Somerset County Parks Events For Summer 2019

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — There's a ton going on this summer in Somerset County, largely thanks to the Somerset County Park Commission. Fireworks, equestrian classes and rides, free music, nature classes — you name it.

They're even throwing a series of free concerts at Duke Island Park.

Here's what's going on this summer, as obtained from the press release sent to Patch by the Somerset County Park Commission:

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. 5236. The walk is free of charge.

Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular

Stone Flower kicks off Independence Day evening in North Branch Park on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. with a tribute to the Santana Band. At 8:30 P.M., the Tyrone Stackhouse Band will play the hits of Motown from the 60’s and 70’s, along with R&B, soul, jazz, and the blues. into their eclectic sound. At 9:30 P.M. Somerset County’s premier fireworks display will honor the birth of our nation. Other highlights include a Revolutionary War encampment. Gates open at 6:00 P.M. so bring picnic baskets or visit one of the 10 food trucks on site and enjoy a spectacular evening. Admission is free. Sponsorship provided by the Somerset County Park Foundation, The Courier News, and Magic98.3 WMGQ Radio.

Introductory Horseback Ride

The one-hour trail ride scheduled for Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. will be preceded by a brief lesson at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ. The ride is geared to people who have an interest in becoming more familiar with English-style riding. Participants must be at least 9 years old and under 200 pounds. Riders between the ages of 9 - 12 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Registration is available online and in the Stable office between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. through July 11, 2019 as space permits. For information call 908- 722-1200, ext. 5010.

Xtreme Adventure Week

July 15 - 19

From Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19, 2019 teens age 13 to 16 will reconnect with nature enjoying an unforgettable week of adventure at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ. Naturalists will lead a full week of day trips and activities including stand up paddling, hiking, mini golf, owling, and spending a day at Island Beach State Park. Fee is $400 per person. Registration required at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908 722-1200 ext. 5002.

Forest Bathing

The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which translates as "forest bathing”, is intended to help foster a connection with nature that feeds the mind, body, and spirit. On Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M. join yoga instructor Megan Soucy for a forest bathing experience at Colonial Park Gardens. The experience will include an easy, slow hike through the gardens and arboretum, meditation and centering sessions intended to encourage the nurturing qualities of being present within nature. Participants are encouraged to bring a small blanket or towel to sit on, water, and suitable shoes for walking. Meet at the entrance of the Colonial Park Rose Garden, Lot A. Fee is $25 per person with a limit of 12 people. Pre-registration and payment is required by July 15 by calling 908 722-1200 ext. 5721 or going online at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

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, July 27, 2019. The cost is $60 for Somerset County residents and $90 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class as space permits. 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, July 27, 2019. The cost is $60 for Somerset County residents and $90 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class as space permits. This workshop does not include riding.

Sense and Scents-Ability

On Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., begin the day with a tour of the Fragrance and Sensory Garden and learn about the many plants that highlight this beautiful garden. Visitors will see, smell, touch, and taste the essence of summer herbs. Following the tour, there will be a lecture on the benefits of herbs. Expect the unexpected while enjoying a relaxing visit to the garden. Admission is free (Donations appreciated). Please meet at the entrance of the Colonial Park Rose Garden/Fragrance & Sensory Garden, Parking Lot A. Pre-registration by July 31 is required by calling 908-722-1200 ext. 5721.

“Home On the Range” Introductory Horseback Ride

The one-hour trail ride scheduled for Sunday, August 4, 2019 at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ at 10:00 A.M. will provide an opportunity to become familiar with Western-style horseback riding. Participants must be at least 9 years old and under 200 pounds. Due to the equipment used, riders must be at least 5’ tall. Registration is available online and in the Stable office between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. through August 1, 2019 as space permits. Fee is $40 for Somerset County residents and $50 for non-residents.

Introductory Horseback Ride

The one-hour trail ride scheduled for Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. will be preceded by a brief lesson at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ. The ride is geared to people who have an interest in becoming more familiar with English-style riding. Registration is available online and in the Stable office between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. through August 15, 2019 as space permits. Participants must be at least 9 years old and under 200 pounds. Riders between the ages of 9 - 12 years must be accompanied by a parent. For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.

