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Exciting New Spring Nature Programs

Posted on: March 13, 2024 - 9:42am
Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

Enroll in new and exciting Naturalist-led spring programs sponsored by the Somerset County Park Commission. The spring programs, never offered before, include book discussions, birding, strolling through gardens, nature outings, and more. Preregistration is required for all programs. Online registration is currently open. Click here for a complete list of programs.

Register for any of the upcoming programs to have fun and connect with nature. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending time outdoors provides participants with the opportunity to be physically active, improve their mental health, and reduces stress.

New Spring Programs

  • Saturday Bird Walk & Talk – Saturday, April 6,13, 20 and 27, 7 to 10 a.m. Birding enthusiasts, nature lovers and everyone else can spend their Saturday morning at the Environmental Education Center (EEC) looking for migrant birds such as cardinals, goldfinches, woodpeckers, and more while discussing interesting birding topics. Each Saturday there will be a different birding-themed topic, such as habitats, migration, warblers and more. This program is appropriate for adults. The cost is $21 per adult and $18 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51965.
  • Snack & Chat: A Book Discussion – Thursday, April 25, 2 to 3 p.m. Enjoy a snack while discussing “An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us,” by Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Young. Read the entire book or just a few sections, which will transform the way you perceive the world. The discussion will be led by a Naturalist. Participants will meet at the EEC. This is a free program and is appropriate for adults. Activity Number: 51965.
  • Birding the D&R Canal at Colonial Park – Wednesday, April 24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy walking along the D&R Canal near calming water, away from traffic, while connecting with nature and searching for warblers, vireos, waterfowl, and other early-season migrants. This program is appropriate for adults. Participants will meet in Parking Lot F at Colonial Park. The cost is $25 per adult and $20 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51967.
  • Sayen House and Strolling Garden – Wednesday, May 29, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Walk with Naturalists on a trip full of gorgeous spring blooms. Enjoy seeing a beautiful collection of azaleas and rhododendrons at Hamilton Square where there are thousands of bulbs and blooming dogwoods. Bring a picnic lunch and drinks. This program is appropriate for adults. Participants will meet at the EEC where transportation will be provided to Hamilton Square. The cost is $45 per adult and $35 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51894.
  • Sunangels – Friday, June 14, 7 to 8 p.m. Learn about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, also known as Sunangels, in this interesting program at the EEC where participants will learn facts about these tiny precision-flying hummingbirds. Participants also will find out how to attract hummingbirds to their yard, what kind of food hummingbirds eat, and see fun photos and videos of a variety of other hummingbird species. This program is appropriate for adults. The cost is $7 per adult and $6 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51966.

Registration
Preregistration is required for all programs. Online registration is currently open. Registration closes 24 hours before the start of a program. Enrollment may be open after the registration deadline if the class is not full. For more information, visit the Registration Information page or call 908-722-1200, ext. 5002.

Age Requirements
Adult programs are for participants ages 18 years and above. Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a registered adult in programs for “all ages.”

Clothing
Weather-appropriate clothing is required. Participants should wear waterproof boots for all outdoor in-person programs.