LEARN ABOUT BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES, ESSENTIAL OILS, GARDENING, HIKING, INSECTS, NATURE, YOGA, AND MORE AT THE ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

Never Ending activities at Essex County Environmental Center

Essex County Executive DiVincenzo Invites Children and Families to Expand their Understanding and Appreciation of the Environment

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A variety of programs are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of July 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 July are as follows:

“Birding Hike in Troy Meadows” is presented by New Jersey Audubon. The combination of forest and meadow habitat makes for spectacular views of summer residents actively foraging. Footing may be wet. Hikers meet at the Essex County Environmental Center and carpool to the trail head. Cost is $6 for NJA members and $8 for non-members. Please call 908-766-5787 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, July 2, 2015

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Meeting Site: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Thursday Evening Yoga” is 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. Cost is $40. Advance registration and monthly payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. No refunds for missed classes. Minimum number of participants is required. Thursday Evening Yoga will be held as follows:

Dates: Thursdays, July 2, 9, 23 & 30, 2015

Time: 6:15 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Young Engineers Summer Camp” is for children in pre-kindergarten to fourth grade. For children who enjoy computers and science, this camp offers opportunities in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, Lego robotics and game design. Sign up for one or two weeks per grade level. Advance registration and payment are required. For information and cost, call 973-228-8776. Young Engineers Summer Camp will be held as follows:

Grades: Pre-K and Kindergarten

Dates: Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10, 2015

Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17, 2015

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Grades: Grades 1 and 2

Dates: Monday, July 20 to Friday, July 24, 2015

Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, 2015

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Grades: Grades 3 and 4

Dates: Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7, 2015

Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 14, 2015

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Summer Camp” is for children in pre-kindergarten to fourth grade. Campers will explore and search woodland and river habitats for insects, birds, amphibians, Lenape life and much more. Sign up for one or two weeks per grade level. Advance registration and payment are required. For information and cost, call 973-228-8776. Summer Camp will be held as follows:

Grades: Pre-K and Kindergarten

Dates: Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17, 2015

Time: 1 to 4 p.m.

Grades: Grades 3 and 4

Dates: Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7, 2015

Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 14, 2015

Time: 1 to 5 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Yoga in Essex County South Mountain Reservation” is for adults. Essex County celebrates Parks and Recreation Month with free weekly yoga classes in Essex County South Mountain Reservation. These classes are suitable for beginners and great for the seasoned yoga practitioner. Bring a yoga mat and dress comfortably. Meet in the Clipper Pavilion next to the paddle boat area on Cherry Lane. Classes are held rain or shine. For more information, call 973-228-8776. Yoga will be held as follows:

Dates: Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2015

Times: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex

Clipper Pavilion

Cherry Lane

West Orange, NJ

“Little Explorers Summer Nature Stroll” is for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Students will stroll through the wooded wetland and explore the wonders of the season. Classes will be held rain or shine. Cost is $9 per child. Minimum number of participants is required. Advance registration and payment are required. For more information, call 973-228-8776. Little Explorers Summer Nature Stroll will be held as follows:

Dates: Wednesday, July 8 & 29, 2015

Time: 10 a.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Aromatherapy for Summertime” is for adults. Common outdoor activities – such as gardening, sports, entertaining or vacationing – can get uncomfortable when temperatures soar. Learn what essential oils can help ease tired muscles, energize, and help keep you cool. Cost is $10 per adult. Minimum number of participants, advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Aromatherapy for Summertime will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Birding Hike in Greenwood Gardens” is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Explore this wonderful estate and enjoy pond, forest and meadow birds while marveling at incredible architecture. Cost is $10 for NJA and Greenwood Gardens members, $12 for non-members. Registration with Greenwood Gardens is required; please register online at www.greenwoodgardens.org or contact the gardens at 973-258-4026 or info@greenwoodgardens.org. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2015

Time: 8 a.m.

Place: Greenwood Gardens

274 Old Short Hills Road

Short Hills, NJ

“Friday Morning Yoga” is 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. Participate weekly or for just one class. Cost is $10 per class. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Friday Morning Yoga will be held as follows:

Dates: Fridays, July 10, 24 & 31, 2015

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is for children ages 3½ to 5. Listen to a reading of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” search the gardens for these growing babies, and paint and create a caterpillar craft. This program includes entry into the Environmental Center’s live butterfly tent. Cost is $8 per child. Minimum number of participants and advance registration are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2015

Times: 10 a.m. OR 12 Noon

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Butterfly Tent Safari” is for all ages. Flutter on over and visit the live butterfly tent at the Essex County Environmental Center. All are welcome to make-and-take a butterfly craft and participate in table activities. A $2 per person donation to the Essex County Parks Foundation is suggested. Butterfly Tent Safari will be held as follows:

Dates: Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 24, 2015

Times: Monday to Friday from 12 Noon to 3 p.m.

Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“4-H Young Gardeners Club” is for children in grades 1 through 10. Have you ever wondered how vegetables and flowers grow? Where spaghetti sauce comes from? How you can find a rainbow in a garden? Join the 4-H Young Gardener's Club to find the answers to these questions and more. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration required. For information, call 973-353-1337. The 4-H Young Gardener’s Club will meet as follows:

Dates: Tuesdays, July 14, 21 & 28, 2015

Time: 10 a.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

Garibaldi Hall

621A Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Exploring Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation” is for families. Bring the children for a naturalist-led exploration of Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation. Participants will begin at the ball field at the Eagle Rock Avenue entrance and take the glen trail toward the stream. Uncover a hidden natural playground within the forest. Cost is $10 per adult and $8 per child. A minimum number of participants, advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Exploring Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Times: 6 p.m.

Place: Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation

Eagle Rock Avenue

West Orange, NJ

“Little Explorers Summer Series” is for children ages 4 to 6 years old. Students will be engaged in hands-on activities held in the summer forest. Classes will be held rain or shine, so be dressed for a romp in the woods. Cost is $9 per child/per class. Minimum number of participants is required. Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Little Explorers Summer Series will be held as follows:

Dates: Thursdays, July 16, 23 & 30, 2015

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Buzz into Action with Insect Education” is for children ages 5 and older. Love insects? Join us for a family fun and hands-on presentation all about bugs and butterflies. This program includes entry into the live butterfly tent. Cost is $8 per child and $10 per adult. A minimum number of participants and advance registration are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Buzz into Action will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2015

Times: 10 a.m. OR 12 Noon

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Aromatherapy for a Relaxing Summer” is for adults. Come relax with us as specific essential oils which can bring a sense of peace and calming are diffused. During this class, participants will learn how essential oils can uplift spirits and bring a deep sense of relaxation. Cost is $10 per adult. A minimum number of participants, advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Aromatherapy for a Relaxing Summer will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2015

Time: 12 Noon

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Birding Hike in Essex County Brookdale Park” is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Tour the Rose Garden and search for late summer birds and hummingbirds. Meet in the parking lot at the top of the soccer/football grandstands near the entrance on Bellevue Avenue, Bloomfield. This is a free event. Please call 908-766-5787 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2015

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Place: Essex County Brookdale Park

Bellevue Avenue

Bloomfield, NJ

“Container Gardening 101” is for adults. Join Rutgers Essex County Master Gardeners to learn how to add color and fragrance to your yard, patio or deck with annual flowers. Regardless of how small (or large) the space – there is always room for flowers. Participants will learn what flowers are available, how to prepare a container, and – most importantly – maintain healthy plants. Cost is $10 per adult. A minimum number of participants, advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Container Gardening 101 will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2015

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“Birding Hike in Essex County Hilltop Reservation” is presented by New Jersey Audubon. This is a great time to view nesting birds such as Indigo bunting and House wren. Hikers also will explore the restored meadow habitat for Blue Birds, butterflies and other insects. Meet at Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane, North Caldwell. This is a free event. Please call 908-766-5787 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2015

Time: 9 a.m.

Meeting Site: Essex County Hilltop Reservation

Intersection of Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane

North Caldwell, NJ

“Butterfly Gardening Workshop” is 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. The presentation and discussion will be followed with the planting of butterfly host and nectar plants within the Environmental Center gardens. This program includes a few minutes in the live butterfly tent. Cost is $8 per child and $10 per adult. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Butterfly Gardening Workshop will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2015

Times: 12 Noon

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

“New Jersey Woodturners” is 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. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $10 per adult and free for NJWA members. For information, call 973-228-8776. New Jersey Woodturners will meet as follows:

Date: Monday, July 27, 2015

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center

Garibaldi Hall

621A Eagle Rock Avenue

Roseland, NJ

A photo gallery titled Essex County’s Bonanza of Butterflies by Janet Markman will be on display in the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of July. Hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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