LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS, STAMPS, BIRD WATCHING, NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, INSECTS, WATER, GARDENING, PETS, COMPOSTING, PUBLIC SPEAKING AND MORE AT THE ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Essex County Executive DiVincenzo Invites Children and Families to Expand their Understanding and Appreciation of the Environment

Roseland, NJ - A variety of programs 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. 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.

“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,” 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 March are as follows:

“Ukrainian Beeswax Eggs” will help participants discover the world of beeswax art by teaching them how to make Ukrainian Eggs. Using wax and dye in a method called batik, students will create a unique springtime decoration that they can take home. Cost is $20 per adult. Workshop fee includes all materials. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Ukrainian Beeswax Eggs will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Photographs of the Great Swamp Refuge” is presented by the Essex County Nature Photographers. The discussion will be led by Sherb Naulty, a professional photographer known for his intimate images and knowledge of the Great Swamp Refuge, a natural headwater of the Passaic River. Mr. Naulty is well known for his photographs of New Jersey, especially the Skylands area, and has been photographing the Great Swamp in all seasons and weather for many years. For information, call 973-228-8776. Cost is $8 per adult and free for ECNP members. Photographs of the Great Swamp Refuge will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“4-H Public Speaking” is geared for children ages 8 years and older, and will be presented by the 4-H Youth Development Program. In this interactive program, young people will learn how to optimize their presentation potential. This workshop includes speech organization, presentation, and individualized coaching. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338. Cost is $10 per person and free for 4-H members. 4-H Public Speaking will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

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

“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

“Bug Club” is appropriate for children ages 6 to 10. This club is for young people who want to explore the wonders of insects through field walks, games, stories and crafts. This club meets year-round. Space is limited. Advance registration and payment is required. Cost is $6 per child per session (additional material fees may apply). For information, call 973-228-8776. Bug Club is scheduled as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Native Plants for Your Garden” is sponsored by the West Essex Park Conservancy and the Essex Sierra Club Singles Group. Dennis Miranda, Executive Director of the Rahway River Association, explains the advantages of restoring our natural landscape in your own backyard. Attract butterflies, birds and beneficial insects with hardy flowers, shrubs and trees that belong here. Cost is $8 per adult and free for WEPC/Sierra Club members. For information, call 973-228-8776. Native Plants for Your Garden will be held as follows:

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

“Green Thumb Club - Gardening for Health and Nutrition” is for children ages 7 to 12. Participants will learn how to garden for optimal plant growth, production and food quality and gardening methods that keep the soil and land healthy. Each class provides self-contained concepts, so participants may choose individual sessions or attend the entire six-month club which provides a complete health and nutrition program for the young gardener. Advance registration and payment is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Cost is $8 per child per session (includes a $2 materials fee). Green Thumb Club will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesdays – March 10 & 24, April 7 & 21, May 5 & 19
Time: 3:45 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“4-H Pet Club” is geared for children grades 4th through 6th who love animals and want to learn how to take care of them. Participants will learn about pets and small animals. Non-pet owners are welcome. Advance registration is required. For more information, call 4-H at 973-228-3785. 4-H Pet Club will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“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
560 Northfield 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, March 11, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

The deadline to enter the “Passaic River Poster Contest” is Friday, March 12 by 5 p.m. Not everyone is aware that the Passaic River has a long and vibrant history in Essex County, offering Native Americans, European settlers and modern industry all of the necessities to thrive. To promote awareness of the Passaic River and the great strides that have been made to improve is ecosystem and preserve its natural history, the Essex County Environmental Center and its partner agencies are sponsoring a poster contest for 6th grade Essex County students. Please call the Center for details at 973-228-8776.

