March Workshops at the Essex County Environmental Center

LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS, STAMPS, BIRD WATCHING, NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, INSECTS, WATER, GARDENING, PETS, COMPOSTING, PUBLIC SPEAKING AND MORE AT THE ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER in Roseland.

A variety of programs (both free and with a small fee) are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of March that will teach children and adults about nature and help them gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment.

Here are just a few of the March offerings:


“Hands-On Composting” is presented by the Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension. Learn the basics of home composting in this hands-on workshop. Cost is $8 per adult and includes manual and supplies. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Hands-On Composting will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010
Time: 10 a.m.

“Rock-N-Roll Geology Club” is geared for children ages 7 to 12. Revel in the fascinating formations of Earth’s geologic creations. Hands-on club activities include exploring local geology, discovering what’s in local soil, and identifying rocks and minerals. Space is limited. Advance registration and payment is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Cost is $6 per child per session (additional material fees may apply). Rock-N-Roll Geology Club is scheduled as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.

“Outdoor Adventure Club” is for children ages 7 to 11. The hour will be directed by club members under the guidance of a Staff Naturalist who will facilitate all free-play activities. Activities may include building forts, collecting firewood, skipping rocks, telling stories, digging for critters, spotting wildlife, playing tag and more. Dress for the weather as all classes will be outside. Advance registration and payment is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Cost is $6 per child per session. Outdoor Adventure Club will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.


“Wonder Walk in Essex County South Mountain Reservation” is for children ages 18 months to 5 years who are accompanied by their caregiver. Children should either be walking or in a carrier. Strollers are not recommended. Bundle up and explore the forest to find early signs of spring. Discover how trees “wake up,” look for animal homes and listen for early spring birds. Meet in the Tulip Springs parking area. Cost is $5 for NJAS members and $7 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. This is presented by the New Jersey Audubon Society. The Wonder Walk will be held as follows:
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Essex County South Mountain Reservation
Tulip Springs Area
Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJ

“Project Learning Tree Workshop – Literacy in the Urban Environment” is geared for teachers. This hands-on workshop encourages investigations in urban environments while fostering collaborative learning, decision-making skills and literacy. Discover current environmental issues in New Jersey, lessons to connect your students with the world around them, and opportunities for service learning. Each participant will receive the Project Learning PreK-8 Activity Guide. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. This program is free. Literacy in the Urban Environment will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Birding Hike in Essex County South Mountain Reservation” is presented by the New Jersey Audubon Society. Participants will hike several trails in search of winter birds and early signs of spring. Target species include Black Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker and many forest birds. Meet in the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo parking lot. Space is limited. Cost is $6 for NJAS members and $8 for non-members. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

“NJ Audubon Society Family Program - Maple Sugaring Fun” is appropriate for children in grades K-5. Participants will search the grounds of the Environmental Center for Sugar Maple trees. They will “tap” a maple tree, collect sap, and make maple syrup, and then return to the center for hot chocolate and sugar snacks. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-226-6082. Cost is $5 for NJAS members and $7 for non-members. Maple Sugaring Fun will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m.