Educational Public Programs for August 2023

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for July, August, and September programs is available beginning 9:00am on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. 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.

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.

The EEC Program Punch Pass

The EEC Program Punch Pass can be secured when you attend an in-person program at the Environmental Education Center. Present the Punch Pass each time you attend a paid program at the EEC. Receive a hole punch for each paid participant within your household. Once you receive 10 hole punches, redeem the Punch Pass for one Leisure Pursuit Card!* Collect as many as you can! Advance registration is required for all paid programs.

*A Leisure Pursuit Card’s value is a maximum of $20 per use and may be applied towards one of the following activities: paddle boat rental, Colonial Park Putting Course, Green Knoll Pitch and Putt, admission to Warrenbrook Pool, tennis court rental, one round of golf, Environmental Science program, hack or intro ride at Lord Stirling Stable or reduced fee for a picnic grove. The cards cannot be redeemed through online or phone-in registration.

Please note:  Promotion may end anytime at the Environmental Education Center’s discretion.

Expectations for Meeting at Off-Site Locations

  • Naturalist will provide the participant with the trip destination’s meeting time and address.  Participant is responsible for obtaining directions.
  • Participants driving 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.

August

Tot Trek                                           
(Ages infant to 5 with parent)
Calling all tots! Leave the stroller behind and join a Naturalist for a walk on the trails of Lord Stirling Park. Explore the natural world around you by using all of your senses! You will be surprised to find out how much fun you can have outside!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51214
EEC-10          Wednesday, August 2
                        10:30am-11:30am

Bugtastic!
(All Ages)
Do you love bugs, insects, and arthropods? Then this is the class for you!  We will hit the gardens and trails to look for these critters.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51866
EEC-05          Sunday, August 6
                        2:00pm-3:00pm

Birth of a Butterfly
(All Ages)
Ever wonder how in the world a little, tiny caterpillar changes into a beautiful butterfly? Well, the secret is out as we explore and study the lifecycle of butterflies. Class will include a story, craft, and a field walk.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51520
EEC-18          Tuesday, August 22
                        10:30am-11:30am

Cool Critters!                                              
(All Ages)
Come and see some truly cool, live critters and learn what helps them to survive in nature. Our guest list includes bugs, reptiles, and more! 
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51424
EEC-22          Sunday, August 27
                        3:00pm-4:00pm

Raindrops to Rainbows
(All Ages)
Rainbows always seem to appear magically in the sky after a rainstorm! Join us as we explore how, when, and why rainbows form. We will experiment with the color spectrum and prisms as we discover the recipe for a rainbow.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51521
EEC-20          Tuesday, August 29
                         10:30am-11:30am

Bat Walk at Natirar Park                                  
(All Ages)
Join a Naturalist at Natirar Park to learn about New Jersey’s bat species.  Information about bats will be presented and we will guide you on a walk around the park to look for bats in action! Participants will meet at Natirar Park, 2 Main Street, Gladstone, NJ 07934.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51915
EEC-02         Wednesday, August 30
                        7:30pm-8:30pm