Embracing the CHILL TOP WINTER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Sometimes it seems like summer at the Shore gets all the love. We eagerly anticipate its arrival and mourn its passing, as if there is not much to do when the air chills and the flakes fall. Not so. Winter wonders abound in our little state, especially when our gardens are blanketed by snow.

- NANCY PARELLO

SASSA LIVES ALONG WITH OTHER RESCUED WOLVES, FOXES, BOBCATS IN LAKOTA WOLF PRESERVE IN WARREN COUNTY.

"New Jersey is the perfect place to break out of cabin fever this season," said New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Jeff Vasser. "From High Point in the northwest down to the winter wonderland of the Pinelands, the Garden State's wide-open spaces, mountain lakes and snowy trails provide outdoor enthusiasts with endless adventures."

So put down the clicker, slip on the thermals and strike out to experience Jersey's best cold-weather adventures.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Meet Sassa, a 7-year-old wolf who was born with a brain deformity and was not expected to live to see her first year. Enter Jim Stein and Becky Mace, owners of LAKOTA WOLF PRESERVE, Warren County. They took in the little wolf, nursed her with physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic and other treatments.

Today, she is a happy girl living in the mountains of the Delaware Water Gap, along with other rescued wolves, foxes, bobcats and lynx, who were all born in captivity, cannot return to the wild and thrive, thanks to Jim and Becky’s deep devotion to these animals. The pair rescue animals from zoos, private facilities and other places that can no longer care for them.

In keeping with its mission to educate the public about these intriguing animals, Lakota offers tours throughout the year. Since it is illegal to have direct contact with a wolf, the tours are held in the 10-acre preserve’s observation area where visitors can watch four packs of wolves, while learning about their social structure, eating habits and other interesting facts.

Following the wolf-watch, visitors head to another area to see and learn about Lakota’s foxes, bobcat and lynx. Advance reservations required. Visit lakotawolf.​com.

OTHER NOTABLE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES