The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 425 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The variety of habitats of floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, and natural and man-made ponds, fields, and forests provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park. All are within walking distances of the multi-faceted building. The Great Swamp Exhibit, a swamp vivarium, and an environmentally based library are located within the Center itself.
The area was once home to Paleo-Indian groups, the Lenapes, and even a Major General of the Continental Army, Lord Stirling. Recent history, in 1960’s, includes a landmark accomplishment when grassroots citizens group and conservation groups rallied to protect the precious wetlands from becoming an international airport. Consequently, 2,600 acres of land were presented to the Department of the Interior to create the core of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; the property adjacent to the SCPC Environmental Education Center.
Diverse opportunities abound at the Center. Come hike the 8-½ miles of trails on your own or register for one of the multitude of programs – there are experiences available for all ages! The building is open year round, except for major holidays, 9am to 5pm.
The EEC Program Passport is BACK!
Beginning in December, the Program Passport will make its return to the EEC. The Passport can be secured when you attend your first program in December. Present the Passport each time you attend a paid program at the Environmental Education Center. Receive a stamp for each paid participant within your household. (Passport must be present at the time of the
program in order to receive a stamp.) For every ten stamps, receive 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.
Program passports will be available starting December 2, 2011.
*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 Stables 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.
Homeschool Offerings
(Ages 7-12)
Get ready for an exciting school year! We are offering a series of environmental education
programs developed especially for homeschoolers ages 7-12. Program sessions about
environmental topics are offered once a month. Each session has a hands-on focus and we will be using various field tools as we explore our topics and learn more about life in the Great Swamp. Weather permitting, a large portion of all programs will be held outdoors; dress
appropriately for the weather and trail conditions. Listed below are the monthly topics for the 2012 school year. Please consult the program descriptions for specific topic content.
January - Under Pressure
February - What About the Weather?
March - Reality of Reptiles
April - Everyday is Earth Day
May - The Rock Cycle
June - Way out in the Boondocks
Please
Note: Our trails are for
foot traffic only; pets, horses, bicycles & motorized
vehicles are prohibited because the trails run through
a wildlife sanctuary.
E-mail the Environmental Education Center with any questions or comments. |
