Yoga, Gardening, and More Eco-Friendly Events for the Whole Family

A variety of programs are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of September that will teach children and adults about nature and help them gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment. Children and adults are invited to visit the Environmental Center where they can enjoy an enriching recreational experience through nature and conservation activities.

“Our Environmental Center has become the premiere location for environmental education and nature appreciation. With the help of our partner groups, our dynamic schedule of events and activities will captivate all ages,” Essex County Executive DiVincenzo said. “Walk in our woods, discover habitats, get pointers on gardening, learn about nature photography and much more. It’s all about nature and it’s all at our Environmental Center,” he added.

Events scheduled for the remainder of this week are as follows:

Little Explorers Fall Nature Program

This program is for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. This class uses stories, walks and crafts to develop an awareness and appreciation for science and nature for the child as well as the caregiver. Each week, a different nature or science topic is covered. In-person registration will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Center on Tuesday, September 2nd at 9 a.m. Cost is $7 per child/session (additional material fees may apply). Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Little Explorers Nature Program will be held as follows:

Age: 2 year olds
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 17; 9:45 a.m.

Age: 3 year olds
Dates and Time: Fridays, September 19 & 26; 11 a.m.

Ages: 4 and 5 year olds
Dates and Time: Wednesdays, September 17 & 24; 1:30 p.m.
OR Fridays, September 19 & 26; 1:30 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

County Parks Photography Contest
The Deadline for the “2014 Essex County Parks Photography Contest” is Wednesday, September 17th, so grab a camera and visit an Essex County Park! Anyone with a camera is invited and encouraged to submit photos that capture a part of their visit to the County Parks System. For rules and regulations, please contact the Essex County Environmental Center at 973-228-8776.

Montclair Hawk Watch in Essex County Mills Reservation
This program is presented by New Jersey Audubon. NJ Audubon staff and volunteers will be on hand to help visitors spot and identify hawks as they move through the ridges of the Watchung Mountains. Park along Edgecliff Road (just off of Bradford Avenue in Cedar Grove) and look for the pathway to the stairs. The stairway is steep, but worth the effort. Bring a hat, water and a folding chair. Pre-registration is requested. Meet at Edgecliff Road, Cedar Grove/Montclair. This is a free event. Please call 908-766-5787 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register. Montclair Hawk Watch is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2014
Time: 9 a.m.
Meeting Site: Essex County Mills Reservation
Edgecliff Road
Cedar Grove/Montclair, NJ

Thursday Evening Yoga
This event is geared for adults. This all-levels yoga series will focus on alignment, flow and warmth followed by a restorative pose to unwind the body and mind for bed. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Cost is $20. Advance registration and monthly payment is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. No refunds will be given for missed classes. Thursday Evening Yoga is scheduled as follows:

Dates: Thursdays, September 18 & 25, 2014
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

Friday Morning Yoga
This class, designed for adults, will explore the many joys of yoga. Breathing synchronized with movement will warm the body and relax the mind. All levels are welcome. Join for the series or just one class. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Cost is $10 per class. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Friday Morning Yoga is scheduled as follows:

Dates: Fridays, September 19 & 26, 2014
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

Hiking at the Essex County South Mountain Reservation
This program is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Essex County’s largest developed park has many good hiking trails leading into different habitats. At the peak of the fall migration, hikers will search for passerines, raptors, and maybe a few waterfowl. Meet in the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo parking lot, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, where we will carpool to various locations within the park. Cost is $6 for NJA members and $8 for non-members. Please call 908-766-5787 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Meeting Site: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ

Extending the Garden Season
Plant fresh spinach (or kale) in your garden for this Thanksgiving. Learn from Rutgers Master Gardeners the simple and inexpensive techniques of growing and harvesting vegetables in the fall. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $9 per person. This program is geared towards adults. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Extending the Garden Season will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

Essential Oils for the School Year
This class is for adults and children ages 13 and older. Be prepared for this school year with essential oils. The class will discuss which essential oils are best to reduce stress and anxiety, keep germs at bay, and maintain energy and attention. Learning a few simple tips from this class can make this the best school year yet. Cost is $9 per person. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Essential Oils for the School Year will be held as follows:

Dates: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 12 Noon
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

About the Park System
The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 22 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, Treetop Adventure Course, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, three off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.

Information courtesy of Anthony Puglisi