MAPLE SUGARING
Saturday, February 11
10:30 a.m. to noon
Our walk today will find us searching for sugar maple trees. We will “tap” a maple tree, collect sap, and make maple syrup. We’ll return to the center for hot chocolate and sugar snacks. For children ages 4 to 12 and their families.
Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
HOLIDAY HIKES
Led by Kelly Wenzel, Project Coordinator - Urban Programs
Don’t just sit around on your day off from school – enjoy the great outdoors! Come hike with us and learn about your local parks and wildlife. These hikes have no agenda, so just come prepared to have fun! Programs are designed for children in kindergarten to 5th grade. Please e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org or call 973.226.6082 to register.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
Monday, February 20
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Essex County’s largest developed park has many good hiking trails leading into different habitats. In midwinter the park becomes a wonderland of snowy hemlocks and wondrous frozen waterfalls. Meet at the Tulip Springs parking area off of Cherry Lane. For children in grades K to 5.
Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
BIRDING FIELD TRIPS IN ESSEX COUNTY
Led by Dave Hall
At this time of year we will be looking for resident and overwintering birds as well as scenic vistas. Many of these trips are to Essex County parks, the oldest county park system in the United States. Dave will set an easy pace, and most of the trails are level and wide. Hikes take place unless trails are impassable due to snow or ice; heavy rain or snow cancels. Registrants will receive a confirmation call/e-mail. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
WEEQUAHIC PARK
Thursday, February 9
8:00 to 11 a.m.
Visit an Essex County oasis while searching for wintering ducks, gulls and passerine birds. All can be viewed along an easy trail around the lake. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland and we will carpool to the park.
Cost: Free
HATFIELD SWAMP
Saturday, February 18
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
We will spend the morning searching for birds and other animals of winter. Meet at the parking lot of Stop and Shop in West Caldwell, near the corner of Bloomfield and Passaic Avenues.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.
TROY MEADOWS
Thursday, February 23
8:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Search the edges of the frozen swamp for wintering birds and animals. Be prepared for icy conditions. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland; and we will carpool to the hike location.
Cost: Free.
Spring 2012 Programs
March through May
In additon to our Family Programs and Field Trips please join us for:
WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING
Saturday, May 12
The 29th annual World Series of Birding is North America’s premier conservation event. This event has changed the birding landscape and raised over $8 million for bird conservation. Every species found, every dollar raised preserves and protects critical bird habitats. Last year the event raised almost $700,000 for the teams’ various conservation causes throughout the world. For more information on how to play, pledge, or sponsor go to the website: www.worldseriesofbirding.org or call 609.884.2736. Registration deadline for teams is April 15.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
AT THE ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Programs are designed for children in kindergarten to 5th grade.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Spring Safari
Saturday, March 10
10:30 a.m. to noon.
What plant can melt snow? What early birds are back from winter vacation? Answer these questions, and more, as we explore the wooded wetland just before the start of spring! The paths may be wet, so put on your boots and explore! This program is for children ages 5 and up. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
EARTH DAY 2011
Saturday, April 21
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Come out and celebrate nature on this nationally recognized day dedicated to our very own planet, EARTH! Activities include a live honeybee demonstration, nature walks, a composting demonstration, canoeing, kayaking, container gardening, fishing, music, and more. Don’t miss the green vendors’ tent and information tables of local environmental groups, outdoor enthusiasts, and other earth-minded organizations working in our bioregion. Snacks and refreshments are included. Please call the Essex County Environmental Center at 973.228.8776 for details.
Cost: Free all day and open to the public.
BIRD-WATCHING FIELD TRIPS
IN ESSEX COUNTY
Led by Dave Hall
Spring field trips offer the opportunity to see species of birds that are passing through New Jersey on their way to breeding territories farther north and other migrants that are returning to the state to nest. The trips also offer a chance to learn the territorial songs and behavior of birds that are resident all year long. This is a wonderful time of year to visit the Essex County parks. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
WEEQUAHIC PARK
Thursday, March 8
8:00 to 11:30 a.m.
This Newark park is a fascinating place to view a variety of gulls, ducks, and geese, plus some woodland birds on their northward migration. Meet at the Wild Bird Center at 44 Clinton Road, West Caldwell (just off of Passaic Ave near Bloomfield Ave intersection) and receive a $5 off coupon to the store. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.
HILLTOP RESERVATION
Saturday, March 10
8:30 to 11:00 a.m.
We will explore early spring migrants and late winter sparrows at a restored meadow habitat in the reservation. This is also an excellent place to view raptors. Meet at the sports field parking lot near the intersection of Courter Lane and Mountain Avenue in North Caldwell. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: Free.
HATFIELD SWAMP
Thursday, March 22
8:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Celebrate World Water Day with a hike through our precious wetland. Early spring migrants may include both passerines and raptors; we may also encounter hundreds of waterfowl. Footing may be wet. Meet at the Wild Bird Center at 44 Clinton Road, West Caldwell (just off of Passaic Ave near Bloomfield Ave intersection). Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: Free.
VERONA PARK
Thursday, April 12
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Take an easy walk around the pond looking for signs of early spring migrants. Meet at the Boat House near the paddle boat rental area. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: Free.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN
RESERVATION
Saturday, April 14
8:30 a.m. to noon.
We will hike several trails in search of early signs of spring. Target species include early spring migrants and the last of the winter sparrows. Meet at the parking lot of the Turtleback Zoo in West Orange where we will carpool to various parts of the reservation.
Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.
TROY MEADOWS
Thursday, April 26
8:30 to 11 a.m.
The combination of forest and meadow habitat makes for spectacular views of middle-spring migrants that will be passing through. Footing may be wet. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland where we will carpool to the meadows. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: Free.
GREAT PIECE MEADOWS
Thursday, May 10
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
There will be many chances to encounter meadowland birds in spring including herons, sandpipers, swallows, sparrows, and much more. Footing may be wet. Meet at the parking lot of the former Charlie Brown’s Restaurant in Fairfield (337 Fairfield Road, near Route 46). Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.
BECKER FARM AND
DINOSAUR PARK
Thursday, May 17
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy beautiful vistas of the Passaic River Valley at the right time to discover spring migrants in all their glory, including warblers in full song. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.
HATFIELD SWAMP
Saturday, May 19
8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Late spring migrants may include both passerines and raptors, including warblers in full song. Footing may be wet. Meet at the Wild Bird Center at 44 Clinton Road, West Caldwell (just off of Passaic Ave near Bloomfield Ave intersection) and receive a $5 off coupon to the store. Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.