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2012 Special Events at the Environmental Education Center
The following annual events are conducted at the Environmental Education Center. The EEC is located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge. For directions, please click here. For additional information, please call the EEC at 908 766-2489.

Nature Through a Child’s Eye
This annual children’s environmental art exhibit features Somerset County kindergartners through sixth graders who have expressed their love of our natural world, our environment, and our Earth through their artwork.
FREE
January 3 – January 27, 2012
9:00am-4:30pm except Martin Luther King Day

Maple Sugaring
Maple sugaring is a tradition in the Northeast that began centuries ago with the Native Americans and colonists. People of all ages are invited to see this tradition brought to life at the Environmental Education Center (EEC). You will see how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods past and present, and see the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup. This 90-minute program is conducted at our Sugar Shack, a ½-mile hike from the EEC. Please arrive at the EEC 20-30 minutes before the program start time. Organized groups (such as schools) may schedule weekday demonstrations by calling the EEC at 908 766-2489, ext. 332.
FREE
February 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
March 3, 4, 10, 11
Saturdays - 10:00am, Noon, and 2:00pm
Sundays - Noon and 2:00pm

April - Earth Awareness Month

ECO-RALLY!
April 1 – April 15, 2012
click here for PDF

Sign up as an individual or as a team of friends, families,
scout groups, co-workers, sports teams, etc. All are welcome to enter!

Receive a daily log and record the simple tasks you complete to minimize your carbon footprint! Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

•  Turn the lights off when you leave a room
•  Ride your bike or walk instead of driving
•  Use reusable bags when shopping
•  Plant a native plant garden or tree
•  Use reusable containers when bringing a lunch to work or school
Then create a display of posters, pictures, etc. showing your contribution to the environment! Displays will be
exhibited at the Environmental Education Center from April 24 through May 6.

Prizes will be awarded at the
Eco-Rally Awards Ceremony
Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 2:00pm

To request an application or for further information regarding the Eco-Rally please contact 908 766-2489 ext. 326 or e-mail cspringer@scparks.org

Project E.A.R.T.H – Swamp Search!
Join us for an exciting scavenger hunt on the Environmental
Education Center trails to learn about the importance of the Great Swamp as an ecological and recreational resource. Enjoy environmental activities and games for children of all ages. Try your "eco-skills" on our scavenger hunt and participate in cool activities that promote positive environmental actions for everyone. Then come back to the EEC for a special program with live animals to celebrate Earth Awareness Month. See the Family Program Series for more information. This is a rain or shine event – please call the EEC for scavenger hunt status in case of inclement weather.
FREE
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Noon-4:30pm

The County Caper
August 25 & 26
"The County Caper", a two day game that takes families and friends on an interactive tour of Somerset County Parks and facilities.
Free
8am start time
Environmental Education Center, Basking Ridge
908 766-2489

The County Caper Accelerated!
August 25
The County Caper Accelerated! is a one day game that takes adults on an interactive tour of Somerset County parks and facilities. Challenge your mental and physical capabilities while completing fun tasks throughout the day as your team races against the clock. Saturday, August 25, 2012 kicks-off this exciting event for those who crave adventure in their own backyard.
FREE
8am-4pm

The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival
Colonial history lives at the Somerset County Park Commission's annual 1770s Festival when Lord Stirling's grand manor house and estate come to life in Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ. Colonial craftspeople ply their trades and a Revolutionary War military detachment camp on the former estate lawns and conduct maneuvers. The event promotes historical and environmental education by familiarizing people with the rich local history of Basking Ridge, highlighting an unsung Revolutionary War hero, demonstrating the colonial heritage of New Jersey, and recreating a typical autumn afternoon in 1770. In 2006, the Lord Stirling 1770s Festival won the Cultural and History Commission of Somerset County History Award for Education. Period re-enactors attired in replicas of 1770s clothing participate in the festival demonstrating their trades and crafts (no crafts are sold). These crafts people make articles such as buttons, rifles, brooms, furniture, lace, stained glass, redware pottery, and powder horns. Other trades and crafts include a blacksmith, tinsmith, wool spinning, decoy carving, and colonial herbs. Children of all ages enjoy the hayrides, clay crafts using Stirling clay, stenciling, and toy making. Visitors may try on colonial costumes and have their photograph taken while restrained to the Somerset Gaoler's wooden stock.
$4 per person suggested donation
Sunday, October 7, 2012
10:30am - 4:30pm

