New Jersey State Parks offer a variety of interpetive programs, hikes, bike, canoe and kayak trips at different parks throughout the season. The Park Service publishes a calendar twice a year for Apr.-Sept. and Oct.-Mar. available at Visitor Information Centers, State Park offices or online.
Or contact the specific park of interest for their most current schedule. See State Park listings under other Outdoors categories for selected interpretive programs.
Visit the SEEDS (State Environmental Education Directory) website for an online catalog of resources available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Field trips and outreach programs for schools, groups, families and organizations are available.
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Dr., Camden, 856-365-8733. Fri.-Sun. 10-4, Thurs. by reservation. Adults $6, ages 3-11 $5, 2 & under free. Modest fee for train ride and carousel. Combination ticket available with New Jersey State Aquarium.
Four-acre interactive garden includes a butterfly garden, railroad garden, dinosaur garden, maze, picnic garden, treehouse, amphitheater, carousel and storybook gardens. Visitors can enter the Butterfly House to observe 200 Monarch and Swallowtail butterflies in a lush tropical environment. School Festivals; party packages; gift shop; weekend festivals include crafts, games and activities.
Jan-Mar
Limited winter hours.
Apr 14-15
Dino Day & Bug Bonanza Family Festival, 1-4pm.
Apr 28-20
Earth & Arbor Day Family Festival, 1-4pm.
May 12-13
Beautiful Butterflies, Birds & Cinco de Mayo Family Festival, 1-4pm.
May 26-27
Fit & Fun Family Festival, 1-4pm.
Jun 9-10
StrawBEARy Surprise & Nature in Art Day Family Festival, 1-4pm.
Jun 23-24
Festival de Aibonito, Puerto Rico Family Festival, 1-4pm.
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary
324 Forest Dr. S., Short Hills, 973-376-3587. Stone House Museum: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-3. Summer: Mon.-Fri. 9-noon, closed Sat. Closed school vacations, state holidays and August. Grounds open daylight hours year 'round. 16 acres of woodland with 3 miles of walking trails. Adult day trips and hikes; youth & family nature programs for toddlers to grade 8; summer discovery program for ages 4-5; scouting programs. Membership is required for youth programs. Registration on first come first served basis with preference to Millburn Twp. residents.
Duke Farms
80 Rt. 206S, Hillsborough, 908-722-3700. 2,740 acre estate and wildlife sanctuary was developed by tobacco and hydropower magnate James Buchanan Duke beginning in 1893. The estate is undergoing renovation and construction to refocus its operations as an environmental showcase and learning center. Partnerships with the New Jersey Audubon Society, Raritan Piedmont Wildlife Habitat Partnership, and the Rutgers University School of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Office of Continuing Education will enable expanded environmental programs for families and professionals and increase self-guided public access. Indoor display gardens are closed. The new environmental center is scheduled to open soon.
Agriculture programs; horticulture classes; community garden; nature programs for adults and children; Rutgers Environmental Stewards program; self-guided bike and walking tours are currently offered. Consult website for latest schedule.
Open
Walk on the Wild Side, 1.25- mile self-guided nature walk is free and open to the public Fri.-Sun. from 10-3. Call ahead for information on trail availability.
Moonlight Walk on the Wild Side, 8-11pm on select dates. Free, check in at Visitor Center.
Apr-Oct
Scenic Bike Tours (Saturdays 8-10am) and Twilight Bike Tours (select dates), bring your own bikes and gear for a 2-hr. tour of the estate. Adults $10, children $5.
Selected New Jersey Audubon Family Programs
1-3pm. Designed for families with children ages 5 and up. Space is limited, advance registration required. $8 per person, $5 for New Jersey Audubon Society members, maximum $20 per family.
Feb 20
Presidents' Day Family Program: Mammals of Duke Farms, ages 5 & up. 9:30-11:30.
Selected New Jersey Audubon Nature Programs
$15, $10 New Jersey Audubon members. Space is limited, advance registration required.
Feb 4
Animal Tracking–The Basics, 9-noon.
Feb 18
Winter Birds & Bird Feeding, 10-noon. Free, pre-registration required.
Essex County Environmental Center
West Essex Park, 621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland, 973-228-8776. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. Environmental Center open Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-2, closed holidays. Situated in a wooded wetland habitat with access to the Passaic River, the environmental center serves as central headquarters for most of the environmental groups in Essex County including the New Jersey Audubon (973-226-6082), Master Gardeners, 4-H Club, Essex County Beekeepers Society, Essex County Nature Photographers, New Jersey Woodturners Association and West Essex Park Conservancy. Library; natural history and fine art exhibits; nature and horticulture programs for toddlers to adults; center-based and outreach programs; teacher workshops; scout programs; birthday parties; summer day camp.
Ongoing
Little Explorers Nature Program, child ages 2 1⁄2-5 and caregiver class explores nature through stories, walks and crafts.
Nature and Outdoor Programs and Clubs for ages 5-12 include outdoor discoveries, crafts, gardening, bugs, geology and green kids themes.
4-H Clubs, a variety of themed clubs for children in grades 1-8 include environmental club, pet club, stamp club and Lego club.
