Look for tree frogs in the Pine Barrens on June 16

On warm, humid nights in late spring and early summer, the iconic tree frogs of the Pine Barrens gather at ponds for their annual mating ritual.

Join The New Jersey Conservation Foundation at the Franklin Parker Preserve in Chatsworth, N.J., from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 16, to look and listen for the tree frogs.

Russell Juelg, land steward and Pine Barrens educator for the conservation foundation, will lead a hike to ponds at the Preserve where the tree frogs' distinctive "quonk-quonk-quonk" mating call can be heard.

A state endangered species, the Pine Barrens tree frog is less than two inches long and is a vibrant green color with bold markings.

The cost of the outing is $5 for adults, free for children. Advance reservations are required. For information and reservations, contact Laura Szwak at laura@njconservation.org or 908-234-1225. Registration deadline is June 14.

Participants should bring flashlights and wear long pants and long-sleeves shirts to avoid exposure to mosquitoes.

The Pine Barrens Tree Frog Outing is part of New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s "Step Into Nature" series of walks, hikes and fun outdoor activities. For a full schedule, go to www.njconservation.org/njcfevents.cfm.