By the Light of the Moon - NEW!
(Ages 7-10 with adult)
Listen for animal sounds. Make sparks fly. Hone your night vision and more as you traverse the swampy trails with a Naturalist beneath the stars. Indoor activities include a maze, live critters, and more! Cookies and cider top off the night. (We recommend wearing your boots!)
$6 per person
Course Code: 52004 Friday, October 19, 2012
Scheduled walks depart every 15 minutes between 6:30pm & 8pm

The Nature of Halloween
(Ages 3-6 with adult)
Stroll the boardwalk and meet life-size misunderstood animals such as a dazzling dragonfly, splendid snake and vivacious vulture. Indoor activities include a maze, live critters, and more! Cookies and cider top off the night.
$6 per person
Course Code: 52002 Saturday, October 20, 2012

Scheduled walks depart every 15 minutes between 3:15pm & 5:30pm.

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2012 Special Events at Lord Stirling Stable
The following events are held at the Lord Stirling Stable. The Stable is located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge. For directions, please click here. For additional information, please call the Stable at 908 766-5955.

29th Annual Family Fun Day (co-sponsored by the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable)
May 6
Games on horseback are the centerpiece of this fun-filled day at Lord Stirling Stable, but that's not all we've got! Free pony rides and hayrides make horses accessible to everyone; local vendors offer their specialties for sale; and child-friendly arcade games ensure that everyone is a winner. The Friends have food and beverages available for purchase, so bring the kids, bring your appetite, and have a ball!
8am – 4pm
Lord Stirling Stable, Basking Ridge
908 766‑5955

Herrmann’s Original Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria
September 14,15,16
The Somerset County Park Commission and the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable will host performances by the popular Herrmann’s Lipizzan Stallions.  Show times and ticket prices TBA.
Lord Stirling Stable, Basking Ridge
908 766-5955 (top)

2012 Special Events at Leonard J. Buck Garden
The following events are conducted at Leonard J. Buck Garden. Buck Garden is located at Layton Road in Far Hills. For directions, please click here. For additional information, please call Buck Garden at 908 234-2677.

Art and Photography Exhibit      
February 27 – March 16 – Free to public
10am – 4pm,  Monday – Friday only
Showcasing the four seasons at Leonard J. Buck Garden, this exhibit will feature photographs, paintings, and drawings of Buck Garden.  See the garden’s many faces through the works of talented artists and photographers.  This exhibit will be held at the Leonard J. Buck Garden Visitor Center

Pruning Fundamentals
March 20  9am – 11am
Fee: $12 
Is that shrub in your backyard getting too big? Do you want to prune it yourself, but need some guidance? Then join the Buck Garden staff to learn basic pruning techniques used in the Garden. Proper pruning tools will be discussed. There will be an outdoor presentation, weather permitting. So please dress appropriately for outdoor activities.
Preregistration required.

Garden Photography Workshop 1      
April 17  9am – 11:30am
Fee:  $35 per person
A Flower & Landscape Photography Class is offered to beginner and intermediate photography enthusiasts by professional photographer Brien Szabo of Nature Images, Inc. This class will involve technical instruction in the Buck Garden Visitor Center followed by outdoor photography of plant close-up and landscape scenes. The workshop is designed for both digital and film photographers. Pre-registration required, space limited.

