Somerset County Park Commission

Park Ranger Group Programs
If you have seen a fish, a wildflower or a tree that you could not identify or have wondered the difference between a meadow and a forest, then ask the Park Rangers to add some insight. The Park Rangers will be leading three types of programs: Tree Identification, Fishing Our Parks Waterways, and Interpretative Hikes. To register your group or for more information, please call the Park Rangers at 908 231-0802 ext. 21.

Tree Identification
Have you ever wondered from what tree a baseball bat is made or which trees and shrubs can be used for food or drinks? Come and learn how to identify trees and shrubs in all seasons and discover how important trees are in our world today.

Fishing Our Parks’ Waterways

Learn fishing basics and find out where to catch “the big one”. Fishing 101 will teach you everything including how to identify your catch, state fishing laws, fishing etiquette and where our parks’ fishing hot spots are. Afterward, you can show off your fishing skills at one of the “hot spots.”

Interpretive Hikes
Hikes will contain information on our environment and its inhabitants. We will explain what lives in our parks presently, as well as in the past. Hikes can be tailored to your specific interests or you are welcome to stroll with us on an interpretative hike of our choice.

Volunteer Park Patrol (click here for Trail Maintenance Dates and Activities)
The Park Rangers are accepting applications for the Volunteer Park Patrol (VPP), a group of year-round volunteers dedicated to assisting visitors through trail patrols and maintaining trails in Washington Valley Park and the Sourland Mountain Preserve. The VPP has been instrumental in helping maintain trail conditions to the high maintenance standards set for the county’s trails. A wide variety of opportunities are available for everyone; certainly the group could utilize your special talents, skills or time. If interested in becoming an active member of the Volunteer Park Patrol, please contact the Park Rangers at 908 231-0802 ext. 21.

National Trails Day - Saturday, June 7

Junior Rangers

If you enjoy hiking through the woods watching wildlife, wonder about animal tracks and animal homes, and are interested in learning more about the environment, then you may be a perfect Junior Ranger. Somerset County Junior Rangers are 6-12 year olds who care about the environment and its inhabitants. By learning about the natural world, you can understand how ecosystems work, and can help the Park Rangers in the parks. Just stop by Colonial Park or Duke Island to pick up a Junior Ranger workbook. When you have completed the activities, ask a Park Ranger to review your work. After you take the Junior Ranger pledge, an official badge will be presented to you. In addition, you will be placed on a mailing list to receive information about upcoming Junior Ranger programs and events. We look forward to meeting all future Somerset County Junior Rangers. For further information, please contact the Park Rangers at 908 231-0802 ext. 21.

February 17 at Colonial Park:
“Survival of the Fittest” Find out how animals make it through the winter by adapting to their environment.

March 29 at Colonial Park:
“Campfire Cook Out” Participate in an open fire cook out. Meet a Ranger and tell some ghost stories.

April 19 at Duke Island Park:
“Smokey” Learn about forest fire safety and how to prevent fires.

May 25 at Sourland Mountain Preserve:
“Fishing Basics” A basic demonstration on how to catch fish with helpful tips from the Rangers.

June 14 at Sourland Mountain Preserve:
“Birding Tour” Discover the variety of birds in the area and what is unique about them.

July 13 at Colonial Park:
“Reptile and Amphibian Hunt” Get muddy at the Colonial Park nature trail trying to make your discovery of its wildlife inhabitants.

August 23 at Natirar:
“Compass Scavenger Hunt” Learn how to use a compass while hunting for hidden objects.

September 14 at Washington Valley Park:
“Wilderness Survival” Do you have what it takes to become a survivor? Helpful tips in case you ever get lost.

October 4 at Washington Valley Park:
“Mountain Biking” Are you a hiker looking for something else to do outdoors? Let the Park Rangers show you a fun and exciting way to enjoy Somerset County's parks!

November 2 at Colonial Park:
“Leaf Critter Creations” Easy and fun ways to help you identify trees. Turn leaves into animals by being creative.

Signs of Spring.... Virginia Bluebells begin to carpet the woods at Duke Island Park.

