The Sierra Group contributing each outing is shown at the end of the write-up.
Contact Information and Notes.

Outing Leaders: Please send July-September 2013 write-ups to your Group Outings Coordinator (or, if you don't associate yourself with a single Group, directly to Ellen Blumenkrantz, the Chapter Outings Chair) before May 4. If you are planning to lead an outing close to the beginning of one of our quarterly publication periods, please submit it for the previous Sierran, due to the occasional lag in mailing. Also, please send outing rosters or sign-up sheets to the Chapter Office as soon as possible after each outing. Note: Group Outings Coordinators: Please submit your July-September trip write-ups by May 8.

MARCH

Mar 9 (Sat):

Abbott Marshlands Cleanup (Mercer Co). 9am-Noon. Spring Lake area. Bring gloves if you have them, water to drink; wear long sleeves, long pants, and boots. Meet at Spring Lake - Roebling Park (end of Sewell Ave., Hamilton). Contact: Bob Sokol, robert.sokol435@gmail.com, 609-918-1149. (Cosponsors with Friends for the Marsh: Central Jersey Sierra Group, Mercer County Parks, D&R Greenway Land Trust). (C)

Mar 9 (Sat):

On-Water Canoe/Kayak Cleanup on the Abbot Marshlands (Mercer Co). 9am. Bring your kayak or canoe and help us clean-up the Marsh in the Watson Woods area for 2-3 hours. We’ll have OJ, muffins and donuts to begin the morning. Bring gloves and be prepared to get “dirty”! The Marsh is part of the Delaware River Watershed and the NJ Sierra Club’s Water Sentinels commitment to the watershed. We’ll have garbage bags. Rain or shine. Meet at Watson Woods - Roebling Park, 151 Westcott Ave. Contact leaders to confirm participation. George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Mar 9 (Sat):

Osio Rock and Stone Living Room Hike, Bloomingdale (Passaic Co). 10am. Strenuous hike with climbing; rugged, with rock and boulders; 7 miles in 5 hours. No pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Registration required: e-mail the Leader: Jimi Oleksiak (The_Hikist@Mac.com) if you haven't hiked with him before, including a brief description of your hiking experience. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via e-mail to all who register. www.localhikes.com/Hikes/OsioRock_5602.asp

Mar 10 (Sun):

Hike at Turkey Swamp Park (Monmouth Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy pace. This is our 4th annual Daylight Savings Time hike at Turkey Swamp Park. This wooded Park is 2,173 acres with miles of trails. Park information and directions: www.monmouthcountyparks.com/. Turn into the Main Entrance - 200 Georgia Road, Freehold - drive to the Oak Point picnic area parking lot. Bring lunch and beverage. Leashed dogs are welcome! Leona and George F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (W)

Mar 16 (Sat):

Hike Apple Pie Hill in the NJ Pine Barrens, Wharton State Forest (Burlington Co). 10am. Hike at a moderate pace, approximately, 8 miles past Tea Time Hill to Apple Pie Hill. The terrain varies with small streams and bogs. Dress in layers for cold and windy weather. Bring lunch, water, and pie. Snow or inclement weather cancels. Experienced hikers only and hikers should pre-register with the leaders no later than the Friday prior to the hike. Meet at the Carranza Memorial parking lot on Carranza Road. Directions: from Rte 70 Red Lion Circle take Rte 206 south 1 mile and turn left onto Carranza Rd, drive approximately 9 miles and the parking lot is on the right just before the road turns into a dirt road. Leaders: Beth Compagnucci: 609-533-1335, bethcompagnucci@gmail.com, and Paul Foged: 732-996-1406, hikerpaul@verizon.net. (W)

Mar 16 (Sat):

Lewis Morris Park (Morris Co). 10am. We will start at Sunrise Lake, then hike to the parking upper lot and back down to the lake using a combination of the Yellow and Red trails. The pace will be a moderate to slow one. See the Morris County Parks Commission website www.morrisparks.org/aspparks/lmdir.asp for directions. Bring lots of water, lunch, and wear hiking boots. Meet in parking lot. Inclement weather cancels. Proper footgear required (sabilicers, crampons or snowshoes) if appropriate for the conditions. No pets please. Leader: Jeffrey Sovelove: Hiker_Dood@yahoo.com . Joint ADK/Sierra Club hike.

Mar 17 (Sun):

Manasquan River Reservoir, Monmouth Co. ( Special Interest: birds) 9am. Enjoy an easy 5-mile circular hike on one of the largest reservoirs in the area. We may observe water fowl. Bring snacks, drinks, bird books or binoculars. Hiking shoes are not required. This is a great family hike. Meet at the main entrance to the reservoir on Windeller Rd. Take the GSP to exit 98. Head west on I-195 to exit 28 (Rte 9). Go north on Rte 9. Make first right onto Windeller Rd. The main entrance is 1.5 miles on your left. Meet in the parking area at the far left toward the back. Bad weather (including snow cover) cancels. Confirmation/questions please call or text. Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com. (JS)

Mar 17 (Sun):

St. Patrick’s Day Hike at the NJAS Plainsboro Preserve (Mercer/Middlesex Cos). 10pm. 4-5 miles, easy pace. Wear Your Green! The Preserve has wildlife exhibits, a reference library and the Nature Store is a great source for field guides, optics, etc. Dogs are not permitted. Bring water and snacks. Directions: www.njaudubon.org/Centers/Plainsboro/. Option for lunch at a local restaurant after the hike. Co-leaders: Leona F: 609-259-3734, leona@pineypaddlers.com, and Joanne P: jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com. (C)

Mar 20 (Wed):

Bicycle Ride - Celebrate the Vernal Equinox at Mercer County Park. 10am. 12 miles, easy pace. Welcome spring with a bicycle ride on macadam trails with views of Lake Mercer. Bring lunch and beverage. Helmets must be worn. Meet at the Marina parking lot, 334 South Post Rd. Leaders: George & Leona F. 609-259-3734, or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Mar 21 (Thu):

Canoe/Kayak Crosswicks Creek/ Abbott Marshlands (Burlington/Mercer Cos). 9am. Our 8-mile round trip with the tide begins on the Crosswicks Creek in Bordentown. Bring binoculars to see returning waterfowl, Red-tailed Hawks and maybe Bald Eagles on our float to Roebling Park. After lunch, an optional walk around Spring Lake before returning to B’town. Bring lunch and beverage. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park St. Rental boats are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)\

Mar 23 (Sat):

Hook Mountain Hike (Rockland Co, NY). 10:30 am. 7 miles, with excellent views of the Hudson River and Croton Point. Meet in the Rockland Lake South Parking Lot near the entrance booth. Rockland Lake is in Congers, NY, off Rte 9W. Bring lunch, hiking boots, and water. Adverse conditions will alter the route. Leader: John P. Jurasek, 845-519-4247 (no calls after 10pm), or Jurasek@optonline.net. (ACOC)

Mar 30 (Sat):

Roam Rancocas State Park. (Burlington Co). 10am. 5 miles. Moderate hiking pace. See why this area is called Mt. Holly as we hike among the many hollies and view the meandering Rancocas Creek typically obscured by foliage. Follow gentle trails through a 50-yr-old grove of Douglas fir and lovely upland and lowland hardwood forests. Bring water, lunch and snacks to enjoy at look outs. Trail may be muddy in spots; wear appropriate footwear. Heavy rain cancels. Maximum 12 participants. Preregistration required. Leader: Terry Stimpfel terystimb@hotmail.com or 609-731-7016. (C)

Mar 31 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak Trip on the D&R Canal (Mercer Co). 10am. We’ll be looking for the “Easter Bunny” on our 10-mile trip from Firemen’s Eddy to Lower Ferry Rd. Wear your “bunny ears”! Lunch break will be at Washington Crossing Park – bring lunch and beverage. There are 2 portages; bring portage wheels if you have them. Contact leaders to confirm trip. Rentals are not available. George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com. (C)

Sept 8-13 or Sept 15-20 (Sun-Fri):

September in Western Maine! Location: Bald Mountain Camps, Oquossoc, Me. This is an historic sporting camp located on pristine Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Many activity options, excellent food and a comfortable warm environment provide relaxation and fun. Internet access available. Outing includes: hiking the AT, guided kayaking or canoeing pristine lakes and rivers with our host and Registered Maine Guide, Steve Philbrick. Log cabins with fireplace, wood, bath, linens, porch, breakfasts and dinners in the lodge dining room, sack lunches for the trail. $1273 per person. For more information contact leader: Judy Norcross (609) 288-6737 or jsnorcross@aol.com. (W)

