EARTH Center offers Nutrition Workshop Creating Healthy Family Meals on a Budget

On Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 6:30 PM, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will offer a nutrition seminar entitled, "Creating Healthy Family Meals on a Budget". The class will take place at the EARTH Center in Davidson's Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick, NJ. Participants should register before June 14 and get more details by calling 732-398- 5262. There will be a $15 registration.

This workshop will look at shopping, cooking and eating nutritious meals together as a family. But in these tough economic times, when families are looking closely at their budget, is this even possible? Kanan Thakore, registered dietitian, will offer tips on making this a reality. The goal is to help attendees make the right decision when it comes to purchasing and preparing food for their family. The current national health crisis of obesity and increasing diabetes in adolescents will also be discussed.

Presenting the information will be Kanan Thakore, Registered dietitian, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician and Program Associate for the Family & Consumer Health Science Department of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County.

For more information on programs offered by the Middlesex County office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension call 732-398-5262.

GENTLE BEGINNER YOGA
SIGN UP FOR ONE OR ALL OF THE CLASSES
Tuesdays June 4, 11, 18 7:15-8:15 PM
This gentle, beginner Yoga class will focus on easy, pain-free movements done in and around the chair. Bring: Water bottle and beach-size towel. Fee: $15 for in County residents and $20 for out - of-county residents.

Dusk Walks at the Deserted Village of Feltville
SIGN UP FOR ONE OR ALL OF THE WALKS
Meet: Deserted Village parking lot on Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights, 07922
Time: Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 PM
Fee: $10 for in County residents and $12 for out-if-county residents.

June 6 History of the Deserted Village - View a brief PowerPoint presentation in the comfort of the recently renovated Masker's Barn. Then take a walking tour to discover the history of this local treasure. Find out who inhabited the village and how it became deserted.

June 13 Late Spring Stroll - Enjoy the sights and sounds of a late spring evening with a Park Naturalist who will identify late blooming flowers, common trees and local wildlife signs on a walk through the village.

June 20 Lenape Native Americans - Discover who the Lenape Native Americans were and how they lived off the land. Search outdoors for plants, trees and animals used by the Lenape to survive. Enjoy refreshments at Masker's Barn while viewing a brief PowerPoint presentation and seeing Native American artifacts.

Programs are for adults, ages 18 and older, and will meet at the Trailside Visitor Center.
Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited.

Trailside Nature & Science Center
452 New Providence Road
Mountainside, NJ 07092
908-789-3670
www.ucnj.org/trailside

The only day this year when Oradell Reservoir is open to paddlers

Members of the press are invited to attend Hackensack Riverkeeper's Fifth Annual RESERVOIR CHALLENGE taking place THIS Saturday, June 1, 2013 in Haworth, NJ. The event features a 10K and 5K race, the popular Mayor's Cup Challenge, two guided paddles, a nature walk, special children's activities, BBQ lunch catered by Whole Foods Markets and live music. At this time nearly 100 paddlers are registered, ensuring that this event will be yet another success. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos, video, interviews and more.

Two-time Mayor's Cup winner Ray Cywinski (R) of Demarest will defend his title in a tie-breaker against a Mayor John Birkner (D) of Westwood, also two-time Cup winner. Both men are strong, experienced paddlers with a friendly - but serious - rivalry.

"We have a best-ever thirteen mayors & councilpersons participating in the 2013 Challenge" says Hackensack Riverkeeper Captain Bill Sheehan. "And the 'Dem vs. GOP' aspect is simply added intrigue that makes it all the more fun."

Location: Oradell Reservoir access point, Lake Shore Drive, Haworth, NJ

Times:
8:00 Paddler check-in
9:15 Races (10K starts first, followed by start of 5K race)
9:30 Nature Walk along reservoir shoreline
11:30 Guided Paddle #1
12:00 - 2:00 BBQ Lunch, live bluegrass music, paddle carving demonstration and - for the first time ever - special children's events.
2:00 Mayor's Cup race
Afterwards: Awards Ceremony for all first, second and third-place finishers
2:30 Guided Paddle #2
4:00 2013 Reservoir Challenge ends

Rain Date: Sunday, June 2; call 201-403-1992 to check status if necessary.

The Fifth Annual Reservoir Challenge is presented by Hackensack Riverkeeper and United Water New Jersey and is generously sponsored by Bank of New Jersey, Hackensack Chronicle, Hackensack University Medical Center, Northern Valley Suburbanite, Ramsey Outdoor Stores, Rockland Electric Co., Town Motors of Englewood and Whole Foods Markets.

All funds raised at the event go to support Hackensack Riverkeeper's ongoing mission to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River for the benefit of its people and wildlife.

The Essex County Environmental Center is located at 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland and is a facility of the Essex County Park System in Essex County West Essex Park. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Essex County West Essex Park is open to the public every day from dawn until dusk. Pre-registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. For more information, please call 973-228-8776.

ONGOING CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

LITTLE EXPLORERS SUMMER STROLL

For 2 and 3 year olds
Fridays—June 7, 21; August 9, 23
10am to 11am

For 4 and 5 year olds
Wednesdays—July 10, 31; August 7, 21
10am to 11am

Join us for a summer stroll through our wooded wetland. We’ll take time to stop and explore the wonders of the season. Join us rain or shine. Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child/session

‘KITCHEN LITTLE’ COOKING CLUB

Friday—June 14
10:45am to 12pm

For children ages 3 to 5 who are accompanied by an adult. In this exciting class, we will explore how to cook some of nature’s produce. Join us in the kitchen as we measure, mix and bake some special healthy treats. The best part, of course, is the tasting at the end! Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Fee: $10/child/session (includes a $3 material fee)

LITTLE SPROUTS GARDENING CLUB
June 5, 12, 19; July 3, 24; August 14
9:45am to 10:45am
For children ages 3½ to 5 who are accompanied by an adult. The simple act of gardening opens up a world of growth, learning and enjoyment for young children. This small, age-appropriate class will allow children to discover a real connection with living things and explore the “real dirt” of gardening. Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $10/child/session (includes a $3 material fee)

OUTSIDE NATURE DISCOVERIES CLUB

Monday—June 10
4pm to 5pm

For children ages 5 and 6. Come venture into our wooded wetland with magnifiers, trowels, containers and more to observe living things in their environment. The curriculum is not structured; we will discover as we explore. Dress for the weather as all classes will be outside. Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child/session

BUG CLUB
Tuesday—June 11
4pm to 5pm
For children ages 6 to 10.The Bug Club is devoted to young people who want to explore the wonders of insects through field walks, games, stories and crafts. This club meets year-round.  Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child/session

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB
Wednesday—June 5
4pm to 5pm
For children ages 7 to 11. Let’s get outside and see where the hour takes us. We just might build forts, collect firewood, skip rocks, tell stories, dig for critters, spot wildlife, play tag and more. Let’s blow like the wind. The hour will be directed by club members under the guidance of a Staff Naturalist who will facilitate all free-play activities. Dress for the weather as all classes will be outside. Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child/session

GREEN KIDS CLUB
Tuesday—June 18
4pm to 5pm
For children ages 7 to 12. Discover all areas of environmental science with hands-on fun and service projects! Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child/session

Nature Discovery Garden CluB
Wednesday—June 19
4pm to 5pm
For children ages 7 to 12. Whether your garden is outdoors or a pot on a windowsill, you’ll learn about how plants live and grow. You will discover many exciting things about nature, such as how weather, temperature and seasons affect all living things, how living things come out of seeds and soil, how earthworms, bees and other wildlife help in the garden and how our whole environment works together like an amazing puzzle. Come get in touch with the world in which you live! Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $10/child/session (includes a $3 material fee)

Nature Crafts with Children
Wednesdays—June 12, July 10, August 14
4pm to 5pm
For children ages 7 to 12. To craft means to make something with your hands, and people have been making crafts since time began. Nature provides us with colors and patterns that are gifts of the Earth. Yes, we shall make some beautiful crafts, but you will also likely discover a deeper love of the Earth. Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9/child/session (includes a $2 material fee)

4-H YOUNG GARDENERS CLUB
Tuesday—June 11
4pm to 5pm

Tuesdays—June 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30;  August 6, 13, 20, 27
10am to 11am
For children in grades 1 through 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 more. Learning and fun happen all the time here! Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration required; please call 973.353.1338 x109

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4-H LEGO CLUB

Saturdays—June 8, July 13, August 10
10am to 11:30am
For children in grades 3 through 6. Come use your imagination and build animals, castles and more with other children who are interested in Legos. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required; please call 973.353.1338 x109

ONGOING CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS

NEW! Tuesday afternoon YOGA
Tuesdays—June 4, 11 & 18
3:30pm to 4:45pm
For adults. The focus of this class is on the many benefits of long-held seated poses. We lengthen tissues that connect, wrap and interweave the muscles, helping to increase our range of motion and free up areas of limitation. This class will discontinue for the summer and resume in September. All levels are welcome. Join us weekly or for just one class. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Fee: $10/class.

