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Yosemite National Park California Photo by Nancy Ward |
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REMINDER
No one comes back from a hike unhappy.
Maybe sore.
Maybe hungry
Maybe tired.
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The Outdoor Club of South Jersey is happy to announce the availability of Club Patches
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I am hoping and thinking very positively that Fall has finally arrived. With the change of seasons, we continue to have many events planned for all of you. The one big change is now paddling will end shortly, and cross-country skiing will begin after the first of the year.
As most of you know, we started a Volunteer Committee a little over a year ago. At our committee meeting in September, it was suggested we change our name to the Social Committee. This change is for a couple of reasons – 1) we are planning more social-type events, and 2) every member who runs any kind of activity is a volunteer.
We are busy planning several events for the Fall, so be on the look-out in Meetup. If the event is for all three Meetup groups, we will post the event in the 3 groups, However, the RSVP’s will be closed for biking and paddling/cross-country skiing, but you can sign up through hiking. If you would like to attend these social events and are not yet a member of the hiking group, please ask to join that group.
This brings me to another topic. We are always looking for new members to join our committee. Like I said, we have ideas for events in the Fall and already have some for the Spring. We would love to hear what you are thinking. If you are interested, please reach out to me at president@ocsj.org.
Happy October!! |
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The OCSJ Trail Crew is prepping to return to the trails for clipping and reblazing in October. We have several projects for the Batona Trail and the Franklin Parker Preserve scheduled. In the meantime, we have been out assessing trail conditions and made repairs to the swamp planks on the Batona Trail north of Pakim Pond.
Diane Mason is creating a batch of replacement mile markers and Anthony is organizing his blaze paint supplies. The rest of the crew is sharpening their loppers and getting ready for a full schedule of work. Thank you for supporting our hard working trail crew!
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We recently learned of the passing of Nora Hayes past OCSJ Vice President and wife of Walter Hayes a past President and Founding member of the Club.
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Nora Hayes was a botanist originally from New Forest, Hampshire, England and met her husband Walter Hayes there.
In 1970, Walter became OCSJ president. Walter, a former industrial arts teacher in the Trenton School System, was confined to a wheelchair by injuries suffered during WWII. Walter could only participate in hikes that allowed his special car. He would research hikes with books and topo maps. Nora would lead the hikes in the Pine Barrens that reminded her of terrain back home in England. Nora designed an “Edible Plants” walk around Oswego Lake.
They were founders and members of the Whitesbog Preservation Trust.
Over the years Nora was either a Board member, Blueberry Festival Organizer, volunteer interpreter at the worker’s cottage, and shopkeeper.
Nora created a Trust fund to ultimately be disbursed to Whitesbog and other Charities. After the death of Walter, she decided to return to England. Because of changes to international law, she could no longer maintain a trust in the U.S. She decided to disburse the Trust. Whitesbog received $250,000 in 2012. It paid for the restoration of The Gallery, Cottage 10 and continued to help with many projects in the Village. |
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HUNTING SEASON IN NJ
Autumn is a wonderful time to hike. The weather is moderate & the woods are pretty. We do have to be careful of what fallen leaves are hiding on the trail, like roots and rocks, which are a tripping hazard.
Also – it’s Hunting Season!!!
Shotgun week runs from December 6th to the12th in various NJ state parks, wildlife management areas (WMAs) and some county parks. Stay out of the State Parks & WMAs during that week. Municipal parks are fine as are beach, boardwalk and city hikes.
Bow & arrow season for all game runs through December. Hunting in various areas runs into Spring
Some of my favorite areas to hike – Batsto, Franklin Parker, Warton & Brendan Byrne SF- are used for hunting in the Fall & Winter. I live in Gloucester County so I’m less familiar with parks further north.
The detailed regulations can be confusing. Deer Seasons and Regulations
Hunters tend to be busy early in the morning when the animals are most active.
