'Forest Fitness' Nature Walks Planned for December

From Somerset County Parks: Environmental Education Center (EEC) Naturalists will lead a weekly walking group on Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2016 and Sundays, December 4, 11, and 18, 2016 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. The Environmental Education Center (EEC) is located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge.

Adults seeking an interesting way to enhance their routine workouts will enjoy a brisk walk to improve health and clear the mind along the beautiful trails of Lord Stirling Park. Walkers will maintain a moderate pace for the hour-long walk.

The trails at the EEC include eight and one-half miles and relatively flat terrain as they meander through 450 acres of The Great Swamp. Approximately three miles are board walked. The Yellow Trail approaches the Passaic River and the southern perimeter of the park (the Blue and Red trails) is a succession that is slowly changing abandoned farm fields to woodland.

Fee for the three Sunday sessions is $15 and fee for the four Thursday sessions is $20. Registrations and payment may be made on-line, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-766-2489.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is nestled within the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The wide variety of habitats includes: floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, fields, forests, and natural and man-made ponds. These habitats provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park. All are within walking distance of the multi-faceted building. An environmentally-based library is located within the Center itself. The Exhibit Hall annually hosts environmentally-focused presentations that are free to the public. The Environmental Education Center is open seven days each week. Call 908-766-2489 for schedule updates.

Dog walking is not permitted on the trails of the EEC.

Photo courtesy of Somerset County Parks