THURSDAY EVENING YOGA
Thursdays—June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 25; August 1, 8, 15, 22                         
6:15pm to 7:30pm
For adults. This “all levels” yoga series will focus on alignment, flow and warmth followed by a restorative pose to unwind the body and mind for bed. All levels are welcome. Advance registration and monthly payment are required; call 973.228.8776. No refunds for missed classes. Fee: $40 for the June and August series; $10 for the July class

FRIDAY MORNING YOGA
Fridays—June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23
9:30am to 10:45am
For adults. This class will explore the many joys of yoga. Breathing synchronized with movement will warm the body and relax the mind. All levels are welcome. Join us weekly or for just one class. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Fee: $10/class

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS CLUB
Wednesday, June 5
7pm to 9pm
For adults. Join the Nature Photographers for another fun and creative presentation. The specific presentation topic will be announced at a later date. Fee: $9/adult; Free for Essex County Nature Photographer members

HORTICULTURE FOR SENIORS
Monday, June 17
1pm to 3pm

For senior citizens. Join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County for this horticulture class especially designed for senior citizens. Join us this month for a Picnic and Plant Clinic. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required one week prior to program; call 973.379.5488 or 973.731.0717. FREE

NEW JERSEY WOODTURNERS

Mondays—June 24, July 22 & August 26
7pm to 9:30pm
For adults. Learn to turn with the NJ Woodturners Association! Discover the wonders of creating art from found pieces of wood. Topics vary month to month; call the Environmental Center for details. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Fee: $9/adult; Free for NJWA members

NJ AUDUBON
ESSEX COUNTY BIRDING FIELD TRIPS

BIRDING FIELD TRIPS IN ESSEX COUNTY

Led by Dave Hall, Associate Naturalist

Have you ever wanted to “bird watch” but didn’t know where to begin? Would you like to find some of the hidden gems in Essex County? Let New Jersey Audubon be your guide. Summer is the time to see, hear and learn the species of birds that nest in Essex County. Walks encourage beginners and challenge experts. Space is limited; please contact Kelly Wenzel at 908.766.5787 for more information and to register.

THURSDAY MORNING FIELD TRIPS

GREENWOOD GARDENS
Thursday, June 6
8am to 11am

We will tour Greenwood Gardens in search of summer residents. Explore several habitats including hardwood forest, conifer stands, ponds and meadows. For more information about Greenwood Gardens, visit www.greenwoodgardens.org. Registration with Greenwood Gardens is required for this trip; please e-mail info@greenwoodgardens.org or call 973.258.4026. Meet at Greenwood Gardens, 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills. Fee: $10 NJA and Greenwood Gardens members, $12 non-members

ESSEX COUNTY HATFIELD SWAMP
Thursday, June 20
8:30am to 11am

Celebrate the summer solstice with a hike through this wooded wetland habitat. Songbird viewing will be in full swing at this time. Footing may be wet. Meet at the Stop & Shop at 875 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell.. FREE

GREENWOOD GARDENS
Thursday, July 11
8am to 11am

Explore this wonderful estate and enjoy pond, forest and meadow birds while marveling at incredible architecture. For more information about Greenwood Gardens, visit www.greenwoodgardens.org. Registration with Greenwood Gardens is required for this trip; please e-mail info@greenwoodgardens.org or call 973.258.4026. Meet at Greenwood Gardens, 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills. Fee: $10 NJA and Greenwood Gardens members, $12 non-members

ESSEX COUNTY BROOKDALE PARK
Thursday, July 25
8:30am to 11am

Tour the Rose Garden and a search for late summer birds and perhaps hummingbirds.  Meet in the parking lot at the top of the soccer/football grandstands near the entrance on Bellevue Avenue. Location: Bellevue Avenue and W. Circuit Drive, Bloomfield.. FREE

SATURDAY MORNING FIELD TRIPS

ESSEX COUNTY TROY MEADOWS
Saturday, June 15
8:30am to 11am

The combination of forest and meadow habitat makes for spectacular views of summer residents actively foraging. Footing may be wet. We will carpool to the trail head. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center. Fee: $6 NJA members, $8 non-members

ESSEX COUNTY BRANCH BROOK PARK
Saturday, July 20
8:30am to 11am

Walk through some of the paths of this varied park scene, that holds a surprising variety of birdlife, from forest birds to ducks and herons. Meet at the Essex County Cherry Blossom Welcome Center located on Branch Brook Drive between Heller Parkway and Mill Street. Location: Cherry Blossom Welcome  Center, Franklin Avenue and Mill Street, Newark.. Fee: $6 NJA members, $8 non-members

ESSEX COUNTY HILLTOP RESERVATION
Saturday, July 27
9am to 11am

This is a great time to view nesting birds such as Indigo bunting and House wren. We will also explore the restored meadow habitat for Blue Birds as well as butterflies and other insects. Meet at Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane, North Caldwell.. FREE