When in doubt, stay out of those woods especially during shotgun week. Boardwalks, beaches, municipal parks, and city walks are fine.
If anyone has additions or corrections to this information, please email me directly so I can get this right! becky.ocsjhike@gmail.com
WEAR ORANGE & be safe out there!! |
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BACKPACKING/CAMPING NEWS Backpacking/Camping Chair Kevin Drevik Kdrevik@aol.com
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This year’s Labor Day All Paces Ride was a great turnout with over 125 riders taking part in the Joint Club activity with Team Evesham, Cynergy Cycle Club and TNT Cycling. 76 Outdoor Club members took part with more than 50 riders from our 3 sister clubs. Several rides took place that day and I want to give a special thanks to our bike leaders who stepped up to help make the rides safe and fun: Paul Begley, Bruce Erdman, Dave Nicholson and Wendel Gulik. This event cannot take place without the dedication shown by our awesome bike leaders.
I was unable to attend this year’s ride as I was out of the country so in case I missed anyone who led a ride I apologize but still want to say thanks for helping out. Each year the All Paces Rides we hold on Memorial Day and Labor Day continue to grow with the support of so many of our members joining in with many more from the other 3 clubs. It has always been a good time with a chance to ride beautiful courses and meet some new friends along the way.
By the time this newsletter is published we will be well underway with this year’s Tour de Pines. Once again the Outdoor Club is co-sponsoring this event and as of the writing of this article we have broken last year’s record of Outdoor Club attendees. The weather is looking favorable right now so I am hoping all goes well and we have another great Tour benefiting a very worthy cause.
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XC-Ski Preview Party
Join us on October 24, 12:30pm
It’s a traditional fun and informational event for OCSJ xc-skiers and would-be skiers to get together to celebrate past seasons and learn about what’s planned for 2027.
This will be an opportunity to meet other skiers and hear trip leaders describe trips planned for next winter. Everybody can ask questions, and newer skiers can find out about trips, equipment recommendations, lessons, clothing, etc.
This year it will be held in the Holly Room at Medford Leas Retirement Community.
Sandwiches, salads, and water will be provided for lunch. We ask attendees to bring an appetizer or dessert to share and any additional beverages they want for themselves.
If you plan to attend, please sign up on the Paddling/Cross Country Skiing MeetUp site so we know how much food to plan for. |
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PADDLING NEWS
Paddling Chair
Frank Pearce
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Are inflatable life jackets legal in kayaks and canoes?
Yes, but only if they are U.S. Coast Guard–approved, properly worn, and used according to the label. They count only for adults, not for children (under16) or high-risk activities like whitewater paddling where sharp rocks could cause puncture. Should not be used by non-swimmers in case inflation of the air bladder is needed by blowing into inflation tube. They must be fully charged and indicators must show green.
The best life jackets are ones the user will wear.
Note OCSJ requires PFD’s be worn and not just be in craft
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Hikers and bikers who aren’t members of the Outdoor Club often have no idea how much the club and its volunteers affect their opportunities to enjoy their sports. Most of the typical trails hikers use are now maintained and blazed by the club and a new venture this year is the joint sponsorship of the popular Tour de Pines multi-day bike ride.
Jim Mullen of Green Bank volunteered to work that event last year, became a member of the club and this year has been working on the committee to organize the Tour. A biker in warmer weather, Jim also likes to hike when the bugs are fewer.
He’s also the typical OCSJ volunteer: busy with many other activities. He’s become a volunteer for the Green Bank Ambulance Squad and helps out in his community. Here’s his story:
Q. Tell us about yourself.
JIM: I was born in Queens, N.Y., and raised in Queens Village. I am 69 years old, single, and retired. I now live on the Mullica River in Green Bank, right in the heart of the Pinelands. I enjoy being outdoors and staying active through biking, hiking, and exploring the area where I live.
