It's like 'play group', but on the move. Your family can join other like-minded families for these small excursions led by Gina McLaughlin and her son Jefferson and a Weis Naturalist. This new offering has two hikes scheduled. On Saturday, September 27, meet at Shepard Lake at 10 am for an easy 1.5 mile hike. On Saturday, October 25, meet at 10 am for a moderate hike in the Ramapo Reservation. Directions will be sent upon registration. All hikes are 2 hours long. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.

The cost of Hikes with Tykes is $8 per hiker, with a $3 discount for members of the New Jersey Audubon Society. A maximum cost per family is $32 for nonmembers and $20 for members. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. To register mail your name, address, phone number, the number of participants and payment to: NJAS' Weis Ecology Center, 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456. For more information, or to register with a credit card, contact the Weis Ecology Center office at (973) 835-2160 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Visit them online at www.njaudubon.org.

New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic; protects New Jersey's birds, animals, and plants (especially endangered and threatened species); and promotes the preservation of New Jersey's valuable natural habitats. NJAS is a privately supported, not-for-profit, statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, it is one of the oldest independent Audubon societies. With more than 20,000 caring and committed members, NJAS is one of the largest and most effective conservation organizations in the state. Find the NJAS center nearest you by visiting www.njaudubon.org or by calling NJAS Headquarters at 908-204-8998. The Weis Ecology Center is one of nine staffed centers operated by the New Jersey Audubon Society Specializing in full-day and residential environmental education programs for schools, scouts and other youth and adult groups, Weis is also recognized for its popular public programs for adults, kids and families. The Weis Visitors Center, open during business hours, houses their turtle, snakes, seasonal exhibits and an NJAS Nature Store featuring field guides, bird feeders and accessories, kid stuff, regional trail maps and more.