|
Park Features
Special Events
Annual events at the Environmental Education Center provide the general public with a wide array of fun-filled and educational experiences.
Maple Sugaring
Maple sugaring is a tradition in the Northeast that began centuries ago with the Native Americans and colonists. People of all ages are invited to see this tradition brought to life at the Environmental Education Center (EEC). You will see how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods past and present, and see the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. This 90-minute program is conducted at our Sugar Shack, a ½-mile hike from the EEC. Please arrive at the EEC 20-30 minutes before the program start time. Organized groups (such as schools) may schedule weekday demonstrations by calling the EEC at 908 766-2489, ext. 332.
FREE
February 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
March 3, 4, 10, 11
Saturdays - 10:00am, Noon, and 2:00pm
Sundays - Noon and 2:00pm
April - Earth Awareness Month
ECO-RALLY!
April 1 – April 15, 2012
Click Here for PDF
Sign up as an individual or as a team of friends, families,
scout groups, co-workers, sports teams, etc. All are welcome to enter!
Receive a daily log and record the simple tasks you complete to minimize your carbon footprint! Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
• Turn the lights off when you leave a room
• Ride your bike or walk instead of driving
• Use reusable bags when shopping
• Plant a native plant garden or tree
• Use reusable containers when bringing a lunch to work or school
Then create a display of posters, pictures, etc. showing your contribution to the environment! Displays will be
exhibited at the Environmental Education Center from April 24 through May 6.
Prizes will be awarded at the
Eco-Rally Awards Ceremony
Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 2:00pm.
To request an application or for further information regarding the Eco-Rally please contact 908 766-2489 ext. 326 or e-mail cspringer@scparks.org
Project E.A.R.T.H – Swamp Search!
Join us for an exciting scavenger hunt on the Environmental
Education Center trails to learn about the importance of the Great Swamp as an ecological and recreational resource. Enjoy environmental activities and games for children of all ages. Try your "eco-skills" on our scavenger hunt and participate in cool activities that promote positive environmental actions for everyone. Then come back to the EEC for a special program with live animals to celebrate Earth Awareness Month. See the Family Program Series for more information. This is a rain or shine event – please call the EEC for scavenger hunt status in case of inclement weather.
FREE
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Noon-4:30pm
The County Caper
The County Caper is a two day game that takes families and friends on an interactive tour of Somerset County parks and facilities. It is designed to encourage everyone to
explore, learn, and protect our parks and other natural
areas. Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26, 2012 are the dates to remember for this special event open to everyone with a yearning to discover all Somerset County has to offer. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51492
EEC-4 Saturday, August 25 and
Sunday, August 26
8:00am-5:00pm
The County Caper Accelerated!
The County Caper Accelerated! is a one day game that takes adults on an interactive tour of Somerset County parks and facilities. Challenge your mental and physical capabilities while completing fun tasks throughout the day as your team races against the clock. Saturday, August 25, 2012 kicks off this exciting event for those who crave adventure in their own backyard. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51597
EEC-3 Saturday, August 25
8:00am-4:00pm
The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
Return to the past and experience daily colonial life and craft industry at the annual Lord Stirling 1770s Festival. Colonial craftspeople ply their trades while a Town Crierannounces the local news. A Revolutionary War Military detachment
camps on the former estate lawn of Lord Stirling and conducts maneuvers. Stroll the grounds of "The Buildings" and tour Lord Stirling's personal 1762 wine cellar. The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival also features displays of authentic artifacts discovered on site by our archeological field project. Children of all ages enjoy the hayrides, clay crafts, stenciling, tin piercing, and colonial games. Experience what life was like here in the fall of 1770 and learn about our local Revolutionary War hero, Lord Stirling. Craft sales are prohibited to ensure an enjoyable and educational living history event. Snacks, lunch, and cold drinks are available.
Suggested donation: $4 per person
Sunday, October 7, 2012
10:30am-4:30pm
(top of page)
Family Program Series
Mammal Mania
As the grand finale to our "Project E.A.R.T.H. – Swamp Search!" meet Travis Gale and his animal friends. Travel
the trails at the EEC searching for clues in an eco-scavenger
hunt. Then come inside to see live mammals and learn about some very special mammals. See more information
about our Project E.A.R.T.H. – Swamp Search in the Special
Events section. The Mammal Mania program will be held rain or shine.
FREE
Sunday, April 29, 2012
3:45pm-4:30pm
Fascinating Fungi
Explore the visible members of the fungi kingdom with mushroom expert Dorothy Smullen, former President of the NJ Mycological Association. Learn how to recognize morels, chanterelles, boletes, and other native mushrooms that are essential members of the ecosystem. Dorothy will take you on a
Powerpoint tour of the world of mushrooms and then lead a short walk on the EEC trails to find some local fungi. Mushrooms love a rainy day. Come prepared to be outside rain or shine.
FREE
Saturday, September 15, 2012
2:00pm-4:00pm
(top of page)
Exhibits
Nature Through a Child's Eye
This annual children's environmental art exhibit features Somerset County kindergartners through sixth graders who have expressed their love of our natural world, our environment, and our Earth through their artwork. This colorful display is sure to brighten your day!
