190 Lord Stirling Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ • 908 766-2489

Educational Public Programs for December 2011

Owl Prowl
(All Ages)
Come explore the nocturnal world of these fascinating raptors. Whether with long or short ears, barred or great horned, these raptors are truly special. A PowerPoint presentation with owl vocalizations and an owl pellet dissection will precede the night hike.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51475

Story Hour
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come and listen to a Naturalist read a story, relax in our comfortable library, and take a short walk. A simple way to spend some quality time with your young one while enjoying wonderful environmentally-oriented books. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51628

The Green Team
(Ages 12-15)
Do you need to fulfill your community service requirement for school? 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 for educational and fun volunteering opportunities. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51438

Snowshoe Hike - NEW
(All ages)
Join a Naturalist for some fun in the snow! We will snowshoe on some of the trails at the Environmental Education Center and enjoy the winter scenery. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow a pair from the Environmental Education Center (limited amount of snowshoes available – first come, first serve). Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51670

Follow the Winter Whifflepoof
(All Ages)
Learn how Native Americans tracked things in the middle of winter! You will play a trail game that teaches tracking and observation skills, learn a bit about the Native Americans in this area, and hear some neat stories.
$10 per person
Course Code: 51600

Reindeer Games
(Ages 7-9)
Learn about the magnificent creature called a Reindeer. We will look at the life cycle and habitat of reindeer. We will play reindeer games to help you understand what it would be like to be a reindeer. We will also create a reindeer craft or two to take home.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51320

Winter Constellations
(All Ages)
Star light, star bright, especially on a winter's night! Bundle up and head out to view the winter constellations and other cosmic bodies. Hot chocolate will be served to warm you at the end of the program. Class will be moved inside if cloudy.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51625

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 simple activities. Parents will share the excitement with their children during this special hour and return home with ideas to explore nature close to home.
$22 per pair/$11 per additional child for 3-day session
Course Code: 51667

KinderNats
(Ages 5-6)
KinderNats is a program designed and geared for children currently enrolled in kindergarten. This afterschool series will get them outside to study science and explore the natural world. These Junior Naturalists will be engaged through games, activities, and much more! Each week will focus on a different seasonal theme. Please be dressed for all kinds of weather.
$18 for 3-day session per person
Course Code: 51666

Garden Discovery Tour: Longwood Gardens
(All Ages, 9 and older)
Combine horticulture, architecture, theatre, and music into a unique holiday experience. Enjoy gardens twinkling with decorative lights, a conservatory full of holiday plants and colors or watch the fountains move in time to carillon. This trip will get you in the holiday spirit! Continental brunch will be served, but please bring money to buy dinner.
$55 per adult/$45 per youth/senior
Course Code: 56387

Tree House Gang
(Ages 3-5)
Bring your little ones to the Environmental Education Center for fun science and nature programming. These afternoon classes will enhance learning by going outside for hikes, hands-on activities, meeting live animals, and creating at least one cool craft to take home at the end of the month. Each month has a different theme. A small snack will be provided. Please dress your child for the weather.
$50 for 3-day session per person
Course Code: 51488

Tree House Gang
(Ages 3-5)
Bring your little ones to the Environmental Education Center for fun science and nature programming. These afternoon classes will enhance learning by going outside for hikes, hands-on activities, meeting live animals, and creating at least one cool craft to take home at the end of the month. Each month has a different theme. A small snack will be provided. Please dress your child for the weather.
$50 for 3-day session per person
Course Code: 51488

Conspire by the Fire
(Ages 4-6)
When it's cold and blustery outside, gather 'round the fire for some stories and crafts! Join a Naturalist and listen to stories, myths, and legends that originate in the natural world. Create a unique craft of an animal that stars in one of these tales.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51624

Cookie Chemistry
(Ages 7-9)
Cookies certainly are delicious! Mix, bake, and decorate cookies to take home or snack on during the class. You will be busy in the kitchen, but you will also have fun figuring out the science behind cookie creations!
$12 per person
Course Code: 51623

Ice Cold Art
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
It's water, it's vapor, it's ICE! Brrrr! Ice may be surrounding us this winter, so why not discover creative ways to play with ice! We may build an igloo or water paint with ice cubes. The possibilities are frostastic!
$12 per pair/$6 per additional child
Course Code: 51616

Maple Sugar Sweets
(All Ages)
Join a Naturalist and learn the basics of maple sugaring. While it is hard work tapping trees for this tasty treat, it is well worth it. We will also sample a few tasty maple treats enjoyed since the time of the Native Americans.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51634

Candle Making
(All Ages, 6 years and older)
Candles are fun and relatively easy to make. They also make great gifts. Join a Naturalist for this enlightening class and make a few candles of your own to take home.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51632

Origami Winter Wreath
(All Ages, 8 years and older with parent)
Origami is the ancient art of paper folding. Whether you are a novice or an experienced paper folder join us and spend an hour relaxing, while challenging yourself to make origami to take home. These festive wreaths are a memorable touch on the holiday table.
$7 per adult/$6 per youth/senior
Course Code: 51119

