Back to School and Back to Nature For Kids and the Whole Family at Van Vleck!

There’s no denying the school year is back in full swing. The kids may already be craving some outdoor time. What better place for the whole family to enjoy nature than Van Vleck House & Gardens, one Montclair’s most beautiful backyards!

Garden Exploration Saturdays

Looking for something to do on a Saturday morning? Come to Van Vleck and visit our Education Center anytime between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on October 4 & 18, November 1 & 15. An environmental educator will discuss various topics (each Saturday will feature a different theme, from Fall Flowers to Owls of the Night.) A simple craft will be offered, as well as supplies for a self-guided scavenger hunt on the property. Rain or shine. $5 per child; $10 per family. No registration required.

Nature and the Native Americans

On Friday evening, October 17 - from 6-7:30 p.m., join Archaeologist and Educator John T. Kraft, of Lenape Lifeways, Inc. as he takes us back to a time when the Lenape Indians lived on the land we now call New Jersey. Examine numerous artifacts and objects in an amazing display showing how Lenape Indians depended on nature and its many resources for survival in their everyday lives. Open to families and individuals. The fee is $10 ($7 for Friends) To Register: email education@vanvleck.org or call973-744-4752

Owl Prowl Hike and Presentation

On Friday, November 14 starting at 4:30 p.m., come take a walk through the gardens looking for owls. Van Vleck has been a nesting site for owls in the past! Perhaps this year, they will return? We will learn how to identify signs of owl activity and learn some basic knowledge about our nocturnal neighbors. (Fair weather only.) Following the hike at 5:15pm, stick around to meet 2 live owls from Flat Rock Brook Nature Center. Discover which owls live right here in NJ. Learn about the special features and characteristics these amazing creatures have that help them survive. Open to families and individuals. Appropriate for children ages 5 and older. Rain or shine. The fee is $5 per person for the hike and $10 for owl presentation ($7.00 for Friends) Hike AND presentation is $15 ($10 for Friends) LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. To Register: email education@vanvleck.org or call 973-744-4752

Guided Birding Hike for Families

Join us on Fridays, September 26 and October 24, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. for Guided Birding Hikes as we explore the gardens and grounds of Van Vleck looking for our feathered friends. September hike will focus on young birds and October hikes will focus on nesting vs. roosting. Our hikes are designed for families with children ages 5 and up. Dress for the weather! Rain or shine. The fee is $7.00 per person, per class ($5.00 for Friends) Instructor: Deb DeSalvo. To Register: email education@vanvleck.org or call 973-744-4752.

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