Free Summer Programs Available At Mercer County Nature Center

The Tulpehaking Nature Center will host free summer programs each weekend in June, July and August, officials announced. Weekends will involve hands-on activities, comprehensive learning and fun outdoors.

Summer Weekends at the nature center will run from Saturday, June 1, through Saturday, Aug. 31. Programs will take place every Friday at 10:30 a.m.; and Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Programs are appropriate for families, and children of all ages. No registration required.

Each Friday throughout June, July and August, the Tulpehaking Nature Center will host Story Time. Stories will be nature-based and held inside, or outside (weather permitting).

Saturdays, visitors to the nature center can choose from a different program each month. These programs are free and begin at 1:30 p.m.

• Guided Nature Walks will be held throughout the month of June. This naturalist-led hike will take participants on the trails throughout the Abbott Marshlands to explore the history, plants and wildlife in this diverse habitat.

• In July, enjoy catch-and-release bug hunting with sweep nets, bug boxes and other tools of the trade. In this program, get up-close with some of the amazing insects that call Roebling Park home.

• Fish Printing will be offered in August where participants can help create a colorful school of fish with paint, brush and paper through the ancient art of Gyotaku.

Sundays will be dedicated to the educational animals at the nature center. Helping-hands will be needed to keep the animals healthy, clean and fed during the Feed the Animals program.

For more information about summer programming at the nature center, visit https://mercercountyparks.org/#!/activities/nature-programs.

The Tulpehaking Nature Center is located at 157 Westcott Ave. in Hamilton. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

The nature center provides programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore and discover the many cultural, historic and natural resources of the Abbott Marshlands. It is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission.

For more information about the nature center, programs and schedule of events, go to www.mercercountyparks.org.