Somerset County Park Commission Offers New Winter Programs for Nature Lovers of All Ages

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages can register for the Somerset County Park Commission’s new winter programs to be presented by the Environmental Education Center (EEC). The new activities include outdoor exploration with nature-related experiments, tips for staying warm, birding and breakfast, and story time for kids. Participants must pre-register.

Joining winter outdoor activities is mentally and physically beneficial for a person’s health. According to the American Heart Association, people who participate in outdoor winter activities can boost their immune system, increase their Vitamin D intake, improve their mood, and help burn calories.

New Programs in January

Trailblazers: Participants will explore the outdoors and conduct nature-related experiments in this Naturalist-led program, on Wednesdays Jan. 11, 18, and 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. This program is appropriate for children ages 11-13. The cost is $30 per person for a three-day session. Activity Code 52009, EEC-01.

Warmer in Winter: In this program, a Naturalist who loves the outdoors will teach participants what clothing to wear and what movements to perform to keep warm outdoors. This program is appropriate for people ages six years and older. Children participating must be accompanied by an adult. The program will occur on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $6 per student and senior citizens and $7 per adult. Activity Code 51892, EEC-01.

Birding Over Breakfast: Place a breakfast order with the Naturalist, then embark on a birding walk, burn calories, and return for a delicious breakfast. This program is for adults only and will occur on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 8 to 10 a.m. The cost is $17 per student and senior citizens and $19 per adult. Activity Code 51948, EEC-01.

Storytime Adventure: Children-geared program (for infants to age five years and must be accompanies by an adult) to help develop their appreciation of nature. The program includes animal stories, and kid-friendly adventures, meeting live critters, taking a short hike, participate in crafting, or enjoying show and tell on Sunday, Jan 29, from 10 to 11a.m. Activity Code 51947, EEC-01.

Click here to view a full program schedule.

Registration

Pre-registration is required. Online registration ends 24 hours before the start of a program. Enrollment may still be possible if there is room in the class. For more information, and to register call 908-722-1200 Ext. 5002.

Program Guidelines

Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by an adult who is registered in the program.

Participants must dress appropriately for the weather and wear waterproof boots.

Cancelation Policy
Programs could be canceled by the EEC due to low enrollment or weather conditions. The Park Commission will notify participants by phone and give them the option to receive a full refund or a credit to use toward another program.

Participants who need to cancel their registration must notify the EEC a minimum of seven days before the start of the program to receive a full refund.

COVID-19 Guidelines

Participants should not attend any programs if they are not feeling well, have a fever, or have tested positive for COVID-19 within five days before the start of the program.

The EEC will ask participants who disregard the Park Commission’s COVID-19 protocols to leave the program immediately.

For more information about the EEC’s programs, and to pre-register call 908-722-1200 Ext. 5002. To view the full program schedule, click here or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.

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, conducts science and conservation research, and more. The EEC strives to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.

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