Educational Public Programs for March 2024

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for 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.

MARCH

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-06         
Friday, March 1                                Mars                          
                          6:30pm-7:30pm

Origami Birds & Butterflies                                                                               
(All Ages, 8 years and older)
In honor of the coming spring migration, join a Naturalist to fold origami birds and butterflies. Origami is the ancient art of paper folding. Both beginners and experienced participants are welcome.
$8 per youth/senior
$9 per adult
Activity Number: 51963
EEC-01
         Saturday, March 2
                        10:30am-11:30am

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-64
         Saturday, March 2
                        1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-65          Saturday, March 16
                        1:00pm-4:00pm

Lord Stirling Stable Woodcock Walk                                                                          
(Adult)
Join a Naturalist at the wonderful Lord Stirling Stable property. Spend two hours hiking and searching for woodcocks as they perform their aerial displays!  Please dress for the weather with proper footwear. Participants will be walking the entire time. The inclement weather make-up date is Saturday, March 9. Please make sure you are available for both dates. Participants will meet in the parking lot at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge. Pre-registration is required.
$12 per senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51933
LSS-02
          Saturday, March 2     (inclement weather date Saturday, March 9)
                        5:00pm-7:00pm

Boondocks & Back!
(All Ages)
To infinity and beyond on the trails! Take a hike and enjoy the furthest, most remote location in the park.
$12 per student/senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51554                                                              
EEC-17
          Sunday, March 3                             
                        4:00pm-6:00pm

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.
$40 per pair/$20 per additional child for 4-day session
Activity Number: 51667                     
EEC-38
          Mondays, March 4, 11, 18, 25
                         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!
$40 for 4-day session per person
Activity Number: 51666
               
EEC-03      Mondays, March 4, 11, 18, 25                                                         
                    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-33         
Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26     
                         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-13         
Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27
                        4:00pm-5:00pm

Virtual Birding Seminar: March Madness                                                        
(Adult)                                                                                                
What is the best bird vocalization in the World? You decide! Each week will feature a different region, presented in bracket format, with carefully pre-selected species seeded from one through 16. The Naturalist will present a case for each head-to-head matchup, and you will choose which one advances to the next round. The last class will feature the final four with one species picked to represent each region. By the end of March, we will identify your selection for the best sounds in the World!   
$20 per household
Activity Number: 51934
EEC-03
           Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27
                          7:00pm-8:00pm

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-57         
Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28                
                          4:00pm-5:00pm

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, March 10
11:00am-Noon

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-33         
Sunday, March 10
                          5:00pm-6:00pm
EEC-34          Thursday, March 14
                          11:00am-Noon

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-09
         Friday, March 15                                    Hunterdon County Arboretum 
                        10:30am-Noon                                                                     Lebanon, NJ 

Birding Over Breakfast                                                                                        
(Adult)
The early birder gets the worm, we mean breakfast. Upon arrival, place your order with our Naturalist "chef," embark on a bird walk, burn some calories, and return for a delicious meal. Yum!
$17 per senior
$19 per adult
Activity Number: 51948
EEC-05
         Saturday, March 16
                        8:00am-10:00am

Green is the Color!                                   
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a hike on the trails to see who is wearing green.  We will also learn about Irish traditions and make yummy soda bread!  Feel free to be festive and come dressed in greenery!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51402
EEC-14         
Sunday, March 17                                       
                        3:00pm-4:00pm 

Spring Sensations            
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Welcome to the wonderful world of spring with your five senses. Enjoy a guided walk with a Naturalist. Put your senses to the test by feeling, listening, looking, smelling, and tasting. 
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51121
EEC-13         
Tuesday, March 19
                        10:30am-11:30am

In the Swamp Tonight                                                                                         
(All Ages, 6 years and older with parent)
Join a Naturalist and learn about life after dark in the swamp.  Head out for an exploratory hike or look through the telescope at the planets and stars. In the event of bad weather reschedule date is Thursday, March 21, 7:30pm-8:30pm.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51888                           
                     
EEC-07          Tuesday, March 19
                          7:00pm-8:00pm

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-29         
Thursday, March 21
                          10:30am-11:30am 

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. This month, we will sample some recipes with eggs as the star ingredient and create some beautifully decorated eggs.  For those vegans who want to join, we will also have some treats with egg substitutes.  Each participant will also go home with some “eggcellent” treats. 
$23 per senior
$25 per adult
Activity Number: 52010
EEC-05         
Saturday, March 23                         The Incredible Egg!
                         1:00pm-3:00pm

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-25         
Sunday, March 23
                         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-18         
Monday, March 25                           Worm Moon    
                        7:30pm-9:00pm

Egg-stravaganza                           
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
What do bees, turtles, toads, snakes, birds, and butterflies have in common?  Eggs!  Learn all about eggs and why they are so special.  We will compare different colors, shapes, and sizes of eggs.  Afterwards, get ready for an outdoor Easter egg hunt!
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child 
Course Code: 51126
EEC-23         
Thursday, March 28
                         10:30am-11:30am
 

Online Registration

March