190 Lord Stirling Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ • 908 766-2489

A guide to the seasonal programs offered at the Environmental Education Center is published in January, May, and September each year by the Courier News, and mailed to individuals on our mailing list. If you wish to be added to our list, you may call the Center at 908 766-2489. Please be aware that program maximum enrollment is met quickly; we advise you register as soon as possible in accordance with the registration dates.

Programs are age-range specific in order to ensure full enrichment for each child. The child must be the minimum age and no older than the maximum age listed on the date the program is offered. We appreciate your cooperation.

Tot Trek
(Ages infant-3 with parent)
Get your strollers ready and your sturdy shoes tied up tight! We will head out on the trails of Lord Stirling Park for a brisk walk, with breaks here and there for a snack, a story, and to admire the natural world.
$15 per pair/$8 per additional child
Course Code: 51214

Small Wonders
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Join a Naturalist for a walk in the fields and woods of Lord Stirling Park. We will be looking for all the colors of the rainbow and signs of animal activity. Strollers welcome.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51074

Mini-Mammals
(Ages 2-3 with parent)
Small mammals are not only cute but fascinating creatures. Through activities, crafts, and stories your child will learn about special mini-mammals.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51420

Thriving Thursday - NEW
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
It is all about the letter “T.” Time to tinker with tons of totally terrific “t” things! Tortoises, tadpoles, tarantulas, and tigers galore!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51584

Tree House Gang
(Ages 3-5)
Bring your little ones to the Environmental Education Center for fun science and nature programming. These afternoon classes will enhance learning by going outside for hikes, hands-on activities, meeting live animals, and creating one cool craft to take home at the end of the month. Tree House Gang begins in September and continues until May 2011; each month having a different theme. Bring a snack and dress for the weather.
$50 per person
Course Code: 51488

Hoots & Howls -NEW
(Ages 4-6 with parent)
Join a Naturalist for an early autumn walk in the forest and fields as the sun sets and the full moon rises.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51589

Camping In and Out
(Ages 4-6)
Have an entire weekend camping trip in one afternoon. We will pack our gear, pitch our tent, tell some stories around the ‘campfire’, and make S’mores. Bring a sleeping bag or blanket!
$15 per person
Course Code: 51227

Weather Wonders - NEW
(Ages 7-9)
You may have wondered why June is so rainy and July is so hot. Work together with a Naturalist on a weather scavenger hunt and figure out how weather affects everything around us! Along with the scavenger hunt you will partake in some neat weather experiments!
$6 per person
Course Code: 51586

Lovable Lepidoptera
(Ages 7-9)
These amazing six-legged creatures with two pair of wings (some brightly colored, others bland with the ability to blend in) fly gracefully through the sky, skipping, gliding, and fluttering. Some lay their eggs and die; others travel thousands of miles to mate another day. Come observe these natural wonders up close and in person, as we search for some lovable Lepidoptera.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51464

The Green Team
(Ages 13-15)
o you need to fulfill your community service requirement for school? Is natural science a subject you find interesting? Do you like the outdoors? Is the Great Swamp a place you like to visit? If so, join us at the Environmental Education Center for educational and fun volunteering opportunities. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51438

Natirar Ramble
(Ages infant-3 with parent)
Little ones will enjoy this picturesque stroller-friendly walk through the open fields and along the Raritan River in one of Somerset County’s newest parks, Natirar. Bring a snack and a sense of adventure as we explore this natural area. Includes simple fun activities and storytelling time.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51392

Tot Trek
(Ages infant-3 with parent)
Get your strollers ready and your sturdy shoes tied up tight! We will head out on the trails of Lord Stirling Park for a brisk walk, with breaks here and there for a snack, a story, and to admire the natural world.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51214

Critters in Camouflage
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come to the Environmental Education Center and find out how different animals blend into nature. Animals use camouflage and trickery every day of the year to protect themselves from predators. We will explore resources both inside and outside for these special creatures, and learn more about why they cover themselves in camouflage.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51220

Story Hour - NEW!
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come and listen to a Naturalist read a story, relax in our comfortable library, and take a short walk. A simple way to spend some quality time with your young one while enjoying wonderful environmentally oriented books. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51628

B is for Bear
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Teddy bears, black bears, grizzly bears, panda bears, polar bears…the possibilities seem endless! Bring your favorite bear with you to this program and together you can enjoy listening to a story, making a craft, and learning about the world’s bears!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51235

