Field Trips and Classroom Programs for Students Available

TEACHERS: Pequest Natural Resource Education Center is now accepting group reservations for 2026 field trips and classroom programs.

Fish and Wildlife offers year-round programming for schools and organized groups at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center. All programs are designed to support most major subject areas in grades pre-K – 12 while teaching about wildlife and the environment, and can be used to meet state standards for core course proficiencies as well as scout badge requirements.

For example, hikes focus on wildlife habitat and natural resources, sessions on river ecology, fishing, biology. From a hatchery tour to fishing basics or exploring trout habitat along the Pequest River, there might be a field trip that fits your grade level and curriculum.

All programs are geared to be fun, hands-on learning experiences that participants are sure to enjoy.

Bring your students, scouts, or homeschool groups to the trout hatchery and education center for a field trip they'll never forget! Learn how trout are raised on a hatchery tour, explore the Pequest River, or have your students learn to fish. 

Get information and schedule your field trip to Pequest at dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/group-programs-at-pequest/ 

Can't manage a field trip to Pequest? NJ Fish & Wildlife also offers classroom programs. Looking for an engaging classroom presentation? NJDEP Fish & Wildlife offers those too!

Have your students learn about wildlife, conservation, and more! 

Educators are available for in-classroom and public presentations, community fairs and festivals. Fish & Wildlife staff can conduct presentations live at your facility on request. There is no charge for this service, and hands-on activities can be included with the presentations. Programs can all be adapted to grade-level and specific interests. All programs run from 45 to 90 minutes. Please note groups may only schedule one to two programs per year.

Check out the list of programs offered and request a presentation today.

dep.nj.gov/njfw/education/speakers-and-exhibitors/

Women's Fishing Workshops

 

Ready to learn a new skill? Register for one of the women's fishing workshops offered by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's education staff. These workshops offer a welcoming environment for women 18 years and older who are interested in learning how to fish. 

Registration is required. 

Women's Introduction to Fly Fishing Boot Camp
Wednesday, September 18   10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
at the Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center
Have you wanted to get into fly fishing but didn’t know where to start? Join the staff at the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center for a full-day Fly Fishing Bootcamp. We will cover everything from regulations, gear, casting, where to go, and much more. The class will finish on our education pond where you get to put what you learn into action. All equipment will be provided, or you can bring your own. 

Women's First Catch Center Workshop
Sunday, October 6   10:00 a.m. - 3::00 p.m.
at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery
NJ Fish & Wildlife's First Catch Center Workshops are introductory and will cover fish biology; how to set up equipment; safety practices; bait and tackle choices; how to cast; and fishing regulations. Participants will put their new skills to practice with a fishing experience and leave the workshop with the knowledge and confidence to head out fishing on their own. All bait, tackle and equipment will be provided, however you will need to purchase your 2024 NJ Fishing License prior to participating in the workshop.

April Trout Fishing Programs at Pequest

 

As you wait for trout stocking to end and the season opens, why not brush up on your trout fishing knowledge and technique by attending a Pequest Education Program?

April 1, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Intro to NJ Trout Fishing (seminar)

April 2, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Fly Casting Basics (workshop)

April 3, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Intro to NJ Trout Fishing (seminar)

April 8, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Senior Fishing Rodeo 

Info and registration

Upcoming Programs at Pequest

 

The public is invited to learn about New Jersey’s fish and wildlife resources and ways to enjoy them through special programs and events at Pequest. Take advantage of these unique opportunities and get outdoors!
All programs require registration; registration opens two weeks prior to program date. All registration is done online.
All programs and special events, including parking, are FREE unless otherwise noted.
Events are held rain or shine outdoors so dress for the weather.

For info and registration for all events:
dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/learn-at-pequest/

2 Feb
Friday Fly Tying Basics (3 session series)
Friday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center 605 Pequest Rd, Oxford, NJ
Friday Fly Tying Basics
*Must attend all three sessions (February 2, March 1, April 5) Looking to learn how to tie your own fishing flies? Let the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center staff walk […]
 

7 Feb
Make Your Own Fly Fishing Leader
Wednesday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center 605 Pequest Rd, Oxford, NJ
Take your fly fishing to the next level by learning how to tie your own leaders. Join the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center’s fly-fishing instructor as they walk you through […]
 

13 Feb
Cold Weather Hiking Essentials
Tuesday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center 605 Pequest Rd, Oxford, NJ
Just because winter is here does not mean you can’t get out and explore the trails. You just need to have some extra equipment and more situational awareness.

