Autumn 2010 Programs
Maps of all Essex County Parks can be viewed and printed by clicking here.
THURSDAY MORNING BIRD-WATCHING FIELD TRIPS
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! Walks encourage beginners and challenge experts!
This is a wonderful time of year to view the fall migrants, and Dave has once again planned many exciting birding field trips. 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, although a few have steep trail sections and are a little muddy. This is a wonderful time of year to visit the Essex County parks.
Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
BECKER TRACT AND WALTER KIDDE DINOSAUR PARK
Thursday, September 9 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. Walk along the rim of the Passaic River Valley for superb views and interesting birdlife. Meet in the parking lot of the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland.Cost: free.
MONTCLAIR HAWK WATCH
Thursday, September 23 9:00 A.M. to noon With fall migration in full swing, you are sure to see a variety of hawks. Meet at the parking area on Edgecliff Road or, if you arrive late, join us by climbing the stairway to the Hawk Watch. Bring a hat, water, and a folding chair. Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.GROVER CLEVELAND PARK AND THE TROTTER TRACT
Thursday, October 7 8:30 to 11:00 A.M.This is a great time for woodland birds. We will visit this beautiful Essex County park and also explore a nearby reserve in Essex Fells. Meet at the tennis courts at Grover Cleveland Park. Cost: free.BRANCH BROOK PARK
Thursday, October 21
8:30 to 11:00 A.M.Take a leisurely walk in this Olmstead-designed park in Newark. This is an amazing place for migrating birds including thrushes, wrens, waterfowl and more. Meet at the Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center parking lot (for a map and directions click here). HATFIELD SWAMP
Thursday, November 4
8:30 to 11:30 A.M.We will have a great chance to find migrating birds and maybe some native wildlife. Depending on recent weather, you may want to wear boots. Meet at the parking lot of the Marshall’s in West Caldwell, near the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Passaic Street. Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.WEEQUAHIC PARK
Thursday, November 18
9:00 to 11:00 A.M.*Hidden Gem* This area attracts a wonderful set of waterfowl in the fall, and all can be viewed along an easy trail around the lake. We expect to find a good selection of wintering ducks. Meet at the park at the large parking area on the west end of the lake
SATURDAY BIRDING FIELD TRIPS
Led by Dave Hall, Associate Naturalist
HATFIELD SWAMP
Saturday, September 11
8:30 A.M. to noonMigrants might include hummingbirds, warblers, and many more. Might be muddy. Meet at the parking lot of the Marshall’s in West Caldwell, near the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Passaic Street.Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
Saturday, October 9
8:30 to 11:30 A.M.Essex County’s largest developed park has many good hiking trails leading into different habitats. At the peak of the fall migration, we will search for passerines, raptors, and maybe a few waterfowl. Meet at the Turtle Back Zoo parking lot in West Orange.Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.CANOE BROOK RESERVOIR
Saturday, November 20
8:30 to 11:30 A.M. NJ Audubon has been granted access to Canoe brook, one of the best places in Essex County for wintering waterfowl. Also discover hawks and perhaps a Bald Eagle. Preregistration is required for this field trip. Map and directions provided upon registration.Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers.
SATURDAY FAMILY PROGRAMS
Led by Kelly Wenzel, Environmental Educator
Autumn is a great time to experience the great outdoors! Discover backyard birds, enjoy the bounty of autumn, and learn all about turkeys during our fun fall activities. All family programs are designed with children in mind, are hands-on, and include an outdoor experience.
All family programs take place at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. Programs are designed for children in kindergarten to 5th grade.
Please call 973.226.6082 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
BACKYARD BIRDS AND FEEDERS
Saturday, September 11
10:30 A.M. to noonWhat birds can we expect to see in our backyards in autumn? Learn how to make a recycled bird feeder and discover how you can help your backyard visitors get ready for winter. We will walk outside to see and hear some familiar friends.Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.ESSEX COUNTY OCTOBERFEST 2010
Saturday, October 2
11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.Come celebrate autumn! There will be fun-filled activities for the entire family: games, canoeing, activities, crafts, and food. Cost: free all day and open to the public. TURKEY TIME
Saturday, November 13
10:30 A.M. to noonHave you ever seen a wild turkey? Ben Franklin wanted it to be our national bird. Come prepared for an outdoor walk to try your luck with a turkey “caller.” Bring home a turkey decoration for your Thanksgiving table.Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
HOLIDAY HIKES
Led by Kelly Wenzel, Environmental Educator
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 K to 5th grade.
Please e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org or call 973.226.6082 to register.
GROVER CLEVELAND PARK
Thursday, September 9
9:30 to 11:00 A.M.
This is a great time to see woodland birds. Meet at the tennis courts at Grover Cleveland Park. Cost per child: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
BRANCH BROOK PARK
Monday, October 11
9:30 to 11:00 A.M.
This is an amazing place for migrating birds including thrushes, wrens, waterfowl, and more. Meet at the Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center parking lot in Branch Brook Park, Newark (for a map and directions click here).
Cost per child: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
Thursday, November 4
9:30 to 11:00 A.M.
Essex County’s largest developed park has many good hiking trails leading into different habitats. At the peak of the fall migration, we will search for passerines, raptors, and maybe a few waterfowl. Meet at the Tulip Springs parking area.
Cost per child: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
WONDER WALKS
Led by Kelly Wenzel, Environmental Educator
Get your little tykes out and about with these fabulous walks. Designed for safe exploration, these walks allow your child to discover nature with their senses. Programs are designed for children ages 18 months to 5 years and their caregivers. Children should either be walking or in a carrier. Strollers are not recommended.
Please call 973.226.6082 or email kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register.
GROVER CLEVELAND PARK
Monday, September 13
10:00 to 11:00 A.M.
We will explore the forest to find mi-grating birds and explore what they eat along the way! Meet at the tennis courts at Grover Cleveland Park.
Cost per child: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
BRANCH BROOK PARK
Thursday, October 14
10:00 to 11:00 A.M.
Enjoy the gem of the Essex County Park System with your child(ren). Explore hidden habitats and walk among the magnificent trees to find wildlife getting ready to hibernate. Meet at the Cherry Blossom visitor’s center parking lot in Branch Brook Park, Newark (for a map and directions click here).
Cost per child: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
Monday, November 8
10:00 to 11:00 A.M.
Bundle up and explore the forest to find out who is ready for winter! We will walk through the pine forest and look for owls roosting up high. Meet at Tulip Springs parking area.
Cost per child: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.