Educational Public Programs for Adults & Families
African Safari: Explore Tanzania
(Adult)
Join two Naturalists for a journey of a lifetime you will never forget! Venture beyond the television screen and experience first-hand an ecosystem so very foreign from our own, yet still amazing. We will cover our ground in off-road vehicles and occasionally on foot. We will have opportunities to see animals such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, hippos, ostriches, hyenas, baboons, monkeys, wildebeests, gazelles, giraffes, various bird species, etc. The list is almost endless! During the two weeks we will visit some of Tanzania's most prestigious National Parks, including Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire, and the Ngorongoro Crater. We will also visit Olduvai Gorge and see evidence of our early hominid ancestors. Throughout our safari we will stay in a combination of lodges and luxury tents. This trip is ideal for photographers, birders, nature lovers, and anyone with a will to experience an unforgettable adventure! Trip fee includes airfare, transportation, meals, lodging, guides, tips, and more! Registration closes August 3, 2010. For more information, come to our free open house and/or please contact 908 766-2489 ext. 326.
$7,700 (double occupancy); $8,525 (single) - Based upon current airfare rates; subject to change. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration.
Course Code: 51502
| EEC-4 |
Saturday, March 5 through |
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Thursday, March 17, 2011 Trip Dates |
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Subject to airline flight schedules |
|
A Walk to Remember
(Adult)
Join us as we observe the swamp’s cycles through the year! A Naturalist will guide you along our trails to discover and compare the swamp from one month to the next. Bring a journal to record what you see and to reflect on the monthly changes. Come start your own phenology discoveries on a walk that you will truly remember!
$9 per person
Course Code: 51064
| EEC-77 |
Wednesday, May 19 (May register for this program now.) |
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5:30pm-7:00pm |
| EEC-78 |
Sunday, June 27 |
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5:30pm-7:00pm |
| EEC-79 |
Sunday, July 25 |
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5:30pm-7:00pm |
| EEC-80 |
Sunday, August 15 |
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5:30pm-7:00pm |
| EEC-81 |
Sunday, September 26 |
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5:30pm-7:00pm |
Shopping at Well Sweep
(Adult)
Come with us to Well Sweep Herb Gardens to shop for your 2010 garden. Well Sweep has a large variety of plants, from herbs to natives and lots of special varieties that are not seen at the large nurseries. With the help of two Naturalists, find out what plants to buy to create the garden of your dreams. From sun to shade, wet to dry, animal resistant plants, you name it - Well Sweep has it. Take the day off for shopping in
the morning and go home to plant in the afternoon.
Suggested Donation: Plants (valued at $25) for the gardens at the Environmental Education Center.
Course Code: 51450
| EEC-2 |
Tuesday, June 1 |
| |
8:30am-Noon |
HELP! - NEW
(Adult)
Do you love the Environmental Education Center? We could use your help with a variety of endeavors. Throughout the year, different projects will be tackled depending on the season. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and helping hands will be used to enhance the Center. An hour here or there could be spent gardening, preparing for a program or special event, creating signage, etc. As thanks, we will provide yummy treats.
FREE
Course Code: 51594
| EEC-1 |
Sunday, June 13 |
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9:00am-11:00am |
| EEC-2 |
Sunday, July 11 |
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9:00am-11:00am |
| EEC-3 |
Sunday, August 8 |
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9:00am-11:00am |
| EEC-4 |
Sunday, September 12 |
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9:00am-11:00am |
Go Native! - NEW
(Adult)
It’s time to release your green inhibitions! Get down and dirty with this introduction to our gardens and the many reasons for planting native species in your home garden. Through discussion and hands-on activities, participants will come to an understanding of the wisdom of going native.
$7 per person
Course Code: 51593
| EEC-1 |
Thursday, June 24 |
| |
6:30pm-7:30pm |
NATURE WALKS
at the Environmental Education Center
One Hour Wanderings
(Family and Friends)
On selected Sundays during the spring and summer, we will lead an hour-long interpretive walk. Each week we will focus on a different theme, so make these walks a part of your weekend routine. Pre-registration is not required.
FREE
Saturdays Noon-1:00pm July 3, 24; August 14
Sundays Noon-1:00pm June 13, 20; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15, 29; September 5, 26
Not designed for organized groups |
Lord Stirling Park Spring Bird Count
(Adult)
Learn some birding basics as we collect data for the Environmental Education Center on the second annual Spring Bird Count. We will be visiting various locations on the trail systems of Lord Stirling Park. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking.
FREE
Course Code: 51574
| EEC-2 |
Saturday, June 5 |
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6:00am-3:00pm |
Critters in Crisis - New
(Family and Friends)
A series of unfortunate events has created great challenges for many of our amazing fauna and the flora they depend upon for survival. As part of their web of life we will discuss the impact of their decline on us and the ever delicate interconnectedness of all living things. Bats, bears, frogs, salamanders, bees, birds, and butterflies will be the focus of these dynamic discussions. Do not despair for we will also highlight what makes these living things so fantastic and discuss solutions for their survival, as well as our own.