JUNE 2013

GOING “GREEN”: ORGANIC LAND CARE FOR HOMEOWNERS
                                         Saturday, June 1                               
8am to 1pm
For adults. Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff will walk you through the process of transitioning your landscaping to an organically-managed system. Some of the topics that will be covered are an introduction to organic land care, soil management, plant nutrition and composting, and plant pathology. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $25

BUILD YOUR OWN RAIN BARREL

Wednesday, June 12   
6:30pm to 8:30pm

For adults. A rain barrel is placed under a gutter’s downspout next to a house to collect rainwater from the roof. The barrel holds about 50 gallons of water, which can be used to water your lawn, flowers, shrubs and trees. Rainwater harvesting can help save money on your water bill, prevent basement flooding, and reduce flooding in local rivers and streams. Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff will show participants how to build their own rain barrel and how to install it at home. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required; 973.228.8776.                Fee: $60

MORNING PADDLE
Saturday, June 15         
11am to 1pm
For adults and children ages 10 and up who are accompanied by an adult. Take a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River. Paddlers will enjoy scenery and peacefulness as they paddle up the river and then float down slowly at the pace of the river.  The session includes paddling safety and techniques and all equipment. It is appropriate for beginners and children 10 and up who are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776.                Fee: $30/canoe or $15/person

TOMATO GARDENING

Wednesday, June 19
7pm to 9pm

For adults. Join Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County as they introduce the basics of tomato gardening. Learn how to harvest your own tomatoes to enjoy with your family and friends. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration required; call 973.228.8776.                      Fee: $9/adult

WILDERNESS SKILLS SUMMER CAMP

June 24 to June 28
9:30am to 12:30pm
For grades 5 to 9. Join Traditional Earth Skills Instructor Mike Dennis for a week of outdoor skills builidng. We will identify plants, learn to track animals, create fire, go canoeing, make moccasins and natural rope, build shelters and more! Call the Center for details. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $175/child

JULY 2013

SUMMER CAMP

July 8 to July 19, Grades Pre K and Kindergarten
1pm to 4pm

July 22 to August 2, Grades 1 and 2
1pm to 5pm

August 5 to August 16, Grades 3 and 4
1pm to 5pm

Enjoy exploring and discovering woodland and river habitats for insects, birds, amphibians, Lenape life and much more. Sign up for one or two weeks/grade level. Call the Center for details. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.877

BUTTERFLIES IN THE CLASSROOM

Wednesday, July 10
9am to 12pm

For Pre-Kindergarten through 4^th Grade educators. This exciting, hands-on workshop is designed for educators working in classrooms and nature centers with elementary students. We will engage and participate in educational lessons designed for student interaction with butterflies, learn tips and tricks on care and handling of butterflies in the classroom, and learn how to create a schoolyard butterfly garden that engages and educates young participants. Entry into our butterfly tent safari is included in this workshop. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776.  Fee: $15 (Full scholarships available for Essex County urban aid district teachers; call the Center for details)

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Saturday, July 13
10am to 11am OR 12pm to 1pm

For children ages 3½ to 5. Take a walk to our blanket in the grass and read the Very Hungry Caterpillar, search our gardens for these growing babies, and paint and create your own caterpillar craft. This program includes a few minutes in our live butterfly tent. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776.             Fee: $7/child

BUTTERFLY TENT SAFARI

Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 26
12pm to 3pm
For all ages. Flutter on over and visit our live butterfly tent. All are welcome to make-and-take a butterfly craft and participate in table activities. $2 suggested donation to the Essex County Parks Foundation

GROW YOUR OWN SALAD
Wednesday, July 17
7pm to 9pm
For adults. Join Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County as they introduce the basics of creating a small vegetable/salad garden. Harvest your own tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers this year to enjoy with your family and friends. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9/adult

BUZZ INTO ACTION with INSECT EDUCATION

Saturday­­­­, July 20
     10am to 11am OR 12pm to 1pm

For children ages 5 and up. Love Insects? Join us for a family fun and hands-on presentation all about Bugs n’ Butterflies. This program includes a few minutes in our live butterfly tent. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child, $9/adult

BUTTERFLY GARDENING WORKSHOP

Saturday, July 27
12pm to 1:30pm

For adults and children ages 8 and older. Learn to garden for butterflies with Jean Greely, an Essex County Rutgers Master Gardener and butterfly enthusiast. Presentation and discussion will be followed by a planting of butterfly host and nectar plants within our gardens. This program includes a few minutes in our live butterfly tent. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child, $9/adult

START PADDLING!

