Cost: $5. All proceeds will go to the Friends of Hopewell Quarry.

📅 Thursday, May 9th, 6:30pm

🌸Join us on May 9th for an informative program led by Mike Van Clef from Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space. During the presentation, Mike will delve into a diverse array of native plant species, emphasizing those that resemble or replace popular invasive species. He will guide us through the art of selecting native plants tailored to specific functions such as screening, foundation plantings, and shade provision. Cultivated into landscapes from rustic meadow patches to refined formal gardens, Mike will highlight the pivotal role of natives in nurturing biodiversity, serving as a vital resource for birds, bees, and butterflies. Additionally, he will offer invaluable insights into choosing deer-resistant varieties and innovative strategies for safeguarding flora from deer. Come explore native plants with us and discover practical approaches to cultivating thriving, sustainable landscapes that enrich our lives and the environment.

Van Clef is a known expert throughout NJ for his extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to sustainable conservation practices. There will be a Q&A at the end and a walk to our upper forest.

Cost: $10. All proceeds will go to the Friends of Hopewell Quarry.

📅 Sunday, May 19th, 3:00-4:30 pm

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the refreshment of a walk in the woods in a new way. Our walk will include breathing practice (who would think we need to practice what we're doing all the time?), a few yoga postures, and a seated mindfulness practice. No prior yoga experience necessary. The trail is a combination of flat terrain and a rocky incline. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. Join us!

📍 Elks Trail to the Big Boulder

We’ll meet at the Elks Preserve parking lot, 151-181 Crusher Road. The Elks parking lot is not large. We recommend parking at the Quarry lot where there is ample parking. The trailhead is just across Crusher Road, a couple of minutes walk from the Quarry. We’ll start promptly at 3:00 pm so please plan accordingly.

We’ll send out an e-mail the day before to confirm or cancel as weather could be a factor!

Space will be limited

Cost: 6 sessions $90 for all six

📅 Wednesdays 5/29-7/10 skipping 7/3, 6-7pm

🧘Qigong is a mostly gentle practice for everyone, helping the practitioner connect with the self, to promote physical, emotional and spiritual health. This is a nine-week program, as we cultivate the Qi (chi) which is the energy in and around us. No prior knowledge of this is required. You will learn that we are all beginners. The class consists of breathwork, gentle meditative movements, and self-massage. Students will learn and develop a personal practice with the theme of peace, love, joy and health. It is suggested wearing comfortable loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes. All are welcome.

Robert Lavin has been a Qigong teacher and practice leader for 5 years; he has taught Qigong to 9/11 survivors at the WTC Recovery Program at RW Johnson at Rutgers.