Science and Nature Programs for Children, Parents in Basking Ridge

By Rich Reitman

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey is offering two science and nature programs for children age infant to 5 years old with a parent.

“Wild Kids” is scheduled for consecutive Sundays and Young Explorers is scheduled for consecutive Mondays in September. Because it is never too early to get little ones to experience the wonders of nature, these two series focus on developing the five senses through simple activities. Parents are encouraged to share the experience with their children and are provided methods of continuing interaction with nature upon returning home.

Wild Kids will convene on Sundays, September 13, 20, and 27, 2015 from 10:30 A.M. to 11: 30 A.M.

Young Explorers will convene on Mondays, September 14, 21, and 28, 2015 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

Fee for the 3-session Young Explorers or Wild Kids programs is $22 per pair and $11 for each additional child. Registration 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. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 450 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. A swamp vivarium, and an environmentally based library are located within the Center itself.

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.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.