Spring 2010 Programs
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FAMILY PROGRAMS
MAPLE SUGARING FUN
If you are calling to register or for information on Saturday morning please call 973.228.8776 after 10am or just stop by. Program fills first come, first served after all registered participants.
Saturday, March 13
10:30 a.m. to noon
Our walk today will find us searching for Sugar Maple trees. We will “tap” a maple tree, collect some sap, and make some Maple Syrup. We’ll return to the center for hot chocolate and sugar snacks.
Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
EARTH DAY 2010
Saturday, April 17
11 a.m. to 4 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 included.
Cost: free all day and open to the public.
MIGRATION MAYHEM
Saturday, May 8
10:30 a.m. to noon
May marks spring migration back to New Jersey for hundreds of species of birds. Take a walk through the woods to discover who has returned and have An Eventful Journey to learn how hard the trip can be.
Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
NEW! WONDER WALKS
By popular demand we are now offering “Wonder Walks” for children ages 18 months to 5 years and their caregivers. Children should either be walking or in a carrier. Strollers are not recommended. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Please call 973.226.6082 or email kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
Tuesday, March 9
10 to 11:15 a.m.
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 at Tulip Springs Parking Area. Cost (per child): $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
BRANCH BROOK PARK
Tuesday, April 13
10 to 11:15 a.m.
Enjoy the gem of the Essex County Park System with your child(ren). Explore hidden habitats and walk among the beautiful cherry blossoms to find wildlife waking up after their winter slumber. Meet at the Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center.
Cost (per child): $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
VERONA PARK
Tuesday, May 11
10 to 11:15 a.m.
Instead of playing on the swings and equipment give Nature’s Playground a try! Explore the natural areas of Verona Park to look for wildflowers, birds, and even aquatic critters! Meet at the sundial in the Garden Eden Children’s Garden.
Cost (per child): $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
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: those that are on their way to breeding territories further north and 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 residents all year long. This is a wonderful time of year to visit the Essex County parks.
*EVENING* WOODCOCK WALK
Thursday, March 18
7 to 9 p.m.
We will take a short 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 we may encounter wet conditions. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center.
Cost: FREE
CANOE BROOK RESERVOIR
Saturday, March 20
8 to 11 a.m.
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. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - DEADLINE MARCH 17!!
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers
VERONA PARK
Thursday, April 8
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Take an easy walk around the pond, looking for signs of early spring migrants. Meet at the south side of the Visitor’s Center.
Cost: FREE
HATFIELD SWAMP
Thursday, April 22
8:30 to 11 a.m.
Early spring migrants may include both passerines and raptors. If conditions are right, we may also encounter hundreds of waterfowl. Footing may be wet. Meet at King’s supermarket parking lot in West Caldwell.
Cost: FREE
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
Saturday, April 24
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.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers
GREAT PIECE MEADOWS
Thursday, May 6
8 to 11 a.m.
There will be many chances to encounter meadowland birds of spring including herons, sandpipers, swallows, sparrows, and much more. Footing may be wet. Meet at the parking lot of Charlie Brown’s Restaurant in Fairfield (337 Fairfield Road, near Rte 46).
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers
BECKER FARM AND DINOSAUR PARK
Thursday, May 20
8 to 11 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.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers
HATFIELD SWAMP
Saturday, May 29
8 to 11 a.m.
Late spring migrants may include both passerines and raptors, including warblers in full song. Footing may be wet. Meet at King’s supermarket parking lot in West Caldwell.
Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers