Environmental Education Center Announces Upcoming Events

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center has announced a series of events for the week of March 16 through March 22. The Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, has scheduled the following Naturalist-led programs for children and adults as winter draws winds down.

Children, teen and family programs

Little Green Thumbs Friday, March 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Children age infant to 5 with a parent will begin the rites of spring by planting herbs that will spice up any meal. Fee is $10 per pair and $5 per additional child. Advance payment required.

Story Hour Saturday, March 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Children ages infant to 5 with a parent will listen to a Naturalist read anenvironmental-based story and enjoy a short walk on the trails of the EEC.The program is free.

Adult and family programs

Maple Sugaring Saturday & Sunday, March 7 & 8; March 14 & 15 at 10 a.m., Noon & 2 p.m. on Saturdays and noon and 2 p.m. on Sundays

Everyone is invited to see how trees are tapped, how sap is collected, and witness the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey maple syrup.All maple sugaring programs are held outside at the Sugar Shack, exceptin the event of extreme or dangerous weather, in which case the Naturalist will decide to demonstrate maple sugaring indoors.

Organic Vegetable Gardening Saturday, March 21 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Family and friends of all ages will learn the basics of vegetable gardening and start some seeds for this year’s bounty. Fee is $9 per person. Advance payment required.

Backyard Bears Sunday, March 22 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Family and friends of all ages will learn bear etiquette and what to do if confronted by a bear.The program is free.

Woodcock Watch Sunday, March 22 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Family and friends of all ages will mark the arrival of spring on a walk through the fields and meadows of Lord Stirling Park in search of the elusive and amorous bogsucker. Fee is $6 per person. Advance payment required.

For more information or to register for any of the aforementioned events, visit the Somerset County Parks website or call 908-766-2489.