Passaic County Parks & Recreation
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Park Ranger Public Programs 2023

This program is currently unavailable. Click here to view all of our current programs.


Visitor Services Rangers are the ambassadors of our parks and the catalyst for stewardship among park visitors for our natural, cultural and recreational resources. Rangers offer educational and interpretive programming as well as outreach to local schools and communities. Ranger programs which are open to the general public are listed in this section. For information on Junior Ranger Programs, school based educational programs and public hikes that we offer throughout the year, please refer to the Parks and Recreation Programs homepage on this website. For additional information or to schedule a ranger to speak with your group about the Passaic County Park System, please call 973-881-4357.

 

Teddy Bear Hike - Sunday, July 23rd @ 9:00am
Mayor Dunleavy Memorial Park (formerly "Friendship Park"), Bloomingdale, NJ
An easy and fun hike for the younger kids, and parents too! This wilderness walk is themed around stuffed animals and real animals alike! Bring your favorite stuffed animal along with you on a leisurely walk through the woods. Along the way, the hike leader will teach about the plants and animals that live in the forest. 

City Skyline Night Hike & Campfire - Friday, May 19th @ 8:00PM
Rifle Camp Park, Woodland Park, NJ 
Embark with park staff on a nocturnal excursion into the wilderness and then unwind around a campfire. Bring your friends and family, and get social at this informal outdoor get-together. This hike is about 1.4 miles and is easy to moderate in difficulty.
Please be advised: this program involves traversing over uneven terrain in a low-light setting. Head lamps are required


Beavers and Ponds; Walk & Talk - Saturday, April 8th @ 6:00PM

Highlands Preserve Ball Field- West Milford, NJ, 
April 7th is International Beaver Appreciation Day. Join us in celebrating the history and legacy of this industrious mammal during an educational walk & talk around a local beaver pond. We’ll learn about their habits, impacts on the environment, and their consequential role in shaping America as we know it. Family friendly event and all ages welcome- 3 guests can be added free of charge per registration.
Waterproof footwear is advised! We will be walking near mucky and muddy areas, so the better your boots, the better you'll be!


Spring Hiking Basics & Safety - Saturday, April 15th @ 11:00AM
Camp Hope- West Milford, NJ
There's nothing quite like the sight of the first flowers of the season, or the smell of fresh air through open windows. Though the first signs of spring are beckoning you to step outside and spend some time in the wilderness, you might be new to hiking and find yourself wondering, "Where do I begin? What should I bring? What should I wear, and what if I see a bear?" 
In this program, we’ll discuss the knowledge, gear, and skills you’ll need to be prepared to safely set out for springtime excursions. Afterwards, we’ll head out on an (optional) hike at nearby Highlands Preserve. This program is designed for the beginners who are just starting out, and the intermediate hiker looking to expand their knowledge base.

 Winter Hiking Workshop - Saturday, January 21st @ 11:00AM
Camp Hope- West Milford, NJ
Put a pause on Summer’s hot and humid treks. Many hikers find that the best time to hit the trail is when the air is way too cold for mosquitoes to bug you. But even without the heat and bugs, winter hiking comes with its own set of risks and challenges. In this program, we’ll learn the skills and discuss the gear you’ll need to be prepared for a successful winter of outdoor adventures. Afterwards, we’ll head out on an (optional) hike at nearby Highlands Preserve. This program is designed for the beginner to intermediate hiker.