APRIL

Apr 1 (Mon):

Hike at Estell Manor Park (Atlantic Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy pace. This is the Atlantic County Park System's most popular park and covers about 1,700 acres. After the Native Americans, the land was owned by the Estell family and was the site of a glassworks in the 1800's, then the Bethlehem Loading Co. - a naval munitions plant during World War I. The NJ DEP has recently preserved more than 5,000 acres of adjacent land, linking three DEP WMA's. Bring lunch and beverage. Leashed dogs welcome. Meet at the Warren E. Fox Nature Center. Rain cancels. Leaders: George & Leona F. 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W) Apr 3 (Wed): Canoe/Kayak the Wading River (Burlington Co). 10am. The river section we paddle will depend on weather conditions. Contact leaders to confirm trip. Experienced Pines paddlers only. Rentals are not available. George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W) Apr 5 (Fri): Canoe/Kayak the Rancocas Creek (Burlington Co). 10am. The section we paddle will depend on weather conditions. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Apr 6 (Sat):

Six Mile Run, Blackwell's Mills Hike (Somerset Co). 9:30 am. Approximately 8 miles, mostly flat terrain with stream crossings. Meet at the Old Park Headquarters on Canal Road, opposite and immediately before the Blackwell's Mills Causeway in Franklin Township, Somerset County, 598 Canal Road, Somerset 08873. Bring lunch and water. There are no restrooms and rain cancels the trip. Leaders: Paul Foged, hikerpaul@verizon.net - Cell: 732-996- 1406 and Beth Compagnucci, bethcompagnucci@gmail.com - Cell: 609-533-1335. (W)

April 6 (Sat):

Pyramid Mountain (Morris Co). 10am. This will be a 4-5 mile loop hike past Tripod Rock using a variety of trails. Hiking boots are a MUST! There is quite a bit of elevation change and significant climbing. See the Morris County Parks web site: www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/pyrmtnmain.asp for directions and info. Bring lots of water and a light snack. Meet in the Pyramid Mountain Visitor's Center parking lot. Inclement weather cancels. Leader: Jeffrey Sovelove: Hiker_Dood@yahoo.com. Joint ADK/ Sierra Club hike. TC Map 125. (SNG)

Apr 7 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Abbott Marshlands (Mercer Co). 11am. Our trip with the tide begins on the Crosswicks Creek in Bordentown. We paddle to Watson Woods in Roebling Park where we have lunch. Walk around Spring Lake and see the Mute Swans before returning to Bordentown. Bring lunch and beverage. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park St. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. George & Leona F. 609-259- 3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Apr 13 (Sat):

Hike at Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy pace. The Park is now the most visited site in the Monmouth County Park System. There is a Visitor Center and an Environmental Center. This is a nice family hike on the scenic Perimeter Trail. Meet at 311 Windeler Road, Howell 07731. Directions: www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=2531. Bring lunch and water. Rain cancels. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Apr 13 (Sat):

Jennings Hollow Hike in The Wanaque WMA (Passaic County) 10am. www.nynjtc.org/park/wanaque-wildlife-management-area. Difficulty: Strenuous; pathway conditions: mostly dirt with some rocks. The hike will cover 7 miles in 4 hours in hilly terrain. Featuring exciting brook crossings and Big Beach Mountain. No pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Leader: Jimi Oleksiak: the_hikist@mac.com. If you haven't hiked with The Hikist before, include a brief description of your hiking experience with your registration. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. newjersey.sierraclub.org/nj_calendar.asp (SNG)

Apr 14 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek (Ocean Co). 9am. Our trip is 10 miles from Dover Forge to Dudley Park. Expect downfalls and portages; experienced Pines paddlers only. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. George & Leona F, 609-259- 3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Apr 20 (Sat):

Earth Day Cleanup at Mercer County Park (Mercer Co). 10am-Noon. Join us at Mercer County Park and participate in Sierra Club's Water Sentinels Earth Day Cleanup to protect the Delaware River Watershed. Bring your children - we'll learn about water quality as Jade Greene, Watershed Ambassador, does a stream assessment and identifies the macroinvertebrates. We'll pick up litter and trash along the lake, macadam and woods trails. Meet at the upper Boat Marina parking lot; accessible from Hughes Drive or Edinburg Road. Trash bags will be provided. Rain or shine!! H2O Sierra Club t-shirts for all participants! Bring lunch and beverage. Please contact leader to register. Co-Leaders: Joanne Pannone jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com, and Leona F Leona@pineypaddlers.com, or 609-259-3734. (C)

