BIOBLITZ EXTRAVAGANZA - NEW! SUSPENDED

Date: Saturday, June 6
Time: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Echo Hill
Ages: all ages welcome (10 through adult recommended; children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: free! 

Come celebrate and learn about the biodiversity at Echo Hill.  This event will focus on finding and identifying as many species as possible in our park over a short period of time.

Come join us, whether you are a student, scientist, naturalist, or an interested community member, to explore the natural world.  A BioBlitz is an opportunity to take a snapshot of the biodiversity of a place.  Participants of all ages can learn techniques for observing and collecting data on the plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and other living species within Echo Hill during this specific time frame.  If you own a smartphone, download the iNaturalist app (iNaturalist.org); you will find collecting species data is easier and more engaging than ever before.  

We welcome everyone’s assistance in the identification of the flora and fauna at Echo Hill; if you are experienced and have a particular interest, please reach out to Debra at dreed@co.hunterdon.nj.us or (908) 806-5559.  Pre-registration not required for participants.

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 44TH MUSIC UNDER THE STARS FREE CONCERT SERIES

Wednesday, June 24 and Thursdays, July 2 to August 13
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Deer Path Park
All ages
FREE!

We hope everyone enjoyed last summer’s concert series!  We are looking for entertainers for the summer 2020 concert series; if you would like to be considered, please contact Recreation Leader Patrick Eckard at peckard@co.hunterdon.nj.us. 

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 THANK YOU…

The Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation wishes to extend a great big thank you to all of our 2019 volunteers!  You helped the following programs run smoothly: Maple Sugaring, Spring Break Camp, Earth Day, Touch-a-Truck (vehicle owners & other volunteers), Tree Planting, Trails Day, Art & Basketry Classes, Summer Nature Program, Performance Camp, Theatre Camp, Craft Camp, Basketry Camp, Art Camp, LEGO Camps, Bluebird & Wood Duck Box Monitoring, Nature Club, Public Nature Programs, Van Trips, Community Yoga, Adopt-a-Trail, Concerts, 4-H Fair, advertising assistance, scout projects, and site improvements.  We couldn’t have done it without you!

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ART CLASSES with Lena Shiffman Saturday Morning and Thursday Art Studios -SUSPENDED Adult Art Boot Camp - August 24 to 28

SATURDAY MORNINGS and THURSDAY ART STUDIOS

SATURDAY MORNING ART STUDIO SORRY CANCELLED
Time: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Session A-S:  Five Saturdays, March 7 to April 4 (snow date 4/11)
Session B-S:  Five Saturdays, April 18 to May 16 (snow date 5/23)

THURSDAY MORNING ART STUDIO SORRY CANCELLED
Time: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
THURSDAY AFTERNOON ART STUDIO
Time: 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
THURSDAY EVENING ART STUDIO
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Session A-T: Five Thursdays, March 12 to April 9 (snow date 4/16)
Session B-T: Five Thursdays, April 23 to May 21 (snow date 5/28

Location: Arboretum
Ages: Adult
Cost: $100 (materials not included)
Instructor: Lena Shiffman, www.lenashiffman.com/bio.html

Don’t think you can draw or paint, but would like to give it a try?  “Everyone has talent, they just don’t know it!” says art instructor and illustrator Lena Shiffman.  Using a variety of subject matter, including still life subjects and photographs, Ms. Shiffman will work with students to improve their drawing and painting skills.  Students may work in charcoal, pastels, oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints.  Students supply their own materials.  Beginners, please bring charcoal sticks and charcoal pencils, an eraser, and a medium sketch pad (14 x 18”) to the first class.  Material list will be supplied at the first class.  Join us for a day or evening class of fun in a relaxed atmosphere; you will be amazed at what you can accomplish!  All ability levels welcome!

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ADULT ART BOOT CAMP

Date: Monday through Friday, August 24 to 28
Time: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Arboretum
Age: adults
Cost: $100 per person (materials not included).  Pre-registration required.
Instructor: Lena Shiffman, www.lenashiffman.com/bio.html

Calling all artists to join us for a week of art boot camp at the Arboretum.  Spend five consecutive mornings in a fun and relaxed atmosphere creating with Lena Shiffman.  Use a variety of subject matter, including still life subjects and photographs, and some “plein air” if the weather permits.  Ms. Shiffman will work with students to improve their drawing and painting skills.  Students may work in charcoal, pastels, oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints.  Students supply their own materials.  Beginners, please bring charcoal sticks and charcoal pencils, an eraser, and a medium sketch pad (14 x 18”) to the first class.  You will be amazed at what you can accomplish in just one week!  All ability levels welcome!