Spring Plant Sale &  Earth Day Celebration     
April 28 & 29 – Free to Public
Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm
Enhance your garden with some spectacular new plant treasures, and help us celebrate Earth Day.  Weekend highlights include a plant sale featuring many choice selections of perennials, ferns and woody plants, inspiring garden lectures, and guided tours of this magnificent naturalistic rock garden.  This event is co-sponsored with Watnong Chapter North American Rock Garden Society. 

Flower & Landscape Photography II Alternative Approaches
May 8  9am – 11:30am
Fee $35
This class will involve technical instruction focusing on alternative approaches to flower and landscape photography. We’ll explore the abstract side of photography from multiple exposure images, using filters, blur techniques and more. This class will include a lecture and shooting session in the garden. The workshop will be taught by Brien Szabo at Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills. The class is designed for all levels of digital and film photographers. Pre-registration is required.

Fragrance in the Garden
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Certain plants have fragrant flowers, scented foliage. Why - because it pays to advertise. Fragrant flowers attract pollinators, while fragrant foliage warns off insect pests. Of all our senses, fragrance is the most evocative. It can trigger memories from long ago that we've forgotten. Yet of all senses, fragrances are the most difficult to describe, and one we cannot record as we do sound and sight. This lecture will explore the diversity of plant fragrances and a selection delightful to add to your garden.
Pre-registration required.
Fee: $12
10am – 12 noon

Beginner’s Hypertufa Workshop 
June 22  9:30am – 11:30am
Fee:  $45
Hypertufa is a handmade material which resembles “tufa” (too-fa), a rugged volcanic rock used to make troughs.  These containers are especially suited for small rock garden plants.  You will make your own hypertufa mini-trough and receive instruction for curing and completing it at home.  (It takes several weeks to cure completely).  You will also receive a finished mini- trough and will plant it to create your own miniature rock garden.  It’s tufa the price of one!  Come dressed to get messy.  Workshop fee includes the cost of materials and plants.
Pre-registration is required.  Enrollment is limited to 10 participants.

Watercolors in the Garden – Painting Pleasures   
August 30  9:30am – 3pm
Fee: $35 per
Nature and wildlife artist Beatrice Bork will give a one-day class at Leonard J. Buck Garden to capture the garden’s beauty on paper. Students will be guided in choosing a location when painting outdoors, paint application, mixing colors, composition, and how to create a finished watercolor painting. Basic drawing skills are recommended. Call for art supply list and bring your lunch. Ms. Bork, internationally known nature and wildlife artist, has received many special achievements and awards during her career. Pre-registration is required.  Rain Date Friday, 8/31/12

The Secret Life of Trees
September 15
A new program at Buck Garden designed for children 9 – 11 years of age is all about trees. The goal is to develop an interest and appreciation of trees by observing them in their everyday lives. Activities will include; bark rubbing; leaf tracing; and ring counting. A discussion of the important role trees play in our lives will follow. Parents are welcome to attend and/or enjoy a walk through the garden.
Enrollment limited to 10 children. Rain or shine
9:00am – 11:00am
Fee: $12
Leonard J. Buck Garden, Far Hills
908 234-2677

Beginner’s Hypertufa Workshop 
October 12  9:30am – 11:30am
Fee:  $45
Hypertufa is a handmade material which resembles “tufa” (too-fa), a rugged volcanic rock used to make troughs.  These containers are especially suited for small rock garden plants.  You will make your own hypertufa mini-trough and receive instruction for curing and completing it at home.  (It takes several weeks to cure completely).  You will also receive a finished mini- trough and will plant it to create your own miniature rock garden.  It’s tufa the price of one!  Come dressed to get messy.  Workshop fee includes the cost of materials and plants.
Pre-registration is required.  Enrollment is limited to 10 participants.