14 Feb
Winter Hike
Wednesday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center 605 Pequest Rd, Oxford, NJ
Winter is an amazing time to head outside and fall in love with nature. Join the staff at the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center as we head out and explore

1 March
Friday Fly Tying Basics (3 session series)
Friday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center 605 Pequest Rd, Oxford, NJ
*Must attend all three sessions (February 2, March 1, April 5) Looking to learn how to tie your own fishing flies? 

5 April
Friday Fly Tying Basics (3 session series)
Friday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center 605 Pequest Rd, Oxford, NJ
*Must attend all three sessions (February 2, March 1, April 5) Looking to learn how to tie your own fishing flies? 

Programs and special events at Pequest are supported through the sale of fishing and hunting licenses and related stamps. In order to help us continue to offer programs and special events, participants are encouraged to purchase a fishing license at the Natural Resource Education Center, at a license agent, or online at nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales.

For program updates subscribe to the Education E-mail List

Follow NJ Fish and Wildlife on Eventbrite eventbrite.com/o/nj-fish-and-wildlife-34051889281

 

 

December at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center

Ready for some winter fun? Join the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center staff this December for some winter-themed programs!

Holiday Fly Tying December 4, December 11, December 18
The Holiday Fly is a highly effective fly to tie. No house should be without one and it is guaranteed to catch a smile. This fly also makes an amazing gift for the angler who has everything. Let the staff at the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center walk through the tying process of the fly. At the end, you will then get to take the fly home that you will tie. All tools and materials will be supplied. If you would like to bring your personal tools and vice you are welcome to. There is a $10.00 donation fee to cover materials for this program. For ages 12 years and above. Participants 16 years and younger must be accompanied by a participating adult.

December 13 - Nature Nurturers  Winter Sleep – A Hibernation Story@ 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Join us for story and craft time! Each month, Pequest Natural Resource Education Center staff will read a nature-based book. After the story, we will create a craft with you to take home. The program is 45 minutes long. For ages 3-6 years.

December 21 - Winter Solstice Stroll @ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join Pequest Natural Resource Education staff on December 21st for a short hike on the shortest day of the year. We will explore the diverse habitat of the Pequest valley. Bundle up for a 2-mile hike on our trails as we move through woods, fields, and aquatic environments. Who knows what we may find? If the holiday season has you stressed, then a walk in the woods is the perfect way to unwind. We will be outside the entire time so dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. For ages 10 years and above. We will be moving on trails that are not suitable for wheeled conveyances.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/learn-at-pequest/ 

Halloween Eve Night Hike at Pequest

 

Nature changes at night. Join the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center staff as they explore our local trails the night before Halloween. Take a seat at McDowells Pond to see if any spooks and goblins come out to join us. Wear your favorite costume. No full-face masks, weapons, or anything that is dragging that might get caught. Costumes should be hiking-friendly. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight and apply your bug spray near your vehicle or before you come to the site.

For ages 8 and above.

Halloween Eve Night Hike  October 30, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

To register, please go to eventbrite.com/e/halloween-eve-night-hike-tickets

The New Year at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center

The Pequest NREC on Rt. 46 between Great Meadows, approximately 9 miles west of Hackettstown in Warren County offers 3.9 miles of trails through a variety of habitats. 

The Red Trail offers interpretive signs about the habitat and is used to access the other two trails on site, the Yellow and Blue trails. (Horses, bikes, ATVs, and other motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Wildlife Management Area.)

You can learn about the Pequest Trout Hatchery by following the self-guided hatchery tour, marked by green trout on the sidewalks that lead to two different hatchery areas. The first sidewalk will take you up to the Nursery Building where you can look through the windows of both the Egg Room and the Nursery Area. The Egg Room is in operation from mid-September through early October. The Nursery Area is in use from Late September through mid-May.

