Environmental Education Center Programs

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge has scheduled the following Naturalist-led programs to help children and adults enjoy the wonders of nature in Somerset County. The Environmental Education Center provides many entertaining and educational programs for children and adults year around.

Pre-registration is required for programs and may be done by calling 908-722-1200, ext. 5002. or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment. Registration is available online at www.somersetcountyparks.org

CHILD/PARENT PROGRAMS

Young Explorers Club
Mondays, December 3, 10, and 17 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Children age infant to 5 with a parent will experience the wonders of
nature through outdoor activities that stimulate the five senses.
Fee is $22 per pair and $11 per additional child for the 3-day session
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200,
ext. 5002. Advance payment required.

Bear Tales
Tuesday, December 4 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Children age infant to 5 with a parent will join a Naturalist to learn about
what makes bears special.
Fee is $10 per pair and $5 per additional child.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200,
ext. 5002. Advance payment required.

CHILDREN/TEEN PROGRAMS

KinderNats
Mondays, December 3, 10, and 17 from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Children ages 5 to 7, who are enrolled in kindergarten and first grade will
study science and explore the natural world through games,
Naturalist-led activities, and more.
Fee is $18 per person for the 3-day session.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200,
ext. 5002. Advance payment required.

Tree House Gang
Tuesdays, December 4, 11, and 18 from 12:45 P.M. to 3:15 P.M.
Children ages 3 to 5 will be entertained and educated at these afternoon
science and nature classes. Program will include hikes, hands-on
activities, and interacting with live animals.
Fee is $50 per person for the 3-day session
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or 908-722-1200, ext.
5002. Advance payment required.

Swamp Kids
Thursdays, December 6, 13, and 20 from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Children age 8 to 10 will join a Naturalist to explore nature, expand
curiosity, and have fun in the great outdoors. Each week will
explore a different theme.
Fee is $18 per person for the 3-session program.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200,
ext.5002. Advance payment required.

The Green Team – FREE PROGRAM
Saturday, December 8 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Children ages 12 to 15 - Is natural science a subject you find interesting?
Do you like the outdoors? Is the Great Swamp a place you like to
visit? If so, join the Environmental Education Center Naturalists
and contribute your talents to fun and educational projects and
special events.
Pre-registration is required.
The program is free
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200,
ext. 5002.

ADULT/FAMILY PROGRAMS

Forest Fitness Tuesdays
Tuesdays, December 4, 11, and 18 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
Adults are invited to join a Naturalist-led weekly walking group, enjoying
nature along the level trails of Lord Stirling Park.
Fee is $15 for the 3-day program.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or 908-722-1200 x.5002. Advance payment required.

Garden Discovery Tour – New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Thursday, December 6 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Adults will join a Naturalist on a journey to the Enid A. Haupt
Conservatory which has been transformed into a holiday
wonderland with model trains traveling around and through New
York City landmarks made of natural materials including plant
parts, nuts, bark, seed pods, and leaves
Fee is $60 per adult and $50 per senior.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200,
ext. 5002. Advance payment required.

Family Nature Walk – FREE PROGRAM
Saturday, December 8 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Family and friends will enjoy a Naturalist-led interpretive walk
through the Great Swamp.
The program is free and pre-registration is not required.
For information, call 908-722-1200, Ext. 5002.

Birding Identification Workshops – Ducks – NEW PROGRAM!
Saturday, December 8 from 1:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Adults will enjoy an opportunity to begin, refine, or reinforce birding
skills in this year-long series of workshops focused on tips and
tricks to identify various bird species. This program will address
ducks and the wide array that can be found in New Jersey in the
winter.
Fee is $6 per person.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200,
ext. 5002. Advance payment required.

Family Nature Walk – FREE PROGRAM
Sunday, December 9 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M.
Family and friends will enjoy a Naturalist-led interpretive walk
through the Great Swamp.
The program is free and pre-registration is not required.
For information, call 908-722-1200, Ext. 5002.

“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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission Is free.

Please note that dog walking is not permitted on the trails at the Environmental Education Center.