Forestry fest set for Oct. 7

JACKSON - On Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the state Department of Envi-ronmental Protection (DEP) will host the 12th annual Fall Forestry Festival rain or shine at the Forest Resource Educa-tion Center, Don Connor Boulevard.

Scouts, families and groups of all ages will have a chance to enjoy activities and environmental education opportunities.

The festival features more than 30 exhibits, 10 guided hikes and programs, crafts such as pumpkin painting and birdhouse building, hayrides through the pinelands, and many more nature themed activities. Scout groups may attend to fulfill badge requirements.

This year, the festival also inaugurates the new Passport to Adventure program. The passport is a way for children to discover the culture, history and natural wonders in New Jersey's state parks, forests and historic sites. While at the festival, be sure to ask for an official passport book and sticker.

There is free admission and parking. Food will be available for purchase. For more information call Forest Resource Education Center at (732) 928-2360.

The Forest Resource Education Center, operated by the DEP's New Jer-sey Forest Service, is committed to providing conservation education programs that promote benefits of trees and forest stewardship to all age groups at no cost. The center is on 660 acres in Jackson. The New Jersey Forest Tree Nursery uses 45 acres of the site to grow 300,000 seedlings yearly for reforestation across the state.

Details: www.state.nj.us/dep/

parksandforests/forest.