The second sidewalk will take you to the Observation Platform where you can overlook the raceways or pools filled with trout. The raceways hold fish year-round.

You can also register for classes year-round 

For example, in January:

First Friday Flies: Inch Worm on January 6, 2023 at 10:00 am
The snow is coming. Ice isn’t thick enough to fish – what’s a person to do? How about tying flies for April trout? If you’ve always wanted to learn, winter is the perfect time to pick up some foundational fly-tying techniques. We have the equipment, knowledge and the basic supplies to get you started. Simple patterns can be amazingly effective at catching trout. When you learn the basics, you can tie what you need when you need it. We will talk a bit about how to fish the fly you tie, and how to match the hatch. If you don’t know the terms we just mentioned that’s okay as you will learn all about them in class. In January, this series will start out by tying a basic inch worm. This class is for ages 15 and above. To register, please go to eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-flies-tickets-483834170027

Nature Nurtures: Opossum Opposites, January 12, 2023, 10:00 am
Join us for story and craft time! Each month, Pequest staff will read a nature-based book. After the story is done, we will create a craft for you to take home. For ages 3-5 years.
To register, go to eventbrite.com/e/nature-nurtures-tickets-483860127667

Lunch and Learn: Binos and Birds, January 17, 2023, 12:00 pm
Did you get a new pair of binoculars over the holidays? Having a hard time locating birds or other wildlife on your travels? If you can manipulate a full-size pair of binoculars this class is for you. This one-hour program will connect you to one of the most useful outdoor tools. At NJ Fish and Wildlife, we have a wealth of answers to your optics questions. We also have a host of suggestions and tips that will help you bring the animals closer without taking a step. Even if you don’t have binoculars, no worries – we have some you can borrow.
Join us for the basics of binoculars, best practices for target acquisition, focusing techniques and more. If you plan on traveling or exploring nature, binoculars are the essential tool that brings everything up-close and personal. Let us show you how.
To register, go to eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-series-binos-and-birds-tickets-490622183157

Parents Only Fishing Classes at Pequest

Photo: Brett Sayles

Parents, guardians, and other family members can learn fishing basics to take back and share with your family! Spend two evenings at Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, NJ learning fishing basics and how to safely fish with your children. All equipment, expertise, and a trout-stocked pond are provided. 

Thursday, June 16 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm and

Thursday, June 23 from 7:00 pm to dusk

You must attend both sessions.

Does a child in your life want to fish, but you’ve never learned how? Mom’s, Dad’s, caregivers can spend two evenings at Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford, NJ learning about equipment, techniques, and tactics. At the end of this experience, you will know fishing basics and more importantly, you will be prepared to teach children how to fish safely.

Class size is limited 20 adults, 18 years and older.

To register, please go to eventbrite.com/e/parents-only-fishing-school-tickets-355180924707 

An additional pair of classes will be held Thursday, September 15 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm and Thursday, September 22 from 7:00 pm to dusk

More Programs and Events at the Pequest Trout Hatchery

Environmental Education Employment Opportunity at Pequest

The Pequest Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, NJ is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and self-motivated seasonal environmental educator to join our staff in teaching science and outdoor education programs, such as facility tours, guided hikes and fishing education programs. Educators will also assist in other facility work as necessary such as grounds and trails maintenance. Fishing experience is preferred.

We are looking for applicants with a Bachelor's degree in education, natural resources, natural sciences, natural history, outdoor recreation, or related fields, or who are working towards a degree in one of these fields. Excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for teaching children are essential.

The teaching season runs from April – October with programs taught Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Some weekend days are required. Applicants who cannot work during this time frame will not be considered.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Program Director, Jessica Griglak, at Jessica.Griglak@dep.nj.gov.

Deadline to apply: February 14, 2020

Family Fishing Classes at Pequest

Family Fishing Basics classes geared towards families new to fishing are offered at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center this summer.

Topics covered include safety, ethics and casting techniques, followed by actual fishing time on the Pequest Education Pond.

Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the program date.

All classes begin at 10:30 am and end at 12:30 pm on the following dates:
Tuesday, July 17
Thursday, July 26
Friday, August 10
Thursday, August 16
Tuesday, August 21
Thursday, August 27

For more information visit the DFW website at njfishandwildlife.com/budding.htm

Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center Open House June 2 and 3

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is hosting its annual Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center Open House and outdoors recreation flea market on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3.

