic place. Students look "behind the scenes" and meet some of the patients that have been brought in for treatment. Raptors demonstrates the differences and similarities between hawks and owls, and explores the biology of these unique birds. Students get to know the common resident species of New Jersey, and some of the less common visitors. Owls of New Jersey is an in-depth look at the lives of these interesting and often misunderstood nocturnal birds of prey. Hawks of New Jersey explores the world of diurnal raptors. Resident and migrant hawks are shown in detail, and many aspects of their natural history are revealed. The Education Building seats 40 people. These programs can also be conducted at school. 

If I sound biased toward the Raptor Trust, I must confess that I've brought a couple of birds here myself, one orphaned and one shot. Both birds were treated to recovery in a caring, professional environment, just as these two orphaned bluejays* are. I've been in a hospital, myself. I'd much rather be here! 
 
 

Travel Directions

From the George Washington Bridge, take I-80 West to I-287 South.

From I-287 North or South - EXIT 30A (North Maple Aveue, Basking Ridge)
Exit ramp is one way to the right onto North Maple Avenue.  Follow N. Maple for a mile
and a half, then bear left at fork onto South Maple Avenue.  Stay on S. Maple for about a
mile, then turn left onto Lord Stirling Road .  Follow Lord Stirling for a mile and a half and cross the bridge.  The road name changes here to White Bridge Road.
Visitors: Park at the third house on the left after the bridge.  Watch for Visitor’s Parking
and Education Center signs.
Bird admitting: park at the fourth house on the left in the small lot.  Watch for Bird
Admitting sign.

From Route 22
Take Watchung Avenue Exit (in North Plainfield).  Follow Watchung Ave. to circle.  Go halfway around circle and follow Stirling / VA Hospital sign.  Take Stirling Rd.  to its end, and
at the light turn left onto Valley Road.  At the second traffic light turn right onto Main
Avenue.  Follow thru town, over railroad tracks (now Main becomes Central Avenue), up thehill and through the 4-way (crossing Long Hill Rd).   As you start downhill, bear right onto
Pleasant Plains Road.  Take this about a mile to the stop sign;  turn left onto White BridgeRoad.
Visitors: park at the third house on right.  Watch for Visitor’s Parking and Education Center signs.
Bird admitting: park at the second house on the right.  Watch for Bird Admitting sign.

If you are coming from Eastern New Jersey or New York City:
I - 78 West - EXIT 36 (Warrenville / Basking Ridge)
Turn right off the ramp (toward Basking Ridge).  Go 1.1 mi. and turn right at the third
light onto Rt. 512/Valley Road.  Go to the next light and turn left onto Main Avenue.  Follow thru town, over railroad tracks (now Main becomes Central Avenue), up the hill and across the intersection of Long Hill Road.  As you start downhill, bear right onto Pleasant Plains
Road.  Follow this for about a mile to a stop sign.  There turn left onto White Bridge Road.

If you are coming from Western New Jersey or Pennsylvania:
I - 78 East - EXIT 36 (Warrenville / Basking Ridge)
Turn left off the ramp (toward Basking Ridge). Go 1.1 mi. and turn right at the white church(onto Rt. 512/Valley Road) and then follow the directions above.
Visitors: park at the third house on the right.   Watch for Visitor’s Parking and Education
Center signs.
Bird admitting: park at the second house on the right.  Watch for Bird Admitting sign.

Admission: $2.00 per person (donation). Family Program rates vary -- very reasonable. Group Programs cost in the $100.00 range per class. 

Group Reservations: At least 6 weeks in advance. 

Lunch: Bagged lunch may be eaten on grounds (school groups by prior arrangement). 

Handicapped: Education Building is accessible. 

Directions

Time: 1 hour minutes from the George Washington Bridge. 

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Somerset County Environmental Education Center
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Edison National Historic Site