MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Families will enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Watchung Reservation by participating in the Saturday Outdoor Adventures at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, these theme hikes and nature-related talks begin at the Trailside Visitors Center and are designed for families with children of all ages.
“The Saturday Outdoor Adventures are a great opportunity for families to enjoy the beautiful Watchung Reservation and experience the splendor of the fall season, while learning new and interesting facts about our local wildlife and environment,” said Freeholder Vice-Chairwoman Deborah Scanlon. “I hope many families will take part in these exciting programs.”
On Saturday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m., the “Red Trail Ramble” will have families explore the Hilltop Swamp trail. Discover the bounty of food available to wildlife at this time of year and scour the forest floor for animal tracks.
On Nov. 13, at 10 a.m., families are invited to visit the Bird Viewing Area at the Trailside Visitors Center during “Backyard Birds,” a program to help participants discover how to identify backyard birds by site and sound. During this fascinating program, families also will learn which birds stay for the cold winter months and which migrate south.
During “Lenape Native Americans” on Nov. 20, at 2 p.m., families will visit Trailside’s Lenape exhibit and learn how these Native Americans used this land to survive. Visitors will search outdoors for plants and trees used to help cure colds, construct wigwams, build canoes and make arrow shafts.
The final Saturday Outdoor Adventure on Dec. 4, at 2 p.m., is “Winter Tree ID,” a program designed to teach participants why trees lose their leaves for the winter. Families will use buds, branches and bark to identify tulip, beech, dogwood and oak trees.
Admission to Trailside’s Saturday Outdoor Adventures is by donation. Some programs require pre-registration.
For additional information about the Saturday Outdoor Adventures or about other upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit Trailside on the web atwww.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 – Families have fun investigating the Watchung Reservation in the fall with naturalist Susan Day. Trailside Nature & Science Center offers Saturday outdoor programs this fall for adults and children of all ages. For information, call 908-789-3670 or visit on the web atwww.ucnj.org/trailside .