Educational Public Programs for February 2024
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for January, February, and March programs is available beginning 9:00am on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the start of a program. Pending availability, enrollment may still be possible by calling 908-722-1200 Ext. 5002.
For programs listed as ‘All Ages’, children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Dress for the weather and wear waterproof boots for all in-person programs.
CANCELLATIONS (by us): Programs are sometimes cancelled due to low enrollment or weather conditions. You will be notified by phone and given an option of a credit or a full refund.
CANCELLATIONS (by you): The Somerset County Park Commission will refund program registration fees if notified a minimum of seven days prior to the start of the program.
The EEC Program Punch Pass
The EEC Program Punch Pass can be secured when you attend an in-person program at the Environmental Education Center. Present the Punch Pass each time you attend a paid program at the EEC. Receive a hole punch for each paid participant within your household. Once you receive 10 hole punches, redeem the Punch Pass for one Leisure Pursuit Card!* Collect as many as you can! Advance registration is required for all paid programs.
*A Leisure Pursuit Card’s value is a maximum of $20 per use and may be applied towards 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 Stable or reduced fee for a picnic grove. The cards cannot be redeemed through online or phone-in registration.
Please note: Promotion may end anytime at the Environmental Education Center’s discretion.
Expectations for Meeting at Off-site Locations
- Naturalist will provide the participant with the trip destination’s meeting time and address. Participant is responsible for obtaining directions.
- Participants driving themselves are not permitted to follow the SCPC vehicle.
- Participant must arrive on time. Program will begin at the scheduled meeting time. No exceptions.
- Participant may contact the Naturalist cell phone at 908-801-2925. The Naturalist will only answer the phone when they can safely do so.
- Arriving at the location is the responsibility of the participant. Refunds will not be issued for any reason.
FEBRUARY
Swamp Kids
(Ages 8-10)
Become a Swamp Kid! This program is designed to let the child’s curiosity and passion guide their learning. Nature is a great teacher for this outdoor, afterschool series!
$50 for 5-day session per person
Activity Number: 51820
EEC-56 Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
4:00pm-5:00pm
Keeping Up with Science
(Adult)
Join Naturalists to explore and discuss different aspects of the natural sciences, emerging scientific innovations, and their impacts on our changing communities. Each month will focus on a different topic. Light refreshments will be provided.
$6 per senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51959
EEC-05 Friday, February 2 Artificial Intelligence
6:30pm-7:30pm
The Young Explorers Club
(Ages infant–5 with parent)
It is never too early to get little ones outdoors to experience the wonders of nature. This series will focus on developing their five senses through outdoor exploration.
$30 per pair/$15 per additional child for 3-day session
Activity Number: 51667
EEC-37 Mondays, February 5, 12, 26 (no class February 19)
10:30am-11:30am
KinderNats
(Ages 5-7)
KinderNats is a program designed and geared for children who love being outdoors. These Junior Naturalists will be engaged through hiking, activities, and much more!
$30 for 3-day session per person
Activity Number: 51666
EEC-02 Mondays, February 5, 12, 26 (no class February 19)
4:00pm-5:00pm
Forest Fitness
(Adult)
Get active with us! Walking outdoors is proven to help your wellbeing. Join a Naturalist on this weekly walking group that will walk continuously at a moderate pace with occasional breaks.
$24 for 4-day session per senior
$28 for 4-day session per adult
Activity Number: 51708
EEC-32 Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27
9:00am-10:00am
Trailblazers
(Ages 11-13)
Become a Trailblazer! This program is designed for kids who enjoy outdoor exploration and nature-related experiments. Join Naturalists for this weekly, hour-long adventure!
$40 for 4-day session per person
Activity Number: 52009
EEC-12 Wednesdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28
4:00pm-5:00pm
Penguin Party
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come celebrate the amazing creature of the animal kingdom, the penguin! Through games and hands-on activities, you will learn about the many different types of penguins, where they live, what they eat, and much more!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51032
EEC-01 Thursday, February 8
10:30am-11:30am
Snowshoe Hike
(All Ages)
Join a Naturalist for fun in the snow! Snowshoe on the trails and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow a pair (limited number of snowshoes available – first come, first serve). If there is no snow, we will go for a hike, but without snowshoes!
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51670
EEC-31 Thursday, February 8
4:30pm-5:30pm
EEC-32 Monday, February 26
11:00am-Noon
Virtual Birding Identification Workshop: Gulls
(Adult)
Gulls present unique identification challenges for birders. Learn field markings, behavior, and other identification tips for each species.
