Educational Public Programs for May 2024

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.

MAY

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 Reinman Road, Warren, NJ. Pre-registration is required.
$12 per student/senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51787
EEC-07         Wednesday, May 1
                        2:00pm-4:00pm

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!
$50 for 5-day session per person
Activity Number: 52009             
EEC-15         Wednesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
                       4:00pm-5:00pm

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-59         Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30  
                        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-08         Friday, May 3                    Extremophiles!                            
                        6:30pm-7:30pm

Spring Birding Course: Birding by Ear                             
(Adult)          
Spend the peak of spring migration with the Environmental Education Center and learn the critical, yet challenging, skill of birding by ear. This multi-week course is designed to build and refine skills as an auditory birder. The goal is to see considerable personal growth as these vocal migrants pass through northern New Jersey.
$54 per senior
$63 per adult
Activity Number: 51951
EEC-05         Saturdays, May 4, 18, 25  
                       6:00am-9:00am      

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-68         Saturday, May 4
                        1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-69         Saturday, May 18
                        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-40         Mondays, May 6, 13, 20
                        10:30am-11:30am

Tree House Gang  
(Ages 4-5)
Bring your little ones to the Environmental Education Center for a nature adventure!   We will spend time in our park exploring, playing, and learning. Occasionally we will meet a live critter guest or read a fun story!  Please dress for the weather; waterproof boots required.
$45 for 3-day session per person
Course Code: 51488                       
EEC-01         Mondays, May 6, 13, 20
                       1:00pm-2:30pm

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-05         Mondays, May 6, 13, 20              
                       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-35         Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28       
                        9:00am-10:00am                                                      

Eat, Create, Share!
(Adult)
Join us for this monthly program as we meet new people, try new things, create taste sensations, get crafty, and have fun together.
$38 per senior
$40 per adult
Activity Number: 52010
EEC-07         Saturday, May 11              Cookie Jar Terrarium Build
                        1:00pm-3:00pm

Garret Mountain                                                                           
(Adult)
Can you believe such a fantastic birding spot is in Paterson, NJ? Spend the morning roaming and birding around Garret Mountain Reservation looking for bright and colorful spring warblers. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ (bus transportation provided.) Pre-registration is required.
$45 per senior
$55 per adult
Activity Number: 51691
EEC-10         Tuesday, May 14              
                       6:30am-Noon

Nature Ramblers                                                      
(Adult)
Join the Nature Ramblers and learn more about New Jersey’s natural areas while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Stroll the trails stopping to view natural items such as interesting plants, insects, butterflies, and mushrooms as part of the experience.  Participants will meet at different locations within Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset Counties. Detailed information and address will be provided to registered participants prior to the trip date.
$9 per senior
$11 per adult
Activity Number: 51955
EEC-11         Thursday, May 16              The Cross Estate, Bernardsville          
                     10:30am-Noon

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, May 19
Noon-1:00pm

Moonlight Meander Series   
(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 the light of a full moon.
$9 per student/senior
$11 per adult
Activity Number: 51887
EEC-20         Wednesday, May 22          Flower Moon  
                        8:00pm-9:30pm      

Southern Shorebirds                                                                        
(Adult)                                                                                  
Join EEC Naturalists on a trip down to southern New Jersey in search of shorebirds, waders, and other waterbirds. Locations include Ocean City Welcome Center and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will meet at the Ocean City Welcome Center, 300 W. 9th Street, Ocean City, NJ. Pre-registration is required. 
$30 per senior
$40 per adult
Activity Number: 51952
EEC-02         Thursday, May 23
                        Noon-9:00pm

Friday Featured Film                                                                                         
(All Ages)
It’s showtime! Join us for some delicious maple popcorn and a big screen presentation. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Activity Number: 51949
EEC-05         Friday, May 24
                        9:00pm-10:30pm

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-16         Sunday, May 26                Turtles
                       10:00am-11:00am

Sayen House and Strolling Garden          NEW
(Adult)
Join Naturalists on a trip to Hamilton Square. Walk among the large collection of azaleas and rhododendrons. With thousands of bulbs and blooming dogwoods, this trip will be full of spring blooms!  Dress to be outside and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a picnic lunch and drinks. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.  (bus transportation provided.)  Pre-registration is required.
$35 per senior
$45 per adult
Activity Number: 51894
EEC-01         Wednesday, May 29
                       10:00am-3:30pm

Online Registration

May