Halloween Activities Lurking Ahead at EEC in Basking Ridge

As Halloween approaches, the county's Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge will be the location for night walks for children and their parents in the days leading up to Halloween. The activities are designed to be both fun and educational.
 
The first event, “By the Light of the Moon,” for children ages 7 and older with an adult companion, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, at the EEC and its surrounding trails at 190 Lord Stirling Road.

Led by one of the environmental center's naturalists, adventurers will explore the Great Swamp, listening for animal sounds and experimenting in the night while walking the swampy trails beneath the stars.

Walks will depart every 15 minutes with concurrent indoor activities, to include a maze, live critters, refreshments and more, the Somerset County Park Commission announced.
 
Later during the weekend before Halloween, “The Nature of Halloween,” for children ages 3 to 6 accompanied by an adult, is scheduled for 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29 and 30. 2011 from 5:30 Explorers will join an EEC naturalist to stroll the boardwalk leading around the Environmental Education Center and meet life-size misunderstood animals such as a bewitching bat, wise owl, and talking turtle.

Indoor activities include a maze, live critters, and more! Cookies and cider top off the night. Walks will depart every 15 minutes, according to the EEC announcement.
 
Cost for each program is $6 per person. Participants must register in advance either online at the section under Naturalist Programs; in-person at the Environmental Education Center every day 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.
 
The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township. It is surrounded by trails that lead through part of 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.