Apr 20 (Sat):

Social Hike in the Delaware Water Gap (Warren Co). 10am. We will hike about 4 miles at a moderate pace on the Kittatinny Ridge. Hiking boots are required and participants should be in good condition. Meet at the Appalachian Trail parking lot on I-80 West. Take I-80 West past Exit 4 and look carefully for the Rest Area sign. Leave I-80 at the Rest Area exit; however, continue down the exit ramp to the Dunnfield Creek/Appalachian Trail parking lot. Rain cancels. Leader: Joyce White: 212-518-1653, or joyce00201@yahoo.com (SK)

Apr 21 (Sun):

Earth Day D&R Canal Canoe/Kayak Cleanup (Mercer Co). 9am. The D&R Canal section from Cherry Tree Lane to Kingston always needs our support and attention. In addition to being an important water resource for residents of NJ, the D&R Canal State Park is a wonderful recreational corridor. This water cleanup is part of the Sierra Club Water Sentinels Program to protect the Delaware River Watershed. H2O Sierra Club t-shirts for all participants! Bring lunch and beverage. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm meeting location. George & Leona F. 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Apr 26 (Fri):

Arbor Day Hike at Perrineville Lake Park (Monmouth Co). 10am. 5 miles, easy pace. Leashed dogs are welcome! Beautiful woodlands, natural fields and a picturesque lake meet here in the heart of quiet Millstone. Bring snack and beverage. Meet at 23 Agress Rd, Millstone, parking lot. Check website www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2550 Option, late lunch at Albivi Restaurant. Rain cancels. Leaders: Leona and George F. 609-259- 3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Apr 27 (Sat):

Blauvelt Parks: Piermont-South Nyack (Rockland Co, NY). 10:15 am. Strenuous 10 miles. Visit Rockland Cemetery, an old Nike base and an abandoned National Guard rifle range. 2 quarts water. Hiking boots. Take Rte 9W to Piermont NY. Meet in front of 450 Piermont Ave. (building with mural). LP out. Return via rail trail. Leader John P. Jurasek: 845-519-4247 (no calls past 10pm) or Jurasek@optonline.net. (ACOC)

Apr 27 (Sat):

Bicycle Ride at Duke Farms (Somerset Co). 10am. Leisurely pace; about 12 miles on paved and gravel trails with stops along the way to view the different habitats. Duke Farms serves as a model of environmental stewardship in the 21st century. Meet at the Orientation Center. We'll have lunch at the Farm Barn Cafe. Directions: www.dukefarms.org/ Rain cancels. Bicycle helmets are required. George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Apr 28 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River and Tour Lambertville's 32nd Annual Shad Festival (Hunterdon Co). 9:30 am. We'll paddle 8 miles on the Delaware River - takeout in Lambertville, walk around town, check out the arts & crafts, etc. We'll have lunch at the Food Court - everything from taco salads to fried Calamari! Paddling helmets required for all paddlers; spray skirts recommended for kayakers. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and meeting location. Trip is open to current Sierra Club members only. George & Leona F 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

MAY

May 1 (Wed):

Celebrate May Day with a Canoe/Kayak Trip on the Great Egg Harbor River (Atlantic Co). 10am. We'll paddle 7 miles from Weymouth Furnace to Lake Lenape. Meet at the Harley Dawn Diner - arrive early for breakfast. Bring lunch and beverage. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. George & Leona F, 609-259- 3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

May 4 (Sat):

Baldpate Mountain Hike (Mercer Co). 9:30 am. 7-8 miles, moderate pace. This is a loop hike. The hike site is located about two miles from Washington Crossing State Park in NJ and is the highest point in Mercer County. Take Rte 29 north to the light at the entrance to Washington Crossing State Park. Continue on Rte 29 and turn right onto Fiddler's Creek Road. The main entrance to the park is located on the left. Bring lunch and water. There are no restrooms and rain cancels the trip. Leaders: Paul Foged: hikerpaul@verizon.net - Cell: 732- 996-1406 and Beth Compagnucci: 609-533-1335, bethcompagnucci@gmail.com. (W)

May 4 (Sat):