Monday, July 29 
10am to 2pm

Date and time for the 1-hour classroom portion: TBD (see below)
For adults. Canoe season is here. Join Alex Sperling from Montclair State University to learn the principles of paddling, basic strokes, safety, proper etiquette on and off the water, and more in this two-day workshop for beginner paddlers. Participants must attend one of the following classes for the one-hour classroom portion prior to attending the canoe trip:  July 22 at 12pm, July 22 at 4pm, July 24 at 3pm or July 25 at 10am. This one-hour class will be conducted in the warm confines of the Montclair State University Student Recreation Center Pool to prepare us for our half-day excursion on the Passaic River. The canoe trip will leave from the Essex County Environmental Center on Monday July 29^th. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $25/person

AUGUST 2013

ADULT WILDERNESS SKILLS CAMP
Thursdays—August 1, 8, 15 & 22
6:45pm to 8:45pm

For adults and children ages 16 and older. Join Mike Dennis of Traditional Earth Skills (www.traditionalearthskills.com) on Thursday evenings in August for native Lenape life skills classes. Sessions will include a fire by friction workshop, canoeing the Passaic River, moccasin making and shelter building. This will be a fun, hands-on program for outdoor enthusiasts, scout leaders, or anyone looking to connect more with our history. Join us for one class or all four. Advance registration and payment is required by Thursday, July 25^th; call 973.228.8776.                  Fee: $25/person/class, or $90 for the series.

BIKE RIGHT – DEFENSIVE BIKE SKILLS TRAINING
Friday, August 2 & Saturday, August 3
Friday—5pm to 8pm
Saturday—9am to 1pm
For adults and children ages 14 and up. Would you like to improve your biking skills and learn how to share the road? TransOptions’ bike coaches will train bike riders and wannabe bike riders to Bike Right! In a hands-on training course, you will learn such skills as traffic navigation, crash avoidance, NJ bike laws, route planning, flat tire repair, proper gearing and more. Participants will also be given a bike rider’s student manual as well as free Bike Right merchandise. For the Saturday’s session, please bring a helmet and a bike in good working order. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9/person

MEDITATION SERIES FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesdays, August 7, 14, 21
6:45pm to 7:45pm
For adults. Do you want to start meditating but don’t know how to begin? Some of the many benefits are stress reduction, improved relationships and increased health. Each session will highlight a different meditation technique – visualization, sound and breath, give various hints and suggestions for establishing a regular practice and include some chair yoga postures. Come learn the basics and see how meditation can increase your appreciation for nature around you as well as the nature within you. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9/adult/class or $23 for the series

BIKE RIGHT – LEARN TO RIDE
Saturday August 10, Rain Date: TBD
10am to 12pm
Children ages 5 and up. Make learning to ride a bike easier for your child with TransOptions Bike Right Learn to Ride class. Bike Right Learn to Ride will teach your child the safe, easy and effective way to learn to ride. Using this "balance first" method, parents help get their children rolling while the child does most of the work. Participants learn the basics of balancing, starting, stopping, and steering a bike, as well as proper helmet fit and adjustment. Please bring a helmet and a bike in good working order. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child

ORGANICALLY PREPARE YOUR LAWN FOR NEXT SPRING

Wednesday, August 14
7pm to 9pm
For adults. Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff will teach organic techniques for over-wintering your lawn so that it will be vibrant and healthy next spring. Prepare it now, enjoy it later. The new State fertilizer law will also be presented and the regulations that apply to homeowners will be discussed. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required one week prior to program; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9/person

HATFIELD SWAMP HIKES BY ARRANGEMENT

Led by Michael Mazur

For adults. The Essex County Environmental Center (ECEC) is pleased to offer hiking tours in the Hatfield Swamp, led by Michael Mazur, local outdoor enthusiast and West Essex Park Conservancy Member/Essex County Trailkeeper. These hikes are “seasonal adventures” that highlight the local ecology of Essex County West Essex Park and the surrounding area.  Hikes are scheduled upon request and will run for two or more people. For more information or to schedule a hike, please contact Mike at mazurma@aol.com or call the Essex County Environmental Center at 973.228.8776. FREE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The NJ Woodturners Association would like to diversify its membership and gain more participation from women and children.  The Association has half a dozen very talented female members, but is encouraging women and children to come to the meetings and learn about the wonderful world of woodturning. The Woodturners meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7pm to 9:30pm in Garibaldi Hall. Contact Gualberto Malave at 908-310-3557 for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD…

LABOR DAY LIVE RAPTOR PROGRAM

Monday, September 2
11am to 12pm OR 1pm to 2pm

For ages 4 and up. Tenafly Nature Center presents live raptors! Participants will observe several live raptors up close and will learn about their behavior, physiology, adaptations, ecological importance and natural history. Hands-on artifacts and demonstrations will capture the imagination of young and old. Advance registration and payment is required by August 21st; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7/child, $9/adult

2013 ESSEX COUNTY PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 18, so grab a camera and visit an Essex County Park! Anyone with a camera is invited and encouraged to submit photos that capture a part of your visit to the County Park System.  For rules and regulations, please contact the Essex County Environmental Center at 973.228.8776.

9^th Annual Octoberfest Fall Family Celebration
Saturday, October 5
11am to 4pm

Come celebrate autumn at the Environmental Center! There will be fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy—hands-on nature games and crafts, farmer’s market featuring a variety of NJ Fresh seasonal produce, canoeing, Native American life, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, food, and more. FREE EVENT; some items may be for sale.

THE EARTH AND ITS GIFTS ONE-DAY CAMP
Monday, October 14

9:30am to 3:30pm
For students in grades 1, 2, and 3. The Earth provides us with so many wonderful resources; let’s explore them by way of story and craft! Crafts will include clay pots, coloring with nature, paper-making, and pet rocks. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776.                                 

Fee: $60/child

SCOUTING DAY

Thursday and Friday, November 7 & 8
10:30am to 12pm and 1pm to 2:30pm

Calling all Scouts—Wolfs, Bear Cubs, Juniors and Brownies—this is your chance to work on belt loops and pins with environmental staff. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776 for more information. 
Fee: $7/scout/class

To register or to inquire about Essex County Environmental Center programs, please call us at 973.228.8776.  To register or for more information about programs sponsored by our partner agencies, please refer to the contact list on the next page and reach out to the agency directly. Thank you!

The Essex County Environmental Center is situated in a wooded wetland habitat with access to the Passaic River, which makes for an interesting and affordable site to book a naturalist-led field trip for school groups, scouts, and community groups.  Book our state-of-the-art facility and nature setting for an educational birthday party, community event, or a corporate business outing. Take advantage of this County facility, stay local and explore the nature of Essex in your own "backyard." For more information call 973.228.8776. The Center is located at 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland NJ, 07068.

Buttermilk Falls, at the edge of Stokes Forest

Out and About

You can find a good hike most anywhere Northwest New Jersey any time of year, but many prefer spring: cool temperatures, lots of birds and buds, not so many bugs. If you like rugged, try the trails at the Delaware Water Gap, the peaks of West Milford,or the Appalachian Trail. If you like long, the Highlands Trail can keep you busy for a week. For easy going walks there are many miles of flat graded rail trails or the former paths of the Morris Canal and the D&R. New Jersey's Division of Parks and Forestry maintains a seemingly endless maze of trails within the state parks, but also in New Jersey's network of wildlife management areas, like Wildcat Ridge in Hibernia.

You'll find dozens of hkes and outdoor tripson this map. Pick and click!

Should you traverse any stretch of woods, or even your backyard, alert eyes are usually rewarded. Coyotes have become commonplace, and more and more people are reporting bobcats in their presence! Check the reports at the end of these stories and you'll see how widespread they've become, thanks to persistent conservation efforts. In some places, it's important to keep your eyes on the trail in case of a rattlesnake!

New Jersey Wild Outdoor Expo

Your organization is cordially invited to participate in the fourth annual New Jersey Wild Outdoor Expo to be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, 2013 at the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area in Jackson Township, Ocean County. The event will run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, rain or shine. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a celebration of outdoor recreation and New Jersey's bountiful natural resources.

The 2012 Wild Outdoor Expo drew more than 7,500 participants and received rave reviews. A report on the outcome of the 2012 Expo and visitor survey results can be viewed at www.njfishandwildlife.com/expo.htm . The event hosts are striving to make this year's event bigger and better, so we hope you can attend.

The Expo is a free event designed for visitors to discover ways to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors. The Expo helps people connect with the natural world by providing a unique blend of conservation information, education and hands-on opportunities to learn outdoor skills and activities. Visitors can learn about and try a wide array of activities including fishing, hiking, shooting sports, kayaking, rock climbing, camping skills, wildlife watching and much more. For more information, visit www.wildoutdoorexpo.com .

If you would like to take part in this exciting event, please submit the attached Exhibitor Registration Form by June 14, 2013. We want this event to be as engaging and interactive for the public as possible. Therefore, in addition to setting up an educational table-top display or booth, you are encouraged to conduct demonstrations and provide hands-on activities if appropriate.

If you have questions, please call me at (609) 259-6961 or e-mail me at Michelle.Smith@dep.state.nj.us . We look forward to your participation and rely on you to help make this event a success!

Michelle Smith
NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Office of Information and Education
One Eldridge Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
P: (609) 259-6961 F: (609) 259-8155

Get "Your Nature On!"
Union County To Host 9th Annual
Bio-Blitz, June 14-15
Naturalists & Scientists Needed/Public Invited

Cranford, NJ - Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14, Union County will be offering residents an opportunity to get up-close and personal with wildlife in their own "backyard" during Bio-Blitz 2013. The event will have teams of plant and wildlife specialists scouring a study site that will Nomahegan, Lenape & Echo Lake Parks, located in Westfield, Cranford, Springfield, Union, Kenilworth and Mountainside, in search of plants and animals over a 24-hour period.

