MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite families with children of all ages to take part in theme hikes and nature related talks during several upcoming Saturday Outdoor Adventures Programs at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The hikes are led by Trailside’s knowledgeable naturalists and begin at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center. Admission is by donation.
“These informative and invigorating outdoor programs are a great opportunity for families to enjoy a morning together discovering the wooded landscape and trails of the beautiful Watchung Reservation while learning about wildlife and our environment,” said Freeholder Daniel Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
On Saturday, Feb. 26, families can learn how to identify the tracks of common animals that inhabit the Watchung Reservation during “Tracking 101.” Participants will discover the best places to look for tracks and take a walk to find out who has been hiking around Trailside.
As winter comes to a close, families can visit the woods on Saturday, March 12, to look for nests made by robins, cardinals and catbirds during “Empty Nests.” During this program, a Trailside naturalist will explain when birds build nests and why they don’t use them during the winter. The program will conclude with a walk through Trailside’s state-of-the-art exhibits in search of nests made by the red-shouldered hawk, ovenbird and black and white warbler.
As spring finally descends on the Watchung Reservation, join a naturalist on March 26, for an “Early Spring Hike.” Families can enjoy a Saturday morning hiking the Green Trail in search of moss, budding leaves, evergreen trees, ferns, and other greenery.
For more information about the Saturday Outdoor Adventures programs or any other upcoming programs or events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Mountainside, NJ – Enjoy investigating the woods this winter looking for signs of Trailside’s animal neighbors during the Saturday Outdoor Adventure Series. Park naturalist Becky Novorro leads a group through the woods in search of bird nests and other animal homes and hideouts. Families can enjoy learning about the different types of birds living or visiting the Watchung Reservation on March 12 at 10 a.m. during “Empty Nests.” Other Saturday hikes are scheduled for Feb. 26 and March 26. For information about this program or other Saturday Outdoor Adventures, special events, summer camps and family programs at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit us atwww.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.