Cooper River Park - Canoe/Kayak Cleanup (Camden Co). 10am. Join the NJ Sierra Club Water Sentinels to protect the Delaware River Watershed. Participate with Sierra, Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN), Food & Water Watch (FWW) and UrbanPromise on a water and land cleanup in Cooper River Park. Learn about hydraulic fracturing (or fracking) and what you can do to support a ban on fracking. Participants in the river cleanup must have their own boats - rentals are not available. Life vests must be worn. Bring lunch and water. Contact leaders to register and for meeting location: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W) May 4 (Sat): Turtleback Rock, South Mountain Reservation (Essex Co). 10am. We will start at Turtleback Rock trailhead. See the Essex County Parks Commission web site: www.essex-countynj.org/p/index.php?section=parks/sites/so for directions. Bring lots of water, and wear hiking boots. We will take the orange trail down to Hemlock Falls and also see the famous Turtleback Rock. Heavy/steady rain cancels. Leader: Jeffrey Sovelove: Hiker_Dood@Yahoo.com. Joint ADK/Sierra Club hike. (SNG)

May 5 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Wading River (Burlington Co). 9am. Viva the Fifth of May! Our annual paddle is 10 miles from Hawkin Bridge to Beaver Branch. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Mick's Canoe and Kayak Rental: 800-281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com/ Meet at Hawkin Bridge. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

May 9 (Thurs):

Canoe/Kayak the N. Branch Rancocas Creek (Burlington Co). 9am. Enjoy a 14-mile spring paddle on the N. Branch Rancocas Water Trail from BCCC to Mount Holly. Learn about the "pony truss bridge"! Meet at the Vincentown Diner - arrive early for breakfast. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F. 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

May 11 (Sat):

Hike the Columbia Trail - The Search for Gnome Homes (Hunterdon Co). 10am. 6 miles, easy pace. New Jersey Monthly magazine has called Ken Lockwood Gorge one of the "Ten Most Beautiful Places in New Jersey." A visit in May is a must! With its steep slopes, huge boulders, impressive rapids and northern hemlocks, Ken Lockwood has long been a famous and much-loved site to birders and outdoor enthusiasts. Bring lunch, snacks and beverage. Meet at the Commons Park, 79 Main St, High Bridge. Rain cancels. Leaders: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

May 11 (Sat):

The Manors Hike in Ringwood State Park (Passaic Co). 10am. www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ringwood.html Difficulty: moderate to strenuous; 7 miles in 4 hours. Featuring views of Ringwood and Skylands Manors, and Shepard Lake. No pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Leader: Jimi Oleksiak: the_hikist@mac.com. If you haven't hiked with The Hikist before, include a brief description of your hiking experience with your registration. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. newjersey.sierraclub.org/nj_calendar.asp (SNG)

May 12 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Tidal Raritan River (Middlesex Co). 9am. Our trip is about 16 miles from New Brunswick to Perth Amboy. This trip is for experienced paddlers; expect power boat traffic and boat wakes. Kayaks must be 12ft. or over; bring spray skirts. Bring lunch, snacks and water. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Trip is open to current Sierra Club members only. George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

May 16 (Thur):

Canoe/Kayak the Oswego River with Fortunato (Burlington Co). 10am. This is Fort's favorite Pines stream - join us for a lovely spring trip. Meet at Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Rd. Boats can be rented from Mick's Pine Barrens Rental: 800-281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com/. Contact leaders to confirm participation: George & Leona F. 609- 259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

May 18 (Sat):

Popolopen Gorge & Fort Montgomery (Rockland Co, NY). 10:15 am Strenuous 7 miles. Hike from Bear Mtn. Inn through the gorge and up the Torne, past Ft. Montgomery and Bear Mtn. Zoo. The climb on the Torne is steep and requires agility. Water, lunch, hiking boots required. Steady rain or threat of thunder showers cancels. Meet at Bear Mtn. Inn. Parking at the Inn is $8. Leader: John P. Jurasek: 845-519-4247 (no calls past 10pm), or Jurasek@optonline.net. (ACOC)

May 18 (Sat):

