BASKING RIDGE, NJ – Register for the Environmental Education Center’s (EEC) exciting spring programs sponsored by the Somerset County Park Commission. People of all ages will enjoy Naturalist-led outings such as hunting for eggs, searching for creatures, discovering blossoming bluebells, taking nature walks and much more. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on
March 15.
Participants in the programs will love the beautiful surroundings at the environmentally sensitive Lord Stirling Park. Diverse habitats such as swamps, rivers, marshes, meadows, ponds, and forests containing varied plant life and fascinating animal populations will captivate participants.
Programs
Egg-Stravaganza – Sunday, April 2, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Learn all about the assorted colors, shapes, sizes and types of eggs that come from bees, turtles, toads and snakes. There will be an Easter egg hunt at the end of the program. Activity Code: 51126-22.
The class is appropriate for infants and children up to five years of age when accompanied by a parent. The cost is $10 per pair (adult-child) and $5 per additional child.
Family Nature Walks – Sundays, April 16, May 21, and June 11, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Explore the Great Swamp during a one-hour adventure with a Naturalist. Preregistration is not required for this program.
The class is FREE and appropriate for all ages. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and waterproof boots.
Salamander Adventure at Lord Stirling Park – Tuesday, April 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. Search for salamanders under logs, rocks and in the water while using a net. Activity Code: 51771-04.
This program is appropriate for all ages. The cost is $7 per adult and $6 per student and senior citizen.
Secrets in Somerset County: Bluebell Magic – Friday, April 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, April 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Discover blooming bluebells and identify local trees along the Raritan River at Duke Island Park. Participants will meet at the playground kiosk in Duke Island Park, on Old York Road, in Bridgewater. Activity Number: 51729-11 for 4/21 and 51729-12 for 4/28.
This program is appropriate for all ages. The cost is $11 per adult and $9 per student and senior citizen.
Bergy Bits: Stories from Antarctica – Saturday, April 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Listen to cool stories about the continent of Antarctica while enjoying homemade snacks. Activity Number: 51950-01.
This program is appropriate for all ages. The cost is $16 per adult and $14 per student and senior citizen.
Age Restriction
Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by an adult who is registered in the program the child is attending.
Registration
Preregistration is required for all programs, unless otherwise indicated and is available beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15. Online registration ends 24 hours before the start of a program. To register online, click here, or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.
Enrollment may be open after the registration deadline if the class is not full. For more information, call 908-722-1200 ext. 5002.
Health Guidelines
The Somerset County Park Commission advises people to stay home and not attend any programs if a person is feeling ill, exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, has been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, or anyone not feeling well and has traveled internationally within 14 days of the start of a program. The Park Commission will ask people who disregard the protocols to leave the program immediately.
The Environmental Education Center
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. Our goal is to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.
To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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