March Programs
SMALL FRY DAYS
A drop-off program to foster awareness and appreciation of the natural world through nature hikes, exploration and activities. Dress for outdoors.
WHO: 4-6 year olds. Pre-register
Younger and older children will not be permitted to attend this program. Please see Saturday Outdoor Adventures.
WHEN: Tuesdays, 9:45-11 AM or Wednesdays, 1:15-2:30PM
FEE: Per class: IC – $8/child OC – $10/child
Mar. 6 or 7 Incredible Egg – Discover which animals hatch from eggs and how their eggs are different. Look at different eggs from Trailside’s collection, then decorate one to take home.
Mar. 20 or 21 Spring’s A-coming – Spring is just around the corner! Spring means more sunshine, warmer temperatures, longer days and animals waking up from long winter naps. Look for signs of spring as we explore the outdoors.
Mar. 27 or 28 Sow the Seeds – Get down and dirty making seed balls. Discover the importance of seeds and learn which animals depend on them. Hike to Trailside’s wildflower meadow and take turns spreading seeds.
GRADE SCHOOL PROGRAMS — AFTERSCHOOL EXPLORATIONS
A drop off program designed to acquaint your child with nature explorations, hikes and outdoor activities.
WHO: 1st & 2nd graders, pre-register.
WHEN: Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM
FEE: Per class: IC – $8/child OC – $10/child
Mar. 1 Sugaring Off – See how real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. Find out what equipment is needed to collect and process sap. Take part in a taste test and try to identify the real thing.
Mar. 8 Bird Feeder Frenzy – Take a short walk outdoors to look for our feathered friends. Help fill the feeders in the Bird Viewing Area and learn to identify some common birds by sight and sound. Find out about the different types of seed used to attract birds and make a bird feeder to take home.
Mar. 15 Root to Fruit – Become a botanist, or plant scientist, and investigate the life cycle of a plant. Plant a seed and take it home to watch it grow. Discover how your favorite foods can be traced back to plants and search outside for sprout- ing plants and trees.
Mar. 22 Headwaters Hike – The headwaters of Lake Surprise is a seldom-visited section of the reservation. Explore this wetland area and search for deer, frogs, turtles, birds and early spring wildflowers. Meet at Lake Surprise parking lot.
Mar. 29 Keepers of the Trail – Prepare to get down and dirty! Work together to maintain part of Watchung Reservation’s trail system. Help enhance wildlife habitat and create brush piles from fallen logs, twigs and branches.
JOE FISCHER’S SECRETS OF MAGIC — WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP SERIES
WHO: 1st–5th grade students, pre-register.
WHEN: Wednesdays March 7 – March 28 – 6 sessions
TIME: 3:45-4:45 PM
FEE: $108/child for 6 sessions – all materials are included
MEET: Trailside Visitor Center Multi Purpose Room
**A minimum of 10 children are needed to run the workshop.**
**A maximum of 25 children will be enrolled**
A special behind the scenes look at how magicians do their magic. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a professional magician. Children are taught various magic tricks each week that they can take home and practice. Make things appear and disappear, read a friend’s mind, predict the future, perform rope tricks, card tricks and more!