Turkey Time
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Where is Tom? Turkeys are great birds; not only for eating. We will talk turkey basics and then create a turkey on our own. A taste test is included if you are interested. Get ready for your holiday meal by learning about the main dish.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional Child
Course Code: 51039

Track That!
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Think snow for this class! Winter is a great time to look for animal tracks. Go on a short hike and try to figure out which animals walk the same path as you! A craft and a story will also be included in this program.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51239

Nature Hikes for Tykes Series I
(Ages 2-3 with parent)
It is never too early to begin exploring nature. Bring your tyke for a hike and activities that focus on using the five senses. All classes will consist of a themed hike, craft, and hands-on activities.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51413

It’s a Wild, Wild World! - NEW!
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
It is a wild world in the animal kingdom! Come join a Naturalist for an adventurous walk into the swamp to find as many critters as we can.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51602

All about Apples
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Apples are a fantastic fall fruit! Both people and animals have found multiple uses for apples. Hike to our apple orchard and explore the endless possibilities! Make a craft, cook, and indulge in a delicious apple dessert! Children must be able to hike at least a half mile.
$22 per pair/$11 per additional child
Course Code: 51233

Wacky Wednesdays
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
It is all about the letter “W”. What wonderfully weird things does nature have to offer? What about walruses, wallabies, wolves, and worms?
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51107

Bye, Bye Butterfly! - NEW!
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Head out into the fields of the swamp with a Naturalist to wish the last of the butterflies farewell for the season. We will learn about butterfly and moth lifecycles and where some butterflies go for the winter.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51603

Crafty with Nature
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
For centuries nature has been the inspiration for artists. Bring your young artist to these classes and let their creative juices flow as they make art with nature. Paint, clay, and leaves will be a few of the mediums we will use to create masterpieces.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51446

Fat, Feathers, and Fur
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Come discover how animals stay warm when it is very, very cold outside. Do they buy themselves a parka? During the hour, we will find out the tricks of the animal world when it comes to keeping toasty in the winter!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51138

Music in Nature
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Some people may consider animal noises to be music to their ears. Others may consider music to be made from instruments. Listen to animal sounds and go for a hike to collect natural objects along the way. Then make an instrument from the materials you found!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51387

Mini-Mammals
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Small mammals are not only cute but fascinating creatures. Through activities, crafts, and stories you child will learn about special mini-mammals.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51420

A Bone to Pick
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Your bones help you run, skip, and jump. But why else are they important? Do all animals have bones? Join us to learn more about the skeleton inside your body and the creatures that keep theirs on the outside.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51083

Winter Birds - NEW!
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Winter is the perfect time of the year to learn to identify birds by sight. Join a Naturalist and learn the basics of bird biology, behavior, and identification. Make a backyard bird identification poster for your home.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51604

Colors of Winter
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Venture into the wonderful season of winter. Discover the many wonderful colors in our landscape that hide amongst the white and brown you see so often. During this hour we will go in search of colors in the swamp and bring them back to make a craft. Get ready to be surprised with a rainbow of nature that is here during winter.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51254

Captivating Critters!
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Come and see some truly cool critters and learn what helps them to survive in nature. Our guest list includes Pete the praying mantis, Rosie the red rump tarantula, a gorgeous gecko named Smooth, hissing cockroaches from Madagascar, and a special surprise guest. Join a Naturalist to learn what makes each animal special and important.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51009

Frogsicles and Popsicles - NEW!
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Most frogs hibernate for the winter. However, there is one very special frog that freezes! Find out what makes this frog so interesting. Enjoy a walk outside and make your own popsicle to eat, but be sure you do not eat the frogsicle!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51618

Star Struck
(Ages 3-5 with parent)
Everyone knows stars are found in outer space. But which is the most famous star of all? What do the stars tell people? Discuss constellations, play games, and make a craft.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51390

Tree House Gang
(Ages 3-5)
Bring your little ones to the Environmental Education Center for fun science and nature programming. These afternoon classes will enhance learning by going outside for hikes, doing hands-on activities, meeting live animals, and creating one cool craft to take home at the end of the month. Tree House Gang begins in September and continues until May 2011; each month having a different theme. Bring a snack and dress for the weather.
$50 for 3 day session per person
$65 for 4 day session per person
$75 for 5 day session per person
Course Code: 51488

