SCPC Home Page Hike In A Somerset County Park!Neshanic Valley Golf Course

Navigation General Information Parks & Facilities Activities Events & Programs News Releases On-Line Registration Site Index Bids/RFPs Navigation
Naturalist Programs

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

African Safari
AWESIM Adventures
See America Maine
Educational Public Programs for Adults & Families

NATURE WALKS
at the Environmental Education Center

One Hour Wanderings
(Family and Friends)
On selected Sundays during the fall, we will lead an hour-long interpretive walk. Each week we will focus on a different theme, so make these walks a part of your weekend routine. Pre-registration is not required.
FREE
Sundays Noon-1:00pm January 23, 30; February 6, 20; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 17; May 8, 29

Not designed for organized groups

Birding “The Hook”
(Adult)
We will venture to Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area; an outstanding spot for migratory birds. This five mile long peninsula is very unique both geographically and historically. If the birds elude us at “The Hook”, we will also try to visit some of the following places: Hartshorne Woods, Shrewsbury River, Navesink River, Conaskonk Point, and/or Raritan Bay. Bring binoculars, lunch, and bundle up!
$50 per person/40 per senior
Course Code: 51124

EEC-7 Tuesday, March 29
  7:30am-6:00pm

Jamaica Bay, Mon
(Adult)
Join us for a day of birding in and around the Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, part of Gateway National Recreation Area in Brooklyn, NY. This urban wildlife refuge is well known as a prime birding spot. Some of places we will visit include: East Pond, Jacob Riis Park, Fort Tilden, Canarsie Pier, Plumb Beach, and possibly Greenwood Cemetary for Monk parakeets. Please bring lunch, binoculars, and money for dinner.
$50 per adult/$40 per senior
Course Code: 51296

EEC-4 Sunday, March 20
  8:30am-8:30pm

Pocono Waterfall Hunt
(Adult)
How many different waterfalls have you seen in one day? Lace up your boots, we are out to set a record – join us as we travel to eastern Pennsylvania in search of magnificent waterfalls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Don’t forget your lunch and camera!
$45 per adult/$35 per senior
Course Code: 51190

EEC-9 Saturday, April 9
  9:00am-5:00pm

Plant Swap
(Adult)
Share all things green during our seasonal plant swap. Entire plants, cuttings, seeds, and old garden magazines are all welcome for the swap. This is a great way to go green, learn something new, and save money. Remember: whatever you bring that is not swapped goes home with you.
FREE
Course Code: 51626

EEC-2 Thursday, May 12
  10:30am- 11:30am

 

Field Trips for the Fun-at-Heart
(Adult)

Be jealous of your children and grand children no more! Join a Naturalist for a day trip to various area destinations. The trips will be relaxing and educational; find out for yourself why the kids love to adventure with us! Fee includes van transportation, admission fees, and interpretation.

The Orchid Show
The New York Botanical Garden’s 9th Annual Orchid Show, taking place in the stunning Victorian Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, is like something from a tropical dream. This year’s theme is Broadway in Bloom, thousands of orchid blossoms will populate the lush tropical setting of a contemporary Cuban garden.
$50 per adult/$40 per senior
Course Code: 51181

EEC-23 Thursday, April 14
  8:30am-5:00pm

The Staten Island Botanical Gardens
This visit to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens will be one you remember for a long time to come! We will be touring this New York City and National Historic Landmark, including a visit to the renowned New York Chinese Scholar Garden.
$50 per adult/$40 per senior
Course Code: 51181

EEC-24 Thursday June 9
  8:30am-5:00pm



Lord Stirling Park Spring Bird Count
(Adult)
Learn some birding basics as we collect data for the Environmental Education Center on the third annual Spring Bird Count. We will be visiting various locations on the trail systems of Lord Stirling Park. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking.
FREE
Course Code: 51574

EEC-3 Saturday, June 4
  6:30am-3:00pm

Shopping at Well Sweep
(Adult)
Come with us to Well Sweep Herb Farm to shop for your 2011 garden. Well Sweep has a large variety of plants, from herbs to natives and lots of special varieties that are not seen at the large nurseries. Two Naturalists will assist you in navigating through their spectacular garden beds. You’ll soon be on your way to the garden of your dreams. From sun to shade, wet to dry, animal resistant plants, you name it, Well Sweep has it. Take the day off for shopping in the morning and go home to plant in the afternoon.
Suggested Donation: Plants (valued at $25) for the gardens at the Environmental Education Center.
Course Code: 51450