Crafty Green Gifts
(All Ages)
Just in time for the holidays, here is a chance to make some creative natural gifts to give to family and friends! Reduce your ecological footprint and put a smile on someone's face!
$10 per person
Course Code: 51375

Holiday for the Birds
(All Ages)
Come and learn which birds spend the holidays with us in New Jersey! We will go for a wintery walk on the trails looking and listening for our feathered friends. We will also make a special treat to help the birds survive the cold winter weather.
$10 per person
Course Code: 51615

Cookie Chemistry
(All Ages)
Cookies certainly are delicious! Mix, bake, and decorate cookies to take home or snack on during the class. You will be busy in the kitchen, but you will also have fun figuring out the science behind cookie creations!
$12 per person
Course Code: 51623

Track That!
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Think snow for this class! Winter is a great time to look for animal tracks. Go on a short hike and try to figure out which animals walk the same path as you! A craft and a story will also be included in this program.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51239

Meadowlands Mystery Birding Tour - NEW
(Adults)
Avoid the bridges and tunnels on this birding adventure! We will be heading into the vast Meadowlands in search of migratory waders, ducks, and winter raptors. With a spectacular city skyline as a backdrop be sure to bring your binoculars, a camera if you want, wear warm boots, and be sure to dress warmly as we will be outside most of the time. You will be contacted a few days ahead about final details and lunch.
$40 per person
Course Code: 51673

Hibernation Migration
(Ages 4-6)
Old Man Winter is on his way! Who is ready to confront the cold? Who is heading out of town? Who is falling into a deep, deep slumber? A story and hands-on activities will help you find the answers.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51621

The Twilight Zone
(Ages 7-9)
It is that mysterious time between light and night, sunset and total darkness. What is going on? Who is stirring? Through fun activities and a twilight hike, learn about silhouettes, rod vs. cone cells, and crepuscular animals.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51493

Crafty Green Gifts
(All Ages)
Just in time for the holidays, here is a chance to make some creative natural gifts to give to family and friends! Reduce your ecological footprint and put a smile on someone's face!
$10 per person
Course Code: 51375

Penguin Party
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Chilly Willy is one cool guy! Did you know that some penguins live close to the equator? Come learn all about the many different types of penguins, where they live, what they eat, and much more!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51032

Christmas Bird Count
(Adult)
Learn some birding basics as we collect data for the Environmental Education Center and the New Jersey Audubon Society on the annual Christmas Bird Count. All morning we will explore the trails of Lord Stirling Park; from the Stable to the river, from observation blinds to the East Marsh. Warm refreshments provided.
$10 cash fee to NJAS payable on day of program
Course Code: 51338

Story Hour
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come and listen to a Naturalist read a story, relax in our comfortable library, and take a short walk. A simple way to spend some quality time with your young one while enjoying wonderful environmentally-oriented books. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51628

The Green Team
(Ages 12-15)
Do you need to fulfill your community service requirement for school? 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 for educational and fun volunteering opportunities. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51438

Wild and Wooly
(All Ages)
Brrrr…..It's chilly outside. How on earth do those wild animals stay warm? A stereomicroscope will help us learn about fur, porcupine quills, whiskers, and more. Hands-on activities and a craft will also be included.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51395

Polar Pot Luck
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Polar seals, bears, and penguins! Oh, my! Come learn about everything polar such as ice, glaciers, blubber, and camouflage. Be prepared for the plunge into polar fun. We will wrap up the session with a reading of "The Polar Express".
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51613

Homeschool Offering: Winter Solstice
(Ages 7-12)
On the shortest day of the year join a Naturalist and learn about why the days change length; on the hike we will be looking for signs of winter and learning about how animals survive in the cold.
$12 per person
Course Code: 51648

Winter Marshmullers
(Ages 4-6)
Winter holds mysteries that are ready to be explored. Dress your little ones warmly, as we will be taking expeditions to the forest, field or pond in order to discover how winter is alive. Each day will have craft projects, games, stories, and snacks to keep us busy. We hope this program will inspire a respect for the natural world.
$40 per person
Course Code: 51314

Follow the Winter Whifflepoof
(Ages 7-9)
Learn how Native Americans tracked things in the middle of winter! You will play a trail game that teaches tracking and observation skills, learn a bit about the Native Americans in this area, and hear some neat stories. A small snack will be offered.
$10 per person
Course Code: 51600

MOST CLASSES ARE CONDUCTED OUTSIDE,
SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY

    • Program Registration Application (pdf)
    • Monthly Newsletter (pdf)  
    • Calendar (pdf) 

PROGRAM OFFERINGS
    • Program Registration Information & Locations
    • Environmental Education Center
    • Canoe & Kayak Programs & Trips
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Birthday Parties
    • School Group Programs
    • Scouts/Other Group Programs
    • Maple Sugaring

 PARK FEATURES
   • Special Events
    • Exhibits
    • Workshops
    • Family Program Series
    • Trips
    • Library
    • Trails
    • Natural History Book & Gift Shop
    • Room Rental

E-mail the EEC any questions or comments