The Naturalists at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in basking Ridge, New Jersey, have scheduled a series of unique, entertaining, and educational programs throughout the year. Information and registration is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org or calling 908-766-2489. Among the upcoming offerings are:
Pollinators in Peril - Natives to the Rescue! – Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Adults are invited to join John Black, President of the New Jersey Native Plant Society to discuss the connection between pollinators and plants, learning what it means to be a "pollinator" and discovering how people can help to increase their numbers while attracting them to the home garden. Fee is $7 per person and $6 per senior.
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Secrets in Somerset County – Bluebell Magic – Friday, April 21, 2017 from 3:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Family and friends of all ages will head out for a Naturalist-led exploratory hike through Duke Island Park to identify local trees and search for early blooming wildflowers along the Raritan River including one of Somerset County’s best kept secrets, the bounty of blooming bluebell wildflowers of Duke Island Park. Weather re-schedule Friday, April 28. The program is free and pre-registration is required.
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Woodland Wildflowers - Friday, May 5, 2017 from 1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M.
Family and friends of all ages will join a Naturalist for a leisurely walk through Lord Stirling Park in search of woodland wildflowers are in their glory in the springtime, carpeting the forest floor in the dappled sunlight. The program is free and pre-registration is required.
Shopping at Well-Sweep Tuesday, June 6 from 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 Noon
Adults will join Naturalists on a trip to Well-Sweep Herb Farm to shop for plants for the spring garden. Well-Sweep has a large variety of plants, from herbs to natives and special varieties that are not seen at the large nurseries. Suggested Donation of plants valued at $25 for the gardens at the Environmental Education Center. Pre-registration is required and begins May 17, 2017.
Deep Cut Gardens – Wednesday, June 7 from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Adults will join a Naturalist on a journey to Monmouth County’s Deep Cut Gardens, 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses dedicated to the home gardener and
featuring a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. The renovated parterre features 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes. Fee is $40 per person and $30 per senior. Pre-registration is required and begins May 17, 2017.
Chihuly at New York Botanic Gardens – Thursday, September 7 from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Adults will join a Naturalist on an autumn visit the New York Botanic Gardens. To enjoy the artwork of world-renowned sculptor Dale Chihuly with monumental installations within and around the most celebrated sites in the Botanical Garden's landscape. Fee is $55 per adult and $45 pre senior. Pre-registration is required and begins May 17, 2017.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve – Tuesday, September 19 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Adults will join a Naturalist on a wildflower tour of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, 134 acres featuring over 800 species of native plants. A Preserve Naturalist will describe the native plant species followed by a visit to a local farm market for farm fresh products and produce. Fee is $40 per adult and $30 per senior. Pre-registration is required and begins May 17, 2017.
Storm King Art Center – Thursday, October 19 from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Adults will join a Naturalist on a trip to one of the world’s leading sculpture parks, a pristine 500-acre landscape of fields, hills, and woodlands and more than 100 carefully sited sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time. Fee is $60 per adult and $50 per senior. Pre-registration is required and begin September 13, 2017.
Holiday Time Longwood Gardens – Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Adults will join a Naturalist on a trip to combine horticulture, architecture, theater, and music into a unique holiday experience. Enjoy gardens twinkling with decorative lights, a conservatory full of holiday plants and colors, or watch the fountains move in time to carillon. Fee is $65 per adult and $55 pre senior. Pre-registration is required and begins September 13, 2017.
For information on these and other Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities, call 908-722-1200 or log onto www.somersetcountyparks.org.
