Behind the Scenes at the Pequest Hatchery (Facebook LIVE, 10/11/17)

• Visit Pequest
• Attend a Free Program
• Schedule a Group Program
• Scout Services Project
• Become a Volunteer
• Join the Freshwater Fishing and Education E-mail Lists
• Operations
• Directions

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.
• 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 https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales.

Pequest is hosting a few small programs that require registration as we head towards reopening. For updates, subscribe to the Education E-mail List.

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March

First Friday Flies
Wooly Worm
March 3, 2023
10:00 am

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 ok you will learn all about it in class.

The March fly will be tying a wooly worm.

For ages 15 and above. To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-flies-tickets-483852986307.

Nature Nurtures
In a Nutshell
March 9, 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 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-nature-nurtures-tickets-483882083337.

Lunch and Learn
Freshwater Mussels of New Jersey
March 21, 2023
12:00 pm

Many folks aren’t aware that in the bottoms of many of our freshwater streams in NJ live a variety of native freshwater mussels who are important parts of our ecosystems and critical to water quality. Unfortunately, this species group is one of the most threatened in the State.

To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-freshwater-mussels-of-new-jersey-tickets-491736877237.

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April

Talkin’ Turkey Seminar
April 1, 2023
1:00 pm – EVENT FULL – REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

First Friday Flies
Mickey Finn
April 6, 2023 *
10:00 am

If you’ve always wanted to learn, now 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 ok you will learn all about it in class.

The April fly will be tying a Mickey Finn.

*Please note that due to the holiday, this program will be held on Thursday, April 6.

For ages 15 and above.

To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-flies-mickey-finn-tickets-590257043707.

Senior Fishing Rodeo
April 11, 2023
10:00 am

Pequest staff is hosting our fifth Senior Fishing Rodeo this year! Are you 65 years of age or older? Join the Pequest staff for a few hours of relaxing outdoor time as we wet our lines in the pond.

Pequest has stairs leading down to the pond edge and a wheelchair accessible platform for those who can’t use the stairs.

Whether you used to fish and just haven’t gotten out in a while, have a hard time finding good access that works for you or want to get back into it, we’d love to have you join us.

For ages 65 and above.

To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/senior-fishing-rodeo-registration-590383632337.

Nature Nurtures
In a Nutshell
April 13, 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 with you to take home.

For ages 3-5 years. To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-nurtures-tbd-tickets-590414424437.

Lunch and Learn
The Butterflies of New Jersey
April 18, 2023
12:00 pm

An overview of the amazing diversity of butterflies in NJ and their conservation. From the smallest Brown Elfin to the largest Giant Swallowtail to the emerald green Hessell’s Hairstreak to the orange Monarch, NJ’s butterflies come in all shapes, sizes and colors and can be found in every habitat from the xeric mountain tops to the shrubby pine barrens, to our coastal beaches and wetlands.

To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-and-learn-the-butterflies-of-new-jersey-tickets-590418005147.

Be a Part of Your Local Ecosystem – Native Gardens in the Home Landscape
April 19, 2023
10:30 am

People often feel that nature is a place that you go to, not where you live. This could not be farther from the truth! Whether you live in a rural or urban area, in a house or an apartment, everyone can play a positive role in their local ecosystem by supporting native insects, birds and animal populations, reducing stormwater and pollutants from getting into our waterways, and creating positive feedback with the soil beneath your feet.

Carolyn Klaube, an Environmental Scientist at the NJ Highlands Council, will host a workshop about using native plant species in the home landscape and provide information about different techniques that can be used depending on your site conditions.

Participants are welcome to stay after the program and join Pequest staff as we clear out our native garden beds and get ready for our blooms. We’ll even have some plants to add! Participation is not required.

To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-part-of-your-local-ecosystem-native-gardens-in-the-home-landscape-tickets-590421555767.

Let’s Go Fishing
April 20 and 27, 2023 *
6:30 pm

Does a child in your life want to fish, but you’ve never learned how? Join us for two evenings to learn the basics of angling. The first evening will cover equipment, regulations, knots and discuss how to fish with children and what to expect.

The following will have you casting, baiting your hook and fishing in the Education Pond. After fishing, you will clean your catch so you can enjoy a nice fish dinner. At the end of this experience, you will know fishing basics and be prepared to take young ones fishing.

*Must attend both nights.

For parents and caregivers ages 18 and above.

To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-go-fishing-tickets-591433813457.

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Weather fans take note: The Pequest Trout Hatchery has become the newest link in Rutgers University’s weather station network. The hatchery is now the site of one of 13 stations throughout the state that feed data to the state’s weather and climate monitoring system. To view current weather conditions visit: www.njweather.org/station/1029.

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located on Rt. 46 nine miles west of Hackettstown in scenic Warren County. On-line directions are available. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) and admission is free.