Somerset County Park Showcasing 2017 Events

From Somerset County Park Commission: Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Duke Island Walkers

A weekly walking group will meet every Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. at the Duke Island Visitor’s Center for a healthy walk through Duke Island Park off Old York Road in Bridgewater along a beautiful stretch of the Raritan River. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided. For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 226. The walk is free of charge.

“Meet New Friends” New Year’s Day Dog Walk

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable will present the annual “Meet New Friends” Dog Walk on Sunday, January 1, 2017 from 1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. on the trails of Lord Stirling Stable. The Friends will gladly accept an unopened dry or canned puppy/dog or kitten/cat food for donation to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter at check in, beginning at 1:15 P.M. Fee is $3 per dog.

Nature Through a Child’s Eye

This annual children’s environmental art exhibit will be on display from Friday, January 6 through Sunday, February 5, 2017 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ. The exhibit will feature Somerset County kindergartners through sixth graders who have expressed their love of our natural world, our environment, and our Earth through their artwork. Admission is free.

Horse Care Workshop 101

The horse care workshops at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ offer people a chance to gain experience and confidence around horses. Participants learn the proper way to groom and tack up a horse. The parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle are discussed. Students learn the different colors and breeds of horses, as well as the important role the farrier and veterinarian play in a horse’s life.

The workshops are offered on five consecutive Saturdays from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. beginning Saturday, January 7, 2017. The cost is $60 for Somerset County residents and $90 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class, space permitting. This workshop does not include riding.

Terrariums: A Miniature Ecosystem in Glass – NEW PROGRAM!

Explore the interesting world of terrariums with Colonial Parks Gardens staff on Saturday, January 28 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon.Participants will build a miniature landscape of greenery and moss that will sustain itself all year around with minimal care. Participants should bring bring shears and gloves. All other supplies will be provided. The program will be held in the Park Commission Headquarters, North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater. Fee is $40 per person, ages 12 through adult. Call 732-873-2459, ext. 21 for information and registration. Online registration is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Native Bees – Who Are They and Why Should I Care?

Family and friends of all ages should visit the Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. for an exploration into the world of the European Honey Bee presented by Rutgers PhD Fellow Michael Roswell. Discover what they look like, how they live and what scientists are doing to learn even more. The program is free. For information call 908-766-2489.

Horse Care Workshop 102

Completion of Horse Care Workshop 101 is a prerequisite for this class at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. Students will explore more advanced topics such as nutrition, clipping, bandaging, and basic conformation. The workshops are offered on five consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon beginning Saturday, February 11, 2017. The cost is $60 for Somerset County residents and $90 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class. This workshop does not include riding.

Horse Care Workshop 103

Participation in the Horse Care Workshop 102 is a co- or prerequisite for this class at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. Students will explore more advanced topics to increase their awareness of equine behavior. The workshops are offered on five consecutive Saturdays from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. beginning Saturday, February 11, 2017. The cost is $60 for Somerset County residents and $90 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class. This workshop does not include riding.

Invaders: Invasive Plants and Insects

Visit the Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in basking Ridge from Saturday, February 11 through Sunday, March 12, 2017 to learn all about invasive species and how they affect the ecosystem. This exhibit by Ridge High School students features drawings, inventive “Artist Books”, and board games that explore the introduction, ecology and environmental impact of invasive plants on our delicate ecosystems. The exhibit is free and is open 7 days a week from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Maple Sugaring

The Somerset County Park Commission invites children and adults to a 90-minute program to witness how Maple Trees are tapped, learn about sap collecting methods from the past and present, and experience the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey Maple Syrup. The ”Sugar Shack,” run by the Somerset County Park Commission Naturalists, is a one-half mile walk through the forest from the Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ. Free public programs take place at the sugar shack on Saturdays and Sundays, from February 18 to March 12, 2017 at 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 2:00 PM on Saturdays and 12:00 Noon and 2:00 P.M. on Sundays.

Art & Photography Exhibit

Showcasing the four seasons at Leonard J. Buck Garden, the exhibit will feature photographs, paintings, and drawings of Buck Garden from Tuesday, February 21 to Friday, March 17, 2017. See the Garden's many seasonal faces through the works of talented artists and photographers. This exhibit will be held at the Leonard. J. Buck Garden Visitor Center, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, NJ – Suggested donation $6 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Open Monday-Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For information call 908-234-2677.

Exploring New Jersey’s Climate Variability and Change

New Jersey’s State Climatologist, Dr. David Robinson, will present data and his interpretation of trends in the state’s weather on Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Having recently experienced the wettest and warmest years in 120 years of record-keeping, Dr. Robinson will discuss human influences that impact natural climate variations. The program is free and will take place at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ. Call 908-766-2489 for information.

Volunteer Rose Pruning Event

Volunteer members of the Jersey Shore Rose Society and the Penn-Jersey Rose Society will join Colonial Park Gardens staff in the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden to complete the annual spring rose pruning on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. Park visitors are welcome to stop in to have their rose questions answered by expert rosarians. It will not only be a day of pruning roses, but also a time for sharing rose information and techniques on growing them. Free (donations appreciated).

Bernards Township Community Art Show

Bernards Township and the EEC will present the 6th Annual non-juried show featuring a wide variety of media and subject matter from the hands of Bernards Township residents. The exhibit will run from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Make a Hypertufa Mini-Trough

Hypertufa is a handmade material that resembles “tufa” (too-fa), a rugged volcanic rock used to make troughs. These containers are especially suited for small rock garden plants. On Friday, March 24, 2017 at Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, NJ from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., participants will learn how to make a hypertufa mini-trough with instruction for curing and completing it at home. Workshop fee of $40 includes the cost of materials. Pre-registration required call - 908-234-2677. Enrollment is limited to 10 participants.

Spring Horseback Riding Lessons

English Saddle Balanced Seat riding lessons are offered at beginner through advanced.

Jumping levels for juniors and adults. Trail, specialty, and flat (non-jumping) classes are also offered. Online and walk-in registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis beginning at 8 A.M. on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Lessons begin on Monday, March 27, 2017, and meet one hour per week for ten consecutive weeks.

Junior riders must be a minimum age of 9 at time of registration. Riders must be under 225 pounds for flat classes and under 200 pounds for classes over fences. Participants must have a current Lord Stirling Stable classification card as proof of their riding level; experienced English saddle riders who do not have a Lord Stirling Stable classification card should make an appointment to be tested prior to registration. Please call the stable office for more information. For directions, call the Stable at 908-766-5955 or NJ Relay 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment. For more information, visit the Somerset County website at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Photo courtesy of Somerset county Park Commission( The Somerset County Park Commission offers programs and activities for all ages at general use parks in Bridgewater, Somerset, and Skillman; the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge; Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge; Park Headquarters in Bridgewater; Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills; the Colonial Park Gardens in Somerset; and championship golf courses in Bridgewater, Somerset, Warren, and Neshanic Station..)