FREE
Course Code: 51519
| EEC-4 |
Saturday, May 1 |
The Bees’ Knees |
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2:00pm-3:00pm |
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| EEC-5 |
Sunday, June 13 |
Backyard Invaders |
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2:00pm-3:00pm |
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Our Earth
(Family and Friends)
The environment, how we consume, the United States economy, and our ability to succeed in the new global economy are intertwined. How we look at our world and its finite resources are more important than ever. Join us for a more specific look at current environmental issues and how we can positively impact our home. This is a three-part program offering intended for young folks age 12 and older along with adults. Come to one, two or all three sessions. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51349
| EEC-12 |
Native Plants: Why are They so Good? |
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Saturday, May 8 |
3:30pm-5:00pm |
Reptibians and Amphitiles
(Family and Friends)
Whoa! Wait a minute, those critters sound all mixed-up! Well, most of the time they are, so join us as we set the record straight about our friends, the reptiles and amphibians. We will learn to identify frogs, snakes, turtles, and more by habitat, sight, and sound. The class includes an outdoor walk and an indoor session with slides and live animals.
$12 per person
Course Code: 51176
| EEC-21 |
Monday, May 3 |
| |
5:00pm-6:30pm |
Deer Wrangling - NEW
(Family and Friends)
They are everywhere! Bambi or “hooved rats”? Why so many? How can I keep them out of my garden? If I hit one, who do I call? Let’s sort out the brouhaha. A short hike will reveal signs of deer. Participants will get to handle deer skulls, bones, antlers, and more.
FREE
Course Code: 51505
| EEC-1 |
Sunday, May 23 |
| |
2:00pm-3:00pm |
Spring Beauties
(Family and Friends)
Wander through the woods with a Naturalist searching for spring’s ephemeral flowers; trout lily’s, jack-in-the-pulpits, spring beauties, and many more. Learn where to look and how to identify these early bloomers. Please meet the Naturalist at the parking area off of East Mountain Road.
$7 per adult/$6 per youth/senior
Course Code: 51577
| SMP-4 |
Saturday, May 29 |
"Sourland Mountains" |
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10:30am-11:30am |
|
Basically Bats
(Family and Friends)
The only true flying mammals are often misunderstood and feared, rather than appreciated for their prowess as our best natural insect predators. Did you know that a single bat can consume approximately 600 insects per hour? So, pull the plug on your bug zapper and learn some bat biology. Class includes our famous bat quiz, power point, and lecture about bat ecology, as well as a field walk to look for these elusive nocturnal creatures.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51273
| EEC-30 |
Friday, June 4 |
| |
7:00pm-8:30pm |
Field Trips for the Fun at Heart
(Adult)
Be jealous of your children and grandchildren no more! Join a Naturalist for a day trip to area destinations. The days will be relaxing and educational; find out for yourself why the kids love to adventure with us! Fee includes continental breakfast, van transportation, admission fees, and interpretation.
Bronx Zoo
Take the day off and leave the driving to us. Join a Naturalist on a trip to this world famous zoo run by the Wildlife Conservation Society. With more than 4,000 species on display there is an animal for everyone to admire. The zoo is too big to see in just one day so we will prioritize our visit! We will be covering lots of ground so wear your walking shoes and bring your camera because there is always something happening at the zoo.
$50 per adult/$ 40 per senior
Course Code: 51181
| EEC-22 |
Thursday, September 9 |
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8:30am-5:00pm |
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Garden Discovery Tours
(Family and Friends)
Join Somerset County Naturalists and the Leonard J. Buck Garden staff on this exciting series of day trips to tri-state area gardens. Trips will combine the natural history, ecological knowledge, and experience of both the Naturalist and a gardener to maximize education and enjoyment. Continental breakfast, van transportation, admission fees, and all interpretation included. Please book early, as these limited-space trips fill rapidly!
The Highlands & Meadowbrook Farms - NEW
Take a step back in time and tour this beautiful 1930’s era garden. The Highlands is set amidst 44 acres of rolling hills and formal gardens. Although the mansion is unfurnished, a tour will still be included focusing on the historic stories of its past. Bring a bag lunch and picnic in the veranda before heading to Meadowbrook Farms to walk through the perennial and vegetable gardens and shop for your own garden plants!
$45 per adult/$35 per youth/senior
Course Code: 56505
| EEC-1 |
Tuesday, June 15 |
| |
8:00am-5:00pm |
Queens Botanical Garden - NEW
This garden trip is going GREEN! Tour the visitor center which showcases building techniques to conserve water and mitigate global warming. See the planted green roof, solar panels, geothermal heating, graywater recycling, compost toilets, and biowales that capture storm water. Wander the thematic gardens ranging from native species to sustainable landscape practices. Bring a bag lunch for a picnic or eat at one of the many local restaurants.
