A wilderness survival class is among five programs scheduled for the Nature Center at Washington Crossing State Park for April.
All the programs, except for Bike Hike, are set to meet at the Nature Center, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville.
Shelter Building Wilderness Survival is set for 1:30 to 3 p.m. on April 7.
This program, designed for individuals six years old and up, is about the fundamentals of survival when lost in the wild. Participants will construct a weatherproof shelter from native materials.
Pine Board Birdhouses is set for 1 to 2:30 p.m April 13.
At this event, individuals will build a simple nest box that accommodates cavity-nesting backyard birds. Participants should bring their own hammers and a suggested donation of $6 per birdhouse to cover materials.
This program is for six to 11 year old children. Advanced registration required.
Spring Lifestyles of the Local Native Americans is set for 1 p.m. April 20.
Former archivist and researcher with the New Jersey State Museum, Jim Wade, plans to discuss primitive stone tools used by Native Americans in central New Jersey. His lecture will feature the significance and importance of Native American lifestyle during the spring season, focusing on the activities like community fish gathering, hunting and village life.
The program will include a slide presentation and display of Native American artifacts.
Bike Hike for pre-teens through adults is set for 1:30 p.m. April 21.
Participants meet at the Nelson House parking lot for a guided bicycle ride up the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath toward the Lambertville wing dam. The trip is about 13 miles. Participants should bring their own bikes and helmets. Advanced registration required.
Curiosity and the Search for Life on Mars (in 3-D) is set for 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 28.
Scientist and journalist Dr. Ken Kremer will explain the latest discoveries of the Curiosity rover’s expedition across the surface of Mars. During the presentation he will show his clean room and launch pad photographs, 3-D images of the Martian surface, and his new Curiosity photo-mosaics.
Register for these events by calling (609) 737-0609.
Attendance is limited and participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
In the event of inclement weather, some programs might be canceled.
More information is online at nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/washcros.html.
