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Environmental Education Center

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Family Nature 'Wanderings' at EEC in April-May

One-hour wanderings on weekends at Somerset County Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge.

“One Hour Wanderings,” family nature walks led by a naturalist at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge are scheduled for many Saturdays and Sundays in April and May. The free hour-long interpretive walks focus on a different theme each week, according to information from the Somerset County Parks Commission. Preregistration is not required, although the walk is not designed for organized groups.   Saturday walks from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. are scheduled for April 6, 13; and May 4 and 18.   Sunday walks from noon to 1 p.m. are scheduled for April 21; May 12 and 26.   The Somerset County Park Commission's Environmental Education Center, at 190 Lord Stirling Road, is located within 450 acres of the western portion …

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Wake Up to Spring at Environmental Education Center

Events and educational programs coming up next week to take advantage of spring's arrival.

Somerset County 's Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge has scheduled naturalist-led programs next week to encourage both children and adults enjoy the wonder and the beauty of nature with spring in the air in Somerset County. "Spring Sensations," a new program, is scheduled for 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. next Tuesday, March 26. Children age infant to 5 with a parent can enjoy naturalist-led walk to experience spring using all five senses. The fee is $10 per pair and $5 per additional child. Participants can register online on the Somerset County Parks Commission website, or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment is required. "Wake Up Already," is scheduled for 4 to 5:30 p.m. next Tuesday. Children ages 4 to 6 can hike with a naturalist to…

Monday, February 25, 2013

Park Commission Preparing for Eco-Rally

The effort is to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is organizing its fifth annual Eco-Rally to continue efforts to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint. According to a release from the commission, between April 1 and April 15, those participating in the rally will begin keeping a daily log of everyday tasks they do that reduce energy and promote greener lifestyles. Such actions, the release said, could include turning off lights when leaving a room, walking instead of driving, using reusable bags when shopping, planting a native tree or carrying lunch in a reusable container. Those participating in the rally, the release said, are also being asked to create a display of images that represent their contributions to …

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Skiing with Mayor is On For Saturday

The snow complicated travel also prompts at cross-country skiing as part of Bernards Township Wellness Campaign for this Saturday.

Mayor Carolyn Gaziano confirmed Saturday she will hold a cross-country skiing event at 11 a.m. at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Rd, in Basking Ridge. The free event is open to all, but participants are asked to bring their own skis. The EEC requires at least four inches of snow on the ground to open the trails at the park for cross-country skiing. This is Gaziano's second attempt at scheduling cross-country skiing. Last time in January, insufficient snow changed the event to a fitness walk along the trails with the mayor — which Gaziano said she would do again if the snow isn't deep enough. An anticipated series of fitness events are part of the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign for 2013, which also are …

Monday, November 19, 2012

After Sandy, Weekend Nature Walks Back at EEC in Basking Ridge

Hour-long 'wanderings' along trails are scheduled through January.

Naturalist-led Nature Walks, “One Hour Wanderings,”  at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge are scheduled for various Saturdays and Sundays through January, with each of the free walks focusing on a different theme each week. No preregistration is required for the hour-long interpretive walks, which meet at the EEC, surrounded by 450 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. However, the walks are not designed for organized groups. The park, located at 190 Lord Stirling Road, had been closed following Hurricane Sandy, particularly while South Maple Avenue had been blocked by large trees, wires and damage to the road. Saturday walks from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. noware scheduled for Nov. 24; Dec…

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Ridge Art Exhibit Opening at the Environmental Education

'Tracing the Marshland' exhibit opens next Wednesday, and will continue into November.

An exhibit by Ridge High School students — "Tracing the Marshland" — will open next week at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, to display works created in response to an assignment to portray about what it means to live near the Great Swamp. The pieces also are created as a reflection of how the habitat impacts lives, both directly and indirectly. The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road, will exhibit the works of Ridge High School photography and ceramics students daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday, Oct. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 20, except for Election Day and Veterans Day. The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is nestled within 450 …

Monday, October 15, 2012

Halloween and Nature Combine at Environmental Education Center

Celebrate Halloween in all natural way at events coming up this weekend.

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 …

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

It's Fall — Get Out and Take a Walk or Ride

Enjoy your county parks and riding stable at a wonderful time of the year to be outdoors.

With crisp weather and many bright days, fall and early winter are a great time of year to hit the trail, whether on foot or horseback. There are many opportunities coming up at Somerset County Parks in Basking Ridge, and at Duke Island Park in nearby Bridgewater. Naturalist-led nature walks, “One Hour Wanderings,”  at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge are scheduled for various Saturdays and Sundays from September through January. The hour long interpretive walks focus on a different theme each week. The walks are free of charge and preregistration is not required. The walk is not designed for organized groups. Saturday walks from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. are scheduled for Oct. 13; Nov. 24; Dec. 22; and Jan. 26. Sunday walks …

Monday, July 9, 2012

Summer Science Programs for 'AWESIM KIDS'

Some opening's remain for summer science activities for children ages 10 to 12 at Somerset County's Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge.

Enrollment is underway now for the Summer Science AWESIM KIDS (Animals, Wetlands, Environmental Science, and Incredible Minds) being offered for children ages 10 to 12 in two sessions during late July and early August at the county's Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge. The programs will offer multiple ways to entertain and educate children about science, the environment, and the natural world. The program is based from the EEC at 190 Lord Stirling Road. The remaining programs with openings include "Field, Forest, Farm," scheduled from July 23 through Aug. 3, includig a scheduled overnight trip, said a naturalist at the EEC. The fee is $720. "Wild Planet," at a cost of $360, runs from Aug. 6 through 10. For updates, call the …

Monday, May 7, 2012

Live Animal Exhibit Starts Saturday at EEC

Exhibit with live creatures who live at the EEC and others living in far reaches of the world will be at environmental center.

This Saturday, the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge will begin a month-long presentation of an exhibit of live animals from around the world, and also those living closer to home in the Great Swamp. The exhibit is free and open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 12 through Friday, June 8, except for Memorial Day on May 28.  “Alive at the EEC” will be presented by the EEC's naturalists daily at the environmental center, which is part of the Somerset County Park Commission, at 190 Lord Stirling Road in the township. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy and up close and personal look at camouflaged creatures that live in the Great Swamp, and see the bright colors of such fascinating creatures such as the poison dart …

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