FREE
Tuesday, January 3 through Friday, January 27, 2012
9:00am-4:30pm except Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Bugs and Butterflies
Bugs, butterflies, and moths can be beautiful, exciting, and even a little scary. This exhibit of insect specimens and illustrations shows the wide range of colors, types, and shapes of the insect family. The illustrations are provided by Elayne Leighton, a member of the Guild of Science Illustrators and retired science teacher.
FREE
Saturday, April 7 through Sunday, May 6, 2012
9:00am–5:00pm except Easter
Alive at the EEC!
See live critters from around the swamp and the world! Want to take a closer look at some of those camouflaged creatures that live in the Great Swamp or see the bright colors of the poison dart frogs from Central and South America? Take a walk around the reptile and amphibian world at the Environmental Education Center and see these fascinating live creatures in action.
FREE
Saturday, May 12 through Friday, June 8, 2012
9:00am–5:00pm except Memorial Day
Camera Naturalists Photo Club
Members of the Camera Naturalists share their best nature photographs for this exciting exhibit at the EEC. See what they have captured with their cameras in this photographic walk around the world. The club meets on Thursdays evenings at the EEC. Come to one of their meetings to learn about some of their photographic adventures.
FREE
Saturday, September 1 through
Friday, October 12, 2012
9:00am-5:00pm except Labor Day
and Columbus Day
Workshop
Earth Day Nature's Way – Digital Photography Workshop
Create your own celebration of Earth Awareness month with expert photographers from the Camera Naturalist Photo Club for an educational hands-on workshop. Learn the techniques used by club members to create stunning wildlife and landscape images. The program includes a morning field workshop and afternoon portfolio critique. Bring your own digital camera and a few of your photos on a disc or flash drive. For more information about the workshop and the club visit www.cameranaturalist.org. Pre-registration required.
$45 per person
Course Code: 51443
EEC-8 Saturday, April 21, 2012
9:00am-4:00pm
Trips
Cross-country Ski Trip to Lapland Lakes - 2012 click here for brochure
(All Ages, 12 years and older with parent)
Learn to ski this four-day cross-country ski trip to rustic Lapland Lakes Cross Country Ski Center in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Trip includes three nights’ accommodations in rustic cabins, four breakfasts, three dinners, and unlimited use of groomed, wooded trails at Lapland Lake. Snowshoeing, winter hikes, and friendly Naturalists will also make this a trip to remember. Space is limited. Call to request a brochure with more detailed information. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
$500 per person non-refundable fee
Registration deadline: Saturday, December 10, 2011
Course Code: 50907
| CCS-11 |
Thursday, January 19 |
Pre-trip Meeting 7:00pm-8:00pm |
| |
Thursday, February 2 |
Departs 8:30am |
| |
Sunday, February 5 |
Approximate return 6:00pm |
Library
The Center houses a comfortable, user-friendly resource library. Approximately 2,500 books, and a variety of periodicals regarding the many facets of our environment are available during regular building hours. A wide range of children’s environmental books and magazines are also available.
The library has tables and chairs for on-site research and reading. Because it is a resource library, not a lending library, all materials must remain on-site. (top of page)
Trails
Eight and one-half miles of relatively flat trails meander through 435 acres of The Great Swamp, of which approximately three miles are boardwalked. They are open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Cattails and sedges are found as you wander the boardwalks in the freshwater marsh. Along the Yellow Trail that takes you close to the Passaic River, the seasonally inundated floodplain is home to Pin Oak, Red Maple, and Ash. Along the southern perimeter of the park (the Blue and Red trails) succession is slowly changing abandoned farm fields to woodland. In these areas, wildflowers and shrubs mingle with grasses and saplings and provide homes for many birds, mammals, and insects.
The Special Use Trail (SUT) travels between the Center and Branta Pond. It is an easily accessible boardwalk trail for those who are looking for a short walk or for those with limiting abilities. It has a recently renovated Native Plant Garden, herb gardens, and a pleasant gazebo in which to sit and enjoy the surrounds.
Trail maps are available at the front desk or in PDF format by clicking here. Be sure to check out the kiosks at the trailhead and at the "dike" on the Red trail for seasonal information! (top of page)
Natural History Book and Gift Shop
A favorite stop for those looking for that special gift for a favorite outdoors friend, baby and children gifts, a special piece of jewelry or pottery, or maybe just a great book to add to one’s own personal book collection. A variety of "must have’s" for all ages are located in the main floor lobby gift shop.
The selection changes on an on-going basis and many pieces are limited in number. Best to visit regularly or with specific requests, call 908 766-2489 ext. 322. (top of page)
Room Rentals
Room rentals are available on a limited, first-come, first-served basis to groups and organizations with an environmentally related mission or agenda.
For more information or to book a room, please call Jane Bodnar at 908 766-2489 ext. 323 E-mail the EEC with any questions or comments.(top of page) |