Hatfield Swamp Guided Hikes, are scheduled upon request for two or more adults. Free.
New Jersey Audubon Society Birding Field Trips, for beginners to experts. Call 973-226-6082 for upcoming dates and to register.
Selected Family Events
Adults $8, children $6, unless noted. Pre-registration required for all programs with a fee.
Feb 11
Maple Sugaring, ages 4-12 and family. 10:30-12. $5 Audubon members, $7 non-members.
Valentine's Day Hot Chocolate Hike, winter hike and campfire. 12-1:30.
Feb 18
Build A Bird House, for adults and ages 10 & up accompanied by adult. 10:30-12.
Feb 20
South Mountain Reservation Hike, grades K-5. $5 Audubon members, $7 non-members.
Apr 3-5,
Walk on the Wild Side, 1.25
Apr 10-12
Spring Camp, 12:30-4:30 for grades 2-5.
Apr 21
Earth Day, 11-4. Crafts, games, outdoor activities, demonstrations, local green vendors and services. Free.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 E. Hanover Ave. (Rt. 511), Morris Township, 973-
326-7600. Haggerty Education Center: Mon.-Sat. 9-4:30, Sun. noon-4:30. Grounds: 8am-dusk. Beautifully maintained estate known for its rose garden, lilac collection and ideal setting for informal picnics. Self-guided trail booklets and children’s walking tour map available in the Mansion, headquarters for the Morris County Park Commission. Horticulture programs for adults, children and scouts, 973-326-7603.
Friends of Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion and maintenance of Morris County Park Commission’s horticultural facilities sponsors adult and children’s programs, plant sales and other events. Advance registration required for all programs, 973-326-7603.
New
Cooking with Teens, hands-on cooking class for teens sponsored by Whole Foods Market in Madison. See Enrichment–Cooking for dates.
For adult cooking programs, see Parents Place.
Ongoing
Backpack Field Trips, available to Morris County school teachers, provide tools to guide students on a self-paced tour of the arboretum.
Branching Out, spring and summer sessions for ages 5-13 to learn about gardening, botany, horticulture. Call 973-631-5004 for more information.
Garden Sprouts, introduces children ages 3-kindergarten to plants and nature.
Scout Programs, workshops for all girl scout levels, cub scouts and boy scouts. 973-631-5004.
Selected Adult, Children's & Family Events
Feb 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, Feb 25-26, Mar 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
Family Photo Scavenger Hunt, grab a camera or phone for monthly scavenger hunt. Take a photo of every item and receive a prize. 9-4:30. $10.
Feb 4
Matilda's Tea Party: Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice, ages 6 and up. High tea, napkin folding, make party favors. 1:30. Adults $25, children $30.
Feb 18
Create Your Own Mosaic Trivet, basics of cutting, placing and gluing tiles. Adults, 10-3. $25 plus $20 materials fee.
Feb 27
Garden Sprouts: Yum! Yum! Yum!, maple sap. 11am. $7.
Mar 5
Garden Sprouts: Animal, Vegetable, Mineral, 11am. $7.
Mar 19
Garden Sprouts: Wake Up!, 11am. $7.
Mar 20
Rain Barrel Workshop, make your own 55-gallon rain barrel. Adults, 7-9pm. $60.
Mar 26
Garden Sprouts: Helping Mrs. Robin, 11am. $7.
Mar 31
Beginning Gardening Series: Spring–Getting Started. Adults, 2-3pm. $15 per class.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township, 973-635-6629. Visitor Center open daily 9-4:30. Interactive exhibit area and library. Pick up a self-guiding trail booklet for the 2 miles of trails and boardwalks that lead through wooded and swamp habitats. Weekend family programs, puppet shows, guided trail swalks, Baby & Me Hikes, scout and school programs, teacher training workshops available.
Ongoing Outdoor Adventure, naturalist-led walks, hikes or other outdoor activities scheduled every week.
Mon
Toddler Trek, walk and story for toddlers ages 2-3 with adult. 9:30 or 10:45. $5/child, advance registration required.
Feb 6
Tricky Tracks.
Feb 20
Maple Sugaring for Seedlings.
Mar 5
Hoot, Hoot, Hooray for Owls!
Mar 19
Sense-ational Spring.
Awesome Animal Artists, learn about and draw a different New Jersey animal each class. Ages 5-9. 4-5pm. $5 per class, registration required. Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 7
Tues
Pre-K Walk, hour-long nature walk and craft for ages 4-5 with adult. 10am. $5, limited space, reservations open 2 weeks prior to event.
Feb 14
Sap to Syrup!
Mar 13
Spring Has Sprung!
Baby & Me Hikes for parents, grandparents or caretakers and infant children to discover nature at different park locations. All babies must be in front- or backpack; no siblings or strollers. 9:30-11. $1, registration required.
Wed
Wednesday Wanderings Hiking Series, adult hiking series (18 & up). $2 per hike, registration required.
Homeschool Walks, themed-walks designed for homeschool families. $8 per child 3 and over.
Feb 8
Be Bear Aware!
Mar 14
Feathered Friends.
