Educational Public Programs for November 2023
Registration Overview
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for October, November, and December programs is available beginning 9:00am on Wednesday, September 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.
NOVEMBER
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-09 Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 29 (no class Nov. 22)
4:00pm-5:00pm
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-53 Thursdays, November 2, 9, 16, 30 (no class Nov. 23)
4:00pm-5:00pm
Birding the Hook
(Adult)
We will venture to Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, an outstanding spot for migratory birds. This five-mile-long peninsula is very unique both geographically and historically. Bring binoculars, lunch, and bundle up! Participants will meet in Parking Lot C on Hartshorne Dr, Sandy Hook, NJ 07732. Pre-registration is required.
$30 per senior
$40 per adult
Activity Number: 51124
EEC-13 Friday, November 3
1:30pm-6:30pm
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-58 Saturday, November 4
1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-59 Saturday, November 25
1:00pm-4:00pm
Camping 101
(All Ages)
Get ready for a camping adventure, all jam-packed into one amazing afternoon! We will pitch tents, enjoy a campfire, and make S’mores. Bring along your own sleeping bag/blanket, camp chair, and flashlight/headlight.
$10 per student/senior
$12 per adult
Activity Number: 51227
EEC-09 Sunday, November 5
3:30pm-5:00pm
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-34 Mondays, November 6, 13, 20, 27
10:30am-11:30am
Nature Hike at Skillman Park
(Adult)
Meet a Naturalist at Skillman Park and spend the afternoon exploring nature and birdwatching. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes. Participants will meet at Parking Lot A in Skillman Park, Main Boulevard, Skillman/Montgomery Township, NJ. Pre-registration is required.
$12 per senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51778
EEC-06 Monday, November 6
11:00am-1:00pm
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-98 Mondays, November 6, 13, 20, 27
4:00pm-5:00pm
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-25 Sunday, November 12
3:00pm-4:00pm
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.
$18 for 3-day session per senior
$21 for 3-day session per adult
Activity Number: 51708
EEC-29 Tuesdays, November 14, 21, 28
9:00am-10:00am
Turkey Talk
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
As Thanksgiving approaches people start thinking “turkey”. Educate yourself on this fascinating bird and share your newfound knowledge with family and friends at your Thanksgiving dinner.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51669
EEC-12 Tuesday, November 14
10:30am-11:30am
Owl Prowl
(Adult)
Join a Naturalist and explore the nocturnal world of these fascinating raptors. Fall is a great time of year to hear, and possibly see, a few of the owls which live in Lord Stirling Park. Registration is limited. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
$12 per senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51475
EEC-28 Tuesday, November 14
5:00pm-7:00pm
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, such as 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-05 Friday, November 17 India Brook Natural Area in Mendham,
10:30am-Noon 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-03 Saturday, November 18
8:00am-10:00am
Eat, Create, Share! NEW PROGRAM
(Adult)
Join us for this monthly program as we meet new people, try new things, create taste sensations, get crafty, and have fun together. In October, we will focus on the fall harvest and enjoy a homemade organic salad, tasty sourdough bread, and fresh pressed apple cider. In November, we will sample some recipes with mushrooms as the star ingredient. Each participant will also go home with a mushroom growing kit. In December, candle making is the hands-on, creative activity. Sign up for one or all three sessions!
$23 per senior
$25 per adult
Activity Number: 52010
EEC-02 Saturday, November 18 Mushrooms
1:00pm-3:00pm
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, a craft, or show and tell items.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Activity Number: 51947
EEC-10 Sunday, November 26 Creatures of the Night
10:00am-11:00am