NATURE PROGRAMS

• In-Person Nature Programs

  -   IN-PERSON FAMILY NATURE CLUB

  -   IN-PERSON PARK DISCOVERY SERIES

  -   IN-PERSON TOT WALKS

• Virtual Nature Programs

• Virtual Nature Programs for Kids

 In-Person Nature Programs

HOMESCHOOL LESSON: HIBERNATION
Date: Wednesday, November 10
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Deer Path Park Cedars Pavilion
Ages: 7 through 12 (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $3 per child; accompanying adult attends for free (pre-registration required)
Class size: 7 participants
Instructor: Tom Sheppard, Chief Park Naturalist

Some species migrate, but other species use a drastically different strategy to beat the hardships of winter. We will review different species that perform this action and explore how this adaption spans across the different animal groups.

MARS & THE MOON - View the flyer
Date: Friday, November 12
Time: 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Hoffman Park, Baptist Church Parking Area
Ages: 10 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $3 (pre-registration required)
Class size: 10 participants
Instructor: Tom Sheppard, Chief Park Naturalist

During this evening program, we will view the Red Planet, Mars, in the setting sky and then shift to the moon. We will view the details of the seas, mountains, and craters as we pan across the surface of the Moon with a telescope. Any remaining time will be used to show off the season’s constellations and the myths that go with them.

WATERFALL HIKE AT MUSCONETCONG GORGE - View the flyer
Date: Saturday, November 13
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Musconetcong Gorge
Ages: 10 through adult (child must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $6 per person (pre-registration required)
Class size: 14 participants
Instructor: Laura Bush, Senior Park Naturalist

Join us on a scenic hike at Musconetcong Gorge! This park offers fall color, rugged terrain, and a small waterfall. We may see fall birds and other animals as well. This is a challenging hike, only about 1.5 miles long but several hundred feet of elevation gain and loss. Please bring water to carry with you. Meet at the main parking lot, 182 Dennis Road, Bloomsbury (Holland Township). Please note: there are no restrooms at this location.

A THANKFUL, TRANQUIL STROLL
Date: Tuesday, November 16
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Wescott Preserve, 70 Raven Rock-Rosemont Road Parking Area
Ages: adult
Cost: $3 per person (pre-registration required)
Class size: 10 participants
Instructor: Debra Reed, Naturalist

Being in nature can reduce our stress and remind us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. The sounds of the forest, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the scent of the trees, and the fresh air can give us a sense of comfort, ease our worry, and help us to relax. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, and remind us to be thankful.

 

FALL 2021 IN-PERSON FAMILY NATURE CLUB

Date: Sundays
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM
Location: Echo Hill
Ages: 4 to 8 with adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: Each program $5 per child; accompanying adult attends for free (pre-registration required)
Class size: 10 total participants, including parents
Instructor: Debra Reed, Park Naturalist

AMAZING ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS: November 7

Family Nature Club makes it easy and fun for families to enjoy healthy outdoor activities together. Come share your curiosity for the natural world and connect with children and families that share those interests on a regular basis. Nature club provides the support and security needed by many families to venture out into the world together. The fun element of this “play date on a trail” makes nature more enticing. Join Debra Reed, an experienced leader, to show you where to go and what to look for when exploring nature. Learn how outdoor activities can be enjoyable, fun, and stress-free. Each program includes a story time, nature walk, and craft. Cost is per class; sign up for one or more classes.

FALL 2021 IN-PERSON PARK DISCOVERY SERIES - View the flyer

Date: Mondays
Time: Choose from the following timeslots: 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM, and 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
Ages: 4 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: Each walk $3 per person (pre-registration required)
Class size: 9 participants
Instructor: Laura Bush, Senior Park Naturalist

Join Senior Park Naturalist Laura Bush to explore your County parks! Every other Monday, Laura will visit a new park. Each 45-minute walk will be an introduction to the park. Let’s see what we can find in nature! Choose from the following timeslots: 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM, and 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Choose a time for one or more locations. Please note that there are no restroom facilities at most locations.

LAPORT RESERVE: November 1
216 Mountain Road, Ringoes (East Amwell Township)

WESCOTT PRESERVE: November 15
70 Raven Rock-Rosemont Road, Stockton (Delaware Township)

HOFFMAN PARK: November 29
Hoffman Park back entrance, 751 Mechlin Corner Road, Hampton (Union Township)

2021-2022 IN-PERSON TOT WALKS - View the flyer

TOT WALK: TURKEYS
Session A: Wednesday, November 17 at 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
Session B: Wednesday, November 17 at 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Session C: Thursday, November 18 at 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
Session D: Thursday, November 18 at 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Location: Echo Hill
Ages: 2 to 3 with adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: Each walk $5 per child; accompanying adult attends for free (pre-registration required)
Class size: 7 children accompanied by 7 adults
Instructor: Laura Bush, Senior Park Naturalist

Join Ms. Laura to discover nature at your local park! Leave the strollers behind as we take a walk outside to learn about turkeys. Dress for the weather as we will spend the entire 45 minutes outside. Participants will also receive a take-home craft. Please select Session A, B, C, or D.

 

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 Virtual Nature Programs

Free webinars. You must register for each program individually. These free programs will be conducted through WebEx and are best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer. They can also be viewed through a tablet or smartphone. Register through the individual links provided. Please note, for some webinars you will need to supply the materials and tools for the class. Some programming includes handouts; please download any attachments at the time of registration. Participants; cameras will remain off and audio muted; communication will take place via chat. Plans are to record these events, and upon your request, you will receive the link to the recording so you can revisit the program.

