Halloween and Nature Combine at Environmental Education Center

The Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge will be the location for fun-filled night walks for children and their parents to provide a way for kids to learn about nature and celebrate Halloween at the same time.
 
“By the Light of the Moon,” an evening full of events for children ages 7 and older with an adult companion, is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. this Friday at the EEC, which is located at 190 Lord Stirling Road.

Led by one of the EEC's naturalist, adventurers will explore the Great Swamp while listening for animal sounds and using their night vision to walk the swampy trails beneath the stars. Walks will depart every 15 minutes with concurrent indoor activities including a maze, live critters, refreshments and more.
 
“The Nature of Halloween,” for children ages 3 to 6 with an adult, is scheduled for 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. this Saturday. Explorers will join a staff naturalist to stroll the boardwalk around the Environmental Education Center and meet life size misunderstood animals such as a bewitching bat, wise owl, and howling coyote. 

Indoor activities on Saturday also will include a maze, live critters, and more. Cookies and cider top off the event. Walks will depart every 15 minutes.
 
Cost for each program is $6 per person. Participants must register in advance online at the Somerset County Parks website, looking under naturalist programs; in-person at the Environmental Education Center seven days a week between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; or over the phone at 908-766-2489 or NJ Relay 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment.

Registration is underway.
 
The Somerset County Park Commission's Environmental Education Center is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 425 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. A swamp vivarium, and an environmentally based library are located within the center itself.