Pequest Trout HatcheryThe free event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, showcases New Jersey’s natural resources, as well as the hatchery that raises trout stocked throughout the state. The hatchery is in Oxford, Warren County.

“Drawing people from all over the state and region, the open house lets residents and visitors learn about New Jersey’s diverse natural resources through family-friendly activities, demonstrations and exhibits,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Larry Herrighty. “It also gives the public a chance to visit our state-of-the-art hatchery that each year raises hundreds of thousands of trout for stocking of rivers, lakes and streams across New Jersey.”

A large mobile fishing tank holding thousands of gallons of water
and loaded with warm-water game fish from the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery. 

The event typically is held the weekend prior to the early April opening of trout season but was rescheduled this year to June due to snow pack and unsuitable ground conditions at the hatchery.

This year’s Open House will kick off National Fishing and Boating Week, June 2 through June 10, and helps lead up to New Jersey’s first Free Fishing Day June 9. A second Free Fishing Day will be held on October 20. On free fishing days, anyone can participate in freshwater fishing without having to purchase a license.

Open House activities include:

• Professional fishing demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day, with tips for anglers on casting methods, lures and effective fishing techniques.
• NJ DEP Division of Fish and WildlifeThe Pequest fishing education pond, which will be open for children ages 8 to 16 to try trout fishing. Staff and volunteers from the Wildlife Conservation Corps and Trout Unlimited will provide expert instruction. All fishing equipment will be provided.
• Exhibits and information outside the Natural Resource Education Center, where Division of Fish and Wildlife staff and representatives from conservation organizations will explain efforts to protect and manage natural resources.
• An indoor archery range and computerized hunter education training system that will test the skills of visitors.
• Wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists exhibiting their work and offering items for sale.
• A flea market offering deals on fishing and hunting equipment, outdoor gear and many other items.
• Food vendors will be available on site, or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy one of three picnic areas on the grounds of the 5,000-acre Pequest Wildlife Management Area.

The main entrance to the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is on Route 46, approximately 9 miles west of Hackettstown in Warren County. Please note that the rear entrance is closed during the Open House, and there is no bus parking available.

For more information on the Open House, including a schedule of events and additional directions, visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqoh.htm or call (908) 637-4125, Extension 0.

For information about National Fishing and Boating week, visit: www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/how-to-catch-fish/national-fishing-and-boating-week/

Free Tree Seedlings This Week at Pequest

Seedlings Available In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will be giving away up to 20 free tree and/or shrub seedlings per person to promote native landscaping and wildlife habitat in your backyard. Trees will be dispensed on a first-come, first-served basis April 16-20 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County. Plant selection includes: White pine, flowering dogwood, arrowwood viburnum, and mixed oaks. Trees are provided by New Jersey State Forestry Services.  Directions to Pequest

Pequest Open House Postponed

Due to significant snow cover and adverse ground conditions anticipated from the nor’easter that hit us again this week, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is postponing the annual Open House and Flea Market at the Pequest Trout Hatchery scheduled for this weekend.

The new dates for the open house, June 2 and 3, will coincide with National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs from June 2 to June 10, and a statewide Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 9. The free open house and flea market will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Existing ground conditions are currently marginal because of previous storms and saturated soil. Snowfall amounts forecast for the northwestern part of the state are expected to completely cover the site, making it difficult for vendors to set up exhibits and for visitors to walk around the property.

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford Township, Warren County, usually holds an open house before the opening of trout season, which begins this year at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 7.

This Weekend: Pequest Open House and Sportsmen's Flea Market

The Open House at the Pequest Trout Hatchery is this weekend - June 3 and 4 and coincides with National Fishing and Boating Week (June 3 – 11) and Free Fishing Day on June10.

For information and updates visit njfishandwildlife.com/peqoh.htm on the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website.

The free 2017 Pequest Open House and Sportsmen's Flea Market located in Oxford, Warren County and this event is free of charge and is held rain or shine.

Trout tank display

This event is great for people of all ages and there are many things to see and do throughout the day. There will be numerous environmental and conservation exhibits, historical reenactors, wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists with goods and services to sell.