Pony Tea Party

On Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. children under age 13 and their parents will join the horses, ponies, and staff at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, basking Ridge, NJ for a Pony Tea Party featuring pony rides, hayrides, games, and other fun activities. Light refreshments will be served and guests are invited to wear their fancy tea party garb. Registration is available at the Stable office through August 16, 2019. Fee is $20 per pair and $10 per additional child. For more information, please call the stable office at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.

The Magical Mysterious Monarch

Join Cynthia Hedin, Somerset County Master Gardener, on Thursday, August 22, 2019 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M at Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in far Hills, NJ to learn about the discovery of the monarch's winter destination, and about the magical life cycle of the monarch. The session will address the mystery surrounding the large numbers of monarchs seen during the summer and early fall in the northern regions of the United States, followed by great swarms seen flying south. Fee is $15 per person. Pre-registration required by calling Buck Garden at 908-722-1200 ext. 5621.

Adult County Caper

On Saturday, August 24 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., the Adult County Caper (15 years and older) takes visitors on an interactive tour of Somerset County parks and facilities, departing from the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in basking Ridge, NJ. Challenge both mental and physical capabilities while completing fun tasks throughout the day, as the team vies to become a County Caper Champion! This exciting event is for those who crave adventure in their own backyard. Pre-registration is required and ends at 4:00pm on Friday, August 23. Fee is $20 per team (non-refundable). For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 5002 or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Family County Caper

On Sunday, August 25 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. the Family County Caper will take families and friends on an interactive tour of Somerset County parks and facilities, departing from the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stiring Road in basking Ridge, NJ. The event is designed to encourage everyone to explore, learn, and protect our parks and other natural areas. This special event is open to everyone with a yearning to discover all Somerset County has to offer. Pre-registration is required and ends at 4:00pm on August 22. Fee is $20 per team (non-refundable). For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 5002 or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Forest Bathing

The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which translates as "forest bathing”, is intended to help foster a connection with nature that feeds the mind, body, and spirit. On Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M. join yoga instructor Megan Soucy for a forest bathing experience at Colonial Park Gardens to experience an easy, slow hike through the gardens and arboretum and a gentle yoga session suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. It will also include meditation and centering sessions intended to encourage the nurturing qualities of being present within nature. Meet at the entrance of the Colonial Park Rose Garden, Lot A. Fee is $25 per person with a limit of 12 people. Pre-registration and payment is required by September 3 by calling 908 722-1200 ext. 5721 or going online at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Horse Care Workshop 101

The Horse Care workshops offer people a chance to gain experience and confidence around horses. Participants learn the proper way to groom a horse and to put on the tack. 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, September 14, 2019 at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. 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. For information, call 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.

“Home On the Range” Introductory Horseback Ride

The one-hour trail ride scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. will provide an opportunity to become familiar with Western-style horseback riding. Participants must be at least 9 years old and under 200 pounds. Due to the equipment used, riders must be at least 5’ tall. Registration is available online and in the Stable office between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. through June 27, 2019 as space permits. Fee is $40 for Somerset County residents and $50 for non-residents.

Smartphone Photography Workshop

Photographer Joy Yagid will lead a hands-on workshop on Sunday September 22, 2019 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noonwhere participants will learn the best tips and tricks to get the most out of smartphone photography in nature. She will guide participants in identifying photo opportunities, and share how to edit the photos directly on their smartphones. Participants will meet at the Colonial Park Gardens Horticulture Building, Parking Lot A. Fee is $20 per person. (Limit 12 people.) Pre-registration and payment is required by September 18, 2019 by calling 908-722-1200, ext. 5721 or visiting www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Lord Stirling Stable 50th Anniversary Celebration & Barbeque

Save the date! The Somerset County Park Commission and The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable (FLSS) invite all to join us in celebrating the Stable’s 50th Anniversary on Sunday, September22, 2019. Great food, live music, pony rides, and hayrides promise fun to all. Watch for details.