190 Lord Stirling Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ • 908 766-2489

Crafty with Nature
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
For centuries nature has been the inspiration for artists. Bring your young artist to these classes and let their creative juices flow as they make art with nature. Paint, clay, and leaves will be a few of the mediums we will use to create masterpieces.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51446

Tree House Gang
(Ages 3-5)
Bring your little ones to the Environmental Education Center for fun science and nature programming. These afternoon classes will enhance learning by going outside for hikes, hands-on activities, meeting live animals, and creating at least one cool craft to take home at the end of the month. Each month has a different theme. A small snack will be provided. Please dress your child for the weather.
$65 for 4-day session per person
Course Code: 51488

Captivating Critters!
(Ages 7-9)
Come and see some truly cool critters and learn what helps them to survive in nature. Our guest list includes Pete the praying mantis, Rosie the red rump tarantula, a gorgeous gecko named Smooth, hissing cockroaches from Madagascar, and a special surprise guest. Join a Naturalist to learn what makes each animal special and important.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51009

Mega Mammals
(Ages 4-6)
Mammals of all shapes and sizes exist in the world. This program will focus on the larger species of mammals and how interesting they truly are. Through activities, crafts, stories, and games your child will go home with a good understanding of nature's mega mammals!
$9 per person
Course Code: 51637

Story Hour
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come and listen to a Naturalist read a story, relax in our comfortable library, and take a short walk. A simple way to spend some quality time with your young one while enjoying wonderful environmentally-oriented books. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51628

The Green Team
(Ages 12-15)
Do you need to fulfill your community service requirement for school? Is natural science a subject you find interesting? Do you like the outdoors? Is the Great Swamp a place you like to visit? If so, join us at the Environmental Education Center for educational and fun volunteering opportunities. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51438

Winter Birds
(All Ages)
Winter is the perfect time of the year to learn to identify birds by sight. Join a Naturalist and learn the basics of bird biology, behavior, and identification. Make a backyard bird identification poster for your home.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51604

The Young Explorers Club
(Ages infant–5 with parent)
It is never too early to get little ones outdoors to experience the wonders of nature. This series will focus on developing their five senses through simple activities. Parents will share the excitement with their children during this special hour and return home with ideas to explore nature close to home.
$22 per pair/$11 per additional child for 3-day session
Course Code: 51667

KinderNats
(Ages 5-6)
KinderNats is a program designed and geared for children currently enrolled in kindergarten. This afterschool series will get them outside to study science and explore the natural world. These Junior Naturalists will be engaged through games,
activities, and much more! Each week will focus on a different seasonal theme. Please be dressed for all kinds of weather.
$18 for 3-day session per person
Course Code: 51666

Tree House Gang
(Ages 3-5)
Bring your little ones to the Environmental Education Center for fun science and nature programming. These afternoon classes will enhance learning by going outside for hikes, hands-on activities, meeting live animals, and creating at least one cool craft to take home at the end of the month. Each month has a different theme. A small snack will be provided. Please dress your child for the weather.
$65 for 4-day session per person
Course Code: 51488

Diggin' Dinosaurs
(Ages 4-6)
Even though dinosaurs are extinct, they are pretty interesting creatures! Join us as we become paleontologists and discover just what this type of scientist does all day. We will learn how fossils are formed, uncover some of our very own fossils, and learn some cool dinosaur characteristics.
$10 per person
Course Code: 51037

Feed the Birds
(Ages 7-9)
Winter is a great time to get birds to your feeders. This program will introduce you to different types of birds and the food items they prefer. We will play some bird games and make some feeders for your yard. Come, get closer to our feather friends who are making the most of winter.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51367

Wandering Around Wallkill
(Adult)
Wander with us up to northwestern New Jersey, as we explore the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. We will visit High Point State Park's famous obelisk and Lake Marcia. We will walk the Liberty Marsh Loop, which encompasses part of the Appalachian Trail, at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. As the sun sets, we will begin searching for Short-Eared Owls, a beautiful winter resident raptor of New Jersey. Bring a lunch, binoculars, and dress appropriately for the weather.
$50 per adult /$40 per senior
Course Code: 51029

Creature Feature
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Bring your little one to the Environmental Center on a Friday afternoon to learn all about mammals! During this program your child will enjoy a show-and-tell presentation along with hands-on activities to learn about these animals. A hike may be part of the program weather pending.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51115

