Somerset County Park Commission

Nature Through a Child's Eye
January 2 – Sunday, February 8, 2009
9:00am-4:30pm except holidays
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 Admission

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 24, 25, 31 February 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, & 22, 2009
10:00am, Noon, and 2:00pm

Project E.A.R.T.H
EARTH: Environment, Awareness, Responsibility, Teaching, and Hope - the new special event at the Environmental Education Center! See fine nature artwork, meet some live wild animals, and learn about the environment in which you live. Experts in various fields will share information about current environmental topics such as global warming, recycling, composting, and habitat restoration projects. Find out how you can make a difference protecting your environment and how your actions have a global impact. Hands-on activities for children.
Rain or Shine!
$4 per person suggested donation
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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 4, 2009
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
Course Code: 52001      Friday, October 23, 2009
Course Code: 52002      Saturday, October 24, 2009
Course Code: 52003      Sunday, October 25, 2009
There are seven opportunities per evening from which to choose: 6:00, 6:15, 6:30, 6:45, 7:00, 7:15, and 7:30. 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.

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.

Combined Driving Trial & Clinic
The Combined Driving Trial and Clinic will be held on May 2 and 3, 2009. The competition on Saturday begins with the formal elegance of Dressage, 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 Marathon course, which challenges the drivers’ judgment and skills, and the horses’ agility and fitness. On Sunday, officials from the previous day will offer private and group driving clinics for participants. This event is co-sponsored with the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable. For more information, please call the stable office at 908 766-5955.

26th Annual Family Fun Day
The 26th Annual Family Fun Day will be held on April 19, 2009 beginning at 8am. In addition to games on horseback for current riding students, this unique community event features free pony rides and hayrides from 10am - noon and from 1pm - 3pm; local groups and organizations performing demonstrations and sharing information; and child-friendly arcade games, where everyone is a winner. Food, beverages, and gift items will be offered for sale by the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable as well as gently used riding apparel. For more information, please call the stable office.

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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 March 2 – 13 Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm
Free
Showcasing the four seasons at Leonard J. Buck Garden, this exhibit will feature photographs, paintings and drawings of Buck Garden. See the garden’s many faces through the works of talented artists and photographers. This exhibit will be held at the Leonard J. Buck Garden Visitor Center in Far Hills. For additional information please call 908 234-2677 for an information packet.

It's Different Abroad: The Gardens of Holland - NEW
Thursday, March 26, 2009 10am – 12 noon
Fee: $20
Judy Glattstein takes us on a tour of Holland gardens and explains why it’s different abroad! Spring arrives in the Netherlands with crop fields of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in bloom. Judy Glattstein has visited Holland on numerous occasions: accompanying travel groups, researching her books, and as a guest lecturer for an international perennial plant group. Her beautifully slide-illustrated lecture will explore the geography and cultural history of the Netherlands, with a focus on spring bulbs.
Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.

Birding at Buck I – Birding Basics
Wednesday April 8 9am – 11am (rain or shine)
Fee: $12 per person
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.

Spring Plant Sale and Earth Day Celebration
Saturday and Sunday April 25 and 26
Free
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.

Woodland Walks
Sunday afternoons in April and May (except holiday weekends) at 2 pm
Fee: $4 per person
Brighten your spring with a captivating and informative tour of the Leonard J. Buck Garden. Enjoy the magnificent drifts of native wildflowers and spring perennials blooming throughout the garden, as well as azaleas, dogwoods, and many colorful flowering shrubs and trees. Discover the great variety of plants growing among the rock formations and woodlands; immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Tours begin on April 5 and continue on April 19, 26 and May 3, 10, and 17.

Garden Photography Workshop I - Leonard J. Buck Garden
Tuesday May 5 9am - 11:30am (rain date May 6)
Fee: $35 per person
A Flower & Landscape Photography Class is offered to beginner and intermediate photography enthusiasts by professional photographer Brien Szabo of Nature Images, Inc. This class will involve technical instruction in the Buck Garden Visitor Center followed by outdoor photography of plant close-up and landscape scenes. The workshop is designed for both digital and film photographers. Pre-registration required, space limited, call 908-234-2677.

Herbs for Flavor and Fragrance: NEW
Saturday June 6, 2009 10:00am – 12 noon
Fee: $20 per person
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. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.

Flower & Landscape Photography II: Alternative Approaches
Tuesday June 9 9:00am – 11:30am
Fee: $35 per person
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.

Birding at Buck II – Backyard Habitat for Birds
Thursday June 18 9am – 11am (rain or shine)
Fee: $12 per person
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.

Ground Covers and Vines – What You Didn’t Know NEW
Wednesday July 15 9:30am – 11:30am
Fee: $15 per person
Join instructor Cynthia Megill, former Horticultural Instructor at Suffolk Community College, to explore the world of groundcovers and vines. Learn the best groundcovers for your garden, and examine the different varieties of these unique plants, their requirements, advantages and disadvantages. A tour of the groundcovers and vines in the garden will follow this power point presentation. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.