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Join the Parks on the river where we have been canoeing for 41 years.  It is fun, educational, and great exercise!  Spend a day with nature.  Just bring water, lunch, and a smile—we will do the rest.  We supply the canoes, kayaks, gear, training, and transportation. 

Our experienced leaders teach the ways of currents and eddies and how to paddle mankind’s oldest craft, with a few new tricks.  Tell us what you want to learn—we are eager to teach.  Unless stated otherwise, all trips are suitable for ages 8 through adults.   Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

SUNSET PADDLE ON ROUND VALLEY RESERVOIR SUSPENDED

Session A: Friday, June 12
Session B: Friday, July 10
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Round Valley Reservoir Boat Launch
Ages: 10 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $20 per person.  Pre-registration required.
Instructor: canoe staff

Treat yourself to a leisurely evening sunset paddle.  The group will meet at Round Valley Reservoir Boat Launch (look for the white van with a trailer with green canoes).  You can also use a kayak (please request in advance).  Bring a flashlight and jacket, as it can get much cooler on the water when the sun goes down. 

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RIVER DAY TRIPS

Time: 8:15 AM to about 3:30 PM
Location: Meet at Arboretum
Ages: adults
Cost: $30 per person.  Pre-registration required.
Instructor: canoe staff

Your leaders will fit you with a lifejacket and paddle, drive to the river, discuss maneuvering techniques and canoe safety, and guide you down the river.  We paddle for about two hours, stop for lunch, and paddle about two more hours.  We are flexible with each trip’s time, which depends in part on natural forces, such as wind and water levels.  Our aim is to return to the Arboretum by 3:30 PM, give or take an hour.

• Saturday, May 30: Kingwood to Bulls Island (Delaware River)  SUSPENDED
• Saturday, June 27: Bulls Island to Lambertville (Delaware River)
• Saturday, July 25: Kingwood to Bulls Island (Delaware River)
• Saturday, August 15: Bulls Island to Lambertville (Delaware River)

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Canoe with Hunterdon County Parks & Recreation!

PLANNING YOUR CANOE TRIP

PRE-REGISTRATION: Required by the Wednesday before the trip for all canoeing programs.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to water levels or other circumstances we may need to choose an alternative section of river.  Leaders may make this change at any time in order to provide a safe and fun experience.

CANCELLATIONS: If we cancel the trip, you will be notified by phone and given the option of joining an upcoming trip, or getting a full refund.  Our trips run rain or shine with the exception of extreme cold or thunderstorms!  Cancellations by participants are subject to a 30% service charge.  Cancellations must be in writing, and those made less than one week prior to the program will NOT receive a refund. 

WHAT TO WEAR: We suggest dressing in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.  Durable old clothes are best; wool keeps you warm even if wet and polypropylene fleece dries quickly.  Cotton is a poor material for cool, wet outdoor activities.  Sneakers are recommended; please no sandals, boots, or heavy shoes.  Wool socks are best for cold weather.  A bathing suit may be worn in warm weather; often we stop for a swim. 

WHAT TO BRING: Lunch (in a waterproof container), lots of water to drink, rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, eyeglass strap, etc.  In chilly weather, a complete change of clothing may be carried in your canoe (in a waterproof bag) or kept in the van for the trip’s end. 

NOTES: No alcoholic beverages are permitted on our trips.  No pets are allowed, except guide animals.

SCHEDULE YOUR OWN TRIP: We are happy to tailor a canoe trip to the needs of your group, school, club, charity, or service organization.  What a great birthday party!  If you have questions or would like to be added to our canoe trip announcement e-mail list, please call (908) 782-1158, or e-mail Recreation Leader Patrick Eckard at peckard@co.hunterdon.nj.us.   

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Kids will be hands on to explore the various topics and elements of our Environmental Series

SUSPENDED

Date: Second Wednesday of each month, September 2019 to May 2020
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Echo Hill
Ages: 5 to 12
Cost: $30 per student for all 9 lessons

This series provides a terrific opportunity to meet with other local homeschooling families while your child learns about the natural world.  Participants will explore a new topic each month and enjoy hands-on activities that foster science, math, language arts, and social skills.  Program includes “homework” projects to complete after each session.  Class size will be limited to 15 participants.

