Our Mission:
Dedicated to stimulating awareness and understanding of the natural world in order to
foster a
sense of responsibility for its care and use through environmental, cultural, and recreational learning experiences,
as well as serving as trustees to preserve, maintain, and improve
undeveloped and
developed
natural areas of Somerset County parkland.
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The Environmental Education Center (EEC) at Lord Stirling Park offers approximately 9 miles of hiking trails, Naturalist led programs, school field trips, fun festivals, nature themed exhibits, facility and classroom rentals, a resource library, science and conservation research, and more. Our goal is to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.
The Great Swamp Experience opened in February 2017 and is a permanent, interactive, educational exhibit located downstairs in the EEC. The exhibit highlights historical and ecological information about the Great Swamp. Children can crawl into a beaver lodge, feel animal fur, or explore the toddler area. Adults can enjoy viewing habitat vignettes, archeological artifacts, and learning about hydrology, sustainability, and the park's geographic location.
Volunteers needed for the newly established EEC Invasive Species Strike Team
The EEC is currently seeking self-motivated, adult volunteers to help identify and remove invasive plants as members of the new Invasive Species Strike Team. Once established in the wild, invasive species can easily outcompete our native plants for essential resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients needed for survival. Over time, the ecosystem can become damaged and cause harm to wildlife dependent on native plants for survival. Preventing and containing the spread of invasive species is vital to protecting the natural beauty of the park. Volunteers will be asked to attend an introductory orientation training in which they will learn how to identify common invasive plant species and best management practices for long term control. Upon completion of training, members can volunteer individually or work in small socially distanced groups. No prior experience is required. Tools and training will be provided. Interested volunteers should contact Dan Ross, Environmental Stewardship Coordinator, at 908-722-1200 Ext. 5336 or dross@scparks.org
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Announcing the EEC's Butterfly Companion Guide
The flowering meadows, sun-soaked wood edges, and wetland marshes of the Somerset County Park
Commission 1,000-acre Lord Stirling Park provide exceptional habitat for a wide variety of butterfly species.
Approximately half of the property is managed as Lord Stirling Stable. The remainder is managed as the
Environmental Education Center (EEC). The purpose of this photographic guide is to aid in the identification of
the 56 species that have been seen on the grounds of the Environmental Education Center. With increased
survey efforts, more species are expected to be found.
You can view the Butterfly Companion Guide here.
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Animal Tracks of Lord Stirling Park
Many species of animals live among the trails, wetlands, meadows, and forests of Somerset County. Animals may not always be seen by humans, but critters do leave clues behind. Clues may include footprints, scat, hair, food remnants, claw or chew marks. Footprints are one of the most common clues to find. Searching for and identifying animal tracks can be fun! When finding a track, take a picture and be sure to include an identifiable object such as a coin for scale. This guide will not only help you identify animal tracks in Lord Stirling Park, but may also be helpful in parks, yards, and neighborhoods throughout New Jersey.
You can view and print the Animal Track Guide here.
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Park History & Description
The EEC is nestled within 500 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp. A variety of habitats including swamps, rivers, marshes, meadows, ponds, and forests provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park.
Historically, the area was once home to Paleo-Indians, the Lenni-Lenape, and a Major General of the Continental Army named Lord Stirling. In the 1960's, grassroots citizens rallied to protect the precious wetlands from becoming an international airport. Consequently, 2,600 acres of land were presented to the Department of the Interior to create the core of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; the property adjacent to the SCPC Environmental Education Center.
The EEC is open daily 9am-5pm but will be closed on Saturdays from June 25th through August 20th. Trails remain open sunrise to sunset. No pets allowed on trails.
We are located at 190 Lord Stirling Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Tel: 908 722-1200 Ext. 5002 |
Hours & Directions
Building Hours: Daily 9am-5pm.
Exhibits close at 4:30pm.
Registration is accepted 9am-4:30pm daily.
The building is closed on Holidays.
The EEC will be closed on Saturdays from June 25th through August 20th.
Trails are open dawn to dusk daily but closed on Deer Management days as scheduled.
Click here for Directions
Donations & Sponsorship
Donations are gladly accepted.
Please make checks payable to:
The Somerset County Park Commission
and mail to Carrie Springer,
190 Lord Stirling Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Ask A Naturalist
Ask-A-Naturalist
Have a question about a plant or animal species you saw in Lord Stirling Park or northern New Jersey?
One of our naturalists can help you! Complete the form and an EEC staff member will do their best to solve your nature mysteries!
Want to learn more about what we do
here at the EEC? Then check out this awesome new video!
Great Swamp Experience Video
122 Things to do in NJ
E-mailthe Environmental Education Center with any questions or comments
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