EEC-3 Tuesday, June 7
  8:30am-Noon

Maple Mystery
(Family and Friends)
What do you put on your pancakes? Come learn the history of maple sugaring, from the Native Americans up to modern day production. Enjoy a taste test and compare the real thing to your average “pancake syrup” impostors! Bring your appetite for a good story and a few pancakes.
$12 per person
Course Code: 51581

EEC-4 Friday, February 18
  6:00pm-7:30pm

Owl Prowl
(Family and Friends)
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 slide presentation with owl vocalizations and an owl pellet dissection will precede the night hike.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51475

EEC-15 Friday, February 18
  6:00pm-7:30pm

The Unhuggables
(Family and Friends)
Some animals are considered “unhuggable” because they are different from us or maybe they look icky, creepy or scary. Meet and get to know some of these amazing animals. Be prepared…some unhuggables may stop by for a visit!
$6 per person
Course Code: 51093

EEC-8 Sunday, February 20
  1:30pm-2:30pm

Winter Walkin’ in the Woods
(Family and Friends)
Join a Naturalist for a walk through the winter woods. We will be looking for signs of animal activity and signs of changing seasons.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51282

EEC-7 Wednesday, February 23
  4:00pm-5:00pm

Bird Feeder Basics
(Family and Friends)
Winter is a great time to get to know your neighborhood birds. Join a Naturalist and learn how to identify local birds by sight and sound as well as making a ‘recycle feeder’ to take home.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51405

EEC-3 Thursday, February 24
  4:00pm-5:00pm

Backyard Bears - NEW
(Family and Friends)
Bear sightings are increasing throughout the state of New Jersey. Do you know what to do if you see a bear? This lecture-style Power Point presentation will help you become educated in bear etiquette. You are sure to learn the bear necessities and walk away with a better sense of understanding.
FREE
Course Code: 51651

EEC-1 Sunday, March 6
  2:00pm-3:00pm

Old Fashioned Kite Making
(Family and Friends)
Join a Naturalist after school and make your own old fashioned kite. Hope for a windy day so we can try our new kites in the front yard.
$11 per adult/$9 per youth/senior
Course Code: 51503

EEC-2 Thursday, March 10
  4:00pm-5:30pm

Salamander Adventure at Washington Valley
(Family and Friends)
Take a hike around Washington Valley Park to search for our amphibious friends - salamanders. Washington Valley Park is the perfect habitat for these critters with running streams and lots of rocks and logs. We will search under logs and rocks and take a net to the streams and vernal pools to find any signs of these mystifying creatures. Please meet the Naturalist at the Newmans Lane parking lot.
$12 per person
Course Code: 51454

WVP-3 Sunday, March 13
  2:00pm-4:00pm

Natural Spa
(Family and Friends ages 9 and older)
Learn the basics about your skin, how to protect it from the elements, and how to make it glow. During this class, participants will make various ‘spa treatments’ from ingredients commonly found in a kitchen!
$16 per person
Course Code: 51549

EEC-12 Saturday, March 19
  10:30am-Noon

Planning a Native Butterfly Garden - NEW
(Family and Friends)
Do you love butterflies? Do you like growing beautiful blooming plants in your garden? If the answer is yes, join a Naturalist and learn which native plants attract which native butterflies and moths. Handouts will include which native lepodoptera eat which plants, sources of native plants, and much more.
$12 per person
Course Code: 51649

EEC-1 Saturday, March 19
  1:00pm-3:00pm

Paper Making
(Family and Friends)
Recycle Fever has struck! Join us for this hands-on class and learn how to make your own paper and paper creations. Method for both flat sheets and molded papers will be covered.
$12 per person
Course Code: 51069

EEC-11 Saturday, March 26
  10:30am-Noon

Organic Vegetable Gardening
(Family and Friends)
Growing your own food is fulfilling for the body and mind. Working the soil and planning tasty meals with what you harvest is a great way to achieve better health, learn something new, and have fun. We will learn the basics of vegetable gardening and start some seeds for your home garden. Good soil, a willingness to get your hands dirty, and a little bit of know-how are the key ingredients in growing plants like herbs, lettuces, and tomatoes. Join us for this fun, educational, and eventually tasty program.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51364

EEC-2 Saturday, March 26
  2:00pm- 3:30pm

Bluebird Walk - NEW
(Family and Friends)
Spring migration for Eastern bluebirds begins earlier in the season than most migratory birds. Join a Naturalist for a walk on the trails to seek and hopefully find these beautiful birdies! Bring binoculars if you have them.
$12 per person
Course Code: 52007

