Educational Public Programs for June 2023

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for April, May, and June programs is available beginning 9:00am on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. 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.

JUNE

The Green Team
(Ages 13-17)
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-70         Saturday, June 1
                       1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-71         Saturday, June 8
                       1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-72         Saturday, June 15
                       1:00pm-4:00pm

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.
$30 per pair/$15 per additional child for 3-day session
Activity Number: 51667                   
EEC-41         Mondays, June 3, 10, 17
                       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!
$30 for 3-day session per person
Activity Number: 51666             
EEC-06      Mondays, June 3, 10, 17                                              
                     4:00pm-5:00pm                                       

Trailblazers                                                                                              
(Ages 11-13)
Become a Trailblazer! This program is designed for kids who enjoy outdoor exploration and nature-related experiments. Join Naturalists for this weekly, hour-long adventure!
$20 for 2-day session per person
Activity Number: 52009             
EEC-16         Wednesdays, June 5, 12
                       4:00pm-5:00pm

Shawangunk Grasslands Birding                                                
(Adult)
Join us as we explore the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge. The 566-acre refuge is located near the hamlet of Wallkill, New York.  This exceptional grassland habitat was formerly the Galeville Military Airport. Participants will meet at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 902 Hoagerburgh Rd, Wallkill, NY. Pre-registration is required.
$30 per senior
$40 per adult
Activity Number: 51725
EEC-03         Thursday, June 6
                        8:00am-Noon

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!
$20 for 2-day session per person
Activity Number: 51820             
EEC-60         Thursdays, June 6, 13                 
                        4:00pm-5:00pm

Keeping Up with Science                                                                  
(Adult)
Join Naturalists to explore and discuss different aspects of the natural sciences, emerging scientific innovations, and their impacts on our changing communities. Each month will focus on a different topic. Light refreshments will be provided.
$6 per senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51959
EEC-09         Friday, June 7                   Evolution in the News                              
                        6:30pm-7:30pm

Family Nature Walk                                       
(All Ages)
Be curious with a Naturalist on these one-hour adventures into the Great Swamp. Dress for the weather; waterproof boots are strongly recommended. Pre-registration is not required.
FREE                                                              
Sunday, June 9
Noon-1:00pm

Nature Hike at Skillman Park              
(Adult)
Meet a Naturalist at Skillman Park and spend the afternoon exploring nature and birdwatching. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes. Participants will meet at Parking Lot A in Skillman Park, Main Boulevard, Skillman/Montgomery Township, NJ. Pre-registration is required.
$12 per student/senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51778
EEC-07         Tuesday, June 11
                        3:00pm-5:00pm

Sunangels         NEW
(Adult)
Why do hummingbirds hum? Because they do not know the lyrics. This program is all about hummingbirds. The jewel of Jersey gardens is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird but there are over 300 species spread throughout the Americas. Interesting facts, fun photos and videos, and details on how to attract hummingbirds to your yard and garden will be shared. A secret recipe may even be disclosed!
$6 per senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51966
EEC-01         Friday, June 14                                               
                       7:00pm-8:00pm

Slime, Scales, and Tails - Oh My!                            
(All Ages)
Explore the trails with a Naturalist to find our amphibian and reptile friends. Look, listen, and learn about slimy and scaly critters! 
$6 per senior/student
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51176                                                      
EEC-30         Sunday, June 16                                             
                       3:00pm-4:00pm

Midnight Meander
(All Ages, 10 and older with parent)
Join us for this rare opportunity to take a guided midnight walk by the light of the moon and the stars.  We will listen for frogs, owls, and try to spy bats and inquisitive insects. This is an excellent time of night and year to see and hear these wonderful animals.  Do not miss out! Light refreshments will be served.
$14 per student/senior
$16 per adult
Activity Number: 51818
EEC-04         Friday, June 21      
                         11:00pm-1:00am

A Hummingbird’s Life
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Spring brings new life to the swamp.  Our summer birds return after being away for the winter.  One little bird flies its heart out to come north and lay eggs – the hummingbird.  Learn about the life of a hummingbird and try some of their challenges.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51275
EEC-16         Tuesday, June 25
                       10:30am-11:30am

Storytime Adventure                                                                                   
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come with your little one and enjoy nature and animal stories paired with a small adventure each month. Adventures may include a live critter, a short hike, a craft, or show and tell items.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child    
Activity Number: 51947
EEC-17         Sunday, June 30               Hummingbirds
                       10:00am-11:00am

Online Registration

June