Educational Public Programs for April 2024

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for April, May, and June programs is available beginning 9:00am on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. 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.

APRIL

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.
$50 per pair/$25 per additional child for 5-day session
Activity Number: 51667                   
EEC-39         Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29              
                       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!
$50 for 5-day session per person
Activity Number: 51666             
EEC-04      Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29                 
                    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. 
$30 for 5-day session per senior
$35 for 5-day session per adult
Activity Number: 51708
EEC-34         Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30   
                        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-14         Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24                      
                       4:00pm-5:00pm

Nature Hike at Duke Island Park
(Adult)
Meet a Naturalist at Duke Island Park and spend the afternoon exploring nature at the park and along the river. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes. Participants will meet at the Visitor Center in Duke Island Park, Old York Road, Bridgewater. Pre-registration is required.
$12 per senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51734
DIP-10          Wednesday, April 3
                        5:00pm-7:00pm

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!
$40 for 4-day session per person
Activity Number: 51820             
EEC-58         Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25
                        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-07        Friday, April 5                    The Human Gut
                       6:30pm-7:30pm                           

Saturday Bird Walk & Talk           NEW
(Adult)
Spend your Saturday morning at the Environmental Education Center looking for migrant birds throughout the park. Each week will feature a new topic of conversation highlighting an important birding theme.  
$18 per senior
$21 per adult
Activity Number: 51965
EEC-01         Saturday, April 6                eBird                      
                        7:00am-10:00am
EEC-02         Saturday, April 13              Habitats
                        7:00am-10:00am
EEC-03         Saturday, April 20              Migration
                        7:00am-10:00am
EEC-04         Saturday, April 27              Warblers
                        7:00am-10:00am

The Green Team
(Ages 13-17)
Is natural science a subject you find interesting? Do you like the outdoors? Is the Great Swamp a place you like to visit? If so, join us at the Environmental Education Center and contribute your talents to our fun and educational projects and special events. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Activity Number: 51438
EEC-66         Saturday, April 6
                        1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-67         Saturday, April 20
                        1:00pm-4:00pm

Down By the River
(All Ages)
Escape to the Passaic – the river that is! Stroll along the river’s edge and learn about the waterway and the flora and fauna that call the Great Swamp home.   
$9 per student/senior
$11 per adult
Activity Number: 51380                                                      
EEC-06         Sunday, April 7       
                        3:00pm-4:30pm

Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms                     
(Adult)
Join Naturalists on a visit to the very first county park created in the USA, established in 1895.  This park is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places as well as the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, and with more than 4,000 cherry trees blooming, it is the largest display in the nation.  This 360-acre park is waiting to be explored so dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, bring drinks and a bag lunch. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. (Bus transportation provided.)  Pre-registration is required.
$35 per senior
$45 per adult
Activity Number: 56388
EEC-02         Wednesday, April 10
                        10:00am-3:00pm

Eat, Create, Share!
(Adult)
Join us for this monthly program as we meet new people, try new things, create taste sensations, get crafty, and have fun together.
$38 per senior
$40 per adult
Activity Number: 52010
EEC-06         Saturday, April 13              The Incredible Seed!
                        1:00pm-3:00pm

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, and 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-10         Thursday, April 18              The Tourne, a Morris County Park
                        10:30am-Noon                                   Boonton, NJ

Secrets in Somerset County – Bluebell Magic
(All Ages)
Head out for an exploratory hike with a Naturalist in Duke Island Park. Identify local trees and search for early blooming wildflowers along the Raritan River and Canal. Find one of Somerset County’s best kept secrets, the bounty of blooming bluebell wildflowers of Duke Island Park. Participants will meet at the playground kiosk in Duke Island Park, Old York Road, Bridgewater, NJ. Pre-registration is required.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51729                                             
EEC-12         Friday, April 19
                       10:30am-11:30am

Woodland Wildflowers
(All Ages)
In the springtime, woodland wildflowers are at their peak, carpeting the forest floor with color in the dappled sunlight. Join a Naturalist for a leisurely walk through Lord Stirling Park in search of these spring beauties.  
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult             
Activity Number: 51751                       
EEC-13         Saturday, April 20   
                        1:30pm-2:30pm

Family Nature Walk                                       
(All Ages)
Be curious with a Naturalist on these one-hour adventures into the Great Swamp. Dress for the weather; waterproof boots are strongly recommended. Pre-registration is not required.
FREE                                                              
Sunday, April 21
Noon-1:00pm

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-19         Tuesday, April 23               Pink Moon     
                        7:30pm-9:00pm      

Birding the D&R Canal at Colonial Park             NEW      
(Adult)
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the D&R Canal as we enjoy spring’s long-awaited return. We will walk the canal in search of warblers, vireos, waterfowl, and other early season migrants. Participants will meet in Parking Lot F at Colonial Park, 156 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ. Pre-registration required.
$20 per senior
$25 per adult
Activity Number: 51967
EEC-01         Wednesday, April 24                   
                        9:00am-Noon

Birding at Scherman-Hoffman                                                                  
(Adult)
Scherman-Hoffman is a great birding spot in the early spring. We will hike around the sanctuary looking for Louisiana Waterthrush and other early season warblers. Participants will meet at Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, NJ. Pre-registration is required.
$20 per senior
$25 per adult
Course Code: 51799
EEC-05         Friday, April 26                 
                        9:00am-Noon

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-15         Sunday, April 28                Snakes
                       10:00am-11:00am

Virtual Birding Identification Workshop: Spring Warblers
(Adult)
This program will look at the northeastern United States’ most iconic group of birds, the warblers! Around 30 different warbler species pass through New Jersey in the Spring.  Learn field markings, behavior, and other identification tips for each species.   
$5 per household
Course Code: 57003
EEC-05         Tuesday, April 30              
                        7:00pm-8:00pm

Online Registration

April