EEC-1 Sunday, March 27
  1:00pm-2:30pm

Wild & Rare: NJ’s Threatened and Endangered Species
(Family and Friends)
Come learn about our native, wild, and rare neighbors, as well as what we can do to help them survive.
FREE
Course Code: 51576

EEC-3 Saturday, April 2
  10:30am-11:30am

Learn to Compost - NEW
(Family and Friends)
What do banana peels, apple cores, and orange rinds all have in common? They can all be composted! Composting is good for your yard and garden, good for the environment, easy to do, and it can be fun for the whole family! Bring your family to the EEC to learn how to compost at home!
FREE
Course Code: 51643

EEC-1 Saturday, April 9
  1:00pm-2:00pm

Duke Island Park River Walk – Bluebell Magic
(Family and Friends)
Meet at the kiosk and head out for an exploratory hike with a Naturalist. Identify some local trees and search for early blooming wildflowers along the Raritan River. Rain date: Thursday, April 21.
$7 per adult/$6 per youth/senior
Course Code: 51516

DIP-4 Wednesday, April 13
  3:30pm-4:30pm


Voices in the Night
(Family and Friends)
Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit, Croak! Who’s there just beyond reach of the flashlight beam? Join us and find out! Take a hike after dark, out to the ponds and hear the voices in the night.
$7 per adult/$6 per youth/senior
Course Code: 51278

EEC-9 Friday, April 15
  7:00pm-8:00pm

Tumbling Timberdoodles
(Family and Friends)
We mark the return of spring by the fanciful flight of the adorable American Woodcock! Take a walk into the fields and meadows of Lord Stirling Park as we look and listen for these elusive and amorous bogsuckers.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51070

EEC-6 Sunday, March 27
  4:30pm-6:00pm
EEC-7 Friday, May 6
  7:00pm-8:30pm

Reptibians and Amphitiles
(Family and Friends)
Whoa! Wait a minute, those critters sound all mixed-up! Well, most of the time they are, so join us as we set the record straight about our friends, the reptiles and amphibians. We will learn to identify frogs, snakes, turtles, and more by habitat, sight, and sound. The class includes an outdoor walk and an indoor session with slides and live animals.
$12 per person
Course Code: 51176

EEC-22 Monday, May 9
  5:00pm-6:30pm

Bat Box Basics - NEW
(Family and Friends)
Bats in New Jersey are in trouble and they need our help. White Nose Syndrome has severely affected the population of NJ bats. If you have seen bats in your neighborhood and want to lend a hand, hanging a well designed and placed bat box is a great way to get started. Join a Naturalist and go batty helping NJ bat populations.
FREE
Course Code: 51650

EEC-1 Saturday, June 11
  10:30am-11:30am


Garden Discovery Tours
(Family and Friends)

Join Somerset County Naturalists on this exciting series of day trips to tri-state area gardens. Continental breakfast, van transportation, admission fees, and all interpretation included. Please book early, as these limited-space trips fill rapidly!

Philadelphia Flower Show
Visit the City of Light at this year’s flower show theme, “Springtime in Paris”! Flowering trees, lilacs, lavender, and roses invite gardeners to get inspired! Displays will feature Paris’ best known highlights including art, fashion, food, and love. Wander by yourself or in the company of a Naturalist. Visitors can re-enter the show so you can explore some of the shops in downtown Philadelphia as well. Bring your own lunch or bring money to buy. It is most certainly an experience to remember!
$65 per adult/$55 per youth/senior
Course Code: 56495

EEC-13 Tuesday, March 8
  7:30am-5:30pm

Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
The Morris Arboretum is known for integrating art, science, and the humanities. The arboretum showcases thousands of woody plants including some of Philadelphia’s oldest and rarest trees. Set in a romantic 92-acre Victorian landscape, the arboretum features winding paths, streams, flowers, and special garden areas. Bring money for lunch at the café. We will also stop at a nursery on the way back to purchase plants for your own garden!
$50 per adult/$40 per youth/senior
Course Code: 56111

EEC-4 Wednesday, May 18
  8:00am-5:30pm

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

 PROGRAM OFFERINGS
    • Program Registration Information & Locations
    • Educational Public Programs for Children
    • Educational Public Programs for Adults & Families
    • Garden Discovery Tours
    • 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