Pine Barrens Playground
Noon to Noon, June 6-7, 2026
Explore the Largest Wild Area on the Mid-Atlantic Coast
Covering a quarter of the state of New Jersey, the sandy, coastal Pine Barrens are a world set apart from the endless city corridor between New York and Philadelphia. When established in 1978, the Pinelands National Reserve encompassed 1.1 million acres and remains the "largest tract of wild land along the Middle Atlantic Seaboard." (quote by President Jimmy Carter). We'll go deep into an Atlantic white cedar swamp, see a pygmy forest and blackjack oak, wander along its breathtaking bogs, and see birds, birds, birds at a spectacular heron rookery at sunrise. We’ll photograph at Liz’s favorite spot in all New Jersey. Woven into our exploration, we'll step back in time to think about the significance of the Pines on the Revolutionary War, glass-making, cranberry farming, and its role as an industrial hub in early America. The Pines have long been a culture set apart from the mainstream. To make sure we’re nourished, we'll take in a local favorite eatery or two (and, likely, PIE).
What’s Included
Opportunities to learn and practice landscapes, wildlife, macro, long exposures, and creative photography techniques like intentional camera movement and multiple exposures.
The opportunity to learn about the unique natural & human history of the Pine Barrens. We’ll see special plants, animals, and landscapes — some don’t exist anywhere else.
The best heron rookery in the mid-Atlantic. Herons breed in colonies. We’ll get up close to see & photograph up to eight species of egret/heron nest-building, in mating displays & plumage, and their babies — all in a communal area for breeding. It’s magical.
Two expert instructors excited to share this special place with you.
What’s NOT Included
Transportation to the Pine Barrens or to the different locations in the workshop (carpooling is encouraged).
Meal or Lodging Costs. We’ll book a room block at a hotel and provide options for group meals.
Costs
$435 for MPA Members / $475 for non-MPA
Meals & Lodging
Cancellation
100% refund if we cancel for any reason, including weather or under capacity.
No refunds for lodging or any travel plans (e.g. plane tickets) for a cancelled workshop. Reservations with refundable cancellations and/or trip insurance is recommended.
100% refund if you cancel on or prior to May 16, 2026.
No refunds after May 16, 2026, unless we fill your spot, in which case, we will issue a 100% refund.