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News & Public Programs

Stay Connected

Take a look at the latest updates from the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve. Here, you’ll find information on upcoming commission meetings, access to meeting minutes, eco-tour schedules, and volunteer opportunities. Join us in preserving and exploring our unique natural habitats through community involvement and educational programs.

Upcoming Events

Join us for upcoming events designed to connect the community with our nature and conservation efforts. Whether you’re interested in a guided eco-tour, passionate about keeping our preserve pristine during our trash cleanup event, or eager to help enrich local biodiversity by planting native species, there’s an opportunity for everyone. Mark your calendars and become a part of our ongoing mission to protect and appreciate this vibrant natural habitat!


We have some new scheduled events!

Conservation Project
October 10 & 11, 2026

This project works to improve the habitats of new and recently planted native trees in the preserve.  Volunteers will remediate damage, minimize future problems, and create more effective habitats.

  • Remediate damage – caused by threats from invasive plants and animals, overgrazing deer (whose population is inimical to ecological health of this area), and increasingly intense cycles of flood and drought.
  • Minimize future problems – installing larger deer exclosures and removing/preventing invasive species in and around these trees.
  • Create more effective habitats – the planting and maintenance of species native to this microclimate will increase their ecological value and benefits, improving the biotic health of this region.

We will meet at 9 a.m. each morning on the north side of Durham Avenue in Metuchen, at the entrance to the Opalanie Trail.  That is about 100 feet west of Weston Avenue; here is the google maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p7nivgrk28UFPc1d6   Plenty of free parking on the nearby side streets.

Please wear long sleeves and long pants, boots or sneakers for outdoor work, and work/gardening gloves.  This work is physical but satisfying.  You will see the native trees we have already successfully planted in the areas we cleared and fenced.  This new enclosed area will allow an even greater number of trees to grow.

We cancel only for heavy rain. Light rain is no problem.

Collage showing a monarch butterfly on white wildflowers, a wooded stream, and a sign for the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve.

Commission Meetings

Attend a meeting to stay informed about conservation initiatives, habitat restoration projects, and community involvement opportunities. These meetings offer a chance to engage directly with our commissioners, share your insights, and actively participate in discussions shaping the future of the Barnes Preserve.

All meetings will be held at Metuchen Borough Hall at 7 PM.

  • January 8, 2026  – Agenda
  • March 12, 2026
  • May 14, 2026
  • July 9, 2026
  • September 10, 2026
  • November 12, 2026

Sign up to Volunteer

The Barnes Commission works with various groups who partner with us throughout the year to steward the flora, fauna, and waters of the preserve.  We also recommend that local residents and others participate in our mission of “protecting and preserving the ecological, historical, and recreational values of the area.”  Please sign up to participate in a scheduled event.