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Educational Public Programs for January 2022
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration for January, February, and March programs is available beginning 9:00am on Wednesday,December 15, 2021. 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.
Masks must be worn inside county buildings regardless of vaccination status and are encouraged in crowded outdoor settings when social distancing is not possible. Do not attend a program if you are not feeling well, are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact of a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or have traveled internationally in the last 14 days. Participants disregarding Park Commission protocols will be asked to leave the program immediately.
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.
Registration begins 9 am on Wednesday, December 15
Please note: 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.
Hiking 101 NEW
(Adult)
Interested in hiking but not sure where to start? Join a Naturalist on our flat trails and learn some basic skills and safety tips for hiking. Hikes will be held in all types of weather; waterproof footwear is highly recommended.
$6 per senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51886
EEC-01 Sunday, January 2
10:30am-11:30am
EEC-02 Sunday, January 16
2:00pm-3:00pm
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-16 Mondays, January 3, 10, 24, 31 (no class January 17)
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-80 Mondays, January 3, 10, 24, 31 (no class January 17)
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-07 Tuesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25
9:00am-10:00am
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-20 Tuesday, January 4
1:30pm-2:30pm
Virtual Armchair Birding NEW
(Adult)
Travel the world with Armchair Birding! This program features first-hand birding stories which teach you about birds around the world. Each presentation includes photos and/or videos taken by the Naturalist. Locations will include: United States, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and various coral reefs.
$20 per household
Activity Number: 51930
EEC-01 Wednesdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26
7:00pm-8:00pm
Tree House Gang Hikes
(Ages 3-5)
Drop your little ones off for an all-outdoor adventure on our trails! Hiking, games, and exploration will be part of the fun!
$60 for 4-day session per person
Activity Number: 51904
EEC-06 Thursdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27
1:00pm-2:30pm
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-36 Thursdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27
4:00pm-5:00pm
In the Swamp Tonight NEW
(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 moon, planets, and stars.
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51888
EEC-01 Friday, January 7
7:00pm-8:00pm
The Green Team
(Ages 12-15)
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-11 Saturday, January 8
1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-12 Saturday, January 15
1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-13 Saturday, January 22
1:00pm-4:00pm
EEC-14 Saturday, January 29
1:00pm-4:00pm
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-15 Sunday, January 9
2:00pm-3:00pm
EEC-16 Sunday, January 23
10:30am-11:30am
Virtual Birding Identification Workshop: Finches NEW
(Adult)
This program will look at the “irruptive” group of finches that occasionally visit New Jersey in the winter. Learn field markings, behavior, and other identification tips for each species.
$5 per household
Activity Number: 51931
EEC-01 Tuesday, January 11
7:00pm-8:00pm
Moonlight Meander Series NEW
(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 a full moon. Learn about coyotes, maple sugaring, and nocturnal birds such as the American Woodcock.
$9 per student/senior
$10 per adult
Activity Number: 51887
EEC-01 Tuesday, January 18 “Coyote Cries”
6:00pm-7:30pm
EEC-02 Friday, February 18 “Sapsuckers”
7:30pm-9:00pm
EEC-03 Friday, March 18 “PEENT!”
7:30pm-9:00pm
Bugtastic!
(All Ages)
Do you love bugs, insects, and arthropods? Then this is the class for you! We will hit the gardens and trails to look for these critters. Observation tools will be provided. Exotic bugs from our building collection will also be shown and if time allows, we will read a fun story about bugs!
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51866
EEC-03 Wednesday, January 19
4:00pm-5:00pm
Winter Tree ID NEW
(Adult)
Learn winter tree identification skills with a Naturalist! Walk the trails and discuss skills and tools utilized to identify trees in New Jersey’s forests.
$6 senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51889
EEC-01 Tuesday, January 25
3:00pm-4:00pm
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.
$12 per senior
$14 per adult
Activity Number: 51734
DIP-06 Thursday, January 27
3:30pm-5:30pm
Mauka to Makai: An Introduction to the Hawaiian Islands NEW
(Adult)
From mountains (mauka) to the ocean (makai), the Hawaiian Islands are teeming with fascinating landscapes, gorgeous birds, and stunning fish. This in-person lecture will expand upon the “Coral Reefs” program offered in our January “Virtual Armchair Birding”. The program will highlight footage from an actively erupting volcano, showcase photos of native bird species, and feature a firsthand video of Hawaii’s coral reefs and fish species shot with a Go Pro.
$6 per senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51937
EEC-01 Friday, January 28
7:00pm-8:00pm
Animals in Winter
(All Ages)
Join a Naturalist for a hike exploring the way animals survive the cold temperatures of winter!
$6 per student/senior
$7 per adult
Activity Number: 51825
EEC-03 Sunday, January 30
1:00pm-2:00pm
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-13 Sunday, January 30
2:00pm-4:00pm
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