Flower & Landscape Photography – Autumnal Brilliance
October 23
While each season in Buck Garden has its own special qualities, none are quite as spectacular as the colors of the trees and shrubs in the fall. Lecture and field session will cover the use of light, composition, landscape photography, close-ups, and how to find the right picture. The workshop will be taught by Nature Photographer Brien Szabo. The class is designed for all levels of digital and film photographers. Pre-registration is required.
Fee: $35 per person
9am – 11:30am
Leonard J. Buck Garden, Far Hills
908 234-2677

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2012 Special Events at Colonial Park Gardens
The following events are conducted at the Rose Garden and the Perennial Garden, both located in Colonial Park in Franklin Township. For directions, please click here. For additional information, please call the Horticulture Department at 732 873-2459. Events that have a program fee require pre-registration. All programs are rain or shine, unless otherwise noted. If you have individualized needs due to a disability, please call (908) 526-5650 and we will be happy to arrange reasonable accommodations.  Three weeks notice is required to ensure that appropriate accommodations can be provided.

ROSE PRUNING WORKSHOP
Saturday, March 10, 2012, 9 – 11am (rain date: March 17)
Fee: $12 per person (limit 30 people)
This combination lecture and hands-on workshop presented by the Horticulture staff will give you all the basics you need to help ensure a season of healthy roses in your garden. Bring your leather gloves and pruning equipment, and remember to dress warmly. The program will be held in the Rose Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot A.

SPRING PRUNING DEMONSTRATION
Saturday, April 14, 2012, 9 – 11am (rain date: April 21)
Fee: $12 per person (limit 30 people)
Do you want to prune the shrubs in your backyard, but don't know where to start cutting? Then join the Horticulture staff at the Colonial Park Gardens as they demonstrate and discuss the basic pruning techniques and proper tools used for pruning. Please dress for the weather as this will be an outdoor presentation. The program will be held in the Arboretum in Colonial Park, Parking Lots A and F. Please meet at the entrance to the Rose Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot A.

38TH ANNUAL ROSE DAY
Saturday, June 9, 2012, 10am – 3pm
Free (Suggested donation of $3 per adult and $1 per senior or child)
Rose Day celebrates peak bloom in the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot A. This award-winning All-America Rose Selections display garden features more than 3,000 roses representing over 325 different varieties. Horticulture staff and members of the Jersey Shore Rose Society will be available to answer questions. It is a day to stroll through the garden and attend free lectures focusing on roses and rose care.

13TH ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY
Saturday, July 21, 2012, 11am – 3pm
Free (Suggested donation of $3 per adult and $1 per senior or child)
The Garden Party will feature lectures, workshops, and Horticulture staff to answer questions. Plants and complimentary refreshments will also be available. Music will round out a beautiful summer's day in the park. The program will be held in the Perennial Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot F.

AUTUMN IN THE PERENNIAL GARDEN
Saturday, September 8, 2012, 9 – 11am
Fee: $12 per person (limit 30 people)
Fall is almost here and the Perennial Garden is at its peak. Join the Horticulture staff for a field study of fall blooming perennials. We will discuss plant care and gardening techniques as well as answer your gardening questions as we stroll through the garden. The program will be conducted in the Perennial Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot F.

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2012 Special Events in the Parks

Duke Island Walkers
January 4, 2012
Start the New Year by joining our weekly walking program that will meet at the Duke Island Visitor Center every Wednesday morning at 9:30am beginning January 5, 2010. Warm up with coffee, tea, and refreshments following the walk. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 908 722-1200 ext. 226.

Rogue Bass Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Youth fishing derby for children ages five to fourteen. Pre registration required. Prizes awarded. All proceeds benefit the Therapeutic Recreation Department.
Fee: $7 per child. Applications will be available as of May 1. Pre-registration is required. To be placed on the mail list or for an application, please call 908 526-5650.
The event is co-sponsored by Rogue Bass and ATON Computing.

National Trails Day
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Free
Washington Valley Park, Bridgewater
908 231-0802 ext.22
Come celebrate National Trails Day and help us maintain the beautiful trails of the Washington Valley Park.

