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2010 Special Events at the Environmental Education Center
The following annual events are conducted at the Environmental Education Center. The EEC is located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge. For directions, please click here. For additional information, please call the EEC at 908 766-2489.
Nature Through a Child’s Eye
This annual children’s environmental art exhibit features Somerset County kindergartners through sixth graders who have expressed their love of our natural world, our environment, and our Earth through their artwork.
FREE
Saturday, January 2 through Sunday, February 7, 2010
9:00am-4:30pm except holidays
Maple Sugaring
Maple sugaring is a tradition in the Northeast that began centuries ago with the Native Americans and colonists. People of all ages are invited to see this tradition brought to life at the Environmental Education Center (EEC). You will see how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods past and present, and see the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. This 90-minute program is conducted at our Sugar Shack, a ½-mile hike from the EEC. Please arrive at the EEC 20-30 minutes before the program start time. Organized groups (such as schools) may schedule weekday demonstrations by calling the EEC at 908 766-2489 ext. 332.
FREE
January 23, 24, 30, 31
February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 2010
10:00am, Noon, and 2:00pm
Project: E.A.R.T.H.
EARTH: Environment, Awareness, Responsibility, Teaching, and Hope – a timely special event at the Environmental Education Center! Experts in various fields will share information about current environmental topics such as climate change, recycling, composting, and energy conservation. Find out how you can make a difference protecting your environment and how your actions have a global impact. Participate in our “eco-rally” and other cool activities that promote positive environmental actions for everyone. Get outside and see what it’s all about! Hands-on activities for children.
Rain or Shine!
Suggested donation: $4 per person
Sunday, April 25, 2010
10:30am-4:30pm
The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
Colonial history lives at the Somerset County Park Commission's annual 1770s Festival when Lord Stirling's grand manor house and estate come to life in Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ. Colonial craftspeople ply their trades and a Revolutionary War military detachment camp on the former estate lawns and conduct maneuvers. The event promotes historical and environmental education by familiarizing people with the rich local history of Basking Ridge, highlighting an unsung Revolutionary War hero, demonstrating the colonial heritage of New Jersey, and recreating a typical autumn afternoon in 1770. In 2006, the Lord Stirling 1770s Festival won the Cultural and History Commission of Somerset County History Award for Education. Period re-enactors attired in replicas of 1770s clothing participate in the festival demonstrating their trades and crafts (no crafts are sold). These crafts people make articles such as buttons, rifles, brooms, furniture, lace, stained glass, redware pottery, and powder horns. Other trades and crafts include a blacksmith, tinsmith, wool spinning, decoy carving, and colonial herbs. Children of all ages enjoy the hayrides, clay crafts using Stirling clay, stenciling, and toy making. Visitors may try on colonial costumes and have their photograph taken while restrained to the Somerset Gaoler's wooden stock.
$4 per person suggested donation
Sunday, October 3, 2010
10:30am - 4:30pm
The Nature of Halloween
(Limited to ages 3-6 with parent)
Calling all ghosts, pirates, and scarecrows to a fun and informative Halloween stroll on the boardwalk at the Environmental Education Center. Led by a guide, children and their parents will walk shadowy paths to meet and learn about misunderstood, but very important animals, such as a sly fox, a splendid skunk, and buzzy bee. Come dressed in costume for added fun!
Tickets must be purchased in advance. They are not available at door on the night of the program. Walk is approxomately 45 to 60 minutes in length.
Limited to ages 3-6 with parent
$4 per person
Friday-Sunday, October 22-24, 2010
5:45pm-7:30pm
The walk is approximately 45 to 60 minutes in length.
Halloween Night Walks are appropriate for children three through six years of age. Please do not bring children outside of this age range. (top)
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2010 Special Events at Lord Stirling Stable
The following events are held at the Lord Stirling Stable. The Stable is located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge. For directions, please click here. For additional information, please call the Stable at 908 766-5955
Horse Driving Trial & Combined Test - This event has been cancelled.
The Horse Driving Trial & Combined Test will be held on April 24, 2010. The competition begins with the formal elegance of Dressage, which is a pre-determined test performed in a set area where horses must show a willingness to go forward with energy and grace. In the second phase, drivers will complete a cones course along an intricate route, where precision and speed are essential. The final phase is the cross-country Marathon course, which challenges the drivers’ judgment and skills and the horses’ agility and fitness. This event is co-sponsored with the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable. For more information, please call the Stable office.
