Explore Environmental Center on Earth Day Scavenger Hunt

Sometimes there's just not enough days to go around, but each week we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself.

Next Sunday, April 28, you can celebrate Earth Day and also go on an exciting scavenger hunt when Somerset County's Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge presents the 5th annual Project E.A.R.T.H. (Environment.Awareness .Responsibility.Teaching.Hope) celebration.

Project E.A.R.T.H — Swamp Search! will provide adventure, exercise and even cool prizes after a hunt along the EEC's trails that also will educate participants about the importance of the Great Swamp as an ecological and recreational resource.

The even is scheduled for noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge. All activities are free.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found online.

Another bigger swamp scavenger hunt in May

And if you miss this hunt — or if you had so much fun you want to repeat the experience —  there's another, bigger hunt on May 11. The Great Swamp Scavenger Hunt, created and hosted by the Great Swamp Watershed Association, covers Great Swamp locations in both Morris and Somerset counties.

The concept is simple. Stop by the Kitchell Pond Pavilion at Loantaka Brook Reservation (75 Kitchell Road in Morristown) to pick up an official Great Swamp Scavenger Hunt Clue Kit—including GPS coordinates for geocachers—any time after 9 a.m. Then hop on a bike, or into a car, and set out to collect as many scavenger hunt tokens as you can from a total of 19 different locations in Morris County and Somerset County.

Participating sites include the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Morristown National Historical Park, the Somerset County Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, Morris County’s Outdoor Education Center, The Raptor Trust, the Schermann Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary in Bernardsville, Meyersville Café, and Millington Gorge.

Return to Kitchell Pond Pavilion by 4 p.m. with a healthy appetite. Every token collected is a chance to win one of several prizes donated by local businesses and organizations. 

Before prizes are awarded, enjoy a picnic barbecue courtesy of Great Swamp Watershed Association. Drinks, hot dogs, and burgers will be supplied. Remember to bring along your own lawn chairs, blankets, or other alfresco dining supplies.

To register for the Great Swamp Scavenger Hunt, or to find more information, visit GreatSwamp.org or call 973-538-3500 x22. Participation is free, but donations are gratefully accepted, and online RSVPs or telephone registration are appreciated.