February Environmental Programs in Essex County

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

Some samples:

“Little Explorers Winter Nature Program” is a child-caregiver class that uses stories, walks and crafts to develop an awareness and appreciation for science and nature for the child as well as the caregiver. Each session, a different nature or science topic is covered. Space is limited. Advance registration and payment is required. For information, call the Environmental Center at 973-228-8776. Cost is $5 per child per session (additional material fees may apply). Little Explorers Nature Program is scheduled as follows:

Dates: Thursdays, February 2 through 25, 2010
Times: 10 a.m. for ages 2 to 3½ years
1 p.m. OR 3 p.m. for ages 3½ to 5 years
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Owls of Essex” is a family-oriented program being offered by the NJ Audubon Society. Participants will investigate where these majestic birds fit into the food web by dissecting owl pellets, discover how owls build their nests and communicate, and make “owl pellet” candy to take home. Space is limited. Advance registration is required. For information, call the NJ Audubon Society at 973-226-6082. Cost is $5 for NJAS members and $7 for non-members. Owls of Essex will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, February 6, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Will We Sacrifice Our Water for Gas? Natural Gas Drilling in the Delaware River Watershed and How It Will Impact New Jersey Residents' Water Supply” is sponsored by the West Essex Park Conservancy and the Essex Sierra Club Singles Group. Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director of Delaware Riverkeeper Network, will address the looming impacts of natural gas drilling in the Delaware River Watershed and the harmful environmental effects it may have on downstream populations such as New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware. There will also be a discussion on the Halliburton Loophole, which exempts gas drilling from the Safe Drinking Water Act and other federal environmental laws. For information, call 973-228-8776. Cost is $7 per adult and free for WEPC/Sierra Club members. Natural Gas Drilling will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Birding Hike in Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation” is presented by the New Jersey Audubon Society. Enjoy the beautiful views of Manhattan while discovering the birds of open spaces and woodlands. Meet at the Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial parking lot in West Orange. Space is limited. The hike is free. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation
Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial
Eagle Rock Avenue
West Orange, NJ

“4-H Environmental Kids Club” is for children in grades 2nd through 5th. The environment is filled with things big and small, that surprise and help us. Join the 4-H Club each month to see how much fun it is to learn about the world. Advance registration is required. For more information, please call 4-H at 973-228-3785. 4-H Environmental Kids Club will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

download Programs Brochure (PDF)