27th Annual Family Fun Day
One of the largest, longest-running, and free community events offered on the grounds of Lord Stirling Stable, the 27th Annual Family Fun Day is scheduled for May 2, 2010 from 8am to 4pm. Children (ages 12 and under) may enjoy rides on a pony or small, gentle horse. The whole family can jump into a tractor-pulled haywagon and take a ride along some of the 18 miles of equestrian trails. The free pony rides and hayrides are offered from 10am-12pm and again from 1pm–3pm. The festival atmosphere of the day is enhanced by child-friendly arcade games, face painting, and other activities. Local vendors and organizations will be on hand distributing information, performing demonstrations, and offering goods for purchase. Equestrian students hope you’ll cheer for them as they play gymkhana-style games on horseback for fun and ribbons. The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable co-sponsors of this event, offering food, beverages, and clothing and gift items for sale. For more information, please call the Stable office. (top)
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2010 Special Events at
Leonard J. Buck Garden
The following events are conducted at Leonard J. Buck Garden. Buck Garden is located at Layton Road in Far Hills. For directions, please click here. For additional information, please call Buck Garden at 908 234-2677.
Art and Photography Exhibit
Weekdays February 23 – March 12 10am – 4pm
FREE
On the Rocks
Saturday, April 10, 10am – 12noon
Fee: $20
If those rocks in your backyard are too big to dig and cart away, here's the ideal solution. Come learn about plants that thrive when growing among or upon rocks. Included in the program is a slide-illustrated, virtual visit to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and easy care tips on how plants thrive in rocky locations. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.
Plant Sale
April 24 – 25 Saturday and Sunday April 24 and 25 Free to the public
Enhance your garden with some spectacular new plant treasures, and help us celebrate Earth Day. Weekend highlights include a plant sale featuring many choice selections of perennials, ferns and woody plants, inspiring garden lectures, and guided tours of this magnificent naturalistic rock garden. This event is co-sponsored with Watnong Chapter North American Rock Garden Society and will be held at the Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills. For additional information, please call Buck Garden at 908 234-2677.
Backyard Composting: A Way To Go Green
Saturday, May 1, 9:30am – 11:30am
Fee: $12
Join Buck Garden Foreman, Jim Fleming and learn how to create and produce soil amendments to enrich your garden soil and help to protect our environment. Why spend money for soil amendments and fertilizer when you have everything you need right at home? Join the GREEN MOVEMENT by practicing some basic composting techniques at home. Different types of composting will be discussed. Whether you choose to create a compost pile, use a bin, or vermiculture (using worms for composting) be prepared to get dirty as we go green. We will prepare one compost pile and turn another. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.
Flower & Landscape Photography: Alternative Approaches
Tuesday, May 4, 9:00am – 11:30am
Fee: $35
This class will involve technical instruction focusing on alternative approaches to flower and landscape photography. We’ll explore the abstract side of photography from multiple exposure images, using filters, blur techniques and more. This class will include a lecture and shooting session in the garden. The workshop will be taught by Brien Szabo at Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills. The class is designed for all levels of digital and film photographers. Pre-registration is required 908-234-2677.
Basic Birding
Thursday, May 27, 9:00am – 11:00
Fee: $12
Join an Environmental Education Center Naturalist and Buck Garden staff to learn how to use field guides, how to use binoculars, and tips on bird identification. This outdoor program, held at Leonard J. Buck Garden, will expand your birding skills and make bird watching in the Garden State more enjoyable. This lecture/field study requires binoculars. Pre-registration required call 908-234-2677.
Garden Photography Workshop: Summer Photography
Tuesday, June 1, 9:00am – 11:30am
Fee: $35
Spend some time this morning with Nature Photographer Brien Szabo and learn how to take better pictures during these bright sunny days. Bright surfaces under summer sun can ‘fool’ light meters and automatic cameras and glare and reflection can rob your pictures of their color. Learn how to avoid these potential pitfalls and take better photographs this summer. This class will involve technical instruction in the Buck Garden Visitor Center followed by outdoor photography in the summer sun. Designed for both digital and film photographers. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.
Herbs for Flavor and Fragrance
Saturday, June 5, 10am – 12noon
Fee: $20
They're attractive, grow well, are generally pest resistant, and offer flavor and fragrance to enrich our lives. Everyone likes herbs, but not all of us know the diversity of techniques for preserving and using them. This class will offer recipes and suggestions for fresh herbs from garden or grocery store along with tips and techniques for freezing, drying, using, and enjoying herbs. There will be some samples to taste and enjoy. An instructor’s material fee will be collected at the door. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.
Native Plants in the Home Garden
Wednesday, July 14, 9:30am – 11:30am
Fee: $20
Join instructor Cynthia Megill, former Horticultural Instructor at Suffolk Community College, and learn the numerous benefits of incorporating native plants into a home landscape, including the ornamental characteristics and environmental values. Learn why planting native species can help preserve regional biodiversity, and provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other fauna. Emphasis will be placed on North American native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, many of which will be seen during a garden tour following this power point presentation. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.