Whale of a Tail
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Who are the largest mammals on the face of the Earth? Well, of course our friends the whales are! Join us as we learn and discover some fascinating whale characteristics. We will explore what it is like to have baleen and blubber for starters. Then we will size ourselves up to whales and finish with some origami and poems – get ready for a splashing good time!
$10 per person/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51043

Star Struck
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Everyone knows stars are found in outer space. But which is the most famous star of all? What do the stars tell people? Discuss constellations, play games, and make a craft.
$10 per pair/$5 per additional child
Course Code: 51390

Let it Snow
(Ages 4-6)
Discover the wonders of frozen water by looking at the different structures that we call snow and see how there are no two snowflakes alike. We will make our own paper snowflakes and then head outside to see how snow benefits the swamp. Let it snow, so we can enjoy a winter wonderland!
$9 per person
Course Code: 51122

Chain Reaction
(Ages 7-9)
Producers, consumers, and decomposers are some of the many connections of a food chain and food web. But who said it has to be complicated? Play some fun games to help you remember the chain reaction!
$9 per person
Course Code: 51242

Eagles Up Close on the Delaware
(Adult)
The upper Delaware River is home to bald eagles in the cold of winter. Join us for a day of admiring America's most majestic bird! We will visit the Delaware River above Port Jervis, New York, and the Lackawaxen River as well. Bundle up because it will be cold, and bring binoculars, lunch, and money for a dinner stop on the way home.
$50 per adult/$40 per senior
Course Code: 51201

Story Hour
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Come and listen to a Naturalist read a story, relax in our comfortable library, and take a short walk. A simple way to spend some quality time with your young one while enjoying wonderful environmentally-oriented books. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51628

The Green Team
(Ages 12-15)
Do you need to fulfill your community service requirement for school? Is natural science a subject you find interesting? Do you like the outdoors? Is the Great Swamp a place you like to visit? If so, join us at the Environmental Education Center for educational and fun volunteering opportunities. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51438

HELP!
(Adults)
Do you love the Environmental Education Center? We could use your help with a variety of endeavors. Throughout the year, different projects will be tackled depending on the season. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and helping hands will be used to enhance the Center. An hour here or there could be spent gardening, preparing for a program or special event, creating signage, etc. As thanks, we will provide yummy treats. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51594
EEC-11 Sunday, January 22
9:00am-11:00am

Coyote Cries - NEW
(All Ages)
Perhaps you have heard a coyote howling at night or read about coyotes in the area. This Power Point presentation will help you sort the myths from the facts. Coyote education is important for anyone living in New Jersey. Pre-registration is required.
FREE
Course Code: 51668

Homeschool Offering: Under Pressure
(Ages 7-12)
Spend the afternoon inside exploring the scientific method through fun experimentation. Working with a variety of common household items we will explore their properties and challenge our knowledge of the world around us.
$12 per person
Course Code: 51648

Frosty Footprints
(Ages infant-5 with parent)
Animals leave behind clues that are fun to follow, especially in the snow and frosty dirt! Bundle up and we will head out to find evidence that animals are still busy, even in winter, then come in to get warm and do a footprint-y craft.
$6 per person
Course Code: 51033

Maple Sugar Sweets
(All Ages)
Join a Naturalist and learn the basics of maple sugaring. While it is hard work tapping trees for this tasty treat, it is well worth it. We will also sample a few tasty maple treats enjoyed since the time of the Native Americans.
$9 per person
Course Code: 51634

MOST CLASSES ARE CONDUCTED OUTSIDE,
SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY

    • Program Registration Application (pdf)
    • Monthly Newsletter (pdf)  
    • Calendar (pdf) 

PROGRAM OFFERINGS
    • Program Registration Information & Locations
    • Environmental Education Center
    • Canoe & Kayak Programs & Trips
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Birthday Parties
    • School Group Programs
    • Scouts/Other Group Programs
    • Maple Sugaring

 PARK FEATURES
   • Special Events
    • Exhibits
    • Workshops
    • Family Program Series
    • Trips
    • Library
    • Trails
    • Natural History Book & Gift Shop
    • Room Rental

E-mail the EEC any questions or comments