Thurs
Nature's Little Explorers, 6-week nature program for ages 2-3 with adult. 9:45 or 10:45. $55.
Mar 15-Apr 19: Registration begins Feb. 23.
Natural Curiosity Hour, stories and walk for ages 2 & up. 1pm. $3.
Jan 26
The Nose Knows.
Feb 23
The Big Sleep.
Mar 22
What Makes A Mammal?
Sat
Tyke Hike, 45-minute nature hike for ages 2-6 with adult. 10am. $2, pre-registration required. Mar 17
Selected Family Events
Pre-registration required, unless noted. Fee is per person.
Feb 4-5, 11, 18-19, 25-26, Mar 4, 10-11
Maple Sugaring Demonstrations, all ages. 2pm.
Feb 12
Eagle Watching Trip, ages 16 and up. 9-5. $35.
Mar 3
Maple Sugar Festival, walks, games, maple syrup snow cones, crafts, tree tapping demos, syrup tests for all ages. 12-4pm. $4.
Mar 25
Spring Scavenger Hunt, all ages. 1-2:30. $3.
Mar 29
Frog Jamboree, learn about spring peepers and wood frogs. All ages. 2pm. $3.
Apr 28
Earth Day Celebration, live animals, games, crafts, guided walks, green displays, live music. All ages. 11-4. $10/carload or $5/person.
Hunterdon County Parks & Recreation
Office location: 1020 Rt. 31N, Lebanon Twp., 908-782-1158. Surrounding park headquarters are 2 miles of nature trails winding through display gardens including children's garden and picnic area. Over 7,000 acres of public open space at parks and preserves are maintained throughout the county. Parks staff lead a wide selection of daytime and evening nature, sports, art and crafts programs for children, families, adults and school/community groups. Programs on nature, camping and outdoor skills are available to groups both on- and off-site. Popular offerings include summer day camps, after-school nature programs, canoe trips and free summer concert series. www.co.hunterdon.nj.us, click on Parks and Recreation.
Ongoing
Nature Series for Kids, seasonal children's series for ages 4-Kindergarten includes hikes at Echo Hill or Mountain Farm and hands-on activities.
Jan 10-Feb 28
Winter at Echo Hill, Tues.
Apr 3-May 22
Spring at Echo Hill, Tues.
Apr 12-May 24
Spring at Mountain Farm, Thur.
Young Artists Drawing and Painting, art series for ages 6-10 at Arboretum in Lebanon. Jan 7-Feb 11: Six Saturdays, 9-10am.
Thursday Evening Art Studio, art series for ages 15-adult of all levels meets 6:30-9pm. Jan 5-Feb 2
Artists in Training Drawing & Painting, art series for ages 11-15 at Arboretum.
Jan 7-Feb 11
Six Saturdays, 10:15-11:45am. Eco Book Club, adult club meets monthly on Mon. 7-8pm at Echo Hill. $10 4 sessions. Sep 16-Dec 19
Wed
Invasive Plant Walks, for adults. 9-10:30. Free. Feb 1, 15, 29
2nd Thur
Home School Environmental Series, monthly programs explore diverse natural science topics for ages 5-12 Sept.-May at Echo Hill.
Selected Family Events
At Echo Hill, unless noted. $3. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Feb 8
Owls, ages 5 and up. 6:30-8pm.
Feb 17
Planetary Wonders, ages 8 and up. Sky gazing 7:30-9pm at Hoffman Park, Union Township.
Feb 18
Great Backyard Bird Count, ages 8 and up. 10-11:30am at the Arboretum.
Mar 10
Living History Maple Sugaring Program, 60-min. tours every 20 min. at Echo Hill. All ages. $1, pre-registration not required. Raindate March 11. School field trips and other group tours March 7-9 9-4:40, registration begins Feb. 1.
Apr 13-14
Sleep Over at the Philadelphia Zoo: Night Flight, camp inside the Tree House, ages 8-12 and adult companion. $72, pre-registration required.
Apr 20
Spring Break Camp, grades K-5 at Echo Hill Playground. 9-3:30. $25.
Apr 21
12th Annual Earth Day Celebration, all ages. Wild animal shows, nature-inspired crafts, environmental exhibits, more. 10:30-4pm South County Fairgrounds, Rt. 170, East Amwell Twp. $5 per vehicle suggested donation.
May 21
Butterfly Hunt, ages 5-adult. 5-6pm.
Jun-Aug
Summer Camps, choose from a wide variety of weekly themes including orchestra, art, theater, nature, crafts, canoe, sports and more for grades K-5.
Kay Environmental Center
200 Pottersville Rd., Chester Twp., 908-879-0566. Former 400-acre estate with hiking trails through fields, forest and along the Black River. If you follow the red trail blazes to the river, a left before the bridge will take you to a beautiful hemlock gorge, short waterfalls and to the stone ruins of an old summer house and dam. The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey
200 Pottersville Rd., Chester, 908-879-7262. Delaware Bayshores Office: 2350 Rt. 47, Delmont, 609-861-0600.
Headquartered in New Jersey at Kay Environmental Center, The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization whose mission is to protect ecologically important open spaces, primarily through acquisition. Field trips, programs and volunteer opportunities are available for members and the public. Special events and trips are planned at Kay Center and at Conservancy preserves in Warren, Sussex, Cumberland and Cape May Counties. Visit website for public events and field trips.
