Educational Public Programs for March 2022
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for January, February, and March programs is available beginning 9:00am on Wednesday,December 15, 2021. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the start of a program. Pending availability, enrollment may still be possible by calling 908-722-1200 Ext. 5002.
Masks must be worn inside county buildings regardless of vaccination status and are encouraged in crowded outdoor settings when social distancing is not possible. Do not attend a program if you are not feeling well, are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact of a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or have traveled internationally in the last 14 days. Participants disregarding Park Commission protocols will be asked to leave the program immediately.
For programs listed as ‘All Ages’, children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Dress for the weather and wear waterproof boots for all in-person programs.
CANCELLATIONS (by us): Programs are sometimes cancelled due to low enrollment or weather conditions. You will be notified by phone and given an option of a credit or a full refund.
CANCELLATIONS (by you): The Somerset County Park Commission will refund program registration fees if notified a minimum of seven days prior to the start of the program.
Registration begins 9 am on Wednesday, December 15
Please note: Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the start of a program. Pending availability, enrollment may still be possible by calling 908-722-1200 ext.5002.
Forest Fitness
(Adult)
Get active with us! Walking outdoors is proven to help your wellbeing. Join a Naturalist on this weekly walking group that will walk continuously at a moderate pace with occasional breaks.
$30 for 5-day session per senior
$35 for 5-day session per adult
Activity Number: 51708
EEC-09 Tuesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
9:00am-10:00am
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!!
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Hip, hip, hooray for Dr. Seuss! Bring your blankets and your imaginations as we prepare to enter a world of mixed-up and silly creatures, where the weird and wacky are normal. We will read Seuss stories and of course celebrate with birthday cake!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51140
EEC-12 Wednesday, March 2
4:00pm-5:00pm
Virtual Birding Seminar: March Madness NEW
(Adult)
North, South, East, and West--what is the best species of bird in the entire world? You will virtually traverse the planet and decide! Each week will feature a different region of the world presented in bracket format with carefully pre-selected species seeded from one through 16. The Naturalist will present a case for each head-to-head matchup, and you will choose which one advances to the next round. The last class will feature the final four with one species picked to represent each region. By the end of March, we will identify the best bird in the world!
$25 per household
Activity Number: 51934
EEC-01 Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
7:00pm-8:00pm
Tree House Gang Hikes
(Ages 3-5)
Drop your little ones off for an all-outdoor adventure on our trails! Hiking, games, and exploration will be part of the fun!
$75 for 5-day session per person
Activity Number: 51904
EEC-08 Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
1:00pm-2:30pm
Swamp Kids
(Ages 8-10)
Become a Swamp Kid! This program is designed to let the child’s curiosity and passion guide their learning. Nature is a great teacher for this outdoor, afterschool series!
$50 for 5-day session per person
Activity Number: 51820
EEC-38 Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
4:00pm-5:00pm
Lord Stirling Stable Owl Prowl NEW
(Adult)
Join a Naturalist at the wonderful Lord Stirling Stable property. We will spend three hours hiking, looking, and listening for owls! Please dress for the weather with proper footwear. Participants will be walking the entire time. Inclement weather make-up date is Saturday, March 5. Please make sure you are available for both dates. Participants may not leave the walk early. Due to COVID-19, we will not be sharing spotting scopes or loaning binoculars. Participants will meet in the parking lot at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge.
$18 per senior
$21 per adult
Activity Number: 51935
LSS-01 Friday, March 4
(Inclement weather date Saturday, March 5)
5:00pm-8:00pm
Maple Sugaring
(All Ages)
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. You will see how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods past and present, and observe the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. This 60-minute program is conducted at the Environmental Education Center (EEC) Sugar Shack, a half-mile hike from the Center’s parking area. Please arrive at the EEC 20-30 minutes before the program start time and to allow enough time to hike to the Sugar Shack. Dress appropriately for outdoor weather conditions. Boots are recommended as the trails can be wet, muddy, and/or covered by snow.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 52000
Saturdays: Sundays:
EEC-26 March 5 10:00am-11:00am EEC-29 March 6 Noon-1:00pm
EEC-27 March 5 Noon-1:00pm EEC-30 March 6 2:00pm-3:00pm
EEC-28 March 5 2:00pm-3:00pm
EEC-31 March 12 10:00am-11:00am EEC-34 March 13 Noon-1:00pm
EEC-32 March 12 Noon-1:00pm EEC-35 March 13 2:00pm-3:00pm EEC-33 March 12 2:00pm-3:00pm
The Young Explorers Club
(Ages infant–5 with parent)
It is never too early to get little ones outdoors to experience the wonders of nature. This series will focus on developing their five senses through outdoor exploration.