The Great Pumpkin
(Ages 3-6 with parent)
Bring your mom and dad along with you to get into the Halloween spirit! We will learn about pumpkins and their different uses as food and decoration during the holidays. We will listen to a pumpkin tale, make pumpkin pie, and create our very own Jack-o-Lanterns.
$20 per pair
Course Code: 51313

Wonder Worms
(Ages 4-6)
They have no shovels or pick axes but these amazing creatures move through the soil almost as easily as we walk on land. Without them our soil would be in big trouble. Join a Naturalist as we get up close and personal with worms.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51431

Animal Legends
(Ages 4-6)
Coyote, Bear, Wolf, Raven…Many animals have been the subject of stories, legends, myths, and fables. Some of the tales are a little hard to believe while others might make you wonder. Stories and a craft will help you decide fact from fiction.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51204

The Twilight Zone
(Ages 4-6)
It is that mysterious time between light and night, sunset and total darkness. What is going on? Who is stirring? Through fun activities and a twilight hike, learn about silhouettes, rod vs. cone cells, and crepuscular animals.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51493

Diggin’ Dinosaurs
(Ages 4-6)
Even though dinosaurs are extinct, they are pretty interesting creatures! Join us as we become paleontologists and discover just what this type of scientist does all day. We will learn how fossils are formed, uncover some of our very own fossils, and learn some cool dinosaur characteristics.
$10 per person
Course Code: 51037

Whale of a Tail
(Ages 4-6)
Who are the largest mammals on the face of the Earth? Well, of course our friends the whales are! Join us as we learn and discover some fascinating whale characteristics. We will explore what it’s like to have baleen and blubber for starters. Then we will size ourselves up to whales and finish with some origami and poems – get ready for a splashing good time!
$10 per person
Course Code: 51043

Fossils, Footprints, and Fun
(Ages 4-6)
What is a fossil anyway? Come join us to find out! Children will discover the secrets of fossils as they inquire, observe, and create “fossils”.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51418

The Age of Aquarium
(Ages 7-9 with parent)
Want to learn how to set up your own aquarium? Then this is the program for you! First we will take a walk into the swamp and see how nature does it. Then we will put together our own fresh water tank. Price of program includes tank, pond study instruction, and a Siamese fighting fish.
$20 per pair
Course Code: 51425

Skulls and Bones
(Ages 7-9)
Do not be spooked! Join a Naturalist for a hands-on exploration of our collection of skulls, bones, and animal artifacts.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51500

Why Don’t Spiders Get Stuck?
(Ages 7-9)
Ever wonder why a spider does not get stuck in its own web? Discover the answer and much more about these amazing animals.
$8 per person
Course Code: 51113

Camp We-Hike-It
(Ages 7-9)
Get outside! Explore the swamp! Games, activities, hiking, and learning are on tap for these fun outdoor programs. Register for one or all!
$12 per person
Course Code: 51494

Mantis Mania
(Ages 7-9)
They silently sit and wait for something to slowly to slither by. They patiently “prey,” waiting for the perfect tasty morsel. This is the life of one of our greatest predators. Come explore these mysterious and wonderful creatures. Not for the faint of heart. Just kidding!
$9 per person
Course Code: 51471

Mystery in the Swamp
(Ages 7-9)
Come help the Naturalists figure out a crime. That’s right… something has disappeared and there is a mystery to solve. Learn how to finger print suspects, collect clues, analyze handwriting, and other crime solving techniques. Come for an afternoon of fun and mystery. A snack will be included.
$20 per person
Course Code: 51325

Searching Our Solar System
(Ages 7-9)
The solar system is such a fascinating place that revolves and rotates around the sun! The afternoon will be spent exploring our wonderful “sun” system. We will make a pocket version of the system and one for you to bring home to put things into a better perspective. Let’s just say that “My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas” will make much more sense after the class!
$10 per person
Course Code: 51045

Cool Critters!
(Ages 7-9)
Come and see some truly cool critters and learn what helps them to survive in nature. Our guest list includes Pete the praying mantis, Rosie the red rump tarantula, a gorgeous gecko named Smooth, hissing cockroaches from Madagascar, and a special surprise guest. Join a Naturalist to learn what makes each animal special and important.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51424

Make a Great Impression!
(Ages 7-9)
Fossils are fascinating clues to the past. Young fossil hunters, learn how fossils are formed, where to look for them, and leave with your own handmade fossil to treasure.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51436

