February 13, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Area Family Winter Hike offers cure for cabin fever 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. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the state’s official botanical garden in 1984. 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. The association sponsors volunteer gardeners, educational programs, hikes and walks, concerts, and events throughout the year. The NJBG/Skylands Association 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. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions, or aditional information, call (973) 962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org. NJBG’s monthly Family Woodland Hikes explore the plants, animals, and geology of the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in short hikes designed to fit the group. (Photo courtesy of Maja Britton.) Pack up the family and join in the Family Winter Hike at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. Walks are also scheduled for March 17 and April 21. The hike is an easy, family-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 sturdy shoes and meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Rain or snow cancels. NJBG offers these Family Winter Hikes on the third Sunday afternoon each month, and each hike is structured to fit the group. Depending on the weather, the hike 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. In each hike, the group will explore some of the geology, plants, and animals of the botanical garden. The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day in winter, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the rest of the year. Admission to the garden is always free. Parking is also free in the fall,