Environmental Education Center Naturalists Offer Traveling Education Programs

The Naturalists at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) are offering “Traveling Education Programs” to civic and social groups, non-profits, and libraries across Somerset County. The lecture and discussion-based presentations are appropriate for a variety of audiences. Presentations can be geared to specific interests and needs.

Among the programs available are: Amazing Adaptations exploring how wildlife survives in its environment; Backyard Bears explaining what to do when encountering a bear; Backyard Birds learning about New Jersey’s common visitors; Cool Critters investigating things that slither, hiss, and hop; Coyote Cries to sort out myth from fact; and Deer Wrangling to learn all about deer.

Also Healing Power of Plants will show which common plants have medicinal properties; New Jersey Owls will explore the world of these birds of prey; New Jersey Snakes will show how to identify these creatures; Planning a Native Butterfly Garden will show which plants attract native butterflies and moths; and Sharks 101 will discuss facts and myths about sharks.

In addition to these and other planned programs, the Naturalists are receptive to developing programs at the request of outside groups.

For information, to obtain a copy of the complete “Traveling Education Programs” listing, or to schedule a presentation contact the EEC at 908-766-2489, ext. 332 or email kbender@scparks.org.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 450 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. A swamp vivarium, and an environmentally based library are located within the Center itself.

“The Great Swamp Experience” on the lower level at the EEC features interactive displays, vignettes, taxidermy, and archeological artifacts highlighting the history and ecology of the Great Swamp. The exhibit is open 7 days a week from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Admission is free.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.