Registration is now open for the 10th annual Pinelands Summer Short Course, an educational event dedicated to showcasing the ecological, cultural and historical wonders of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The event will take place on July 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stockton University’s Kramer Hall in downtown Hammonton.
Co-sponsored by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission and the Southern Regional Institute and Educational Technology Training Center (SRI & ETTC) at Stockton University, the event features a robust lineup of 14 classroom presentations and four guided field trips.
“From botany to birds and history to hiking, this year’s Pinelands Summer Short Course offers an outstanding lineup of programs,” Susan Grogan, executive director of the Pinelands Commission, said.
Engaging programming for all
The 2026 curriculum covers a wide array of topics, including several new and timely additions such as wildfire management, tick biology, carnivorous plant identification, and the history of South Jersey sawmills.
Highlights from the classroom schedule at Kramer Hall include:
- The New Jersey Tick Problem: A look at the biology and pathogens associated with tick species in the state.
- Carnivorous Plants of the Pine Barrens: A study of the region’s unique biodiversity.
- Communication in Nature: A three-part lecture series exploring how plants, birds, and mammals interact.
- Lenape Elders Share Stories: A cultural session featuring traditional teachings, music, and craft demonstrations.
- Wildfire Corridors: An exploration of how fire has historically shaped the Pinelands landscape.
Hands-on field trips include:
- Batsto Village: A tour exploring nature and industry in the Pine Barrens.
- Hammonton Lake Park: A nature walk through mixed pine and oak upland forests.
- Paddling in the Pines: A guided kayak tour of Batsto Lake.
- The 1808 Trail: A guided historic hike through the heart of a cedar swamp.
The event serves as an important resource for the local community and the education sector. Educators who attend the course are eligible to earn four professional development credits.
“Stockton University is proud to co-sponsor the Pinelands Summer Short Course… It’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome educators, students and community members to our downtown Hammonton campus for engaging programs that highlight the natural, cultural and historic treasures of the Pinelands,” Patty Weeks, director of the SRI & ETTC, said.
Registration details
Those interested in attending are encouraged to register early to secure their spots for specific presentations and field trips.
- When: Friday, July 17, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Stockton University’s Kramer Hall, Hammonton, N.J.
- Registration: Interested participants can sign up at stockton.edu/ettc/pinelands.html.
