Educational Public Programs for April 2022
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for April, May, and June programs is available beginning 9:00am on Wednesday, March 16, 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.
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.
Programs noting “self-drive option” allow the participant the choice to ride in a Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) vehicle or drive themselves to the trip destination. Due to the specifics of each trip, not every trip will allow the self-drive option. During the registration process, the customer will be prompted to make a choice. Participants riding in SCPC vehicles will be required to wear masks for the duration of the ride.
Expectations for Self-drive Option
• Naturalist will provide the participant with the trip destination’s meeting time and address. Participant is responsible for obtaining directions.
• Participants choosing to drive themselves are not permitted to follow the SCPC vehicle.
• Participant must arrive on time. Program will begin at the scheduled meeting time. No exceptions.
• Participant may contact the Naturalist cell phone at 908-801-2925. The Naturalist will only answer the phone when they can safely do so.
• Arriving at the location is the responsibility of the participant. Refunds will not be issued for any reason.
APRIL
EEC Bird Walk
(Adult)
Embark on a two-hour, Naturalist-led bird walk along the trails of the Environmental Education Center. Search for early spring migrants such as warblers, sparrows, waterfowl, and more. Due to COVID-19, we will not be sharing spotting scopes or loaning binoculars. Please bring your own optics.
$12 per senior per walk
$14 per adult per walk
Activity Number: 51938
EEC-01 Saturday, April 2
7:00am-9:00am
EEC-02 Saturday, April 9
7:00am-9:00am
EEC-03 Saturday, April 16
7:00am-9:00am
EEC-04 Saturday, April 23
7:00am-9:00am
The Green Team
(Ages 14-17)
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-19 Saturday, April 2
1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-20 Saturday, April 23
1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-21 Saturday, April 30
1:00pm-4:00pm
Boondocks & Back!
(All Ages)
To infinity and beyond on the trails! Take a hike and enjoy the furthest, most remote location in the park.
$12 per student/senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51554
EEC-14 Sunday, April 3
10:30am-12:30pm
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-19 Mondays, April 4, 11, 18, 25
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-83 Mondays, April 4, 11, 18, 25
4:00pm-5:00pm
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.
$24 for 4-day session per senior
$28 for 4-day session per adult
Activity Number: 51708
EEC-10 Tuesdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26
9:00am-10:00am
Sunday Forest Fitness
$6 per senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51708
EEC-11 Sunday, April 10
2:00pm-3:00pm
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!
$60 for 4-day session per person
Activity Number: 51904
EEC-09 Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28
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!
$40 for 4-day session per person
Activity Number: 51820
EEC-39 Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28
4:00pm-5:00pm
Animal Tracks
(All Ages, 6 years and older with parent)
Join a Naturalist on a hike and search the trails for signs of the animals that live in the park. Dress for the weather and boots are strongly recommended.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51805
EEC-05 Saturday, April 9
10:30am-11:30am
Bluebird Walk
(All Ages)
Spring migration for Eastern bluebirds begins earlier in the season than most migratory birds. Join a Naturalist for a walk on the trails to seek and hopefully find these beautiful birdies! Bring binoculars if you have them.
$6 per senior/student
$7 per adult
Course Code: 52007
EEC-14 Sunday, April 10
4:00pm-5:00pm
Explore Natirar!
(Adult)
The beautiful, large shade trees and rolling green hills of Natirar Park await you. We will go for a hike, check out critters in the river and enjoy a picnic dinner. Bring water, binoculars and remember to pack your picnic dinner. Participants will meet in the parking lot near the grey barns at Natirar, 2 Main Street, Peapack, NJ.
$12 per senior/student
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51590
EEC-05 Wednesday, April 13
6:00pm-8:00pm
Virtual Birding Identification Workshop: Spring Warblers
(Adult)
This program will look at the northeastern United States’ most iconic group of birds, the warblers! Around 30 different warbler species pass through New Jersey in the Spring. Learn field markings, behavior, and other identification tips for each species.
$5 per household
Course Code: 57003
EEC-04 Tuesday, April 19
7:00pm-8:00pm
Birding at Scherman-Hoffman
(Adult)
Scherman-Hoffman is a great birding spot in the early spring. We will hike around the sanctuary looking for Louisiana Waterthrush and other early season warblers. Due to COVID-19, we will not be sharing spotting scopes or loaning binoculars. Please bring your own optics. Meet at the Environmental Education Center or choose the self-drive option.
$20 per senior
$25 per adult
Course Code: 51799
EEC-03 Friday, April 22
9:00am-12:00pm
Frog Blob
(Ages 7-9)
Did you ever wonder how a prince becomes a frog? Well, it all starts with a little mud, melting snow, dripping ice, and a nice quiet location - or the Great Swamp at the end of winter. Join a Naturalist as we search for frog blobs, tadpoles, and those wonderful hip-hopping creatures we call frogs. Dress with the weather in mind!
$9 per person
Course Code: 51430
EEC-14 Saturday, April 23
10:00am-11:30am
Turtle Power NEW
(All Ages)
Join a Naturalist and learn about the amazing characteristics of turtles! We will look for turtles on the trails and see interesting turtle relics!
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51642
EEC-01 Tuesday, April 26
4:00pm-5:00pm
Birding Destination Unknown
(Adult)
Join the Naturalists for an adventurous birding trip. Whether heading toward the shore or the highlands, eBird will help decide! Come with lunch, snacks, and water. Dress in layers and wear proper footwear to be in the field, forest or on the beach. The birds will decide where we go. New locations will be visited on each trip. Meet at the Environmental Education Center or choose the self-drive option.
$40 per senior/student
$50 per adult
Course Code: 51843
EEC-03 Wednesday, April 27
9:00am-2:00pm
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