BATS OF HUNTERDON COUNTY - View the flyer
Date: Wednesday, October 27
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: virtual program
Ages: 10 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: free! (pre-registration required)
Instructor: Tom Sheppard, Chief Park Naturalist
REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM INFORMATION

VIRTUAL TOUR OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK - View the flyer
Date: Thursday, November 4
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: virtual program
Ages: recommended for ages 8 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: free!
Instructor: Laura Bush, Senior Park Naturalist
REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM INFORMATION

WILDLIFE FOLKLORE
Date: Tuesday, November 9
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: virtual program
Ages: age 10 to adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: free! (pre-registration required)
Instructor: Debra Reed, Park Naturalist
REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM INFORMATION

SLOTH SAFARI WITH JENKINSON’S AQUARIUM - View the flyer
Date: Monday, November 15
Time: 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM
Location: virtual program
Ages: all (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: free! (pre-registration required)
Guest Instructor: Jenkinson’s Aquarium (sponsored by Hunterdon County Clean Communities)
Registration: Email lkroon@co.hunterdon.nj.us to receive the link.

WALK ACROSS THE FACE OF THE MOON - View the flyer
Date: Wednesday, November 17
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: virtual program
Ages: 10 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: free! (pre-registration required)
Instructor: Tom Sheppard, Chief Park Naturalist
REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM INFORMATION

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 RECREATION PROGRAMS

• In-Person Recreation Programs

• Virtual Receration Programs NEW

• Virtual Crafting and Basketry Kit Programs NEW

 In-Person Recreation Programs

WALK for FUN: DEER PATH
Date: Monday, November 8
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM 
Location: Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodchurch Road, Flemington, Readington Twp.
Ages: adult
Cost: $3 (pre-registration required) 
Class size: 9 participants
Instructor: Liz Braidwood-Fulmer, Recreation Program Coordinator 

A twist of history, a splash of artistic inspiration, a little exploration of nature, exercise, and quiet time in the woods. We will sample the one-mile fitness trail that consists of 15 different exercise stations. The stations offer a balanced program of strength, endurance, and coordination exercises. Type of walking surface: flat, dirt and grassy paths.  

SENIOR STROLL at ARBORETUM
Date: Wednesday, November 17
Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Location: Arboretum, 1020 State Highway 31, Lebanon (Clinton Township)
Ages: adult
Cost: free! (pre-registration required) 
Class size: 9 participants
Instructor: Liz Braidwood-Fulmer, Recreation Program Coordinator 

Join Liz as we stroll about the Arboretum gardens, past the pond, through the old Arboretum woods and over the swamp via the boardwalk. Then back to the gardens to create a wreath from vines and socialize. Please wear proper footwear and dress for the weather.

MAKE A STAR WAND
Date: Friday, November 19
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM 
Location: Arboretum Gardens
Ages: 8 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $4 per project (pre-registration required) 
Class size: 10 participants
Instructor: Liz Braidwood-Fulmer, Recreation Program Coordinator 

Alakazam, you made a stick into a star wand! Now let’s decorate it to your liking and go for a short hike. Please dress in layers, appropriate for being outdoors. View our flyer for photos.

 

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 Virtual Recreation Programs

 

VIRTUAL TOUR OF HUNTERDON COUNTY PARKS: MIQUIN WOODS
Dates: Wednesday, November 10
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: virtual program
Ages: 12 through adult (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: free!
Instructor: Patrick Eckard, Recreation Leader
Registration: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Take a virtual walking tour of Miquin Woods, which was once a Boy Scout Camp. Enjoy the visual treat of the rambling Spruce Run Creek and the picturesque pond. This park has lots of trails and is a great place to enjoy nature.

 

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 Virtual Crafting/Basket Kit Programs

CRAFTING AND BASKETRY

Create from the comfort of your own home! Let’s make baskets and crafts together via a webinar. Pick up a materials kit at the County Arboretum then join the webinar for step-by-step instructions. These programs will be recorded; therefore, you could revisit it if need be. Or if you cannot make the date, just watch it later (the recordings will be available for two months after the workshop date).

Registration: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/ProgramRegistrationForms.html). Please be sure to include your email address and phone number on the form. You will need to pick up a materials kit at the Hunterdon County Arboretum (1020 Route 31 North, Lebanon, NJ). Office is open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You will need to supply some tools; a list will be supplied. Note: Your audio will be on and your cameras off. Plans are to record each session; you will receive the link and password via the email you provide on your registration form.

ZAGGIE BASKET
Dates: Mondays, November 22 & 29
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: virtual program
Age: adults 
Cost: $15 (pre-registration required)
Instructor: Liz Braidwood-Fulmer, Recreation Program Coordinator  
Registration: The WebEx address will be emailed to you upon receiving your check and

Program Registration Form. Please be sure to include your email address and phone number on the form. BEFORE you pick up a basket materials kit at the Hunterdon County Arboretum (1020 Route 31 North, Lebanon, NJ) PLEASE CALL 908-782-1158 to be sure the kits are ready! Office is open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Note: Your audio will be on and your cameras off. Plans are to record each session; you will receive the link and password via the email you provide on your registration form.

Create a zaggie-step design square basket measuring 8” x 8” x 8” (no handle). SKILL LEVEL: challenging-advanced.
Materials you supply: Scissors (for cutting basket material), a bucket of warm water, tape measure, pencil, 15 clothespins or small spring clamps, a weight or heavy book, a tuck tool (you could use a small standard head screwdriver or a butter knife). OPTIONAL: spray bottle.
View our flyer for photos.

 

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ACTIVITIES

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