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Explore Pine Barrens preserve, top to bottom, with N.J. Conservation Foundation

Serious hikers with an interest in exploring the heart of the Pine Barrens are invited to join New Jersey Conservation Foundation on Saturday, March 27, for a 10-mile guided hike through the Franklin Parker Preserve in Chatsworth, Burlington County.

The "Top to Bottom" hike will introduce hikers to the beauty and diverse ecology of the 9,400-acre preserve. The rain-or-shine hike will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break.

The hike will be led by Chris Jage, New Jersey Conservation Foundation's assistant director for southern New Jersey. "We will cross through all habitats, from lakes to cedar swamps, from pitch pine forests to the site of our 1,100-acre wetlands restoration on former cranberry bogs," he said.

Hikers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and pack water and lunch.

The cost of the hike is $5 for New Jersey Conservation Foundation members, $10 for non-members. The hike is part of New Jersey Conservation Foundation's "Step Into Nature" series of outdoor events.