$40 per pair/$20 per additional child for 4-day session
Activity Number: 51667
EEC-18 Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28
10:30am-11:30am
KinderNats
(Ages 5-7)
KinderNats is a program designed and geared for children who love being outdoors. These Junior Naturalists will be engaged through hiking, activities, and much more!
$40 for 4-day session per person
Activity Number: 51666
EEC-82 Mondays, March 7, 14, 21, 28
4:00pm-5:00pm
Nature Hike at East County Park
(Adult)
Join a Naturalist to take a hike at East County Park and spend some time outside enjoying nature. Wear hiking boots, dress for the weather, and bring binoculars if you have them. Hike may be strenuous at times. Participants will meet at East County Park, 40 Weinman Road, Warren, NJ.
$12 per student/senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51787
EEC-04 Tuesday, March 8
1:30pm-3:30pm
Winter Tree ID NEW
(Adult)
Learn winter tree identification skills with a Naturalist! Walk the trails and discuss skills and tools utilized to identify trees in New Jersey’s forests.
$6 senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51889
EEC-02 Tuesday, March 8
3:00pm-4:00pm
Snowshoe Hike
(All Ages)
Join a Naturalist for fun in the snow! Snowshoe on the trails and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow a pair (limited number of snowshoes available – first come, first serve). If there is no snow, we will go for a hike, but without snowshoes!
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51670
EEC-19 Thursday, March 10
5:00pm-6:00pm
EEC-20 Sunday, March 20
10:30am-11:30am
In the Swamp Tonight NEW
(All Ages, 6 years and older with parent)
Join a Naturalist and learn about life after dark in the swamp. Head out for an exploratory hike or look through the telescope at the moon, planets, and stars.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51888
EEC-03 Friday, March 11
7:00pm-8:00pm
Virtual Birding Identification Workshop: Flight NEW
(Adult)
From raptors to warblers, this workshop will teach field markings and identification tips for various species of birds in flight.
$5 per household
Activity Number: 51936
EEC-01 Tuesday, March 15
7:00pm-8:00pm
Green is the Color!
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a hike on the trails to see who is wearing green. We will also learn about Irish traditions and make yummy soda bread! Feel free to be festive and come dressed in greenery!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51402
EEC-13 Thursday, March 17
10:30am-11:30am
Moonlight Meander Series NEW
(All Ages)
Star light, star bright! Who wants to see the moon tonight? Join us each month while we explore a different theme and walk through the park underneath a full moon. Learn about nocturnal birds such as the American Woodcock.
$9 per student/senior
$10 per adult
Activity Number: 51887
EEC-03 Friday, March 18 “PEENT!”
7:30pm-9:00pm
The Green Team
(Ages 12-15)
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 and contribute your talents to our fun and educational projects and special events. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Activity Number: 51438
EEC-17 Saturday, March 19
1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-18 Saturday, March 26
1:00pm-4:00pm
Sleepy Snakes
(All Ages)
If you really and truly believe snakes are slimy, then this is the class for you! Dispel the incorrect myths about snakes, learn the real and amazing facts, and have the opportunity to meet a real, live snake!
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51361
EEC-14 Sunday, March 20
3:00pm-4:00pm
Hiking 101
(Adult)
Interested in hiking but not sure where to start? Join a Naturalist on our flat trails and learn some basic skills and safety tips for hiking. Hikes will be held in all types of weather; waterproof footwear is highly recommended.
$6 per senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51886
EEC-04 Sunday, March 27
2:00pm-3:00pm
Spring Sensations
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Welcome to the wonderful world of spring with your five senses. Enjoy a guided walk with a Naturalist. Put your senses to the test by feeling, listening, looking, smelling, and tasting.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51121
EEC-11 Tuesday, March 29
10:30am-11:30am
Down By the River
(All Ages)
Escape to the Passaic – the river that is! Stroll along the river’s edge and learn about the waterway and the flora and fauna that call the great swamp home.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51380
EEC-04 Thursday, March 31
6:00pm-7:00pm
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