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The Luna Moth is our biggest and one of our most impressive moths!  Photo by Jill Dodds.

NIGHTLIFE:  NEW JERSEY’S MAGNIFICENT MOTHS SUSPENDED

Date: Thursday, June 4
Time: 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Arboretum
Ages: 8 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $3 per person.  Pre-registration required.
Guest instructor: Jill Dodds

Butterflies get lots of attention, but their nocturnal cousins are often overlooked despite the fact that they are considerably more abundant and diverse.  New Jersey’s 2500+ moth species offer an amazing array of shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes to anyone who takes the time to give them a closer look. 

Jill Dodds is a biologist and nature photographer from Kingwood Township who has spent the last few years focusing her lens on moths all around the Garden State.  Join her to view some of these beautiful creatures and learn what you might find in your own backyard.  We will enjoy a PowerPoint of Jill’s photographs and then go outside to see what moths are around the park if weather permits.

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FULL MOON HIKE SUSPENDED

Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 8:30 PM to 9:45 PM
Location: Hoffman Park
Ages: 8 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $3 per person.  Pre-registration required.
Instructor: Senior Park Naturalist Laura Bush

Come explore the park after dark and see the moonlight reflecting off our pond!  Under the light of a full moon, we will listen to summer insects and learn about the adaptations of nocturnal animals.  We will also learn about the phases of the moon.  Meet at the main parking area, 26 Baptist Church Road, Hampton 08827.

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NEW VIRUTAL NATURE PROGRAMS NEW!

ATTRACTING BIRDS TO YOUR BACKYARD LECTURE:

Thursday, June 4, 7:00-8:00 PM, designed for adults, free! 
Register here: https://hunterdoncountynj.webex.com/hunterdoncountynj/onstage/g.php?MTID=e819679676243388ecf522c2c4a69a067

ECOSYSTEM STUDIES WITH INATURALIST:

Monday, June 8, 7:00-8:00 PM, recommended for ages 11 through adults, free!
Looking for a way to expand your knowledge of local flora and fauna? Join us using iNaturalist, a free program that runs as an app on smartphones (also accessible as a website). Take a picture and let the app identify it! You will learn how to identify living species in an ecosystem and how to expand on a public digital list of things living in our county. This session is recommended for anyone interested in Learning more about Bio Blitzes and scouts completing their Environmental Science Merit badge. 
Register here: https://hunterdoncountynj.webex.com/hunterdoncountynj/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9bd220764d42b9d8e2af110cc166c3bb

VIRTUAL SUMMER NATURE CLUB: SLIMY SALAMANDERS:

Tuesday, June 9, 10:00-10:40 AM, recommended for ages 4-8, free!
Did you know some salamanders have gills? Learn some fun facts, explore, and create with this online adventure about our local amphibians. 
Register here: https://hunterdoncountynj.webex.com/hunterdoncountynj/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed0105a8cbef874b69069947967e13b4a

VIRTUAL SUMMER NATURE CLUB: CRAWLING CRAYFISH:

Tuesday, June 16 10:00-10:40 AM , recommended for ages 4-8, free!  
Crayfish move their eyes independently from each other. Join Naturalist Deb Reed to learn about crayfish, explore a stream, and do fun activities at home. 
Register here: https://hunterdoncountynj.webex.com/hunterdoncountynj/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9c97921831921ef106c714028d54107b

VIRTUAL SUMMER NATURE CLUB: BUZZY BEES:

Tuesday, June 23, 10:00-10:40 AM, recommended for ages 4-8, free!
Pollinators are some of the most important insects. Join us to discover how incredible these insects are and how to create your own habitat to support these bees. 
Register here: https://hunterdoncountynj.webex.com/hunterdoncountynj/onstage/g.php?MTID=e03b86c2fd9286c949cd0ed0c384545c9

REPTILES ALIVE:

Thursday, June 11, 10:00-11:00 AM, for all ages, free! 
See live turtles & snakes!
Register here: Dissect an egg & see some nests! https://hunterdoncountynj.webex.com/hunterdoncountynj/onstage/g.php?MTID=e2615dd7708d1973857a36a8bc9c90941

BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS LECTURE:

Thursday, June 18, 7:00-8:00 PM, designed for ages 8-adult, free! 
Register here: https://hunterdoncountynj.webex.com/hunterdoncountynj/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed391df53782a9beb05f25d038dd579a4

NESTS & EGGS:

Thursday, June 25, 10:00-11:00 AM, for all ages, free! 
Dissect an egg & see some nests!
Register here: https://hunterdoncountynj.webex.com/hunterdoncountynj/onstage/g.php?MTID=e23203211eea74e900ef80839f62ae952

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HISTORIC WALKING TOUR OF HOPE NEW JERSEY SUSPENDED

Date: Wednesday, June 3
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Meet at Arboretum
Ages: adults
Cost: $22 (lunch not included).  Pre-registration required.
Instructors: Liz Fulmer and guest Chip Colombo

Enjoy fresh air, exercise, and some history of the sleepy burg of Hope, a Moravian village founded in 1769.  Topics will include: beginnings, the New World, the Hope Moravian experience from 1769 to 1808, a thriving community, daily life, the Revolutionary War, the decline of Moravian Hope, the Post-Moravian Era, and Moravian architecture.  This tour will visit a grist mill, the Howell-Turner House, Tom’s Barn, many period houses, churches and graveyards, a bank, a museum, a stone bridge, and much more.  The day will start with a short slide show at the Arboretum. Then we will drive to Hope, enjoy a two-hour walking tour (please dress for an outdoors in-town walk), have lunch at the Inn at Millrace Pond (innatmillracepond.com; lunch not included in the price) and have some free time to explore the museum, antique store, and the quaint little town of Hope.

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These classes are taught by instructor Jim Rimi, who resides in Warren County, NJ.  He has been working in photography for most of his life.  He holds a BFA in photography and is an NJ-certified teacher of Art.  His work has been published and shown throughout the U.S., including a documentation in the early 1980s of The Fulton Street Fish Market in Manhattan.  Eleven prints from this project are in the permanent collection of The South Street Seaport Museum.  Another project specifically life giving to his career and role as an artist was his photo documentary entitled New York Underground.  This was a 10-year journey into the lives of the homeless, shelters, street people, and street musicians of New York City.  Jim works in both film and digital photography.  Although he has been predominately shooting in black and white and has a love for the traditional techniques and nostalgia that comes from the darkroom, he has also found an interest in the beauty of landscape.  Jim has a purest perspective with his work; he does not digitally enhance, change, or manipulate his images.  His goal as an artist is to bring forth unexpected or perhaps overlooked beauty directly into the viewers’ gaze.

SMARTPHONE PHOTO CLASS

Dates: Sunday, June 28
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Arboretum Meeting Room     
Ages: adults
Cost: $45 per person.  Pre-registration required. 
Guest instructor: Jim Rimi

Learn how to take great photos with your smartphone, without the use of apps or manipulation.  Class meets at the Arboretum starting out in the meeting room and then moving into the field.  Jim will guide and encourage students to see in a new and exciting way.  Students will then meet back in the classroom for a critique of the photos they have taken.  This will be a fun and informative class.  Dress for the weather. 

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PHOTOGRAPHIC SUNSET TRIP (DIGITAL SLR MANUAL SETTING)

Dates: Tuesday, July 14
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Deer Path Park    
Ages: adults
Cost: $40 per person.  Pre-registration required. 
Guest instructor: Jim Rimi

Students will meet at Deer Path Park, where there is an excellent vantage point to photograph the sunset.  Instruction will be given by Jim at the site in order to achieve a pleasing sunset photo.  You must be willing and patient to wait for the right moment to take the perfect sunset photo.  Requirements are a digital camera with a manual setting, a flash light or light on your phone, and proper footwear.  A tripod is very helpful but not 100% necessary.

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MACRO WORLD PHOTO CLASS *NEW! 

Dates: Saturday, July 18
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Arboretum Meeting Room     
Ages: adults
Cost: $45 per person.  Pre-registration required. 
Guest instructor: Jim Rimi

Explore the world of macro photography.  Jim will guide you through the ins and outs of taking a great macro photo.  Macro photography is what we don’t normally see.  It is close ups of bugs, flowers, plants, and trees to name just a few.  It’s a new and interesting way to see what you have already been looking at.  Come and learn to see in a very different way.  We will start out in the meeting room and then move out into the field.  Jim will guide the students in the field to see in macro.  We will then meet back in the meeting room to go over the photos taken.  This will be a fun and informative class!  Digital SLR cameras or smart phones are welcome! 

