Bird Hike, Rain Barrel Workshop to be Held in Somerset Hills

The Raritan Headwaters Association is holding a variety of events in the Somerset Hills throughout May to celebrate local wildlife.

The Raritan Headwaters Association works to protect, preserve and improve water quality and other natural resources of the Raritan River headwaters. The section is comprised of the North and South Branch watersheds, and lies within Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset counties.

On May 12, the organization will be holding a spring migration bird hike at the Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve on Larger Cross Road in Bedminster. The event, to be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., will be an opportunity to watch for migrating birds during an early morning hike.

Those participating will learn about identifying features for interesting species, like calls and visual cues, and the program is for all ages. The cost is $5 per person, and registration can be taken care of by contacting Lauren Theis at ltheis@raritanheadwaters.org or 908-234-1852, ext. 314.

Then, on May 25, the organization will host a rain barrel workshop  at the Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary on Hardscrabble Road in Bernardsville.

Between the Raritan Headwaters Association and the Bernardsville Environmental Commission, they will have all the materials to help participants put together a rain barrel to harvest rainwater for the garden.

Those attending will get information and tips on how to set up a rain barrel for effective storm water management.

The event is for grownups and teenagers, ages 16 and older, and cost is $20 per rain barrel.

Registration is required, and can be done by contacting Kelsey Barbella at 908-234-1852, ext. 323, or americorps@raritanheadwaters.org.