Feed the Birds
(Ages 7-9)
Winter is a great time to get birds to your feeders. This program will introduce you to different types of birds and the food items they prefer. We will play some bird games and make some feeders for your yard. Come, get closer to our feather friends who are making the most of winter.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51367

The Green Team
(Ages 12-15)
Do you need to fulfill your community service requirement for school? Is natural science a subject you find interesting? Do you like the outdoors? Is the Great Swamp a place you like to visit? If so, join us at the Environmental Education Center for educational and fun volunteering opportunities. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51438

Winter arrives in December and we will be celebrating all month! To fill your calendar with fun and adventure, lots of new programs have been added to the list of the many standard programs. Join us for the kick-off weekend – Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5 between 9am and 4:30pm – to savor the clean, cool taste of this sparkling season. Visit our website www.somersetcountyparks.org for the schedule of special events. And as an added attraction – for every five Frost Fest programs that your household attends, you will receive a Leisure Pursuit card to be used toward a wide variety of Park Commission programs. See you at the Environmental Education Center’s Frost Fest! CONCURRENT PROGRAMMING Conspire by the Fire (Ages 4-6) When it’s cold and blustery outside, gather ‘round the fire for some stories and crafts! Join a Naturalist and listen to stories, myths, and legends that originate in the natural world. Create a unique craft of an animal that stars in one of these tales. $9 per person Course Code: 51624 EEC-2 Thursday, December 9   4:00pm-5:30pm Cookie Chemistry - NEW! (Ages 7-9) Cookies certainly are delicious! Mix, bake, and decorate cookies to take home or snack on during the class. You will be busy in the kitchen, but you will also have fun figuring out the science behind cookie creations! $12 per person Course Code: 51623 EEC-1 Thursday, December 9   4:00pm-5:30pm Hibernation Migration - NEW! (Ages 4-6) Old man Winter is on his way! Who is ready to confront the cold? Who is heading out of town? Who is falling into a deep, deep slumber? A story and hands-on activities will help you find the answers. $9 per person Course Code: 51621 ECC-1 Monday, December 13   4:00pm-5:30pm Wild and Wooly (Ages 7-9) Brrrr…..It’s chilly outside. How on earth do those wild animals stay warm? A stereomicroscope will help us learn about fur, porcupine quills, whiskers, and more. Hands-on activities and a craft will also be included. $9 per person Course Code: 51395 EEC-3 Monday, December 13   4:00pm-5:30pm Frosty Footprints (Ages 4-6) Animals leave behind clues that are fun to follow, especially in the snow and frosty dirt! Bundle up and we will head out to find evidence that animals are still busy, even in winter, then come in to get warm and do a footprint-y craft. $9 per person Course Code: 51033 EEC-9 Thursday, December 16   4:00pm-5:30pm Reindeer Games (Ages 7-9) Learn about the magnificent creature called a Reindeer. We will look at the life cycle and habitat of reindeer. We will play reindeer games to help you understand what it would be like to be a reindeer. We will also create a reindeer craft or two to take home. $9 per person Course Code: 51320 EEC-10 Thursday, December 16   4:00pm-5:30pm Snow - NEW! (Ages 4-6) No two are alike, like zebras and fingerprints, snowflakes are all unique. We will hope for a blanket of white, as we look at all things snowy. Join a Naturalist for a story and a craft about this flaky subject. $9 per person Course Code: 51635 EEC-1 Wednesday, December 22   4:00pm-5:30pm Winter Survival - NEW! (Ages 7-9) Learn the basic skill of survival in the out-of-doors in the winter time. Find the warmest places outside in the swamp, learn to set up a tarp, and help make hot chocolate in the cold. $9 per person Course Code: 51605 EEC-1 Wednesday, December 22   4:00pm-5:30pm STANDARD PROGRAMMING Penguin Party (Ages infant-3 with parent) Chilly Willy is one cool guy! Did you know that some penguins live close to the equator? Come learn all about the many different types of penguins, where they live, what they eat, and much more! $10 per pair/$5 per additional child Course Code: 51032 EEC-10 Friday, December 17   10:30am-11:30am Story Hour (Ages infant-5 with parent) Come and listen to a Naturalist read a story, relax in our comfortable library, and take a short walk. A