Breathing Space: Relaxation Techniques in the Garden
Thursday July 30 9:00am – 11:00am
Fee: $15 per person
Join Instructor Celeste Fleming and cultivate your inner garden…It has been said that a garden is a delight to the eye and solace for the soul. What better place to relax than surrounded by the beauty of a garden! We will explore some relaxation techniques and end our workshop with garden-inspired guided imagery. Wear loose clothing and bring a mat or blanket. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677.

Perennials for the Shade Garden
Tuesday August 11 9:30am – 11:30am (rain date 8/12)
Fee: $12 per person
Shade gardening is more popular, and more necessary, than ever as trees grow and spread, and there are many suitable plants from which to choose. Join Buck Garden Interpretive Gardener to learn about a variety of sturdy herbaceous perennials that grow successfully in the shade at Leonard J. Buck Garden. Pre-registration required 908-234-2677

Art in the Garden - Watercolors in the Garden
Thursday September 17 9:00am – 3:00pm (rain date 9/18)
Fee: $35 per person
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 October 1 9am – 11am (rain or shine)
Fee: $12 per person
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

Backyard Composting: A Way to Go Green NEW
Tuesday September 29 10am – 12 noon (rain date 9/30/09)
Fee: $12 per person
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 is required 908-234-2677

Spring Flowers in the Winter House NEW
Saturday, October 10, 2009 10am to 12 noon
Fee: $20 per person
Join nationally known author Judy Glattstein and learn how to fool Mother Nature! If Spring-blooming bulbs are potted now, they can be coaxed into early bloom while it is still winter outside. No special equipment is necessary – just some of the same bulbs you might grow in your garden, a pot, some potting soil, a cool place, and a little patience. The program will demonstrate specific techniques for hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils, as well as for forcing hyacinths and paper-white narcissus in water. Pre-registration is required - 908-234-2677.

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.

ROSE PRUNING WORKSHOP
Saturday, March 14, 2009, 9 – 11am (rain date: March 21)
*Fee: $12 per person (limit 30 people)
This combination lecture and hands-on workshop presented by the Horticulture staff will give you all the basics you need to help ensure a season of healthy roses in your garden. Bring your leather gloves and pruning equipment, and remember to dress warmly. The program will be held in the Rose Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot A.

35TH ANNUAL ROSE DAY
Saturday, June 13, 2009, 10am – 4pm
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 27, 2009, 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.

10TH ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY
Saturday, July 18, 2009, 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.

AUTUMN IN THE PERENNIAL GARDEN
Saturday, September 12, 2009, 9 – 11am
*Fee: $12 per person (limit 30 people)
Fall is almost here and the Perennial Garden is at its peak. Join the Horticulture staff for a field study of fall blooming perennials. We will discuss plant care and gardening techniques as well as answer your gardening questions as we stroll through the garden. The program will be conducted in the Perennial Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot F.

PUTTING YOUR GARDEN TO BED FIELD STUDY
Saturday, October 17, 2009, 10am – 12noon (rain date: October 24)
*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.

Duke Island Walkers
January 7, 2009
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 21, 28; March 7, 14, 2009
Duke Island Visitor Center - 10:30am – 1:30pm
Fee:$30 for the 4-week series. $10 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.

National Trails Day
June 6
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. Rain date is June 7th.

Rogue Bass Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 6
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

Fourth of July Family Festival
Saturday, July 4, 2009 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
Friday, October 30, 2009
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.

14th Annual Turkey Trot
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fee: $18 if postmarked by November 2; $20 onsite registration
(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.

The 2009 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.

5th Annual William W. Anderson
Match Play Championship
May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17
Neshanic Valley Golf Course
Open to registered golfers, ages 10 and older. Tournament format is match play for low 16 stroke play qualifiers.

Joseph I. Bedell Junior Tournament
(Boys and Girls)
July 16, 2009
Spooky Brook Golf Course 18-Hole Medal Play
Open to registered County junior golfers, ages 8-17. Players compete in flights based on age. Awards given to top finalists in each flight, boys and girls. Special awards for low gross overall, boys and girls.

31th Annual Senior Golf Tournament
(Men and Women)
September 16, 2009
Green Knoll 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. Special award for low gross overall, men and women.

50th Annual Dr. Michael S. Kline
Memorial Somerset County Golf Tournament
(Men and Women)
First Round September 12, 2009
Open to registered County golfers, ages 10 and older. Players compete in flights. All players must have a current USGA handicap to participate. Flights will be based on USGA handicaps. “A” flight plays 18 holes on September 12, 13, 26 and 27 for a total score of 72 holes. Other flights play 18 holes on September 12 and 26 for a 36 hole total. Flights conducted at designated courses. Awards in each flight.

Club Championships
October 3 and 4, 2009
All Courses
All tournaments require pre-registration and an entrance fee. Application forms available at Golf Shops.