In the quiet of the South Jersey Pine Barrens, a tradition of over 150 years takes place each October … Cranberry Harvest.  Fifth generation cranberry growers, Joe & Brenda, invite you to get an up close and very personal tour of their farm.

Start out by joining Brenda for a one-hour presentation that gives some of the background of cranberry farming in the South Jersey Pines.  Learn how this native crop helped to preserve wetlands and secure open space in the Pine Barrens, and bring healing and land value back to a decimated landscape.  New Jersey’s cranberry industry has also had profound impacts on the North American cranberry industry in equipment and technological innovation, research and cultural practice improvements, and the founding of the Ocean Spray brand and marketing cooperative.  Several of those advancements happened right here at Whitesbog.

After the presentation, join Brenda aboard our bus, designed to navigate the narrow dams around the cranberry bogs.  Enjoy couch seating and panoramic views as you see cranberry harvest and learn about the growing cycle and cultivation practices from the farmer’s point of view.   Hear what it’s like to “run frost,” “night scout,” and “do water.”  Discuss the history of South Jersey’s red fruit from the Native Americans’ uses to some possible future products. 

See the new harvester Joe invented and witness the gathering of the cranberries.  The bus can join the dump truck brigade, getting you as close as you can get without getting wet!  Then follow the berries to the cleaning facilities here on the farm, where the fruit is prepared for delivery to the processor’s receiving station.  During the tour, Brenda is very happy to answer almost any question about Whitesbog, the Pine Barrens, or cranberries.  Such as: What is the difference between white cranberries and red cranberries?  What health benefits are associated with cranberries?  And how can I make cranberries into attractive and tasty dishes that I can serve my family and friends?  And because this tour is interactive and offered on a working farm (not a demonstration farm) no two tours are alike.

Talk: Approx 1 hour
Bus Tour:  Approx 1 hour
Village:  Approx 1 hour+

Gathering the Cranberries

Start out by joining Brenda for a one-hour presentation that gives some of the background of cranberry farming in the South Jersey Pines.  Learn how this native crop helped to preserve wetlands and secure open space in the Pine Barrens, and bring healing and land value back to a decimated landscape.  NJ’s cranberry industry has also had profound impacts on the North American cranberry industry in equipment and technology innovation, research and cultural practice improvements, and the founding of the Ocean Spray brand and marketing cooperative.  Several of those advancements happened right here at Whitesbog.

After the presentation, half the group will join Brenda aboard our bus, designed to navigate the narrow dams around the cranberry bogs.  Enjoy couch seating and panoramic views as you see cranberry harvest and learn about the growing cycle and cultivation practices from the farmer’s point of view.   Hear what it’s like to “run frost,” “night scout,” and “do water.”  Discuss the history of South Jersey’s red fruit from the Native Americans’ uses to some possible future products.  Get answers to questions such as: What is the difference between white cranberries and red cranberries?  What health benefits are associated with cranberries?  And how can I make cranberries into attractive and tasty dishes that I can serve my family and friends?

See the new harvester Joe invented and witness the gathering of the cranberries.  The bus can join the dump truck brigade, getting you as close as you can get without getting wet!  Then follow the berries to the cleaning facilities here on the farm, where the fruit is prepared for delivery to the processor’s receiving station.  During the tour, Brenda is very happy to answer question about Whitesbog, the Pine Barrens, or cranberries.  And because this tour is interactive and offered on a working farm (not a demonstration farm) no two tours are alike.

A boxed lunch can be added for an additional fee upon request.

 Approx. 3

Floating Cranberry Picker