Nature -- Environmental Education Center

Environmental Education Center

190 Lord Stirling Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
(908) 766-2489

Occupying more than 425 acres of the Great Swamp Basin, the Center is home to a diversity of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and saplings, all of which provide an excellent wildlife habitat. This is one of the most beautiful areas anywhere.

The Center is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of our environment by providing a learning experience that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Families will find it a great place to spend weekend days, with a full calendar of programs, workshops, and nature-related special events. Call for a schedule.

A number of great School Programs are available for grades pre-K and up. They last from 1 to 3 hours (can be more for specially designed programs), and here are a few samples:

From Pond to Forest (grades 3 and up): teaches the concept of succession, which can turn a pond into a marsh, into a field, and finally into a forest, and how these changes can impact wildlife.
Recycling 4 R's (all grades): through a combination of field and indoor activities, students experience what recycling is.
Solar Energy (grades 4 and up): teaches the basics of this alternative energy source; includes a demonstration of solar-powered equipment.

Special Programming for students (grades 2 - 12) who have already done a program at EEC utilizes other Somerset County Parks, such as the Leonard J. Buck Garden, Colonial Park Arboretum, and others, for in-depth studies of the flora and fauna of these areas. These and many other programs are delivered by professionals in their fields. Workshops are available for teachers as well as students.

Two special winter programs, The Great Environmental Magic Show and Maple Sugaring, are real treats kids will love and learn from.

Other special exhibits and events throughout the year make this a very special place for school groups, individuals, and families.