simple way to spend some quality time with your young one while enjoying wonderful environmentally oriented books. Pre-registration is required. FREE Course Code: 51628 EEC-3 Saturday, December 11   10:30am-11:30am Nature Hikes for Tykes Series I (Ages 2-3 with parent) It is never too early to begin exploring nature. Bring your tyke for a hike and activities that focus on using the five senses. All classes will consist of a themed hike, craft, and hands-on activities. $10 per pair/$5 per additional child Course Code: 51413 EEC-84 Monday, December 20 “Forever Greens”   10:30am-11:30am Winter Wonderland - NEW! (Ages 3-5 with parent) Celebrate the wonderful season of winter! We will go for a winter’s walk to see what the plants and animals are doing. We will also make something wonderfully wintery for you to take home! $10 per pair/$5 per additional child Course Code: 51612 EEC-1 Monday, December 6   10:30am-11:30am Conspire by the Fire - NEW! (Ages 3-5 with parent) When it’s cold and blustery outside, gather ‘round the fire for some stories and crafts! Join a Naturalist and listen to stories, myths, and legends that originate in the natural world. Create a unique craft of an animal that stars in one of these tales. $10 per pair/$5 per additional child Course Code: 51624 EEC-1 Thursday, December 9   10:30am-11:30am Polar Pot Luck - NEW! (Ages 3-5 with parent) Polar seals, bears, and penguins! Oh, my! Come learn about everything polar such as ice, glaciers, blubber, and camouflage. Be prepared for the plunge into polar fun. We will wrap up the session with a reading of “The Polar Express”. $10 per pair/$5 per additional child Course Code: 51613 EEC-1 Tuesday, December 14   10:30am-11:30am Penguin Party (Ages 3-5 with parent) Chilly Willy is one cool guy! Did you know that some penguins live close to the equator? Come learn all about the many different types of penguins, where they live, what they eat, and much more! $10 per pair/$5 per additional child Course Code: 51032 EEC-11 Friday, December 17   1:00pm-2:00pm Ice Cold Art - NEW! (Ages 3-5 with parent) It’s water, it’s vapor, it’s ICE! Brrrr! Ice may be surrounding us this winter, so why not discover creative ways to play with ice! We may build an igloo or water paint with ice cubes. The possibilities are frostastic! $12 per pair/$6 per additional child Course Code: 51616 EEC-1 Tuesday, December 21   10:30am-11:30am Holiday Colors - NEW! (Ages 3-5 with parent) Green, red, blue, and white; these colors are all around us, especially this time of year! Go on a color hunt, observe natural objects that match these colors, and make a colorful craft! $10 per pair/$5 per additional child Course Code: 51617 EEC-1 Monday, December 27   10:30am-11:30am Sleigh Bells Ring - NEW! (Ages 4-6) Are you listening? In the lane . . . animals are making sounds, too. Learn about sound waves, animal communication, and jingle bells by playing games like “string telephone” and “glass xylophone”. $6 per person Course Code: 51614 EEC-1 Tuesday, December 7   4:00pm-5:00pm Snowy Owls - NEW! (Ages 4-6) Winter is a great time to learn about owls! Many of our resident owls are active this time of year, while many unusual owls may stop by for a visit. Snowy owls and Great-horned owls, Barred owls to Barn owls…this program will cover it all. The sky is our limit! $9 per person Course Code: 51622 EEC-1 Sunday, December 19   2:30pm-4:00pm Winter Marshmullers (Ages 4-6) Winter holds mysteries that are ready to be explored. Dress your little ones warmly, as we will be taking expeditions to the forest, field or pond in order to discover how winter is alive. Each day will have craft projects, games, stories, and snacks to keep us busy. We hope this program will inspire a respect for the natural world. $40 per person Course Code: 51314 EEC-14 Tuesday, December 28– Thursday, December 30   9:30am-11:30am Camp We-Hike-It (Ages 7-9) Get outside! Explore the swamp! Games, activities, hiking, and learning are on tap for this fun outdoor program. $12 per person Course Code: 51494 EEC-6 Sunday, December 12 “Follow the Winter Whifflepoof”   1:00pm-3:00pm Follow the Winter Whifflepoof - NEW! (Ages 7-9) Learn how Native Americans tracked things in the middle of winter! You will play a trail game that teaches tracking and observation skills, learn a bit about the Native Americans in this area, and hear some neat stories. A small snack will be offered. $10 per person Course Code: 51600 EEC-1 Thursday, December 30   9:30am-11:30am Perfect Poinsettias - NEW! (Adults) Dazzling colors at the onset of winter are the trademark of the popular holiday