Feb
Winter Wilderness Survival, basic introduction to survival techniques. 10-12, date TBA.
Late May
Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Phenomenon, May caravan through the Delaware Bayshores and see the ancient ritual between horseshoe crabs and the red knot, one of the longest distance migrants in the animal kingdom.
Kittatinny Valley State Park
Goodale Rd. (off Rt. 206N), Andover, 973-786-6445. Featuring glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings and access to the Paulinskill Valley and Sussex Branch rail trails, this State Park offers challenging mountain biking, easy family biking, hiking, fishing, boating and kayaking as well as cross country skiing and ice fishing in winter. Interpretive programs are scheduled year round, each weekend during the spring and summer, with less frequency during fall and winter.
Ongoing
Junior Naturalist Workbook & Program for ages 7-12. Stop by the park visitor center for info
Selected Interpretive Programs
Free, pre-registration required.
Feb 29
Animal Tracking: Leaps & Bounds, adults and ages 6 & up. 4-5pm.
Mar 3
Discover KVSP Family Nature Hike, all ages. 11-12:30.
Mar 10
Geocaching for Beginners, adults and children ages 7 & up. 11-noon.
Mar 15, 29
L'il Tykes Hike, adults with children ages 5 & under. 4-5pm.
Mar 24
Scents of Spring, adults with children 6 & up. 11-noon.
Mar 28, 31
The Nature of Vernal Pools, adults and childrenages 6 & up. 4-5pm.
Lakota Wolf Preserve
89 Mt. Pleasant Rd. (Rt. 80W, exit 4), Columbia, 877-733-9653. Wolf watch programs presented twice daily; closed Mon. Summer: 10:30 & 4. Fall & winter: 10:30 & 3. Call for reservations. Adults $16.05, under 12 $7.49. Enjoy a scenic walk to an observation area in the center of four packs of Tundra, Timber and Arctic wolves. Learn about them through informal talks with caretakers and direct observation. Picnicking, hiking and swimming at Camp Taylor Campground (908-496-4333) is included in fee.
Liberty State Park Interpretive Center
Morris Pesin Dr. (Exit 14B NJ Tnpk.), Jersey City, 201-915-3409. Free. In addition to being a launching point to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Liberty State Park is a scenic natural area featuring bike/walking paths, a giant playground and an interpretive center with nature trail, exhibits, offering environmental programs, outreach programs and professional development workshops for educators. Also see listing under Historic Sites.
Selected Interpretive Programs
10-noon, unless noted. Free, pre-registration required.
Feb 25
Papermaking, create your own paper.
Mar 24
Worm World, meet worms up close.
Jun-Aug
Kayak Eco-Tours, adults and ages 16 and up explore the salt marsh and beach habitats from the water. Call to be placed on mailing list, 201-915-3409. Free, pre-registration required.
Merrill Creek Reservoir
34 Merrill Creek Rd. (Exit 4 Rt. 78W), Harmony Twp., 908-454-1213. Open daily daylight hours. Visitors Center: weekdays 8:30-4:30, weekends 10-4. 290-acre environmental preserve surrounds this reservoir that was developed by 7 electric utility companies to store water for release to the Delaware River during periods of low flow. Visitors Center features hands-on exhibits, dioramas and displays. Emphasis is on low-impact activities—hiking trails, wildlife observation blind, cross-country skiing. Swimming, camping and picnicking are prohibited. Stocked reservoir is popular for fishing and boating (canoes, sailboats and fishing boats, no gas motors). Naturalist-led environmental education programs available for all organized non-profit groups, ages pre-K to adult.
New Jersey Audubon Society
Independent, membership-supported organization has the mission to foster environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among citizens, protect New Jersey's birds and other animals and plants, and promote preservation of New Jersey's natural habitats. The organization maintains stewardship of 34 sanctuaries and conducts adult, family and children's programs at ten staffed and partner facilities.
• Cape May Bird Observatory
Center for Research & Education: 600 Rt. 47 N., Cape May Court House, 609-861-0700.
Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May, 609-898-8848.
Northwood Center: 701 E. Lake Dr., Cape May Point, 609-884-2736.
• Duke Farms
80 Rt. 206S, Hillsborough, 908-722-3700 (NJAS partner site). See separate listing.
• Essex County Environmental Center
621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland, 973-228-8776 (NJAS parnter site). See separate listing.
• Lorrimer Sanctuary
790 Ewing Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201-891-2185.
• Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd., Cranbury, 609-897-9400. See separate listing.
• Rancocas Nature Center
794 Rancocas Rd., Mount Holly, 609-261-2495.
• Sandy Hook Bird Observatory
Bldg. 20, Hartshorne Dr., Fort Hancock, 732-872-2500.
• Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary–headquarters.
11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. See separate listing.