Activities include fishing for kids between the ages of 4 and 16, archery ranges for those aged 10 years and above, hunter education (pre-registration required), kids' coloring corner and more.

A sportsmen's flea market will be open so you can purchase what you need to get started or to stock up for the upcoming fishing and hunting seasons.

Sportsmen's Flea Market

Food vendors will also participate or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy our picnic groves. Please leave pets at home - only service dogs are permitted on site.

The Open House is a great way for people of all ages to celebrate spring's arrival. Families, friends, scout troops, church groups, fishing clubs and anyone else who enjoys the outdoors are encouraged to spend a day at this event!

2017 Pequest Open House and Sportsmen's Flea Market June 3-4

The free 2017 Pequest Open House and Sportsmen's Flea Market was rescheduled from April due to excessive snow cover and the resulting poor condition of the grounds at the Pequest Trout Hatchery, will be held June 3 and 4.

The new date coincides with National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs from June 3 – 11, and the June 10 Free Fishing Day.

Each year the Center opens its doors to the public for the annual Open House. Usually the Open House takes place the weekend before Trout Season opens. The Pequest Trout Hatchery is located in Oxford, Warren County and is free of charge all year to visit.  The Open House is held rain or shine.

Trout tank display

This event is great for people of all ages and there are many things to see and do throughout the day. The Open House allows the Division of Fish and Wildlife to show off the trout raised at the state-of-the-art facility.

Each year, thousands of people come to the hatchery to experience this event for themselves. And each year, the Division of Fish and Wildlife strives to make this a bigger event than the year before. This year is no different, and instead of just focusing on fish, we will be inviting many different outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists to join us in our celebrations.

There will be numerous environmental and conservation exhibits, historical reenactors, wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists with goods and services to sell.

Activities include fishing for kids between the ages of 4 and 16, archery ranges for those aged 10 years and above, hunter education (pre-registration required), kids' coloring corner and more.

A sportsmen's flea market will be open so you can purchase what you need to get started or to stock up for the upcoming fishing and hunting seasons.

Sportsmen's Flea Market

Food vendors will also participate or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy our picnic groves. Please leave pets at home - only service dogs are permitted on site.

The Open House is a great way for people of all ages to celebrate spring's arrival. Families, friends, scout troops, church groups, fishing clubs and anyone else who enjoys the outdoors are encouraged to spend a day at this event!

Opening Day of NJ Trout Season April 8

More than 180,000 freshly stocked rainbow trout will be awaiting anglers when they cast their lines on the opening day of trout season this Saturday, April 8, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.

More than 100,000 anglers statewide are expected to take part as the season officially gets under way at 8 a.m. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are available online and at license agents across the state. For the online license and stamp application, a list of licensed agents, and the in-season stocking schedule, visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spring.htm

Opening day will be marked by ceremonial first casting of lines by military veterans at the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford, Warren County. Some 100 veterans are expected to attend. Veterans and active military personnel will help kick off the official opening of trout season when they cast into the Pequest Trout Hatchery’s Fishing Education Pond in a special DEP event. Participants will include members of Project Healing Waters and a local Wounded Warriors chapter, as well as veterans and active duty military personnel to kick off the season at 8 a.m.

“Each year Pequest welcomes anglers from a different community to celebrate opening day of trout season,” said Richard Boornazian, DEP’s Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources. “The DEP and the Division of Fish and Wildlife are proud to have some of our nation’s heroes make the ceremonial first casts of the season.”

The Division of Fish and Wildlife has been busily stocking waterways with 180,000 rainbow trout raised at the Pequest Trout Hatchery. In total, some 570,000 hatchery-raised trout will be released in 200 streams, rivers, lakes and ponds throughout the state by the end of May.
Most of the released trout will average 10½ inches long, but large breeders measuring 15 inches to 21 inches and weighing up to 5 pounds will also be distributed in the early weeks of the season.

“New Jersey offers some of the best trout fishing on the East Coast, and has one of the best trout stocking programs found anywhere,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Larry Herrighty. “We are looking forward to another great spring.”