Social Hike in Jenny Jump State Forest (Warren Co). 10am. About 5 miles of hills & level terrain at a moderate pace. Highlights include panoramic vistas of the Highlands. Hiking boots are preferred and participants should be in good condition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meet at the parking lot left of the park office. Take I-80 West to Exit 12 (Rte 521 - Hope). From the off-ramp go left on Rte 521 (under I-80) for 1.2 miles. Turn left at the light in Hope (there is only one). Then take the first right turn on Great Meadows-Hope Rd. Travel 2.4 miles to Fair View Rd. Turn left on Fair View Rd. Follow 1.7 miles to the park office entrance on right. (Turn right at the Jenny Jump State Forest sign) Rain cancels. Leader: Joyce White: 212-518-1653, e-mail joyce00201@yahoo.com (SK)

May 18 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek (Ocean Co). 9am. Double Trouble State Park was established in 1964 to help protect the Cedar Creek watershed and now features over 8,000 acres of Pine Barrens habitats. Our trip is 7 miles from Ore Pond to Dudley Park. Meet at Double Trouble Park Headquarters. Boats can be rented from Cedar Creek Campgrounds: www.cedarcreeknj.com/ or 732-269-1413. Contact leaders to confirm trip and meeting time: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

May 21 (Tues):

Canoe/Kayak the Abbott Marshlands (Burlington/Mercer Co). 10am. Our trip with the tide begins on the Crosswicks Creek in Bordentown. We paddle to Watson Woods in Roebling Park where we have lunch. Option: walk around Spring Lake and see the Mute Swans before returning to Bordentown. Bring lunch and beverage. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park St. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F. 609-259- 3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

May 25 (Sat):

Canoe/Kayak with your Pooch on the Wading River (Burlington Co). 9am. Fortunato invites his" cousins" and dog lovers as we paddle 10 miles from Hawkin Bridge to Beaver Branch. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Mick's Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental: 800-281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F. 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

May 27 (Mon):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River (Mercer/Hunterdon Cos). 10am. We'll paddle 15 miles from Kingwood Access to Lambertville. Lunch break at the Famous River Hot Dog Man's Restaurant; bring or buy lunch. Paddling helmets required for all paddlers; spray skirts recommended for kayakers. Rentals are not available. Trip is open to current Sierra Club members only. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F: 609-259- 3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

JUNE

Jun 1 (Sat):

Sourland Mountain Preserve Hike (Somerset Co). 9:30 am. 5 miles at a moderate pace. Hike in the shade on Ridge Trail - rocky terrain in some areas. Meet in the parking area off of East Mountain Rd. Bring lunch/snack and water. There are no restrooms and rain cancels the trip. Leaders: Paul Foged: hikerpaul@verizon.net - Cell: 732-996-1406 and Beth Compagnucci: 609-533-1335, bethcompagnucci@gmail.com. (W)

Jun 2 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Great Egg Harbor River (Atlantic Co). 9am. Enjoy a 10-mile paddle on the "egg" from Penny Pot to Weymouth Furnace. Met at the Harley Dawn Diner - arrive early for breakfast. Rentals are available from Palace Restaurant and Outfitters: 609-625- 8552 or www.thepalaceoutfitters.com. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Jun 6 (Thur):

Canoe/Kayak the Oswego River (Burlington Co). 10am. We'll see carnivorous pitcher plants and bladderworts during our 8-mile trip from Lake Oswego to Harrisville Lake. Meet at Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Rd. Bring lunch and water. Boats can be rented from Mick's Pine Barrens Rental: 800-281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com/. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F. 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Jun 8 (Sat):

Island Pond Hike, Harriman State Park (Rockland Co, NY). 10am. nysparks.com/parks/145/details.aspx Featuring views on exposed rock areas and views of Island Pond. Difficulty: moderate to strenuous; distance: 7 miles in 5 hours. No pets. Hiking boots and a day-pack with water required. Bring a lunch. Swim suits are optional. Leader: Jimi Oleksiak: The_Hikist@mac.com. Registration required: if you haven't hiked with The Hikist before, include a brief description of your hiking experience with your registration. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. newjersey.sierraclub.org/nj_calendar.asp (SNG)

June 8 (Sat):

