Rancocas - Mt. Holly Road
Mount Holly, NJ
08060
(609) 261-2495
Internet: http://www.njaudubon.org/centers/Rancocas/
Operated by the New Jersey Audubon Society, Rancocas Nature Center contains 120 acres of pristine land adjacent to Rancocas State Park.
The heart of the center is a 130-year old farmhouse, nestled in a grove of ancient trees. Here visitors can explore a small museum and take advantage of the many educational programs offered in the classroom. The Museum interprets the natural history of New Jersey and the Rancocas Valley and features two- and three-dimensional exhibits, formal displays, live animals, and objects for hands-on discovery.
The 40-seat classroom is the site of a wide variety of adult programs and workshops, as well as lectures, film presentations, and more. A gift shop offers one of the state's best selections of field guides and natural history books, as well as bird seed and feeders, and a nice selection of nature-oriented gift items.
Outside, Self-Guiding Trails radiate out into the habitats of the Center's grounds and the adjoining parkland. Thickets, conifer plantations, upland woods, oak-pine forest, floodplain forest, and freshwater marshes along Rancocas Creek provide diverse habitat for a wide range of small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Many of the Center's Family and Group Programs take participants through the trails for first hand lessons on the environment and wildlife. Family programs are normally scheduled on a monthly basis. Call for a calendar.
Adult Group presentations can cover a variety of topics, including the New Jersey Highlands, the Pine Barrens, Reptiles and Amphibians of New Jersey, Wildflowers Through the Seasons, and more.
School Groups can choose from a large number of programs. Though recommended for specific grades, most programs can be adapted for just about any age level, including adults. Nature Discovery Box (Pre-K - 1) introduces youngsters to new discoveries in the world of nature. Owls: Whoooo They Are! (1 - 6) explores the world of these nocturnal birds through sight, sound, and touch. Beaks, Wings, and Birdy Things (3 and up) examines the difference between birds and other animals, as well as the differences between birds themselves. SSSSSSnakes! (3 and up) is a hands-on program that gives new insight into these misunderstood creatures. Is Anybody Home? (1 - 5) is a Center-only program that includes a variety of activities that show children the needs of animals in their own environments.
A number of other programs are available. Most can be delivered in the students' school, ass well as at the Center. Each class can have up to 25 children. Assembly programs are also available. Call for further information.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 12 - 5. Center closes at 4pm from mid-November through mid-March. Closed Mondays and legal holidays. Groups may arrange different hours.
Admission: Donation. Family Programs vary. School Groups: At Center $75.00 and up per class. At School $125 first program, $100.00 for additional programs on same day.
Reservations: 6 weeks.
Lunch: Picnic areas in adjoining park.
Handicapped: Limited.
Directions: I-295 North. Take exit 45A, head east on Rancocas Rd. Center is on right, about 1¾ miles after exiting I-295.
Time: 30 minutes north of Philadelphia.
Nearby: Indian Heritage Museum , Margaret R. Grundy Museum , Johnson's Corner Farm , Medford Leas - Barton Arboretum , Garden State Discovery Museum .