$5 per household
Activity Number: 51932
EEC-02 Thursday, February 8
7:00pm-8:00pm
In the Swamp Tonight
(All Ages, 6 years and older with parent)
Join a Naturalist and learn about life after dark in the swamp. On the darkest night of the month head out for an exploratory hike and or look through the telescope at the planets and stars. In the event of bad weather, the reschedule date is Saturday, February 10, 7:00pm-8:00pm.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51888
EEC-06 Friday, February 9
7:00pm-8:00pm
Animal Tracks
(All Ages)
Join a Naturalist on a hike and search the trails for signs of animals living in the park. Dress for the weather. Boots are strongly recommended.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51805
EEC-06 Saturday, February 10
10:30am-11:30am
Birds at Barnegat
(Adult)
Join us for a fantastic day of coastal winter bird watching! We will be visiting Barnegat State Lighthouse for our coveted annual sighting of the unique Harlequin Ducks! Come see for yourself, the amazing, feathered friends that call Jersey home in the winter. Bring binoculars, lunch, and bundle up! Participants will meet at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in Barnegat Light, NJ 08006. Pre-registration is required.
$30 per senior
$40 per adult
Activity Number: 51582
EEC-11 Tuesday, February 13
10:00am-3:00pm
To Bird with Love
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Feed the ones you love this Valentine’s Day. Join a Naturalist to learn all about some of our fine, feathered friends and what food they like to eat. With mom's or dad’s help, you will be able to create a charming treat for your backyard friends.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51135
EEC-16 Wednesday, February 14
10:30am-11:30am
Nature Ramblers
(Adult)
Join the Nature Ramblers and learn more about New Jersey’s natural areas while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Stroll the trails stopping to view natural items such as interesting plants, insects, butterflies, and mushrooms as part of the experience. Participants will meet at different locations within Hunterdon, Morris or Somerset Counties. Detailed information and address will be provided to registered participants prior to the trip date.
$9 per senior
$11 per adult
Activity Number: 51955
EEC-08 Friday, February 16 Frelinghuysen Arboretum
10:30am-Noon
Friday Featured Film
(All Ages)
It’s showtime! Join us for some delicious maple popcorn and a big screen presentation of Puff. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Activity Number: 51949
EEC-04 Friday, February 16
4:00pm-5:30pm
Cool Critters!
(All Ages)
Come and see some truly cool, live critters and learn what helps them to survive in nature. Our guest list includes bugs, reptiles, and more!
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51424
EEC-28 Tuesday, February 20
4:00pm-5:00pm
Virtual Birding Identification Workshop: Finches
(Adult)
This program will look at the “irruptive” group of finches that occasionally visit New Jersey in the winter. Learn field markings, behavior, and other identification tips for each species.
$5 per household
Activity Number: 51931
EEC-02 Tuesday, February 20
7:00pm-8:00pm
Walkin’ in the Pines
(Adult)
Join us for some easy walking down in the amazing Pine Barrens of New Jersey. Our travels may include Whitesbog Village, the Evert Nature Trail, the Franklin Parker Preserve, and/or Lebanon State Forest. We will hike several miles, at an easy pace, while doing some birding. Bring lunch, binoculars, and, of course, dress for the weather. Participants will meet at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ (bus transportation provided). Pre-registration is required.
$60 per student/senior
$70 per adult
Activity Number: 51376
EEC-24 Thursday, February 22
10:00am-6:30pm
Moonlight Meander Series
(All Ages)
Star light, star bright! Who wants to see the moon tonight? Join us each month while we explore a different theme and walk through the park underneath the light of a full moon.
$9 per student/senior
$11 per adult
Activity Number: 51887
EEC-17 Saturday, February 24 Snow Moon
6:00pm-7:30pm
Storytime Adventure
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come with your little one and enjoy nature and animal stories paired with a small adventure each month. Adventures may include a live critter, a short hike, a craft or show and tell items.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51947
EEC-13 Sunday, February 25 Animal Dance
10:00am-11:00am
Explore Natirar!
(Adult)
The beautiful, large, shade trees and rolling green hills of Natirar Park await you. We will go for a hike, check out the river, and hopefully enjoy the sunset. Bring water, binoculars and a snack if needed. Participants will meet in the parking lot near the grey barns at Natirar, 2 Main Street, Peapack, NJ. Pre-registration is required.
$12 per senior/student
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51590
EEC-07 Thursday, February 29
4:00pm-6:00pm