Larger Font \| Smaller Font Park Ranger PROGRAMS
Park Ranger Group Programs If you have seen a fish, a wildflower or a tree that you could not identify or have wondered the difference between a meadow and a forest, then ask the Park Rangers to add some insight. The Park Rangers will be leading three types of programs: Tree Identification, Fishing Our Parks Waterways, and Interpretative Hikes. To register your group or for more information, please call the Park Rangers at 908 231-0802 ext. 21. Tree Identification Have you ever wondered from what tree a baseball bat is made or which trees and shrubs can be used for food or drinks? Come and learn how to identify trees and shrubs in all seasons and discover how important trees are in our world today. Fishing Our Parks’ Waterways Learn fishing basics and find out where to catch “the big one”. Fishing 101 will teach you everything including how to identify your catch, state fishing laws, fishing etiquette and where our parks’ fishing hot spots are. Afterward, you can show off your fishing skills at one of the “hot spots.” Interpretive Hikes Hikes will contain information on our environment and its inhabitants. We will explain what lives in our parks presently, as well as in the past. Hikes can be tailored to your specific interests or you are welcome to stroll with us on an interpretative hike of our choice. Volunteer Park Patrol (click here for Trail Maintenance Dates and Activities) The Park Rangers are accepting applications for the Volunteer Park Patrol (VPP), a group of year-round volunteers dedicated to assisting visitors through trail patrols and maintaining trails in Washington Valley Park and the Sourland Mountain Preserve. The VPP has been instrumental in helping maintain trail conditions to the high maintenance standards set for the county’s trails. A wide variety of opportunities are available for everyone; certainly the group could utilize your special talents, skills or time. If interested in becoming an active member of the Volunteer Park Patrol, please contact the Park Rangers at 908 231-0802 ext. 21. National Trails Day - Saturday, June 7 Junior Rangers If you enjoy hiking through the woods watching wildlife, wonder about animal tracks and animal homes, and are interested in learning more about the environment, then you may be a perfect Junior Ranger. Somerset County Junior Rangers are 6-12 year olds who care about the environment and its inhabitants. By learning about the natural world, you can understand how ecosystems work, and can help the Park Rangers in the parks. Just stop by Colonial Park or Duke Island to pick up a Junior Ranger workbook. When you have completed the activities, ask a Park Ranger to review your work. After you take the Junior Ranger pledge, an official badge will be presented to you. In addition, you will be placed on a mailing list to receive information about upcoming Junior Ranger programs and events. We look forward to meeting all future Somerset County Junior Rangers. For further information, please contact the Park Rangers at 908 231-0802 ext. 21. February 17 at Colonial Park: “Survival of the Fittest” Find out how animals make it through the winter by adapting to their environment. March 29 at Colonial Park: “Campfire Cook Out” Participate in an open fire cook out. Meet a Ranger and tell some ghost stories. April 19 at Duke Island Park: “Smokey” Learn about forest fire safety and how to prevent fires. May 25 at Sourland Mountain Preserve: “Fishing Basics” A basic demonstration on how to catch fish with helpful tips from the Rangers. June 14 at Sourland Mountain Preserve: “Birding Tour” Discover the variety of birds in the area and what is unique about them. July 13 at Colonial Park: “Reptile and Amphibian Hunt” Get muddy at the Colonial Park nature trail trying to make your discovery of its wildlife inhabitants. August 23 at Natirar: “Compass Scavenger Hunt” Learn how to use a compass while hunting for hidden objects. September 14 at Washington Valley Park: “Wilderness Survival” Do you have what it takes to become a survivor? Helpful tips in case you ever get lost. October 4 at Washington Valley Park: “Mountain Biking” Are you a hiker looking for something else to do outdoors? Let the Park Rangers show you a fun and exciting way to enjoy Somerset County's parks! November 2 at Colonial Park: “Leaf Critter Creations” Easy and fun ways to help you identify trees. Turn leaves into animals by being creative.

E-mail the Park Rangers Dept. with any questions or comments