Get Outside This Weekend in Somerset County

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.

Children & Teen Program:

• Tree House Gang Tuesdays, Dec. 8 and 15 from 12:45 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, interacting with live animals, and creating crafts. Fee is $50 per person for either 3-day session. Advance payment required.
• River Rats Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Children age 5 to 8 will enjoy a weekend learning adventure, joining a Naturalist for a themed exploration of the Great Swamp. Fee is $27 per person for the 3-day session. Advance payment required.
• The Green Team – FREE PROGRAM Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. Children ages 12 to 15 who would like to contribute their talents in a positive way will enjoy the educational and fun activities at the Environmental Education Center. The program is free.

Adult & Family Programs:

• Forest Fitness Tuesdays, Dec. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9 to 10 a.m. Adults are invited to join a weekly walking group, enjoying nature along the level trails of Lord Stirling Park. Fee is $25 for the 5-day session. Advance payment required.
• Family Nature Walk – FREE PROGRAM Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10:30 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.
• Owl Prowl Saturday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Family and friends of all ages will explore the nocturnal world of the owl with a PowerPoint presentation, pellet dissection and a night hike. Fee is $9 per person. Advance payment required.
• Forest Fitness Sundays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. Adults are invited to join a weekly walking group, enjoying nature along the level trails of Lord Stirling Park. Fee is $20 for the 4-day session. Advance payment required.
• Family Nature Walk – FREE PROGRAM Sunday, Dec. 6 from noon to 1 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.
• Snowshoe Hike – FREE PROGRAM Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Family and friends of all ages will join a Naturalist for some snowshoeing on the trails at the Environmental Education Center. A limitednumber of snowshoes available so bring your own. Program is free.

Register:

Register for all programs online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489.

BOBO Fridays:

Blue “BOBO (Buy One – Bring One) Fridays” bins now are located at the Environmental Education Center and Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, as well as at the Somerset County Park Commission headquarters at North Branch Park in Bridgewater. The public is invited to drop off canned food or personal-care items for donation to Somerset County food banks.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found by calling 908-722-1200 or on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

(Photo: Children enjoy Tree House Gang activities at the Environmental Education Center.)