New Winter Programs Offered For Nature Enthusiasts At Environmental Education Center

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Somerset County Park Commission’s Environmental Education Center (EEC) is offering a wide range of cool activities for people of all ages.

Birding, crafting, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking are just a few of the programs available from January through March. Online registration is now open. Preregistration is required for all programs. To see a calendar and to register online, click here.

The EEC offers interesting programs and activities throughout the year. The purpose of these programs is to stimulate awareness and understanding of nature and to foster a sense of responsibility for its care through environmental, cultural, and recreational learning experiences.

New Winter Programs in 2024

Birding at Liberty State Park, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bird lovers will spend the day searching for wonderful, winter waterfowl. This program is appropriate for adults ages 15 years and above. Transportation is available at the EEC, at 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. The cost is $55 per adult and $45 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51961

Origami Birds and Butterflies, Saturday, March 2, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join a Naturalist and learn how to create birds and butterflies with paper using the technique of origami (the ancient art of paper folding). Beginners and all levels are welcome. This class is appropriate for ages eight years and above. The cost is $9 per adult and $8 per child and senior citizen. Activity Number: 51963

On the Fly: Birding, Dates and Times to Be Determined. Explore hot-spot birding locations around New Jersey and in Lord Stirling Park to see unusual species during peak migration. Participants will receive email announcements with details about impromptu birding trips and bird walks that will include dates, times, locations and costs (cost will depend on the location and duration of the trip). To receive information about “On the Fly” trips, send an email to Ben Barkley at [email protected]. This program is for adults ages 18 years and above. Transportation will not be provided.

Registration and Program Information
Registration is open for the January, February, and March programs. Participants must register for a program 24 hours before the start of a program. If the class is not full, individuals can enroll by calling 908-722-1200, ext. 5002.

All in-person programs require participants to dress appropriately for the weather.

Age Requirement
Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a registered adult when participating in programs for “all ages.”

About the Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The EEC at Lord Stirling Park offers approximately nine miles of hiking trails, Naturalist-led programs, school field trips, fun festivals, nature-themed exhibits, facility and classroom rentals, a resource library, science and conservation research, and more. The EEC’s goal is to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.

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This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.