CERAMIC DRINKING VESSEL/ MUG SUSPENDED

Date: Tuesday, May 26
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Arboretum
Ages: 9 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $40 per participant (includes materials and firing).  Pre-registration required. 
Guest instructor: Emma Rimi

Take a leisurely walk through nature to collect inspiration and talk about textures and images observed for the clay project.  Students will create and decorate a hand-built ceramic tumbler or mug focusing on textures found in nature.  We will be learning slab, pinch, and coil techniques as well as various decorating techniques including Mishima and sgraffito.  Participants will learn the properties of clay and focus on rolling different impressions into their creations.  Feel free to bring nature treasures or textured items to use for imprinting.  Every piece made is microwave, dishwasher, and food safe.  Students pick glaze colors for their projects, the instructor will fire the projects, and you will receive a phone call/email when your project is ready for pick-up at the Arboretum.  Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Cost is per participant; adults may assist children for free or pay the registration fee for their own project.  No experience required.

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CERAMIC CEREAL BOWL AND SPOONS SUSPENDED

Date: Tuesday, June 16
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Arboretum
Ages: 9 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $40 per participant (includes materials and firing).  Pre-registration required. 
Guest instructor: Emma Rimi

Take a leisurely walk through nature to collect inspiration and talk about textures and images observed for the clay project.  In this workshop we will be creating two medium sized ceramic bowls and two spoons.  We will be learning slab, pinch, and coil techniques as well as various decorating techniques.  Participants will learn the properties of clay and focus on rolling different impressions into their creations.  Feel free to bring nature treasures or textured items to use for imprinting.  Every piece made is microwave, dishwasher, and food safe.  Students pick glaze colors for their projects, the instructor will fire the projects, and you will receive a phone call/email when your project is ready for pick-up at the Arboretum.  Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Cost is per participant; adults may assist children for free or pay the registration fee for their own project.  No experience required. 

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CPR AND FIRST AID FOR THE COMMUNITY COURSE (also Boy Scout Merit Badge) SUSPENDED

Dates: Wednesday, May 13: CPR and Thursday, May 14: First Aid
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Echo Hill Lodge
Ages: 12 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: CPR $30; First Aid $30; or both for $55 per person.  Pre-registration required.
Instructor: Recreation Leader Patrick Eckard

If you have ever wanted to learn CPR and First Aid, this is the time.  Patrick is an American Heart Association (AHA) instructor.  You will learn adult, child, and infant CPR, choking, and first aid, allowing you to help anyone of any age.  This is not a course for health care personnel.  Sign up for CPR and/or First Aid.  Boy Scouts may obtain their merit badge by setting up an additional meeting with Patrick. 

*The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in CPR and instructional material for this purpose.  Use of these materials in an education course does not represent course sponsorship by the American Heart Association.  Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course material, do not represent income to the Association.   

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CHILD AND BABYSITTING SAFETY CLASS SUSPENDED

Dates: Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Arboretum
Ages: 11 through 15 (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $50 per person.  Pre-registration required.
Instructor: Recreation Leader Patrick Eckard

This two-day class is for any young person who wants to learn how to take care of a child or baby.  We will go over everything you need to know to handle all problems that may come up like: how to deal with bad behavior, fire, water, falls, poison, sudden illnesses, and assessing for illness and injury.  We will go over basic first aid and CPR (not a certification).  Then we will go over safe sleep practices, feeding, and play time.  You will receive a certification card after the class.  Adults must accompany their teens and stay for free. 

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FREE RECREATION WALKS SUSPENDED

Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Ages: adults
Cost: free; pre-registration required.
Instructor: Recreation Leader Patrick Eckard
Meet Patrick at each location and he will introduce you to the beauty of the parks as he inspects the trail systems.  He will tell you the history of each park as you get some fresh air and exercise.  Then come back on your own to hike the trails at your leisure.  These trails are easy to moderate hikes. 

May 6: Point Mountain North, 219 Old Turnpike Road, Port Murray 07865 
May 20: Echo Hill Park, 42 Lilac Drive, Flemington 08822
June 3: Miquin Woods, 326 Newport Road, Glen Gardner 08826

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