• Wattles Stewardship Center
1024 Anderson Rd., Port Murray, 908-837-9571.
• Weis Ecology Center
150 Snake Den Rd., Ringwood, 973-835-2160. See separate listing.
Selected Special Events
May-Aug
Harbor Safari, seine Cape May Harbor to discover the diverse marine life there with special emphasis on horseshoe crabs. Contact Nature Center of Cape May for info.
New Jersey Meadowlands Environment Center
2 DeKorte Park Plaza (east end of Valley Brook Rd.), Lyndhurst, 201-460-8300. Weekdays 9-5, Sat. & Sun. 10-3, closed holidays. Trails open daily. Interactive learning center and observatory, built to LEED standards, is situated in a portion of Richard W. DeKorte Park, an area of several hundred acres of reclaimed landfills and revitalized wetlands along the Hackensack River and an annual migratory stop for thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds. Barrier-free trails with bird and photo blinds; environmental and astronomy education programs for children and adults; interactive exhibits trace environmental history of the Meadowlands; nature walks; teacher development workshops; school programs; outreach programs; scout programs; gift shop.
From April-Oct. canoe and kayak rentals are available at Hackensack Riverkeeper Paddling Center in Laurel Hill County Park, Secaucus. Paddlers can explore the marshlands of the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area. Guided paddles, bird walks, eco-cruises, river clean-up days and group outreach programs are offered. For info, call 201-968-0808 or visit website.
Open
William D. McDowell Observatory, open to the public Mon. and Wed. nights with clear skies.
Apr-Oct
Eco-Cruises, visit website.
Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center
Rt. 46 (Rt. 78 to Rt. 31N to Rt. 46E 2 miles), Oxford, 908-637-4125. Open Mon.-Fri. 10-4; closed weekends except for special events. Free. 600,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout are raised here annually to stock over 200 public waters. Self-guided tour, videos, exhibits, hiking trails and picnic grounds. Group programs. Children and adult workshops related to wildlife and natural resources are offered select weekends. Check website for monthly listings.
Thurs
Nature Nurtures, for ages 3-7 with adult. Storytime, field investigation, craft. 10-11:30. Registration required.
Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd., Cranbury, 609-897-9400. Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. Hiking trails open daily dawn to dusk. A joint effort of the Township of Plainsboro, County of Middlesex and New Jersey Audubon Society, the preserve includes a nature center with exhibits, reference library, nature store and over five miles of trails through a variety of habitats. Programming includes family nature programs, field trips and programs for adults and teens, and school vacation and summer camps for ages 6-12.
Jun-Aug
Summer Camps 9am-4pm for grades 1-9. Sign up for one week or the whole summer.
Ongoing
Nature Field Trips, for adults and focused family members, explore a natural area of New Jersey with an environmental educator.
Family Nature Programs
Sat. 2:30-4pm Dec.-Feb.; 3:30-5pm Mar.-Nov. Perfect for beginning naturalists and their families ages 6 to adult. $5, $3 members, pre-registration is encouraged.
Feb 4
Animal Tracking Series: Part 2, trailing animals.
Feb 11
Survival Series: Part 3, making a snow cave.
Feb 18
Winter Wonderland Hike.
Feb 25
Animal Detectives, animal adaptations.
Apr 9-13
School Vacation Camp: Spring into Spring Break, grades 1-6. 9-4. $60 full, $30 half day.
Field Trips and Programs for Adults and Teens
Advance registration required. Audubon members $10, non-members $15.
Feb 4
Winter Tracking Series at Duke Farms, 9am-noon.
Feb 25
Reservoir Romp, to Round Valley and Spruce Run Reservoirs. Ages 9 to adult. 8:30-11:30
Pyramid Mountain
247 Boonton Ave., Boonton, 973-334-3130. Park open year 'round dawn to dusk. Visitors Center Wed.-Sun. 10-4:30. Call for winter hours. Trail guide available at Visitors Center for wooded trails to Tripod Rock, a 180-ton boulder balanced atop three smaller rocks, Bear Rock, and to the top of Pyramid Mountain for fabulous views of the New York City skyline. Nature programs; guided hikes; preschool walks; nature puppet shows; school programs; scout badge programs; birthday parties.
All programs require advance registration.
Ongoing
Baby & Me Hikes for parents, grandparents or caretakers and infant children to discover nature. All babies must be in front- or backpack; no registration. Call for dates.
Tues
Toddler Treks, toddlers ages 2 and 3 with an adult learn about nature with walks and stories on a new topic each month. 10am. $5. Dec 6, Jan 31, Feb 14, Mar 13
Preschool Walk, monthly guided theme walk and activity for ages 4 and 5 with an adult. 10am. $5.
Feb 21: Sleeping Trees.
Mar 20: Spring Has Sprung!
Nature's Classroom, 4-week hands-on science education for homeschoolers 6-8 and 9-12 yrs. old. 1-3:30pm. $45 for series or $12 per class.
Feb 2-Feb 23: Winter Session, ages 9-12.
Wed
Nature's Little Explorers, 6-week nature program for parent and toddlers age 2-3. 10-10:45. $55.
Mar 14-Apr 18: Registration begins Feb 22.