$50 per adult/$40 per youth/senior
Course Code: 56506
| EEC-1 |
Tuesday, September 14 |
| |
8:00am-5:00pm |
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Hands-On Nature - NEW
(Family and Friends)
You guessed it! Explore the natural world around you, hands-on! Feel animal fur and snake skin. Touch bones and shells. Find natural objects on a hike. There is no doubt this class will be full of fun adventures!
$9 per person
Course Code: 51583
| EEC-1 |
Saturday, July 10 |
| |
10:30am-Noon |
Fun on the Farm - New
(Family and Friends)
After learning the fascinating history of the nearby Ross Family homestead and farm, we will “sow the seeds” of traditional fun, “cultivate” our brains with a scavenger hunt, and “harvest” other classic pastimes on the estate. This is a great opportunity to visit a local historic farm that is not currently open to the general public. We will meet at the Environmental Education Center and travel in a “car caravan” to the farm. Bring plenty of water to drink. No restrooms available.
FREE
Course Code: 51591
| RFF-1 |
Sunday, July 18 |
| |
4:00pm-5:30pm |
Aquatic Adventures
(Family and Friends)
Who says kids get to have all the fun? This is your chance to play in the ponds in this pond study for everybody! We will check out some of our “swamp” tanks and then go out and “muck about”. Get ready to get muddy.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51272
| EEC-15 |
Saturday, August 7 |
| |
10:30am-Noon |
Tremendous Tadpoles - New
(Family and Friends)
Join a Naturalist on a walk out to fantastic Lily Pad Pond to search for some froggy friends! Learn proper ponding technique and all about the life cycle of amphibians in the Great Swamp. Touch a real tadpole and then set it free!
$9 per person
Course Code: 51326
| EEC-4 |
Thursday, September 9 6:00pm-7:30pm |
| |
|
Flutter Bye! - New
(Family & Friends)
Join a Naturalist for a tour of the Butterfly House and Gardens; learn some butterfly basics - what do they eat, how long do they live, and search for the elusive gossamer winged creatures on a hike.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51588
| EEC-1 |
Saturday, September 11 |
| |
10:00am-11:30am |
Washington Really Hiked Here! - NEW
(Family and Friends)
By George! We’ve got it! The Somerset County Park Commission has acquired its newest park, Washington Rock! Learn about the natural and “people” history of this famous place as you explore a favorite lookout of our first president. A Naturalist will guide you through the park’s trails and historic place in time.
FREE
Course Code: 51592
| WRP-1 |
Sunday, September 12 |
| |
3:00pm-4:00pm |
Basically Bats
(Family and Friends)
The only true flying mammals are often misunderstood and feared rather than appreciated for their prowess as our best natural insect predators. Did you know that a single bat can consume approximately 600 insects in an hour? So, pull the plug on your bag zapper and learn some bat biology. Class includes our famous bat quiz, power point, and lecture about bat ecology, as well as a field walk to look for these elusive nocturnal creatures.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51273
| EEC-31 |
Friday, September 17 |
| |
6:30pm-8:00pm |
September Sunset Stroll
(Family and Friends)
Venture out into Lord Stirling Park as the sun dips low in the sky. Breathe the fresh air and discover what is happening as the sky darkens and the nighttime critters awaken. We will prepare a sweet snack to take with us as we stroll.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51371
| EEC-3 |
Thursday, September 23 |
| |
6:30pm-8:00pm |
September’s Harvest Garden - NEW
(Family and Friends)
Organic growing is all the rage! Join a Naturalist as we discuss some of the techniques we use to grow some of our favorite veggies and fruits organically! Be prepared to get your hands dirty and to taste a variety of “homegrown” Jersey produce.
$9 per person
Course Code 51598
| EEC-1 |
Saturday, September 25 |
| |
1:30pm-3:00pm |
Hawkwatch Hike - NEW
(Family and Friends)
The season for hawk watching has officially begun! Come hike the trails with a Naturalist but be sure to keep an eye to the sky for those awesome migrating birds of prey. We will discuss the different types of hawks as we trek around the swamp. Bring binoculars and be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
FREE
Course Code: 51596
| EEC-1 |
Monday, September 27 |
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5:00pm-6:30pm |
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• Program Registration Application (pdf)
• Monthly Newsletter (pdf)
• 2010 Calendar (pdf)
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
• Program Registration Information & Locations
• Educational Public Programs for Children
• Educational Public Programs for Adults & Families
• Garden Discovery Tours
• Canoe & Kayak Programs & Trips
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Birthday Parties
• School Group Programs
• Scouts/Other Group Programs
• Maple Sugaring
PARK FEATURES
• Special Events
• Exhibits
• Workshops
• Family Program Series
• Trips
• Library
• Trails
• Natural History Book & Gift Shop
• Room Rental
African Safari photos
(view with windows media or real player) |
