Learn about New Jersey’s owls during a free educational program and walk offered by New Jersey Conservation Foundation on Fri., April 7. The program runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and will be held at the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center.

The evening will begin with a visit by a live owl, courtesy of The Raptor Trust rehabilitation facility in Millington. Coffee will be provided by Black River Roasters.

Dr. Emile DeVito, New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s staff biologist, will lead the walk through fields and trails along woodland edges at Bamboo Brook, sharing information about the spring courtship and nesting behaviors of owls.

DeVito will also demonstrate owl-calling, imitating the Eastern screech-owl’s distinctive whinnying call. If he’s successful, a curious owl will return the call and land in a nearby tree. Participants may also hear Great horned owls sing their courtship duet and the gobbling of wild turkeys.

The owl walk is free, but advance registration is required. To register online, go to https://donate.njconservation.org/2017-owl-calling. For more information, contact Bill Lynch at blynch@njconservation.org or 908-997-0725.

Participants should wear boots or waterproof shoes, and dress appropriately for dropping temperatures after the sun sets.

The walk is part of New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s “Step Into Nature” series of walks, talks and outdoor events.

For driving directions, go to https://njconservation.org/documents/DirectionstoNJCF_Final.pdf.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a private nonprofit that preserves land and natural resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all. Since 1960, New Jersey Conservation has protected 125,000 acres of open space – from the Highlands to the Pine Barrens to the Delaware Bayshore, from farms to forests to urban and suburban parks. For more information about the Foundation’s programs and preserves, go to www.njconservation.org or call 1-888-LAND-SAVE (1-888-526-3728).