October Forest Fitness Walks in the Woods of Basking Ridge

By Rich Reitman

Environmental Education Center Naturalists will lead a weekly walking group on Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 and Sundays, October 11, 18, and 25, 2015 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. The Environmental Education Center (EEC) is located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge.

Adults seeking an interesting way to enhance their routine workouts will enjoy a brisk walk to improve health and
clear the mind along the beautiful trails of Lord Stirling Park. Walkers will maintain a moderate pace for the hour-long walk.

The trails at the EEC include eight and one-half miles and relatively flat terrain as they meander through 450+ acres of The Great Swamp. Approximately three miles are board walked. The Yellow Trail approaches the Passaic River and the southern perimeter of the park (the Blue and Red trails) is a succession is slowly changing abandoned farm fields to woodland.

Fee for the 3-day session is $15 and the 4-day session fee is $20. Registrations and payment may be made on-line at www.somersetcountyparks.org, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-766-2489.

The Environmental Education Center is open seven days each week. Call 908-766-2489 for schedule updates.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is nestled within the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The wide variety of habitats includes: floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, fields, forests, and natural and man-made ponds. These habitats provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park. All are within walking distance of the multi-faceted building. An environmentally-based library is located within the Center itself. The Exhibit Hall annually hosts environmentally-focused presentations that are free to the public.

Blue “BOBO (Buy One – Bring One) Fridays” bins now are located at the Environmental Education Center and Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, as well as at the Somerset County Park Commission headquarters at North Branch Park in Bridgewater. The public is invited to drop off canned food or personal-care items for donation to Somerset County food banks.

For more information visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.