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Sunday, March 17, 2024

Celebrate Earth Day & g'ART'bage Art Contest! @ Essex County Environmental Center

 

Celebrate Earth Day & gARTbage Art Contest!

Essex County Environmental Center
Click HERE to view our Parks Calendar & Register Online Today!
Click HERE for our Public Programs Brochure



gARTbage Art Contest



MARCH MAPLE SYRUP: HOW SWEET IT IS!

Tuesday, March 19, 5:15pm to 7:15pm For families.

Maple syrup is a sweet treat that has been harvested ever since the Lenape Native Americans lived here on the landscape. Let’s celebrate the spring equinox together and hear the story of how maple syrup was discovered, learn to identify our maple trees, tap tree stumps with hand augers and taste the real thing drizzled over mini pancakes that we make together and cook on a campfire!
Fee: $40 per family (up to two adults and two children) or $12 per child, $15 per adult.
Register HERE


 


LITTLE EXPLORERS CLUB

Mondays – March 11, 25; April 8, 22; May 6, 20; June 3, 17

For Ages 2 and 3; 10am to 11am For Ages 2 and 5; 3pm-4pm 

Join us for explorations of nature as we study plants and animals and observe the colors, shapes, textures, and sounds in the Environmental Center’s forest habitat. Please come dressed for the weather; all classes include an outdoor adventure. All children must be walking and accompanied by an adult. Paths cannot accommodate strollers. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.
Maximum of two children per adult. All sessions are limited to 10 children.
This is not a drop off class; adults must accompany children. 

Fee: $15 per child per session.
Register HERE


GARDEN DISCOVERY CLUB

Tuesdays – April 23; May 7, 21; June 4, 18; July 9, 23; August 6, 20; Sept. 10 4pm to 5pm 

For ages 5 and up.
Together we’ll grow food in our garden plot and learn about everything from soil to seeds along the way. Participants will get hands-on experience with planting, harvesting and cooking. Session themes include soil and composting, seed planting and labeling, thinning, weeding and watering, selective harvest, garden pests, healthy eating and more! This is a drop-off and pick-up class (children only). 

Fee: $15 per child per session
Register HERE



FOREST FRIENDS CLUB

Thursdays – March 14, April 11, May 9, June 6 4pm to 5pm

For children ages 5 through 10.

We’ll explore the forest using nets, binoculars, magnifiers, and microscopes to investigate nature in our wooded wetland habitat. Together we hope to foster an ethic of stewardship and offer an opportunity to take part in hands-on conservation projects. 

Fee: $12 per child per session
Register HERE


  


FROG POND CLUB

Wednesdays – March 20, April 17, May 15, & June 12 4pm to 5pm

For children ages 5 through 9.

Uncover and discover ecosystem interactions at the frog pond. Explore with nets, magnifiers and microscopes to investigate what lives at the pond and learn from a naturalist what can be done to protect and conserve the pond inhabitants.

Fee: $12 per child per session
Register HERE



FAMILY DAFFODIL DISSECTION

Monday, April 22, 6pm to 7:30pm

For families.
With Naturalist Heather, we’ll pick and dissect a daffodil to better understand flower anatomy and pollination, play a game of pollinator family feud and take a walk on the Environmental Center trails. There we will discover spring wildflowers like Trout Lily, Violet, Spring Beauty, and Solomon Seal.

Fee: $40 per family (up to two adults and two children) or $12 per child, $15 per adult.

Register HERE




 


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
FOR ADULTS

 Scholarships available for Essex County Urban Aid District teachers and community leaders!
Email David to inquire: dalexander@parks.essexcountynj.org
Pre-registration and payment required either in person, by mail or online at www.essexcountyparks.org/calendar

DESIGNING AND INSTALLING A TEACHING POLLINATOR GARDEN:
CONNECTING CURRICULUM TO OUTDOOR SPACES

Monday, April 22 6:15pm to 8:15pm                 

Imagine turning your space into a vibrant learning oasis! Our workshop guides educators and community folks on a seamlessly blended academic curriculum to achieve a lively pollinator garden, creating a holistic learning experience for everyone involved. This workshop is designed by Dena Corbin, founder and CEO of Natural Ground 1, a unique platform dedicated to fostering wellness and well-being through a harmonious blend of workshops. The focus revolves around the intrinsic connection between native plants, personal wellness, and the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

Fee: $15 per adult    Register HERE



 
PROJECT WET - TEACHER WORKSHOP

Monday, May 13, 9am to 3pm      

The Project WET curriculum guide, focusing on grades K through 6, is a collection of science-based, interdisciplinary activities and lesson plans that are teacher-tested and classroom ready. They help formal and non-formal educators, feel confident addressing themes of water in the classroom and empower students to build a more resilient future. Project Wet is aligned with Common Core and NGSS standards. Bring lunch and dress for the weather. Certificates are given for the workshop hours completed.

Led by Environmental Center Senior Naturalist David Alexander.

Fee: $35 (includes curriculum activity guide)   

Register HERE


 
Scholarships available for Essex County Urban Aid District teachers and community leaders!
Email David to inquire: dalexander@parks.essexcountynj.org
Pre-registration and payment required either in person, by mail or online at www.essexcountyparks.org/calendar
 



2024 ESSEX COUNTY PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 11, so grab a camera and visit an Essex County Park! Anyone with a camera is invited and encouraged to submit photos that capture a part of your visit to the County Park System. 

 

Essex County Environmental Center
973.228.8776  ~  621b Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068