General information regarding trout fishing in New Jersey: www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm

SOURCE: http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2017/17_0028.htm

Pequest Open House Rescheduled to June

Due to excessive snow cover and resulting poor condition of the grounds at the Pequest Trout Hatchery, the Open House originally scheduled for April 1 and 2 has been rescheduled to June 3 and 4. 

The new date will coincide with National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs from June 3 – 11, and the June 10 Free Fishing Day.

For information and updates visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqoh.htm on the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website.

Visiting the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Education Center

If you missed the spring Open House at the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford, NJ, or have never been there, you have plenty of opportunities this summer.

Some people only know Pequest for its state-of-the-art techniques and procedures to produce some 700,000 trout each year for stocking in nearly 200 ponds, streams and lakes throughout New Jersey. But the Pequest facility includes a Natural Resource Education Center for environmental education.

If you visit, you can learn about trout and how they are raised. You can also use the 5,000 acres of state Wildlife Management Area land that surrounds the hatchery for recreational opportunities such as hiking, hunting and bird watching - and fishing opportunities abound in the nearby Pequest River and with programs held at the education pond.

Pequest is open for visitation year-round (hours vary seasonally). The best time to see the hatchery area is  is October through May when all areas of the facility are in operation (May through September, the nursery building is not in use). But the staff and volunteers at Pequest are fully engaged with teaching visitors about a variety of natural resource topics - from fishing to forestry - with the goal that visitors will develop the behaviors and skills necessary to become stewards of wildlife and natural resources.

Educational programs are scheduled year round for groups of all ages.

Upcoming programs for July at Pequest include:

First Saturday Hike
Saturday, July 2 9:00 a.m.

The Fundamentals of Earthworms & Waste Reduction
Saturday, July 9  10:00 a.m.

Vermiculture: The Art & Science of Home-Composting
Sunday, July 10  10:00 a.m.

Family Fishing Basics
Tuesday, July 12  10:30 a.m.

Fly Fishing with Dry Flies
Saturday, July 16  10:00 a.m.

Family Fishing Basics
Saturday, July 16  10:30 a.m.

World of Amphibians
Saturday, July 23  2:00 p.m.

Coldwater Conservation School Day
Sunday, July 24  9:00 a.m.

Family Fishing Basics
Wednesday, July 27
10:30 a.m.

Woodland Animal Tracks
Sunday, July 31  11:00 a.m.

See the detailed schedule and information on registering at www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/budding.htm

For more information on the Pequest Trout Hatchery, visit: www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pequest.htm

Programs and Events at the Pequest Trout Hatchery

The Pequest Trout Hatchery is open seven days a week through October. Take a self-guided tour of the hatchery facility, explore the outdoors on the trails or enjoy for a FREE program! Guided trail hikes, beginner fishing classes, fly fishing classes, bird walks and talks, fish talks and amphibian programs - there's something for everyone! All programs require registration.

 Look what is scheduled so far for May.

First Saturday Hike
Saturday, May 7
9:00 a.m.
Join Wildlife Conservation Corps member and member of the NJ Woodland Stewards Program, John Hooven in a two-mile guided hike on our trail system. Explore animal tracks and evidence and immerse yourself in a variety of different habitats as you explore the Pequest Wildlife Management Area. Open to anyone able to walk 2 miles on moderate trails.

First Saturday Hike
Saturday, May 7
12:00 p.m.
Join Wildlife Conservation Corps member and member of the NJ Woodland Stewards Program, John Hooven in a two-mile guided hike on our trail system. Explore animal tracks and evidence and immerse yourself in a variety of different habitats as you explore the Pequest Wildlife Management Area. Open to anyone able to walk 2 miles on moderate trails.

Take Mom Fishing
Saturday, May 7
10:30 a.m.
Help mom learn the basics of fishing in this hands-on session. Topics will include fish biology and identification, casting techniques, equipment, knot tying and more. Discussions will be followed by an actual trout fishing experience in our Education Pond. This program is geared for ages 8 years and above. Younger children are welcome to participate with direct adult assistance. All equipment is provided for the program. You supply the nightcrawlers. We recommend that at least one adult per family has a fishing license, so come a few minutes early and buy yours at the front desk when you sign in.

