Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES Area III • July 13, 2011 The New Jersey Botanical Garden invites area residents to the Family Fun Walk scheduled for Sunday, July 17, at 1 p.m. Join NJBG’s Rich Cahayla-Wynne for an easy, kid-friendly walk that is great fun for all nature lovers ages six and up. Younger children are welcome, but may need to be carried. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Rain cancels this event. NJBG offers these Family Woodland Walks on the third Sunday afternoon each Botanical garden to host Family Woodland Walk month, and each walk is structured to fit the group. Depending on the weather, walks may include meanders along the garden’s charming woodland and meadow paths with steppingstone bridges to navigate. More ambitious groups may make the easy trip to the top of Mount Defiance for a splendid view across the Ramapo Mountains. During each walk, participants will explore local geology and the plants and animals that call the garden home. Walks are also scheduled for Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the A group on a recent tour. State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the garden is always free. Parking is also free in the fall, winter, and spring. In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state’s first acquisition under the Green Acres preservation program. In 1984, then-Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the state’s official botanical garden. Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the state to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors volunteer gardeners, educational programs, concerts, and events throughout the year at the garden. NJBG receives no funding from the State of New Jersey or from on-site operators. Donations and sponsorships are always appreciated. NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions, or more information, call (973) 962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.