Adult Workshops

Pre-registration is required for all classes. Workshops are for adults, ages 18 and older. Programs will meet in the Trailside Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Doors open 15 minutes before program. IC = Union County Resident, OC=Non-county resident. For additional information please call Trailside at 908-789-3670.

Click here for the registration form

Gentle Yoga Series – Tuesday Evenings 7:15 – 8:30 PM

Sept. 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Use nature’s healing powers to help relieve stress and its symptoms. Relax with a meditative gentle yoga class. Yoga techniques can awaken poise and centered awareness in the midst of everyday life. This is an opportunity to learn and experience Raja yoga techniques for integrating body and mind. Claire M. Bay, yoga instructor certified by the Chopra Center in New York City, will teach and guide you in this new pathway of meditation. Soothing music will enhance the experience. Bring: a yoga mat or pillow and light blanket if you have one. Fee for each session: $15/IC, $20/OC.

Cooking with Root Vegetables

Monday, October 3 7-9 PM

Celebrity Chef Melody McGinley Whitelaw, owner of the catering company Main Event by Melody and guest chef on WOR Radio for 22 years, will demonstrate the preparation of healthful, savory recipes using winter root vegetables. You will learn how to make delicious, seasonal meals from garden to table then feast on the recipes prepared during class. Fee: $20/IC, $25/OC

Teacher Training Workshop: Project WOW

Thursday, October 6 9 AM – 3 PM

The Wonders of Wetlands is an instructional guide for formal and non-formal educators. Over 50 hands-on, multi-disciplinary activities are provided in lesson plan format with extensive background information on wetlands, ideas for student action projects and a wetlands resource guide. Activities are correlated with the National Science Education Standards. Guidebook included with fee. Participants receive six (6) NJDOE credits. Morning refreshments provided Bring: a lunch. Meet: Multi–Purpose Room.  Fee: $20/person IC or OC.

Civil War Women: Their Roles and Legacies

Thursday, October 20 7:30-8:30 PM

Author and Civil War re-enactor, Trish Chambers brings us up close to the life of women during this critical period in American history. Women were left behind to fend for themselves, managing homes, business and plantations—roles that until the war had been traditionally performed by men. The presentation discusses changes in society that would redefine the world forever. Ms. Chambers explores the accomplishments of these women, North and South who supported the efforts as nurses, spies, soldiers and authors and whose legacies paved a pathway for women of the future.  Fee: $8/IC, $10/OC

Beginners Digital Photography

Saturday, October 22 1 PM-4 PM

This workshop is ideal for any student who hopes to familiarize themselves with their single lens reflex digital camera or sophisticated “point and shoot’ camera with fully manual settings. Professional photographer, Joan Pamboukes will bring clarity to such topics as focal length, aperture, shutter speeds, and white balance. Composition and basic lighting strategies will also be addressed. Please bring your camera system (with a fully charged battery), the manual and a tripod, if possible. Weather permitting, we will walk around the grounds and create beautiful images together. Otherwise we will work indoors. By the end of the class, basic camera functions will no longer be a mystery. Fee: $45/IC, $$55/OC

Teacher Training Workshop: Project WET

Thursday, November 3 9 AM – 3 PM

In today’s society, water is often taken for granted. This workshop will provide the necessary tools, resources and lessons for teachers to utilize in the classroom to teach our future leaders about the importance and value of water in every day life. More than 90 interdisciplinary activities and lessons, teacher-tested and classroom ready for K-12 students, are included in the activity guide. Lessons in the guide are correlated to NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. Participants receive 6 NJDOE professional development credits. Morning refreshments provided. Bring: a lunch. Meet: Multi-Purpose Room. Fee: $20/IC or OC. Curriculum guide included.

Teacher Training Workshop: WILD School Sites

Thursday, December 8 9 AM – 3 PM

Teachers, students and wildlife benefit with habitat improvement projects. These projects can sensitize students to the needs of wildlife, and enable them to make a small difference right where they live to benefit local species. Having an outdoor classroom enables teachers to take field trips without ever leaving school. The stewardship skills that students develop for their outdoor classroom may reflect in greater ownership and care for the entire school. Participants receive six (6) NJDOE professional development credits. Morning refreshments provided. Bring: a lunch. Meet: Multi-Purpose room. Fee: $30/person IC or OC. Each workshop participant will receive a copy of the book Homes for Wildlife: A Planning Guide for Habitat Enhancement on School Grounds. In addition, participants will receive The WILD School Sites booklet, grant information, landscaping information and ideas for curriculum integration.

November is Native American Indian Month
Trailside Celebrates their Contributions & Culture

Presentation: “The Lenape – Delaware Indian Heritage”

Friday, November 4 7:30- 8:45PM

This engaging lecture and slide presentation is an introduction to the history and culture of the Lenape-Delaware Indians, who inhabited this region for 12,000 years. Archeologist, educator and lecturer, John Kraft will guide us through their ancient history and examine their cultural life ways to the period of European contact and displacement from their land. By examining the rich cultural life of the Lenape, including their social and political organization, this program will heighten our appreciation for this First Nation people. Participants will have an opportunity to handle authentic and recreated objects such as masks, clothing musical instruments and tools. Fee: $8/IC, $10/OC.

Making Herbal Medicines: Salves, Tinctures, Infusions, Syrups and Lozenges

Wednesday, November 9 7:15- 9:15PM

Assemble your own herbal first aid kit that can help strengthen your immune system and assist your body to better use it’s own resources. Discover the remedies the plant kingdom has to offer and the incredible properties in common “weeds” that surround us. Prepare your own tinctures, salves, infusions, as well as syrups and lozenges, using such common plants as plantain, St. John’s Wort, yarrow, mullein, mint, willow, acorn, and elderberry. Participants will take home selected samples. Fee: $15/IC, $20/OC.

For Families too:

Lenape Lifestyles

Saturday, November 12 10:00-11:00 AM

Celebrate Native American History month as we discover who the Lenape Native Americans were and where they lived. Visit Trailside’s Lenape exhibit to learn about their lifestyles and take a walk to look for plants and trees the Lenape used to help cure colds, construct wigwams and build canoes. Donations appreciated.