Awesome Animal Artists, for ages 5-9. Indoor/outdoor program features a different animal each session. 4-5pm. $5. Feb 22, Mar 21
Sat
Tyke Hike, for ages 2-5 with adult on select Saturdays. $2 per person. Mar 17
The Raptor Trust
1390 White Bridge Rd., Millington, 908-647-2353. Education Center, 908-647-1091. Open year round 7 days during daylight hours. Suggested donation $2 ea. adult. Avian rehabilitation center supplies care, diet and housing for distressed wild birds with the goal of returning healthy, self-sufficient birds to the wild. Outdoor display area for unreleasable hawks, eagles, falcons and owls is open to the public. Group outreach, on-site programs, and telephone advisory service for wild bird related problems; gift shop.
Reeves Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Ave., Summit, 908-273-8787. Grounds open daily daylight hours. Office and library open Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Gift shop open Mon.-Sat. 10-4. Memberships available. Woodland walks, perennial gardens, rose, daylily, herb and daffodil gardens. Picnics and dogwalking are prohibited. Elephant Tree Nature Camp for children in July and Aug.; nature series for ages 3-5 and 6-8; junior master gardener program for ages 8-12; children, adult and family workshops; nature birthday parties. Garden Shop.
New
Cell Phone Audio Tours, look for the yellow signs throughout the site indicating an audio stop.
Discovery Saturdays, Carriage House Discovery Center is open 9am-1pm Sat. Mar.-Oct. for hands-on activities tailored for children ages 4-10 accompanied by an adult. $5 per child, drop in.
Apr
Daffodils, see over 40,000 in bloom.
Jun
Butterfly Garden in bloom.
Selected Children's Workshops & Family Events
Advance registration required. Fees are listed as members first, then non-members.
Feb 8, 22
Winter Tales from Around the World, ages 3-5 with adult. 1-2pm. $10/$15, $15/$25 both.
Feb 14
Love is in the Air, animal courtship, ages 6-9. 3:30-5. $15/$25.
Feb 18
Great Backyard Bird Count, families with children ages 6-9. 9-11. Free/$5, no registration.
Feb 25
Who's Been Here?, ages 5 & up. 10-12. $15/$25.
Jul-Aug
Elephant Tree Nature Camp.
Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuaries
11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. Hotline: 908-766-2661. Trails open 7 days to 5pm, Hoffman building open Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. noon-5. 276-acre wildlife sanctuary belongs to the New Jersey Audubon Society. The new Hoffman Center for Conservation and Environmental Education features an environmental learning center, tree-top level observation deck, exhibits, book and gift shop. 3.2 miles of trails lead through woodland, field and floodplain habitats. Patriot's Path can be reached from the Scherman parking lot. Field trips; adult and family programs; summer natural history day camp for ages 4-middle school; overnight camps; teacher workshops; digital photography workshops. Group programs and tours by reservation; outreach lectures and slide programs available for club meetings and special events; eco-travel. Publishers of Bridges to the Natural World, a manual for exploring New Jersey habitats with children.
Ongoing
Bird Walks, every Fri. & Sat. 8-9am. Free.
Adult Field Trips, to different wildlife areas.
Dec-Mar
Images of Nature: Eagles, Bears, Whales & Landscapes, the photography of Richard Koch.
Selected Events
Pre-registration required for programs. Fees are listed first for members, then non-members.
Feb 12
Bins & Scopes for Birding, optics workshop. 2-4. Free/$5.
Feb 18
The Great Backyard Bird Count at Scherman-Hoffman, 8-10. Free.
Digital Photography Workshop IV, techniques in landscape photography, adult. 10-12:30. $8/$15.
Feb 25
Stitchery Sharing, bring your own handiwork with a nature theme. 2-4:30. $5/$10.
Beginning Birding Field Trip–Scherman-Hoffman and Great Swamp, adult workshop. 9-12. $8/$15.
Mar 10
Birdseed Sale Day, orders due Feb. 25.
May 12
28th Annual New Jersey Audubon World Series of Birding, o
Jun-Aug
Summer Camps, see listing under Nature & Science Camps and Overnight Camps for camp options for ages 4-grade 8.
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Rd., Mendham, 973-543-6004. Schiff Natural Lands Trust, a nonprofit corporation, owns and operates the 340-acre Schiff Nature Preserve as public open space. Eight miles of trails are open daylight hours for hiking, biking, horseback riding or nature study. Year round natural history programs for children and adults, homeschooler program, summer day camps for children (see Camps), and environmental book club for adults are offered. Discounts available to members.
School Year Programs
Fees are listed first for members, then non-members.
Ongoing
Walkabout for Preschoolers, ages 3-5. Call for current dates. $10/$15.
Tues
Environmental Book Club, adults only. 7pm. Free.
Baby & Me Hike, 9:30am. $1.
Sept-May
Homeschooler Trimester, monthly program each season for grades K-6.
Hike Mendham Series
Monthly hiking series, 9:30-11:30am. Free. Call 973-543-6004 or visit website for information.
Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center
190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge, 908-766-2489. Daily 9am-5pm. No admission. Home to Secrets of the Great Swamp exhibit hall and a host of classes, lectures, walks, and other environmental education programs. 430 acres bordering the Great Swamp and Passaic River feature 8.5 miles of walking trails with 8,000 ft. boardwalk and special boardwalk for individuals with disabilities, bird blind and frog ponds. Year-round nature and discovery programs are offered for children ages infant–5 with parent, preschoolers–age 12, families and adults; canoe and kayak trips; field trips; summer camps; teacher workshops; outreach to Somerset County schools; cross country skiing in winter. For a full listing of programs for toddlers through families, call 908-766-2489 or access website.
Sun
One Hour Wanderings, hour-long interpretive walk with naturalist for adults and ages 4 & up focuses on different theme each week, no registration necessary (not designed for organized groups such as scouts). Noon-1pm selected Sat. and Sun. Free. Mar 11, 25, Apr 22, May 27
Ongoing
Tot Trek, stroller walk for ages infant-5 with parent. 10:30-noon. $10 per pair, $5 per additional child. Registration required. Mar 20, May 25
The Young Explorers Club, series for ages infant-5 with parent to explore nature. $22 per pair. Mar 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr 2, 9, 16, 30, May 7, 14, 21
Story Hour, story and short walk for ages infant-5 with adult. 10:30-11:30. Free. Feb 11, 25, Mar 10, 24, Apr 14, May 5, 19
Homeschool Offerings, environmental education programs for ages 7-12 offered once a month.
Feb 29: What About the Weather?
Mar 22: Reality of Reptiles.
Apr 19: Everyday is Earth Day.
May 17: The Rock Cycle.
The Green Team, volunteer opportunities for ages 12-15. 1-4pm on select dates. Free. Feb 25, Mar 10, 24, Apr 14, 19, 28, May 5, 26
Camera Naturalists Photo Club, dedicated to art of nature and scenic photography. Meetings generally 2nd Thurs. of the month, 7:30-9:30pm.
Selected Exhibitions
Feb 4-26
Bernards Twp. Community Art Show.
Mar 1-Apr 1
Roots, Rocks & Relics, Ridge High School AP Studio Art Class.
Apr 7-May 6
Bugs & Butterflies, illustrations by Elayne Leighton.
May 12-Jun 8
Alive at the EEC, live reptile & amphibians.
Selected Programs for All Ages
Fees are per person, pre-registration required.
Feb 4-Mar 11
Maple Sugaring, 90-min. program at the Sugar Shack, a half-mile hike from the EEC. Organized groups may schedule weekday demonstrations. Sat. 10, 12 & 2pm. Sun. 12 & 2pm. Free.
Feb 7
Moonlight Meander, 6:30-7:30pm. $6.
Feb 11
Backyard Birding for Beginners, 2:30-4. $9.
Feb 14
To Bird with Love, 4-5:30. $10.
Feb 21
Bird Feeder Basics, 1:30-2:30. $6.
Feb 22
Paper Making, 10:30-11:30. $6.
Feb 23
Awesim Eco Day, ages 7-12. 8:30-4:30. $35.
Origami, ages 8+ with adult. 3:30-4:30. $6.
Feb 24, Mar 10
Natural Spa, make your own, all ages, ages 9 & older with parent. 1:30-3. $16.
Mar 3
Mars Mania, inside if it's cloudy. 7:30-8:30. $6.
Mar 11
The Unhuggables, icky, creepy or scary animals. 1:30-2:30. $6.
Mar 17
Organic Vegetable Gardening, 10-11:30. $9.
Planning a Butterfly Garden, 1-2:30. $9.
Mar 18
Backyard Bears, Power Point. 2-3pm. Free.
Mar 24
Swamp Tromp Hike, 10:30-11:30. Free.
Mar 26
Woodcock Watch, the fanciful flight of the American Woodcock. 7-8pm. Free.
Mar 31
Paper Making, 10:30-noon. $12.
Apr 1
April Foolers, animal tricks. 12:30-1:30. $6.
Apr 1-15
Eco-Rally!, sign up as individual or group to log your carbon footprint. Create a display for the Environmental Center. Prizes will be awarded at Eco-Rally Awards Ceremony, May 6, at 2pm.
Apr 13
Awesim Eco Day, ages 7-12. 8:30-4:30. $35.
Apr 14
Movie Monsters Don't Scare Me, walk in search of movie critters. 10:30-11:30. Free.
Apr 21
Seed Starters, plant herbs. 10-11:30. $9.
Vernal Pool Hoppenings, 10:30-11:30. Free.
Voices in the Night, after dark hike. 7-8pm. Adult $7, youth/sr. $6.
Earth Day Nature's Way, digital photography workshop with Camera Naturalist Photo Club. 9-4. $45.
Apr 22
Bluebird Walk, spring migration. 1:30-3. Free.
Apr 28
Duke Island Park River Walk–Bluebell Magic, wildflowers. 10:30-11:30. Free.
Learn to Compost, 1-2pm. Free.
Tumbling Timberdoodles, the fanciful flight of the American Woodcock. 7:30-8:30. $6.
Moonshine, moon study. 8-9pm. $6.
Apr 29
Project E.A.R.T.H.: Swamp Search & Mammal Mania, eco-scavenger hunt, live mammals. 12-4:30pm rain or shine. Free.
