Educational Public Programs for August 2026

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for June, July, and August programs is available beginning 10:00am on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. 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 canceled 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. Please note: for all trip-based programs, registration fees will be refunded if notified a minimum of 14 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.
  • Arriving at the location is the responsibility of the participant. Refunds will not be issued for any reason.

AUGUST

Diggin’ Dinosaurs
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Even though dinosaurs are extinct, they are interesting creatures! Join us as we become paleontologists and discover just what this scientist does all day. We will learn how fossils are formed, uncover some of our very own fossils, and learn some cool dinosaur characteristics.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51037
EEC-24
Wednesday, August 5
10:30am-11:30am

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, August 9
10:00am-11:00am

Birth of a Butterfly
(All Ages)
Ever wonder how in the world a little, tiny caterpillar changes into a beautiful butterfly? Well, the secret is out as we explore and study the lifecycle of butterflies. Class will include a story, craft, and a field walk.
$6 per senior/youth
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51520
EEC-21
Monday, August 10
10:30am-11:30am

Moth Night
(All Ages)
Join us for a night of blacklighting as we document the various species of moths which occur in Lord Stirling Park.
$6 per youth/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51984
EEC-04
Friday, August 14
10:00pm-11:00pm

Tot Trek                                           
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Calling all tots!  Leave the stroller behind and join a Naturalist for a walk on the trails of Lord Stirling Park. Explore the natural world around you by using all your senses! You will be surprised to find out how much fun you can have outside!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51214
EEC-20
Tuesday, August 18
10:30am-11:30am

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 youth/ senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51424
EEC-46
Sunday, August 23
3:00pm-4:00pm

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, games, a craft or show and tell items.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child     
Activity Number: 51947
EEC-39                                  Bugtastic
Sunday, August 30                         
10:00am-11:00am

Click Here For Online Registration

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