Sterling Forest Bare Rock Vista (Orange Co, NY). 10am. Meet at the Visitors' Center. We'll climb to the Sterling Forest Fire Tower then to the Bare Rock Vista for lunch. After lunch, we'll return to the Visitor's Center back down the Bare Rock Trail. See the Sterling Forest web site for information and directions: nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/74/details.aspx. Inclement weather cancels. Leader: Jeffrey Sovelove: Hiker_Dood@yahoo.com. Joint ADK/Sierra Club hike. TC map 100. (SNG) Jun 9 (Sun): Canoeing/Kayaking Skills Refresher on Lake Oswego (Burlington Co). 9am. New and beginning paddlers are welcome. Knowledgeable paddlers from the Sierra Club will share information about equipment, safety practices, self-rescue, paddling techniques and efficiencies. We'll practice on the lake during the day. Boats can be rented from Mick's Canoe and Kayak Rental: 800-281-1380 or www.mickscanoerental.com/. Bring lunch, snacks and water. Contact leaders to confirm your participation: George & Leona F: 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Jun 14 (Fri):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River (Hunterdon/Mercer Cos). 9:30 am. Celebrate Flag Day! This is a 15-mile paddle from Frenchtown to Lambertville. Helmets required for all paddlers; spray skirts recommended for kayakers. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Trip is open to current Sierra Club members only: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Jun 16 (Sun):

Southern Allaire State Park (Monmouth Co; Special Interest: Geology). 9am. 4.5 mile moderate hike is in the northern fringes of the Pine Barrens. Bring drink and snack. Hiking shoes preferred. Meet at the large dirt parking lot on the right, off Hospital Rd. in Wall Township. Take GPS exit 98, turn right on to Allenwood Rd. At "T" intersection (Ramhorn Rd.) turn right. Make next left (Hospital Rd.); the parking area is approximately 1 mile on the right. Bad Weather Cancels. Confirmation/Questions call or text Leader: Mike Verange: 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com (JS)

Jun 16 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak Cedar Creek on Father's Day (Ocean Co). 9am. Sarah Summerville, director of the Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, will join us on this trip and teach us about NJ's beloved beavers as we paddle 7 miles from Ore Pond to Dudley Park. Meet at Double Trouble Park Headquarters. Boats can be rented from Cedar Creek Campgrounds: www.cedarcreeknj.com/ or 732-269-1413. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Jun 19 (Wed):

Canoe/Kayak the Crosswicks Creek Water Trail (Burlington/Mercer Cos). 10am. This is a 14-mile shuttleless trip with the tide from Bordentown to Anchor Thread Park and back to Bordentown. Few stops. Bring lunch and beverage. Meet at Bordentown Beach, Park St. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation: George & Leona F 609-259-3734 or Leona@pineypaddlers.com (C)

Jun 21 (Fri):

Canoe/Kayak the Mullica River on the Summer Solstice (Burlington Co). 9am. June is a beautiful time of year on the Mullica to enjoy the aquatic flowering plants of the NJ Pinelands. This is a 12-mile trip for experienced Pines paddlers; expect downfalls and portages. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Rentals are not available: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

Jun 22 (Sat):

Social Hike in Hacklebarney State Park (Morris Co). 10am. We will hike about 4 miles on rocky terrain at a moderate pace. Highlights include waterfalls & the Black River Gorge. Hiking boots are preferred and participants should be in good condition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meet at the parking lot of Hacklebarney State Park. Take I-78 to Exit 29 (I-287 North). Then take Exit 22B from I-287 (Rte 202/206 North). Follow Rte 202/206 North until fork, and then take Rte 206 north to Chester. Make left onto Rte 24 West (Rte 513) and proceed about 1 mile and make sharp left onto State Park Road. Drive about 2 miles & make right onto Hacklebarney Road. Drive about 1 mile & make left at entrance. Follow entrance road to parking lot and meet group near the park ranger office. Rain cancels. Leader: Joyce White: 212-518-1653 or e-mail joyce00201@yahoo.com. (SK)

Jun 23 (Sun):

Canoe/Kayak the Delaware River (Hunterdon Co). 10am. We're paddling 8 miles from Frenchtown to Bulls Island; lunch break at the Famous River Hot Dog Man's Restaurant; bring or buy lunch. Helmets required for all paddlers; spray skirts recommended for kayakers. Rentals are not available. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. Trip is open to current Sierra Club members only: George & Leona F, 609-259-3734 or leona@pineypaddlers.com (W)

JULY

Jul 4 (Thu):

Manasquan River Reservoir (Monmouth Co). Special Interest: Birds. 9am. Enjoy an easy 5-mile circular hike on one of the largest reservoirs in the area. We may observe waterfowl. B