Q. When and why did you join the Outdoor Club? What benefits do you feel you’ve gained by belonging?
JIM: I enjoy biking and hiking and learned about OCSJ from friends I ride and hike with. I joined because I liked the idea of meeting more people who enjoy being outdoors and having opportunities to explore places I might not otherwise discover. Since joining, I have enjoyed the organized rides and the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests.
Q. Do you participate in other club activities besides biking? Do you have favorite places to bike? How did you get into biking in the first place? What distances do you prefer?
JIM: This year I have primarily been signing up for OCSJ bike rides. As the weather gets cooler and I do less biking, I plan to participate in more hiking events as well.
I especially enjoy riding around the Pinelands, along the Mullica River, through the open farmlands of Burlington County, and around the horse farms in the New Egypt area. I typically ride about 30 miles at an average pace of around 15 mph.
Q. Do you bike year around? Do you have any other fitness routines?
JIM: I bike as long as the weather allows and especially enjoy riding in the cooler weather, which is a welcome relief from the hot summer rides. When I am not riding, I enjoy walking and hiking, particularly during the winter months.
Q. What inspired you to join the OCSJ committee for the new joint sponsorship of the Tour de Pines? Do you have a favorite leg of the tour?
JIM: I joined the Pinelands Alliance Tour de Pines Committee in February 2025 because I wanted to volunteer, learn more about what goes into organizing an event like this, and help support an event that raises funds for Pinelands preservation while allowing people to experience the Pinelands by bicycle.
The Tour de Pines is a great way to explore the Pinelands, and with four days of rides, there is something for riders of different interests and abilities. This year, the ride I am especially looking forward to is the Whitesbog Discovery ride on Friday, Oct. 2. I had the opportunity to test ride this route and really enjoyed it. Whitesbog is a unique part of the Pinelands, and riding through the area is a great way to experience its history and scenery.
I think all four days offer a great opportunity to get out and ride, explore the Pinelands, and enjoy the area while supporting an important cause.
Q. Any tips on surviving the weather (hot or cold) on a bike?
JIM: Dress appropriately for the weather you will be riding in and stay hydrated. Staying hydrated during the cooler months is just as important as it is during the summer. I also make sure my equipment is ready to go, including lights, spare tubes, tools, and the required safety equipment. Being prepared makes the ride more enjoyable and helps you deal with the unexpected.
Q. Do you take active vacations? Any places on your bucket list?
JIM: I haven’t taken a vacation recently, but Alaska and the Midwest are both on my list of places I’d like to explore. I am also interested in taking a biking vacation, although I don’t think I would want the entire vacation to be about biking. I’d like to explore different parts of the country by bike while also having time to experience the local sights, towns, and scenery.
Q. What are some of your other interests?
JIM: I enjoy technology and like staying somewhat up to date with it. I enjoy understanding the fundamentals of how today’s technology works and am always willing to learn something new.
I also enjoy helping people and volunteering in my community. I am a member of the Green Bank Volunteer Ambulance and volunteer as both a driver and treasurer. I enjoy being involved in the community and giving back when I can.
Q. What’s something about yourself that might surprise others to know?
JIM: Although I grew up in Queens, and now live on the Mullica River, I spent much of my career in the HVAC industry operating and supervising some of New York City’s well-known high-rise buildings. My work included buildings such as the Exxon Building at Rockefeller Center, the Morgan Stanley data centers, and 200 Park Avenue, the MetLife Building, formerly the Pan Am Building.
I really enjoyed my career and the people I worked with, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in some of New York City’s most recognizable buildings. It is quite a contrast from where I am today—retired and spending much of my time biking and hiking in the Pinelands.
Q. Anything else you’d like to say about anything?
JIM: I feel fortunate to live in the Pinelands on the Mullica River and to have so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Staying active through biking and hiking has introduced me to a lot of great people, and joining OCSJ has given me another opportunity to explore the area, meet people, and enjoy the outdoors. I’m looking forward to continuing to participate in OCSJ activities and discovering more of what South Jersey has to offer.
