Our Mission:
Dedicated to stimulating awareness and understanding of the natural world in order to
foster a
sense of responsibility for its care and use through environmental, cultural, and recreational learning experiences,
as well as serving as trustees to preserve, maintain, and improve
undeveloped and
developed
natural areas of Somerset County parkland.
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The Environmental Education Center (EEC) at Lord Stirling Park offers approximately 9 miles of hiking trails, Naturalist led programs, school field trips, fun festivals, nature themed exhibits, facility and classroom rentals, a resource library, science and conservation research, and more. Our goal is to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.
The Great Swamp Experience opened in February 2017 and is a permanent, interactive, educational exhibit located downstairs in the EEC. The exhibit highlights historical and ecological information about the Great Swamp. Children can crawl into a beaver lodge, feel animal fur, or explore the toddler area. Adults can enjoy viewing habitat vignettes, archeological artifacts, and learning about hydrology, sustainability, and the park's geographic location.
Park History & Description
The EEC is nestled within 500 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp. A variety of habitats including swamps, rivers, marshes, meadows, ponds, and forests provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park.
Historically, the area was once home to Paleo-Indians, the Lenni-Lenape, and a Major General of the Continental Army named Lord Stirling. In the 1960's, grassroots citizens 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.
The EEC is open year round, except for holidays, 9am to 5pm. Trails are open sunrise to sunset. No pets allowed on trails.
We are located at 190 Lord Stirling Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Tel: 908.766.2489 |
Hours & Directions
The building is open 9am-5pm daily.
Exhibits are open 9am-4:30pm daily.
Registration is accepted 9am-4:30pm daily.
The building is closed on Holidays.
Trails are open dawn to dusk daily but closed on Deer Management days as scheduled.
Click here for Directions
Donations & Sponsorship
Donations are gladly accepted.
Please make checks payable to:
The Somerset County Park Commission
and mail to Carrie Springer,
190 Lord Stirling Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Support Packet
Ask A Naturalist
Ask-A-Naturalist
Have a question about a plant or animal species you saw in Lord Stirling Park or northern New Jersey?
One of our naturalists can help you! Complete the form and an EEC staff member will do their best to solve your nature mysteries!
FAMILY NATURE WALKS at the
Environmental Education Center
(All Ages)
On selected Saturdays and Sundays during the year, we will lead an hour-long interpretive walk. Dress for the weather and be prepared to be curious with a Naturalist on this one hour adventure into the Great Swamp.
FREE
Pre-registration is not required.
Saturdays
(10:30am-11:30am)
August 5, 12, 26
September 2, 16, 23
October 28
November 11
December 9
January 6, 27
Sundays
(Noon-1:00pm)
August 6, 27
September 3, 10, 24
October 8, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19
December 3, 10, 17
January 7, 21
*Not designed for organized groups*
E-mailthe Environmental Education Center with any questions or comments. |
