A variety of programs are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of October 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 October are as follows:
“Chair Yoga Series” is for adults. Whether new to yoga, are an older adult, or know and love yoga but can no longer get up and down from the floor easily, chair yoga may be for you. All poses are done seated or standing next to a chair. Breath will guide participants through class, which will end with a relaxing meditation. All levels are welcome. Dress comfortably. Cost is $45 for the month and $35 for those 65 and older. Advance registration and monthly pre-payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. No refunds for missed classes. Minimum number of participants required. Chair Yoga will be held as follows:
Dates: Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2015
Time: 3 p.m.
Place: 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 $50 for the series. 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, October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2015
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, 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, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2015
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Little Explorers Fall Nature Program” is for children ages 2-5 years old. This child-caregiver class uses stories, walks and crafts to develop an awareness and appreciation for science and nature for the child as well as the caregiver. Each week, a different nature or science topic is covered. Cost is $9 per child per session. In-person registration will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Little Explorers Fall Nature Program will be held as follows:
Ages: 4 and 5 year olds
Dates and Times: Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21 & 28; 1:30 p.m.
OR Fridays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; 1:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Bike Right – Learn to Ride” is for children ages 5 and older. Bike Right Learn to Ride will teach children 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 (without training wheels) in good working order. In the event of rain, this program will be rescheduled. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $8 per child. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants is required. Bike Right – Learn to Ride will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2015
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Tuesday Afternoon Yoga with Meditation” is or adults. The focus of this class is on the many benefits of long-held, seated poses. Participants lengthen tissues that connect, wrap and interweave muscles, helping to increase range of motion and free up areas of limitation. Students will cultivate a meditative state in each pose, as well as sit for a meditation at the end of class. All levels are welcome. Cost is $10 per class. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Tuesday Afternoon Yoga with Meditation will be held as follows:
Dates: Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2015
Time: 3:30 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 9. 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, October 6 & 13, 2015
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Birding Hike in Greenwood Gardens” is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Discover how the gardens change in early fall and look for fall migrants. 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, October 8, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Greenwood Gardens
274 Old Short Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ
“Essential Oil Wellness Workshop” is for adults. In this workshop, students will discover wellness possibilities of essential oils. This introductory class will start a path of discovery to regain control of your own family's wellness for the upcoming winter season. Cost is $10. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants is required. Essential Oils Wellness Workshop will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2015
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Frog Pond Fun Holiday Camp” is for students in 1st through 5th grades. Explore the depths of the pond and wander into the wooded wetland to discover what’s there beyond first glance. Through outdoor and indoor activities, campers will uncover the adaptations that allow frogs and other wetland organisms to survive and thrive while learning how they can become stewards for these fascinating species. Cost is $60 per child. Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants is required. Frog Pond Fun Holiday Camp will be held as follows:
Date: Monday, October 12, 2015
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Bug Club” is for children ages 6 to 10. This club meets year-round and is devoted to young people who want to explore the wonders of insects through field walks, games, stories and crafts. Cost is $8 per child per session. Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants required. Bug Club will be held as follows:
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Time: 4 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. Migrants may include many southbound birds and some winter arrivals. Footing might be muddy, depending on the weather. 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: Thursday, October 15, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Hilltop Reservation
Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane
North Caldwell, NJ
“Put Your Garden to Bed” is for adults. Rutgers Master Gardeners review the basics of fall maintenance that lead to a successful and healthy garden next spring. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $10 per adult. Advance registration required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants is required. Put Your Garden to Bed will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2015
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Birding Hike in Troy Meadows” is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Troy Meadows in East Hanover is an excellent place to encounter ducks, herons, and marsh birds, plus migrating passerines. 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: Saturday, October 17, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Meeting Site: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Horticulture for Seniors” is for senior citizens. Join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County for this horticulture class especially designed for senior citizens. This month’s topic is Continue Gardening Indoors. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required one week prior to program. For information, call Helen at 973-731-0717 or Maya at 973-379-5548. This is a free event. Horticulture for Seniors will be held as follows:
Date: Monday, October 19, 2015
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“4-H Environmental Kids Club” is for children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. The environment is filled with things, big and small, that are surprising and helpful. Come once a month to see how much fun it is to learn about the world. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1337. 4-H Environmental Kids Club will be held as follows:
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Frog Pond Science Club” is for children ages 5 through 9. Uncover and discover ecosystem interactions at the frog pond. Explore with nets, magnifiers and microscopes to investigate what lives at the pond and learn with a naturalist how they can be protected and their habitats conserved. Cost is $8 per child per session. Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants required. Frog Pond Science Club will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Birding Hike in Essex County Branch Brook Park” is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Take a leisurely walk in this Olmstead-designed park. This is an amazing place for migrating birds, including thrushes, wrens, waterfowl and more. Meet in the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Newark. 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, October 22, 2015
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Branch Brook Park
Mill Street
Newark, NJ
“Rutgers-Essex County 4-H Teen Council” is for teenagers. Essex County teens are welcome to participate in engaged community service learning guided by the youth officers. Teen council members will serve as mentors for younger youth, advocate for environmental projects, be hands for community members in need and ambassadors of the 4-H program. They will also join the 4-H network of youth nationally and globally to participate in professional development and youth leadership projects. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1337. Rutgers-Essex County 4-H Teen Council will be held as follows:
Date: Monday, October 26, 2015
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Monthly Meditation Group” is for adults. Participate whether you are new to meditation, could use some inspiration, or are a seasoned practitioner. Some of the many benefits of a meditation practice are stress reduction, improved relationships and increased health. Each monthly meeting will include some chair yoga poses, a specific meditation technique, and hints and suggestions for establishing or enhancing a regular practice. Q&A is also welcome. Cost is $10 per adult per class. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants is required. Monthly Meditation Group meets as follows:
Dates: Monday, October 26, 2015
Time: 6:45 p.m.
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, October 26, 2015
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Healthy Living Club” is for children ages 8 to 12. Each club meeting will focus on a specific “healthy” topic. Participants will learn about it and then explore it. Some of the many topics will be exercise, diet, healthy food experimentation, yoga and relaxation, rest, helping others, time in nature, fun hobbies and more. Cost is $8 per child per session. Advance registration and payment required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants required. Healthy Living Club will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Time: 3:45 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
“Twilight Hike and Campfire” is open to all ages. Join a naturalist for a short walk on the trails and experience the night life under the light of the moon. After the walk, enjoy a campfire and roasting marshmallows. Bring flashlights. Cost is $8 per child, $10 per adult. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Minimum number of participants is required. Twilight Hike and Campfire will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2015
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
Entries from the 2015 Essex County Parks Photography Contest will be on exhibit during the month of October in the Essex County Environmental Center. The Center is open 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.
