The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite families with children of all ages to take part in theme hikes and nature related talks during several upcoming Saturday Outdoor Adventures programs at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. These informative and invigorating outdoor programs are led by Trailside’s knowledgeable naturalists. Programs begin at 10 am at the Visitor Center and last approximately 45 minutes. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated.
“The Saturday Outdoor Adventures program at Trailside is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a morning together,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “You’ll discover the wooded landscape of the mountains and trails of the beautiful Watchung Reservation and learn new and interesting facts about wildlife and our environment.”
On Saturday, February 4, 2012 families can explore the Watchung Reservation and learn how to identify trees without their leaves during “Winter Seasonal.” Participants will hike the nursery trails to search for deer paths, rabbit tracks and other animal signs.
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During “Wetland Habitats” on February 25, 2012 families can investigate Trailside’s state-of-the-art exhibits to learn about vernal pools, rivers, lakes and ponds. Discover some of the animals that live in these important areas and meet live turtles from Trailside’s reptile collection.
On March 10, 2012 families can join a Trailside naturalist to learn about the wildlife in the Watchung Reservation during the Saturday Outdoor Adventure Program, “Watchable Wildlife.”
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Trailside invites families to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day during the “Green Trail Hike” on Saturday, March 17, 2012. We will hike the Green Trail to search for budding leaves, evergreen trees, ferns, moss and other greenery.
On March 31, 2012 as spring arrives in the Watchung Reservation, join a Trailside park naturalist for a hike around Lake Surprise to investigate the variety of life found living near the largest body of water in the Watchung Reservation during “Headwaters Hike.” This is a great opportunity to listen for spring peepers, look for wildflowers and discover the wonders of wetlands. This Saturday Outdoor Adventure meets at the Lake Surprise Parking Lot.
For more information on the Saturday Outdoor Adventures program or on any other upcoming events, call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
