March 2: Star Watch at Atsion

The first Star Watch of 2024 is almost here! Join us for a free evening of night sky observation in Atsion Office Field on Saturday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
No telescope? No problem! Members of West Jersey Astronomical Society will have their telescopes set up for all to view.

Atsion Field is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

For more information, please call the Atsion Office at 609-298-0444.

March 3: Joseph Wharton’s Birthday

Help us celebrate the birthday of the namesake of Wharton State Forest, Joseph Wharton! Born on March 3, 1826, Wharton would become one of the country’s wealthiest citizens, and owner of Batsto from 1876 to 1909. Stop
by the mansion for a special tour of the house and grounds focusing on the personal life of Joseph Wharton or mail a post card from the Batsto Post Office while you explore the village!

Tours are 75-90 minutes and begin on the mansion porch. Tickets include a brief walking tour of the village and a guided tour of the Batsto Mansion.

• 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $5 per person.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

March 9 & 10: Pinelands Short Course and Lines on the Pines

Wharton State Forest staff will be present at the Pinelands Short Course and Lines on the Pines, both on the campus of Stockton University. On Saturday, Wharton’s historian will be delivering a program titled “The Richards Era at Batsto.”

This program will focus on the story of the Richards Family’s period of ownership at Batsto (1784-1876). Detailing the nearly century-long transition from ironworks to glass factory to potential Pine Barrens ghost town, the presenter will highlight the challenges and changes to Batsto during the line-eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Topics include the height and decline of New Jersey’s iron industry, the use of South Jersey’s abundant natural resources, and the continuing legacy of Batsto’s past as a company town.

Then, on Sunday, you can find the Wharton State Forest table at Lines on the Pines. A gathering of Pine Barrens authors, craftspeople, scholars and enthusiasts, there is something there for everyone to enjoy!

March 1, 8, 15 & 22: Batsto Mansion Sunset Tours

Sunset tours of the Batsto Mansion return this March! See the historic house after hours with a guided tour of the impressive Italianate home. Get a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived, worked, and vacationed at Batsto more than a century ago.

Tours are 75-90 minutes and begin on the mansion porch.

Tickets include a brief walking tour of the village and a guided tour of the Batsto Mansion at 10 a.m., 12 p.m.& 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $5 per person.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

March 9 & 10: Pinelands Short Course and Lines on the Pines

Wharton State Forest staff will be present at the Pinelands Short Course and Lines on the Pines, both on the campus of Stockton University. On Saturday, Wharton’s historian will be delivering a program titled “The Richards Era at Batsto.”

This program will focus on the story of the Richards Family’s period of ownership at Batsto (1784-1876). Detailing the nearly century-long transition from ironworks to glass factory to potential Pine Barrens ghost town, the presenter will highlight the challenges and changes to Batsto during the line-eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Topics include the height and decline of New Jersey’s iron industry, the use of South Jersey’s abundant natural resources, and the continuing legacy of Batsto’s past as a company town.

Then, on Sunday, you can find the Wharton State Forest table at Lines on the Pines. A gathering of Pine Barrens authors, craftspeople, scholars and enthusiasts, there is something there for everyone to enjoy!