Birding at Buck II: Backyard Habitat for Birds
Thursday, July 29, 9:00am – 11:00am
Fee: $12
Join an Environmental Education Center Naturalist and Buck Garden staff to learn about feeders, and houses, what specific birds like to eat, and which plants provide food and shelter. This lecture and field study requires binoculars. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.
Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds to Your Backyard
Wednesday, August 11, 9:30am – 11:30am
Fee: $20
Learn how to plant a backyard habitat that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Join instructor Cynthia Megill, former Horticultural Instructor at Suffolk Community College, and learn the many recommended species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that welcome these dazzling beauties. Also, secretes and myths about hummingbirds will be revealed. A tour of these beneficial plants in Buck Garden will follow this power point presentation. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.
Art in the Garden - Watercolors in the Garden
Wednesday, September 1, 9:30am – 3:00pm (rain date 9/2)
Fee: $35
Nature and wildlife artist Beatrice Bork will give a one-day class at Leonard J. Buck Garden to capture the garden’s beauty on paper. Students will be guided in choosing a location when painting outdoors, paint application, mixing colors, composition, and how to create a finished watercolor painting. Basic drawing skills are recommended. Call for art supply list and bring your lunch. ˜Ms. Bork, internationally known nature and wildlife artist, has received many special achievements and awards during her career. Pre-registration is required 908-234-2677.
Birding at Buck III: Why Birds Migrate
Thursday, September 30, 9:00am – 11:00am
Fee: $12
Join an Environmental Education Center Naturalist and Buck Garden staff to learn about bird migration and seasonal movement. Learn which birds use the stars at night to help them navigate, and which birds utilize rising columns of warm air thermals to assist them as they make their way south. This lecture and field study requires binoculars. Pre-registration is required 908-234-2677
Hypertufa for Beginners
Friday, October 1, 9:30am – 11:30am
Fee: $45
Limited to 10 participants
Hypertufa is a handmade material which resembles “tufa” (too-fa), a rugged volcanic rock used to make troughs. These containers are especially suited for small rock garden plants.You will make your own hypertufa mini-trough and receive instructions for curing and completing it at home. (It takes several weeks to cure completely). You will also receive a finished mini-trough and will plant it to create your own miniature rock garden. It’s tufa the price of one! Come dressed to get messy. Workshop fee includes the cost of materials and plants.
Where Did Your Garden Grow?
Thursday, November 4, 9:30am – 11:30am
Fee: $12
Do you know where the plant in your garden came from? Have you ever wondered how they were used by past generations? Join us for an informative program about the origins, history, stories, and myths and special uses of some garden favorites. The program will be illustrated with photographs, and images from paintings, sculpture, architecture and other media.
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2010 Special Events at Colonial Park Gardens
The following events are conducted at the Rose Garden and the Perennial Garden, both located in Colonial Park in Franklin Township. For directions, please click here. For additional information, please call the Horticulture Department at 732 873-2459. Events that have a program fee require pre-registration. All programs are rain or shine, unless otherwise noted. If you have individualized needs due to a disability, please call (908) 526-5650 and we will be happy to arrange reasonable accommodations. Three weeks notice is required to ensure that appropriate accommodations can be provided.
36TH ANNUAL ROSE DAY - This event has been canceled.
Saturday, June 12, 2010, 10am – 3pm
Free (Suggested donation of $1 per person)
Rose Day celebrates peak bloom in the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden in Colonial Park in Franklin Township. This award-winning All-America Rose Selections display garden features more than 3,000 roses representing over 325 different varieties. It is a day to stroll through the garden and attend free lectures and workshops focusing on roses and rose care.
SUMMER COLOR IN THE PERENNIAL GARDEN
Saturday, June 26, 2010, 9 – 11am
Fee: $12 per person (limit 30 people)
Join the Horticulture staff for a two-hour field study of our summer blooming plants. Learn about low maintenance, drought, and deer resistant plants. The field study will discuss basic plant care and gardening techniques as well as answer your gardening questions. The program will be conducted in the Perennial Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot F.
11TH ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY
Saturday, July 17, 2010, 11am – 3pm
Free (Suggested donation of $1 per person)
The Garden Party will feature lectures, workshops, and Horticulture staff to answer questions. Plants and refreshments will also be available. Music will round out a beautiful summer’s day in the park. The program will be held in the Perennial Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot F.
PUTTING YOUR GARDEN TO BED FIELD STUDY
Saturday, October 16, 2010, 10am – 12noon (rain date: October 23)
Fee: $12 per person (limit 30 people)
Learn how to prepare your perennial garden for winter by joining the Somerset County Park Commission Horticulture staff as they demonstrate techniques used to winterize your garden. The program will be conducted in the Perennial Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot F.
