Union County, NJ – January 14, 2022 – Union County residents looking for family-friendly outdoor fun during President’s Day weekend are invited to visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center for a special series of outdoor nature programs. Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available at the site.
Programs are recommended for families with children ages four and older.
“February Festivities at Trailside offers a wide variety of programs designed to entertain and delight visitors of all ages, all taking place in the beautiful natural setting of the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.
Three programs will be offered each day on Saturday, February 19 and Monday, February 21, weather permitting.
A Wildlife Winter Walk is offered from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Participants will learn how animals adapt to long, cold days, and go on a hike to look for animal homes and hideouts and search for animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other telltale signs of a visit from animal neighbors.
The Journey of Sap to Syrup meets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. See how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing.
A Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt takes place from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Investigate the winter woods for buck rubs, bird nests and bright red berries. Enjoy a scavenger hunt through the Reservation to see how many items you can find.
All participants are invited to conclude their outdoor nature experience around a warm campfire with some hot chocolate.
Pre-registration is required for all February Festivities programs. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page.
The fee per person per class is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.
Face coverings are recommended. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors.
For more details about February Festivities and other upcoming programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.
The Trailside Nature and Science Center is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners. For quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by the Commissioner Board visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.orgcovid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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