Registration Information

Registration Information
ONLINE REGISTRATION
 
REGISTRATION INFORMATION & PROGRAM LOCATIONS


HOURS
The Environmental Education Center is open daily 9:00am-5:00pm and the trails are open from dawn to dusk unless otherwise noted. The building is closed on all holidays, however, the trails will remain open.

AGE GROUPINGS

  • Some of our programs are shared parent-child experiences and require an adult with each child. Other programs are for children only.
  • Programs with age ranges are only for children who fall into that range by the class date.
  • Adult programs are for anyone 18 years old and older.
  • All Ages programs have no age limits. However, a registered adult must accompany anyone who is younger than 15.
  • Senior fees are calculated upon the minimum age of 60 years.

PROGRAM LOCATIONS
Somerset County Park Commission Naturalists lead all EEC programs. Many are conducted at the Environmental Education Center in Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge. Classes also meet at other Somerset County parks. The location for each class is specified under the class description. Registration for all EEC classes are through the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Science Department office at the Environmental Education Center. All Naturalist-led trips and their enrolled participants will begin from, and end at, the Environmental Education Center unless otherwise specified.

HOW TO REGISTER
(please note that a person must register no later than 24 hours prior to a program start time and only for his/her own household members).

  1. On-line: Registrations can be facilitated through our website https://register1.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/njsomersetcounty.wsc/. First-time users of this system must establish an account either by calling the Environmental Education Center or by personally enrolling on-line. To establish an account online, visit our website and click "On-line Registration". Scroll to the last paragraph and use the "click here" access. Fill out the application and submit. You will be assigned a specific household number and a password. You will use this each time you register for a program in the future. Program registration cannot be facilitated without your household number! We advise establishing a household account as soon as possible to avoid delays. NOTE: Leisure pursuit cards cannot be used for on-line registration payments.
  2. In-person: Visit the Environmental Education Center. The Center is open seven days a week (closed holidays), 9:00am-4:30pm. Checks, credit cards or cash! If registering for more than one trip, and paying by check, you must bring a check for each trip program and one to be used for general programs.
  3. Phone: Call the Environmental Education Center at 908 722-1200 ext. 5002 between 9:00am and 4:30pm daily to register. Payment by credit card – Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express – is required at time of registration. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may call the Relay Service @711 to register.

WAITING LISTS: Some classes fill very quickly and we take names for waiting lists. We cannot guarantee enrollment.

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.

RESOURCE LIBRARY
The Center houses a comfortable, user-friendly, resource library. A large number of books and a variety of periodicals regarding the many facets of our environment are available during regular building hours. A wide range of children’s environmental books and magazines are also available. The library has tables and chairs for on-site research and reading. Because it is a resource library, not a lending library, all materials must remain on-site. Our resource library and auditorium have WiFi available for public use.

‘THE GREAT SWAMP EXPERIENCE’ EXHIBIT HALL
‘The Great Swamp Experience’ on the lower lever of the EEC features interactive displays, vignettes, taxidermy, and archeological artifacts highlighting the history and ecology of the Great Swamp. The exhibit is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Admission is free.

MODIFICATIONS
A reasonable modification for a disability is available upon request. Three weeks notice is required for most programs. Specialty programs such as camps, day trips, and overnight trips require six weeks notice. Please call ahead 908 722-1200 ext. 5324.
Assistive listening devices for individuals with hearing impairments can be reserved. Please call ahead 908 722-1200 ext. 5002 or call the Relay Service at 711.

PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS

  • Please review our Eligibility Requirements.
  • Most classes are conducted outside, so please dress accordingly.
  • Programs may require appropriate minimum skill levels.
  • Somerset County Park Commission reserves the right to remove disruptive participants and children who do not meet the age requirements.
  • Should any participants (pre-registered or unregistered) arrive after the advertised time for the start of a program, it may not be feasible for you to participate in that program. Consequently, registration fees for pre-registered individuals will not be refunded.
  • When participating in a program or trip, both children and adults are expected to be respectful to one another as well as the Naturalist(s) leading the program or trip. Individuals who are disrespectful may be asked to leave a program, therefore forfeiting their paid program fees, and may be declined registration for future programs and trips. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact the Naturalist(s) and/or management.
  • All enrolled program participants must have the required health and waiver forms completed and signed prior to the start of a program.

EEC PROGRAM PUNCH PASS

  • The EEC Program Punch Pass can be secured when you attend an in-person program at the EEC. Present the Punch Pass each time you attend a paid program at the Environmental Education Center. 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.
  • Please note: Promotion may end anytime at the Environmental Education Center's discretion.
  • *Leisure Pursuit Cards are redeemable at most Somerset County Park Commission parks and entitle you to 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 value of each card is a maximum of $20 per use. Cannot be redeemed through online or phone-in registration.
REGISTRATION FORMS

All enrolled program participants must have the required health and waiver forms completed and signed prior to the start of a program.