Hunter Education
Saturday, May 14
8:00 a.m.
Beat the fall rush and get ready for hunting by taking your Hunter Education class at the hatchery. You must have your completed homework with you at the class and be pre-registered. To register for your class go to www.nj.wildlifelicense.com. After you pass the class, stop by the front desk and buy your hunting license. Youth hunting licenses are free!

Fly Fishing with Streamers
Saturday, May 14
10:00 a.m.
In this course, Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteers Pierre Benoist and Jim Flatley will discuss reading a trout stream, basic knots, fishing streamers and a review of streamer patterns. After the morning discussion, students will get to test their new knowledge on the Education Pond. This program is the second in a series of seven fly fishing/tying classes. Students completing all seven classes will receive a course completion certificate. Those unable to attend all sessions or not wishing to earn a certificate may pick and choose the classes to attend. Students should bring their own equipment if available. Open to anyone 10 years old and above.

All About Bluebirds
Saturday, May 21
1:00 p.m.
Join us and get the scoop on bluebirds! Volunteer Leo Hollein will present his fabulous slide show with fun facts and cool info! Program includes a walk to check out nest boxes! This presentation will cover all aspects of bluebird breeding as well as discussing their nest box competitors and predators. Open to all ages.

Leo is a long time member of NJ Audubon and The Friends of the Great Swamp. He has authored several articles on bluebirds for NJ Audubon magazine and for over 10 years he has coordinated the monitoring of the 140 box bluebird trail in the Great Swamp.

Warbler Walk
Saturday, May 28
9:30 a.m.
Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteer and member of the NJ Bluebird Society, Frank Budney, will lead this discussion and walk as you roam the grounds searching out warblers. Discussion will include why warblers migrate and where they go and where they are from. You will learn to look at distinguishing marks that will help you identify birds in the field and their habitat requirements. Please bring binoculars and a birding field guide if you have one. Open to anyone aged 10 years and above.

Sturgeon
Saturday, May 28
1:00 p.m.
Division employee, Russ Dodge will lead this program on sturgeon. Russ will cover the unique physical and living characteristics of sturgeon and paddlefish, as well as the commercial value of sturgeon (caviar). Most sturgeon species in the US closed to commercial and recreational fishing. Open to all ages.

World of Amphibians
Sunday, May 29
2:00 p.m.
Join us as we learn about the world of amphibians. In this program for adults young and old, we will discover where amphibians came from, how they grow up, and their importance in the ecosystem. Amphibians were some of the first animals in history to move onto land, but they still rely on water for major parts of their life cycle. They are key species in their environments not only because they eat bugs and are eaten by top predators, but they also tell us how healthy their environment is. Then, once we learn all of these amazing things about amphibians, we'll go meet some in person at Pequest's own muck pond! Please bring nets if you have them and boots that can get wet.

Presented by Allegra Mitchell, Wildlife Conservation Corps. Allegra completed a Bachelor's degree in Conservation Biology and a Master's degree in Biology at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her Master's degree work on amphibian locomotor performance as it relates to habitat preference is being published in the scientific journal, Functional Ecology. She has led and assisted in multiple research projects on herpetofauna and other groups of species, both domestically and abroad. Allegra also educated her fellow students in herpetology as a teaching assistant at her university. She now shares her knowledge of amphibians through symposia presentations and through volunteering with educational programs in her home state of New Jersey. She is passionate about amphibian conservation and carries this mission with her as she begins her career in wildlife biology.

For the full program schedule visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/budding.htm

Pequest Open House This Weekend

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold its annual Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center Open House this weekend on April 2 and 3, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily. Admission and parking are free.

The Open House has become a rite of spring for many freshwater anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, offering outdoor activities that are both fun and educational.  The event is held annually prior to the opening day of trout season, which falls on April 9 this year.

The event will feature archery and BB gun ranges, conservation exhibits and a giant mobile fishing tank loaded with monster trout and warm-water game fish from the Hackettstown and Pequest fish hatcheries. Children 4-16 will also be able to try their hand at fishing in the Kiddie Trout Tank and Fishing Education Pond, and a Sportsmen’s Flea Market will offer deals on fishing and hunting equipment, and other outdoor gear.

For more information about the event, including the full schedule of activities, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqoh.htm