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Your Volunteer Committee has decided to change its name to the Social Committee. We are all volunteers, and since this committee has been focusing more on social events, we decided to change our name. Of course, we are always looking for more volunteers in any capacity.
Recent events included an evening ice cream social and an afternoon of Pitch ‘n Putt. Both activities were successful. In fact, we are looking into scheduling another fun golf outing.
The Dragon Boat Paddle scheduled on September 30th was canceled due to tidal currents and peak high tide coinciding with the scheduled time of our outing and launch, along with the possibility of road closures affecting access to Ventnor. As our season comes to a close, we hope to offer this paddling experience again next season. We also have some interesting events in various stages of planning:
• Sunflower picking.
• Ben Franklin Bridge round-trip walk with a visit to the “Money in Motion” exhibit at the Philadelphia Federal Reserve at the halfway point.
• Halloween-themed Escape Room experience.
• Sperlak Sculpture Garden and Gallery visit.
• A naturalist led-walk in Burlington County.
New Member Outreach events will now be held quarterly. Look for the next date to be scheduled on Meetup after the first of the year.
As always, we welcome new members and ideas to our committee. The next meeting will be via Zoom on 10/21/26 at 7:00 PM. |
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HOW TO CANCEL A MEETUP+ SUBSCRIPTION:
If you signed up for a Meetup+ trial subscription, you can cancel at any time before the trial period ends and your credit card will not be charged.
A cancelled trial Meetup+ subscription will keep its Meetup+ benefits until the end of the trial period. Then it automatically reverts to a free account without the extra benefits.
To cancel your Trial Meetup+ subscription:
1) Sign into your Meetup account.
2) Click on your profile icon.
3) Click on Settings.
4) Click on Meetup+ subscription.
5) Click on Cancel Subscription.
HOW TO EDIT YOUR RSVP:
If you are no longer able to attend an event, remember to edit your RSVP more than 24 hours in advance. It opens a spot for someone on the waitlist.
On the event homepage, click Edit RSVP at the bottom of the screen. A popup will appear.
- To cancel your own attendance, click Not going (On the phone app toggle the Going? option to No).
- To change the number of guests you are bringing, click Update.
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OFFICIAL OCSJ LOGO T-SHIRTS and PATCHES |
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The Outdoor Club of South Jersey is happy to announce the availability of club T-Shirts and Patches through Print Shop Shirts. Ordering will be ongoing, submitted regularly when there is a quantity sufficient to place the order.
We have 13 different styles to choose from ranging from simple ring spun cotton shirts, moisture management/antimicrobial performance fabric, to moisture wicking to UPF sun protection. Short sleeve and long sleeve with many different colors to choose from. Choose from full back printing only, or front left breast printing only, or both front & back printing.
The ordering process from Print Shop Shirts is simple:
Club T-Shirts and for club patches. Club Patches |
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If you know of an OCSJ member who would benefit from receiving a card of congratulations for a milestone birthday, life event or a note of condolence, contact the Corresponding Secretary and a card will be sent on behalf of the club. |
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Want to submit a "Shout Out"? Have you experienced a leader on an event that exceeded your expectations? Has a particular person gone above and beyond in their capacity as a leader or a participating member of OCSJ and you want to let everyone know? Email the Corresponding Secretary about your experience and it will be published in our next Newsletter. |
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A new year means setting new goals. How about hiking 1,000 miles?
The Grand Mile Club (GMC) is for members who love a challenge! The rules are simple, but it takes grit and determination to finish. Each outing, be it walking, running, hiking, or treadmill, must be a minimum of 2 miles. To reach the lofty 1,000 miles in a year, you will need to be logging 84 miles per month. There is a little more to it, so if you are interested in joining the elite GMC, contact Jenny Buffington at jbuffington924@gmail.com for more details. Registration closes at the end of January. I'm looking forward to hearing from you! 500/750 Club
If you are not quite up to 1,000 miles, then consider aiming for 500/750 miles. The rules are the same as the 1,000 club, except there is a minimum of 1 mile per outing. At the end of each month, I'll email a reminder to send in your miles and then update and send you a spreadsheet showing each member’s total to date. If interested in joining, contact Ann Palaitis at palaitis@verizon.net for more details.
