Park Commission National Trails Day Celebration

Since 1993, National Trails Day has been celebrated to raise awareness of the “Trails for All Americans” program that is intended to build partnerships and alliances that work together beyond National Trails Day and broadening the constituency for use of trails.

The local celebration of National Trails Day is organized by the Somerset County Park Commission Park Ranger Department. Rangers will be participating with volunteers on a trail maintenance initiative at the Sourland Mountain Preserve off East Mountain Road in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

The volunteer project is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2017 between 9:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. The public is invited to participate and will gather in the parking lot on East Mountain Road in Hillsborough, NJ. The Sourland Mountain Preserve, though undeveloped, features trails utilized by hikers, recreational walkers, and mountain bikers.

Due to the types of tools that will be used at the site, work gloves, and sturdy boots are recommended.

For further information, please contact the Park Rangers at (908) 231-0802, ext. 21 or NJ Relay Service at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment.

On Sunday, June 4, 2017 the Naturalists at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey have designed an exciting and entertaining Obstacle Course on the trails in Lord Stirling Park.

Families are invited to celebrate National Trails Day by joining the “Trail Scramble.” Family members will navigate a two-mile course through a variety of natural barriers and educational challenges while enjoying the beauty of the Great Swamp.

Among the requirements along the way will be to balance on a log, jump over hay bales, roll a log, carry firewood, throw rocks in to pail, hop across tree stumps, and scramble over, around or under more than twenty different obstacles. There will be some educational opportunities, as well, along the trail. The event will be held rain or shine and is family friendly.

Participating families and friends will depart every 15 minutes. Sign up for a check-in time of 12:45 P.M., 1:00 P.M., 1:15 P.M. 1:30 P.M., 1:45 P.M. or 2:00 P.M. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The fee is $10 per person and each child under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Payment may be made on-line at www.somersetcountyparks.org, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-766-2489. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The Great Swamp Experience” on the lower level of 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