KIDS NIGHT OUT
Wednesday, July 25, 2012  5:30pm – 10:00pm – Warrenbrook Pool
$10.00 per family. Swimming , children’s activities, outdoor movie  Please  call 908-722-1200

Friday Nights at the Drive-in Movies
Join us at Duke Island Park for a bit of nostalgia, as we present our 2012 Drive-in Movie series on Friday evenings in July. Wear your pajamas, bring your teddy bears, lawn chairs and blankets as we enjoy Mr. Popper's Penguins (PG) on July 13, Rio (G) on July 20, and We Bought A Zoo (PG) on July 27. Movies begin at 8:30pm and are shown on a big screen. Popcorn and refreshments will be available. Don't forget your bug spray!

Mischief Night Madness - Colonial Park Putting Course
October 26, 2012 (Raindate - Halloween October 27)
Fee: $8.00 for family of two; $10.00 for family of three or more
Play miniature golf with the ghouls! Wear your Halloween costume and get a free Halloween goodie bag. Admission includes: Spooky Tales from the Witches Cauldron and Moonlight Hayrides (non-scary variety). Bring along your family Jack-O-Lantern and enter it in the Best Carved Pumpkin Contest. (Judging will take place at 6:30pm) Free apple cider and donuts.

"Adopt-A-Boulder" and sourland smackdown bouldering competition
Saturday, November 3, 2012 - Volunteer Day
Sunday, November 4, 2012 - Bouldering Competition
Sourland Mountain Preserve, Parking Lot, East Mountain Road
Join us for something completely different. Even if you have never heard of
"bouldering," come out and join local boulderers" (rock climbers) and other
volunteers for a day of trail maintenance and invasive species removal. If you want, you can challenge yourself by participating in the Bouldering Competition the next day. Be prepared to get dirty. Take home some valuable info and giveaways. Please RSVP for this program by calling 908 231-0802 ext. 22 or e-mail: ddendler@scparks.org

17th Annual Turkey Trot
Saturday, November 17, 2012   9am
Fee: $20 until November 2; $25 from November 11
(USATF members receive a $2 discount)
Lace up your sneakers for the Turkey Trot 5K Race, to be held in Colonial Park, Franklin Township. There will also be a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. The course is certified in length and USATF sanctioned. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female 5K finishers in each of the following age groups: 14 and under; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70 and over. A turkey will be awarded to the top male and female finisher in each age group. Join us for a morning of fun for the whole family! Event t-shirts will only be issued to all pre-registrations received before November 2nd, and will not be available at on-site registration. On-site registration and race packet pick-up will begin at 8am. Event times are 9am for the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and 9:30am for the 5K Turkey Trot. Registration forms are available by calling 908 722-1200 ext. 226. (top)

2012 GOLF TOURNAMENTS
The 2012 golf tournaments require pre-registration and an entrance fee. Application forms are available at the Golf Shops.

8th Annual William W. Anderson Match Play Tournament (Men and Women)
May 12, 13, 19 and 20 Neshanic Valley Golf Course
18-Hole Medal Play
Open to registered golfers, ages 10 and older. Tournament format is match play for low 16 stroke play qualifers.

53rd Annual Dr. Michael S. Kline Memorial Somerset County Golf Tournament
(Men and Women)
First Round September 8 All courses
Open to registered golfers, ages 10 and older. Players compete in flights, based on registered handicap.

34th Annual Senior Golf Tournament (Men and Women)
September 12 Green Knoll Golf Course
18-Hole Medal Play
Open to registered senior golfers, ages 62 and older, men and women. Players compete in flights based on age. Awards in each flight.

Club Championships
October 6 & 7 All courses
Open to registered golfers, ages 10 and older. Tournament format is 36 holes, low gross. Each course holds its own tournament. Prizes in the form of Golf Shop Gift Certificates will be awarded to first, second, and third place finalists.

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