Paddling
The OCSJ Canoe/Kayak Mileage Club is for paddlers who like to set personal goals. Any canoe/kayak trip counts with any group or individual. For details go to Paddling Mileage Club. Contact Frank Pearce, Paddle Chair, at hornet71@verizon.net for more details. |
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"THE OCSJ MARKET PLACE" the place to BUY-SELL-GIVE-BORROW |
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The OCSJ Market Place
Rules for posting items for sale INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: - Description of item for sale (Outdoor related)
- Asking price
- 1 or 2 pictures of items
- Contact information: seller's name, phone# and/or email
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Your club is made up entirely of volunteers. You will get more out of it, if you put more into it! There are many opportunities to help behind the scenes and on activities. Ask your leader about it on your next event. Let them know if you have any time or talents you would like to share with the club.
Board of Trustees - The OCSJ Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. This month's meeting is in person on October 8th at the Pinelands Alliance. To attend the meetings, contact the OCSJ President Barbara Berman, at president@ocsj.org.
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Outdoor Club of South Jersey (OCSJ) Membership Information
There are several convenient ways to join or renew your OCSJ membership:
Online
- Visit ocsj.org or download the Wild Apricot mobile app.
- Click the “Join OCSJ Here” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
By Mail
- Mail a check payable to Outdoor Club of South Jersey to:
Outdoor Club of South Jersey
PO Box 74
Oceanville, NJ 08231
Membership Levels
- Family Membership – $25.00
One-year subscription; no automatic renewal
- Family Membership (Auto-Renewal) – $25.00
One-year subscription; automatic annual renewal
- Single Membership – $20.00
One-year subscription; no automatic renewal
- Single Membership (Auto-Renewal) – $20.00
One-year subscription; automatic annual renewal
For membership-related questions, please contact us at membership@ocsj.org.
Renewal Information
OCSJ memberships are valid for one year. Renewal reminders will be sent to the email address on file 30 days prior, 15 days prior, and on your renewal date.
If your membership is not renewed by your anniversary date, Wild Apricot, our membership management system, will automatically lapse and archive your account, and you will be removed from the club’s Meetup pages shortly thereafter.
To ensure uninterrupted access to club activities, please renew promptly. We also recommend checking your spam or junk folders, as renewal notices may occasionally be filtered there.
If you need to update your account information—especially your email address—please log in to your Wild Apricot account to make the necessary changes. You may also email updates or questions to membership@ocsj.org.
Renewal by Check
- Make checks payable to Outdoor Club of South Jersey
- Mail to:
OCSJ Membership Secretary
PO Box 74
Oceanville, NJ 08231
Please note that mailed checks may take up to two weeks to be received and deposited. Online renewals are processed much faster.
Thank you for renewing your membership promptly and for being part of our vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Rosemarie (Ro) Mason
Membership Secretary
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CALLING ALL CLUB MEMBERS!!
Do you have a favorite place that you have hiked, but maybe it isn’t in New Jersey? Or maybe you have taken a bike ride holiday at some distant locale that you were in awe of because of its beauty or serenity. Perhaps an amazing kayaking adventure, backpack trip or cross country skiing trip is something you have been lucky enough to partake in. If so, the Club newsletter is looking for short articles from our members to share their experiences with our readers.
If you would like to share some of your experiences, just send a short article to our newsletter editor, Markie Kaczorowski by email to newsletter@ocsj.org, preferably no more than 250 words explaining the “what, where, and when” the trip took place and what made it special. You can also send me any interesting photos from events in the area. |
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Thank you for reading this month's newsletter.
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