May 5
Full Moon Hike, 7:30-8:30pm. $6.
May 12
Basically Bats, 7-8:30pm. $9.
Somerset County Park Commission
Junior Ranger Program
Colonial Park, Franklin Twp., 732-873-8585. Duke Island Park, Old York Rd., Bridgewater, 908-722-7779. Junior Ranger activity book is available for ages 6-12 to learn about the environment and its inhabitants. After completion, a Park Ranger will review work and present an official Junior Ranger badge.
Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association
31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington, 609-737-3735. Reserve open dawn to dusk. Nature Center open Tues.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4. Butterfly House open dawn to dusk daily May-Oct. Member supported non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of the natural environment drained by Stony Brook and the Millstone River offers education programs for children, adults and families, summer camp, teacher workshops, school and group on-site and outreach programs. The reserve features hiking trails, pond, open-air Butterfly House, and Buttinger Nature Center which houses two Discovery Rooms with hands-on activities, live animal exhibits and nature shop.
Ongoing
Tiny Tot Walks for ages 18-36 mos., child must be walking and accompanied by adult. 10-11. $10, $7 members. No walks in Jan. and Feb.
Preschool Series, introduces ages 3-5 to the natural world. Parents must stay with children under 4. Tues. 10-11:30 or Wed. 1-2:30. $15, $10 members.
Feb 14-15: Super Seeds.
Feb 21-22: Life Under Water.
Feb 28-29: Sensible Senses.
School Age Series, for ages 6-9. Thursdays 4-5:30pm. $17, $12 members.
Selected Adult & Family Programs
Registration required for all programs, unless noted. Call 609-737-7592 to register. Non-member fees are listed first, then members.
Feb 4
Groundhog Day Celebration, families. 10:30-12. $5.
Feb 11
Winter Exploration Geocache Event, intro to geocaching for adults & families. 1:30-3:30. $5.
Feb 25
Maple Sugar Memories!, families. 10:30-12. $15/$10 per family.
Mar 2
Woodcock Watch, adults and families ages 6 & up. $5.
Mar 3
In Search of Skunk Cabbage, adults and families. 10-11:30. $5.
Mar 10
Summer Camp Open House, preschool-high school camps. 1-4pm. Free.
Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, 201-568-6093. Visitors Center open Mon.-Sun. 9-5. Trails open dawn to dusk. Free admission. Six miles of trails, pond, Visitors Center with live animals and interactive displays. Afterschool programs, parent/child programs, weekend family programs, scout programs, seasonal activities, outreach and summer camp.
Ongoing
Family Nature Walks, different seasonal topics and activities each month. All ages. Sun. 3:30-4:30. $5, members free.
Home Ecologists Home School Program, series or single sessions during the school year for families with children 5-12 years old. Space is limited, advance registration is required.
Home Ecologists Home School Program
Series or single sessions for families with children 5-12 years old. 1-3pm. Parents may stay or drop off, no charge for parents. $12, advance registration required, space is limited.
Feb 1
Astonishing Amphibians.
Feb 15
Radical Reptiles Part 1.
Feb 29
Radical Reptiles Part 2.
Mar 14
Beautiful Birds Part 1.
Apr 25
Magnificent Mammals.
May 9
WIld About Animals.
May 23
Living with Wildlife.
Union County Trailside
Nature and Science Center
Watchung Reservation, Coles Ave. & New Providence Rd., Mountainside, 908-789-3670. Visitor Center: Daily 12-5pm. Free. Located within the 2000-acre Watchung Reservation with 13+ miles of marked trails, the Trailside Museum and Visitor Center offers many opportunities to explore nature. Museum features hands-on exhibits for young children and taxidermy exhibits of local wildlife. Live reptiles and fish live in ponds at the base of a 34-foot-tall beech tree inside the newly renovated Visitor Center. Interactive exhibits explain local plants, geology, Lenape Native American history and conservation. Weekly nature and exploration programs for children include adult/child interactive programs for toddlers and ages 3-4, drop-off programs for ages 4-6, after-school programs for grades 1-5, weekend family programs and summer day camps for preschoolers to grade 9. Scout badge and group programs; outreach programs; birthday parties. Visit website for new programs.
Thru Jun
Saturday Outdoor Adventures, hands-on family programs most Sat. during the school year.
Weis Ecology Center
150 Snake Den Rd., Ringwood, 973-835-2160. Wed.-Sun. 9-4. Over 24 miles of trails depart from the Center's private grounds and explore adjacent Norvin Green State Forest and the surrounding Highlands. Weis Center features a visitor center with snakes, turtles and seasonal displays, nature store, aviary and butterfly gardens. Programs for children and families, adults and teens, serious hikers, summer nature day camps, and day and residential programs for schools, scouts and other groups are offered year 'round.
Ongoing
Merit Badge Series, workshops for scouts.
Nature Discovery Time: Preschooler & Toddler Hikes, short discovery walks. Babies in backpacks welcome.
Thru Apr 1
Visitors Center is closed, until April.
Jul-Aug
Nature Day Camps, for children grades K-8.