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2010 Special Events in the Parks
Duke Island Walkers
January 2,2010
Start the New Year by joining our weekly walking program that will meet at the Duke Island Visitor Center every Wednesday morning at 9:30am beginning January 2, 2008. Warm up with coffee, tea, and refreshments following the walk. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 908 722-1200 ext. 226.
Cabin Fever Kids
February 20, 27 – March 6, 13, 2010
Duke Island Visitor Center - 10:30am – 1:30pm
Fee:$45 for the 4-week series. $15 for individual sessions.
Need something for you kids to do during those dreary winter Saturdays? Join us at Duke Island Park Visitor Center for a four week activity series which will explore the arts through music, theatre arts, crafts, and story telling. This program is designed for children between the ages of 6 through 10. This program will be conducted in conjunction with the Therapeutic Recreation Department and is open to children of all abilities. Please pack a bag lunch for your child. A light snack will be served following an after lunch hike through beautiful Duke Island Park. Registration is required. Space is limited.
Rogue Bass Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Youth fishing derby for children ages five to fourteen. Pre registration required. Prizes awarded. All proceeds benefit the Therapeutic Recreation Department.
Fee: $7 per child. Applications will be available as of May 1. Pre-registration is required. To be placed on the mail list or for an application, please call 908 526-5650.
The event is co-sponsored by Rogue Bass, ATON Computing, and other local businesses. Pre-registration is required. For an application, please call 908 526-5650.
This event is sponsored by Rogue Bass and ATON Computing
National Trails Day
June 6, 2010
Free
Washington Valley Park, Bridgewater
908 231-0802 ext.22
Come celebrate National Trails Day and help us maintain the beautiful trails of the Washington Valley Park.
Fourth of July Family Festival
Sunday, July 4, 2010 5pm – 11pm
Free
Music, children’s activities, climbing wall, costumed characters, historical re-enactments, and fireworks at 9:30pm. For more information, please call 908 722-1200.
Mischief Night Madness - Colonial Park Putting Course
October 29, 2010 (Raindate - Halloween October 30)
Fee: $8.00 for family of two; $10.00 for family of three or more
Play miniature golf with the ghouls! Wear your Halloween costume and get a free Halloween goodie bag. Admission includes: Spooky Tales from the Witches Cauldron and Moonlight Hayrides (non-scary variety). Bring along your family Jack-O-Lantern and enter it in the Best Carved Pumpkin Contest. (Judging will take place at 6:30pm) Free apple cider and donuts.
15th Annual Turkey Trot
Saturday, November 13, 2010 9am
Fee: $20 until November 2; $25 from November 3
(USATF members receive a $2 discount)
Lace up your sneakers for the Turkey Trot 5K Race, to be held in Colonial Park, Franklin Township. There will also be a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. The course is certified in length and USATF sanctioned. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female 5K finishers in each of the following age groups: 14 and under; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70 and over. A turkey will be awarded to the top male and female finisher in each age group. Join us for a morning of fun for the whole family! Event t-shirts will only be issued to all pre-registrations received before November 2nd, and will not be available at on-site registration. On-site registration and race packet pick-up will begin at 8am. Event times are 9am for the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and 9:30am for the 5K Turkey Trot. Registration forms are available by calling 908 722-1200 ext. 226. (top)
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2010 GOLF TOURNAMENTS
The 2010 tournaments require pre-registration and an entrance fee. Application forms are available at the Golf Shops. For more information on Golf, please call 908 369-1458.
Welcome Back Tournament
April 11 All courses
A 2-Person Best Ball tournament.
6th Annual William W. Anderson Match Play Tournament (Men and Women)
May 1, 2, 15, 16, 22, and 23 Neshanic Valley Golf Course
18-Hole Medal Play
Open to registered golfers, ages 10 and older. Tournament format is match play for low 16 stroke play qualifers.
51st Annual Dr. Michael S. Kline Memorial Somerset County Golf Tournament
(Men and Women)
First Round September 4 All courses
Open to registered golfers, ages 10 and older. Players compete in flights, based on registered handicap. "A" flight plays 18 holes September 4, 5, 11, and 12 for a total score of 72 holes. Other flights play 18 holes on September 4 and 11 for a 36-hole total. Flights conducted at designated courses. Awards in each flight.
32nd Annual Senior Golf Tournament (Men and Women)
September 15 Quail Brook Golf Course
18-Hole Medal Play
Open to registered senior golfers, ages 62 and older, men and women. Players compete in flights based on age. Awards in each flight.
Club Championships
October 2 & 3 All courses
Open to registered golfers, ages 10 and older. Tournament format is 36 holes, low gross. Each course holds its own tournament. Prizes in the form of Golf Shop Gift Certificates will be awarded to first, second, and third place finalists.
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