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

“Clover Pet Club” is geared for children grades kindergarten to 2nd grade who love animals and want to learn how to take care of them. Participants will learn about pets and small animals. Non-pet owners are welcome. Advance registration is required. For more information, please call 4-H at 973-228-3785. Clover Club will be held as follows:

Date: Saturdays, March 13, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Outside Nature Discoveries” is for children ages 5 to 6. Venture into the wooded wetland by the Environmental Center with magnifiers, trowels, containers and more to observe living things in their environment. The curriculum is not structured, and students will discover as they explore and document their observations in a journal. 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. Outside Nature Discoveries will be held as follows:

Date: Mondays, March 15 and 29, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Green Kids Club” is for children ages 7 to 14. Discover all areas of environmental science with hands-on fun and service projects. 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). Green Kids Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“4-H Stamp Club” is for children in 4th through 7th grades. Pocahontas, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rachel Carson all been honored on US Postal Stamps. Stamps have been moving mail around since the middle of the 19th century. Start a collection today. Advance registration is required. For information, please call 4-H at 973-228-3785. 4-H Stamp Club will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Woodcock Walk” is presented by the New Jersey Audubon Society. Participants will take a short, evening hike at a nearby county park to look for these secretive spring migrants and their strange mating flights. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes, as wet conditions may be encountered. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center. The hike is free. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Woodcock Walk is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Birding Hike in the Canoe Brook Reservoir” is presented by the New Jersey Audubon Society. A special trip only available twice a year, the Canoe Brook Reservoir is a wonderful staging area for ducks and geese on their way north. This is also an excellent place for raptors. Space is limited. Registration is required. 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: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time: 8 a.m.
Place: Location to be announced with registration

“World Water Day” will raise awareness about Earth's most precious resource, WATER. Participants will enjoy playing water games and other hands-on fun! Advance registration is required by calling 973-228-8776. Cost is $6 per child, $8 per adult or $18 per family. World Water Day will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time: 12 Noon
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Introduction to Vegetable Gardening for Families” is an opportunity for families to learn about vegetables that can be grown in your garden. Kids will learn about different vegetables and how they grow. Adults will leave with a general knowledge of how to plant a garden as well as a pack of vegetable plants and a package of seeds. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Cost is $18 per family plus $7 materials fee. Vegetable Gardening will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time: 12 Noon
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Horticulture for Seniors” is presented by the Master Gardeners of Essex County. Each program date offers a different craft, including designing a terrarium for your home, learning about plant propagation, and making a container garden for yourself or a friend. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-731-0717. This program is free. Horticulture for Seniors will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, March 22, 2010
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Garibaldi Hall
Roseland, NJ

“New Jersey Woodturners” will be presented by the New Jersey Woodturners Association. Discover the wonders of creating art from found pieces of wood, wood species, and turning tips and techniques. Topics vary month to month; call the Environmental Center for details. Cost is $8 per adult and free for NJWA members. New Jersey Woodturners will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, March 22, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“4-H Young Gardeners Club” is for children in grades 1-8. Have you ever wondered how vegetables and flowers grow? Where spaghetti sauce comes from? How you can find a rainbow in a garden? Come join the Young Gardener's 4-H Club to find the answers to these questions and many more. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-3785. 4-H Young Gardeners Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesdays, March 23, 2010
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Garibaldi Hall
Roseland, NJ

“Beginner Knitting Lessons” is appropriate for ages 13 and up. Participants will receive instruction from Jane and Maggie Murphy of Cool Green Fibers in casting on, knit and purl stitches (the basic stitches for all knitting), and binding off. After completing both classes, students will have the ability and materials needed to complete their very own hand-knitted scarf. Advance registration is required by calling 973-228-8776. Cost is $75 per person (includes both classes and all necessary materials). Beginner Knitting Classes will be held as follows:

Dates Tuesdays, March 23 and 30, 2010
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“GeesePeace Training Seminar” is presented by GeesePeace staff. Essex County is part of a larger regional effort of State, County and local governments in the tri-state area working to humanely manage its Canada Geese populations. This seminar is targeted to address these issues with municipalities, school districts, homeowner associations, golf course managers and property managers. If there is a water body on your property or in your community, it is likely geese will be nesting and molting there. This is a free and open to the public. For information, call 973-228-8776. GeesePeace Training Seminar will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Times: 9 a.m. OR 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

“Grow Your Own Salad” is offered by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County. The basics of creating a small vegetable/salad garden will be introduced. Harvest your own tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers this year to enjoy with family and friends. Participants will be given an heirloom tomato plant to begin their salad garden. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Cost is $8 per adult and $18 per family. Grow Your Own Salad will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

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

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

Registration is required for all programs at the Essex County Environmental Center, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, please call 973-228-8776.

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 20 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, three off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.

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