plant we call Poinsettia. Come learn Poinsettia care secrets and the history of the “very beautiful” Euphorbia pulcherrima. $7 per person Course Code: 51633 EEC-1 Friday, December 10   1:30pm-2:30pm Christmas Bird Count (Adult) Learn some birding basics as we collect data for the Environmental Education Center and the New Jersey Audubon Society on the annual Christmas Bird Count. All morning we will explore the trails of Lord Stirling Park; from the Stable to the river, from observation blinds to the East Marsh. Warm refreshments provided. $10 cash fee to NJAS payable on day of program. Course Code: 51338 EEC-8 Saturday, December 18   7:00am-2:00pm Winter Sports - NEW! (Family and Friends ages 8 and older) Who says there is nothing to do outside in the winter? Join Naturalists and learn about a variety of fun winter sports that will keep you warm even when it is cold outside. $7 per adult/$6 per youth/senior Course Code: 51609 EEC-1 Saturday, December 4   10:30am-Noon Candle Making - NEW! (Family and Friends) Candles are fun and relatively easy to make. Join a Naturalist on a hike to gather some natural items from Lord Stirling Park. Then, this enlightening class will have you adding plant life to liquid wax, creating naturally inspired candles that you can take home. They also make great gifts. $9 per person Course Code: 51632 EEC-1 Saturday, December 4   3:00pm-4:00pm Critters in Crisis (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. Coyotes will be the focus of this dynamic discussion. 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-8 Sunday, December 5 “Coyote Cries”   2:00pm-3:00pm Owl Prowl (Family and Friends) Come explore the nocturnal world of these fascinating raptors. Whether with long or short ears, barred or great horned, these raptors are truly special. A PowerPoint presentation with owl vocalizations and an owl pellet dissection will precede the night hike. $9 per person Course Code: 51475 EEC-14 Friday, December 10   7:00pm-8:30pm Maple Sugar Sweets - NEW! (Family and Friends) Join a Naturalist and learn the basics of maple sugaring. While it is hard work tapping trees for this tasty treat, it is well worth it. We will also sample a few tasty maple treats enjoyed since the time of the Native Americans. $9 per person Course Code: 51634 EEC-1 Saturday, December 11   1:30pm-3:00pm Holiday for the Birds - NEW! (Family and Friends) Come and learn which birds spend the holidays with us in New Jersey! We will go for a wintery walk on the trails looking and listening for our feathered friends. We will also make a special treat to help the birds survive the cold winter weather. $10 per person Course Code: 51615 EEC-1 Sunday, December 12   1:30pm-3:00pm Crafty Green Gifts (Family and Friends) Just in time for the holidays, here is a chance to make some creative natural gifts to give to family and friends! Reduce your ecological footprint and put a smile on someone’s face! $10 per person Course Code: 51375 EEC-11 Wednesday, December 15   4:00pm-5:30pm Fantastic Fibers - NEW! (Family and Friends ages 8 and older) Join a Naturalist and learn how animals keep warm and dry. Samples of a variety of ‘wooly ones’ fur - sheep, llama, and alpaca - will be available to feel, to look at under the microscope, and to test for weather resistance. Historical fiber usage will be discussed. The craft will involve an introduction to knitting and weaving. Participants will be contacted one week prior about materials (knitting needles and yarn) to bring to class. $9 per person Course Code: 51610 EEC-1 Saturday, December 18   2:00pm-3:30pm Winter Constellations - NEW! (Family and Friends) Star light, star bright especially on a winter’s night! Bundle up and head out to view the winter constellations and other cosmic bodies. Myths about the stars and their arrangement will be told as we look through binoculars to view the sky. Hot chocolate will be served to warm you at the end of the program. Class will be moved inside if cloudy. $6 per person Course Code: 51625 EEC-1 Sunday, December 19   6:00pm-7:00pm Winter Solstice Walk (Family and Friends) Join a Naturalist for a walk in the swamp on the shortest day of the year. As twilight falls and the full moon rises, we will search the night for animal activity. $8 per person Course Code: 51377 EEC-3 Tuesday, December 21   4:00pm-5:30pm

MOST CLASSES ARE CONDUCTED OUTSIDE,
SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY

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Frost Fest Programs

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

E-mail the EEC any questions or comments