Expert and amateur scientists and naturalists are being sought to participate as team members. To register online, go to ucnj.org/bio-blitz or email bkelly@ucnj.org for more information. Please specify your level of experience and team preference.

Plant, fungi, insect, fish, bird, mammal, amphibian and reptile, and water monitoring experts (along with amateur naturalists) will collect and identify species from the three sections of parkland. Teams will return to Bio-Blitz Central, an outdoor, tented field lab and exhibit space, to sort and count what they find. Sampling methods will differ depending on the team and the organisms being sought.

The primary purpose of the Bio-Blitz is to gain a "snapshot" of the biodiversity (or richness of species) for the 1440.00-acre Union County trio of parks. Another important goal of the event is to raise public awareness of the importance of parkland as wildlife habitat and outdoor classrooms. Although the study site is surrounded by suburban development, it is home to many plants and animals. Greenways provide valuable habitat, and act as a stopover and wildlife corridor for migratory and resident wildlife, including red-tail hawks, screech and great horned owls, great egrets, great blue herons, coyotes, fox, and much more.

Nature-related programs, will be offered throughout the event, free to all and will include evening programs from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Free shuttles will be available to get participants to and from program sites. Programs offered will include a live Raptor Program; Star Watch; Owl Prowl; River & Stream Life; Wild Edible Plant Walk; Fungi Foray; Early Morning Birding and more. Bio-Blitz Bingo will offer the younger "scientist" an opportunity to record their findings and enter a drawing to win nature-related prizes. A Junior Scientist tent will have young naturalists interacting with hands-on activities related to the natural environment.

Bio-Blitz 2013 is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, Kean University and the Rahway River Association, with partial funding provided by PSE&G.

Team volunteers will be fed, "watered" and caffeinated, thanks to generous donations from ShopRite of Clark, Whole Foods of Millburn/Union, and Starbucks of Westfield.

Other partner organizations include the Army Corps, Arthur Kill Watershed Association, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Friends of Lenape Park, Jenkinson's Aquarium, New Jersey Mycological Association, Newark Museum, American Museum of Natural History, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish & Wildlife, the NJ DEP AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, NJ Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs and the Staten Island Zoo. Union County's Trailside Nature & Science Center staff will also be on-hand to offer guided walks and provide live animal exhibits.

For more information or to register as a team scientist or naturalist, log onto ucnj.org/bio-blitz.

Grow Your Own Culinary Mushrooms

On Sunday, June 2 Middlesex County's office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension will host a Grow Your Own Culinary Mushrooms Workshop at the EARTH Center in Davidson's Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave in South Brunswick. The program will run from 10 AM to 12:30 PM.

This hands-on workshop will demonstrate how to propagate mushrooms as a hobby to be used in the kitchen. Shiitake mushrooms will be the focus of this workshop. They are thought to increase immune system function, possess antibacterial properties, and offer numerous nutritional benefits. Shitakes also taste great and work in a wide variety of dishes. Master Gardener and Professional Forester Steve Letkowski will lead the workshop. Spores and logs used in the propagation process will be provided. Dress for some outside field time. The program takes place rain or shine.

Participants are encouraged to bring some of the following tools:
rubber mallets
Electric and/or battery powered drill
drill bits 5/16"
goggles & gloves
A donation of $15 is suggested. Interested parties should register at 732-398-5262 by May 29.

EARTH Center offers Nutrition Workshop
Creating Healthy Family Meals on a Budget

On Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 6:30 PM, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will offer a nutrition seminar entitled, "Creating Healthy Family Meals on a Budget". The class will take place at the EARTH Center in Davidson's Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick, NJ. Participants should register before June 14 and get more details by calling 732-398- 5262. There will be a $15 program material donation requested.

This workshop will look at shopping, cooking and eating nutritious meals together as a family. But in these tough economic times, when families are looking closely at their budget, is this even possible? Kanan Thakore, registered dietitian, will offer tips on making this a reality. The goal is to help attendees make the right decision when it comes to purchasing and preparing food for their family. The current national health crisis of obesity and increasing diabetes in adolescents will also be discussed.

Presenting the information will be Kanan Thakore, Registered dietitian, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician and Program Associate for the Family & Consumer Health Science Department of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County.

Visit the EARTH Center online at www.co.middlesex.nj.us/extensionservices.

Click HERE.

Riverside School in Princeton ALL ARE WELCOME, please RSVP to DorMullen1@aol.com

May 18 Healthy Children Healthy Planet event, see how Riverside School creates relationships that make the funding and nuts and bolts of the garden happen.

June 8 at 10:00, Join Wendy Parker, garden educator, to learn lessons she's doing in a K - 5 school.

YOUTH FISHING CAMP
"An entry level experience for the aspiring angler"
For girls and boys from 3rd grade and up

The Nature Center of Cape May and it's parent organization, New Jersey Audubon, are pleased to invite children over the age of eight to participate in the second annual Guy Hill Buckelew Memorial YOUTH FISHING CAMP. The camp will run from August 19th through the 23rd, Monday through Friday mornings from 9:00 A.M. to Noon. Guy Hill Buckelew was an avid angler and sportsman whose desire to see his love of fishing perpetuated to aspiring youthful anglers is realized by this Camp.

The Camp will be held at the Nature Center campus, 1600 Delaware Avenue in Cape May, and will be supervised by retired teacher and local waterman legend, Norman Smith. The Camp leaders will instruct students in all phases of fishing including species identification, catch limits, angling methods and terminology, bait, tackle & rigging, safety precautions and even catch cleaning & preparation. Captain Norm's Three P's of fishing: Preparation, Practice and Patience will be put to practical use each day

This is a morning camp, however, additional afternoon hours will be scheduled to accommodate a boat trip from 1:00 to 5:00, (weather permitting) a visit to this year's Mid-Atlantic $500,000 tuna and marlin tournament to watch "weigh-ins" and tour of the "Big Tent."

The cost for this week long experience covers professional instruction, equipment, bait, T-Shirts and other apparel, as well as charter boat fees. At a weekly cost of $200 for members and $250 for non-members this is a unique opportunity to introduce young people to a healthy outdoor hobby they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. Scholarships are available based on need and for many USCG dependent children. But camp size is limited, so INQUIRE NOW! Inquiries should be made in person at the Center, 1600 Delaware Ave, or call: 609-898-8848 for registration information. Remember, camp size is limited.

The Guy Hill Buckelew Memorial Fishing Camp is funded in part by the McKinnon Family Foundation in memory of Commander Buckelew, USCG, retired whose love of youth led him to become a teacher after his retirement from the Coast Guard. The Fishing Camp also receives support from Sea Tow, Pelagic Inc, Release Marine and other tackle and clothing suppliers.

The Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM) is situated on the rim of Cape May Harbor at 1600 Delaware Avenue in Cape May. One of 10 centers operated by New Jersey Audubon, the Center provides family oriented programming in the marine sciences on a year-round basis. The public is invited to visit our campus, shop at the nature store and view the breathtaking harbor and its environment from the Trucksess Observation tower.

Click HERE.

Click HERE.

Nature Explorers
Spring, Summer & Wilderness Skills Camp

WILDERNESS SKILLS CAMP

For Children Entering 5th through 9th Grades
Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28
9:30am to 12:30pm; $175/child/week

Includes Shelter Building Basics, Canoe Trip, Rope Making, Atatl Practice, Fire by Friction Workshop, Tracking, Making Moccasins and Dream Catchers, Stalking Games and Plant Identification and Usage.
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NATURE EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP

For Children Entering PK to K Grade
Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 12-"Summertime Safari"
Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19-"Common Senses"
1pm to 4pm; $150/child/week

For Children Entering 1st & 2nd Grade
Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26-"Native American Living"
Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2-"Wild Art"
1pm to 5pm; $170/child/week

For Children Entering 3rd & 4th Grade
Monday, August 5 to Friday, August 9-"Survivor"
Monday, August 12 to Friday, August 16-"Feathered Friends"
1pm to 5pm; $190/child/week

Location: Essex County Environmental Center 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ

SPACE IS LIMITED, ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

COUNTY OF ESSEX
Department Of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
621-B EAGLE ROCK AVENUE, ROSELAND, NEW JERSEY 07068
Phone: 973.228.8776 Fax: 973.228.3793
www.essexcountynj.org

Earth Day Network, an environmental nonprofit organization in Washington, DC, has created the first annual Healthy and Sustainable School Food Journalism Award, and we think the schools in your network might be interested.  

What is the award?
A competition for student journalists. Articles submitted for consideration must be about the need for healthy, sustainable school food and must have been published in a school newspaper.

Who can enter?
U.S. high school students ages 13 to 18.

Who’s judging?
Best-selling author Michael Pollan will judge the finalists and select the winners!

What could I win?
First prize: $1,500. Second prize: $1,000. Third prize: $500. Fourth Prize (x3): $300
…Plus, $200 for your journalism class and the opportunity to have your work publicized on our websites and through our extensive networks.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMPETITION AND HOW TO ENTER!

Earth Day Network
1616 P Street NW. Suite 340
Washington, D.C. 20036