• February After-School Classes

    on January 20, 2021

    Winter Outdoor Science Fun

    February After School Programs:

    The Wonders of Winter!

    Hiking, exploring, and enjoying nature with Naturalist Marc Gussen: a great way to accent online and at-home learning! We are keeping our class size to a maximum of 9 kids, mask wearing is mandatory. It is imperative that our students dress properly for the weather, as we will be outside for the entire program. If severe weather is predicted, we may need to reschedule classes.

    3:45pm - 5:00pm

    $60/session for Members. $75/session Non-members

    Mondays, February 1st, 8th and 22nd 4th-7th grade

    Tuesdays, February 2nd, 9th and 23rd 1st-3rd grade

    Wednesdays, February 3rd, 10th and 24th 4th-7th grade

    Thursdays, February 4th, 11th and 25th 1st-3rd grade

    Registration

    To register please go to: https://register.communitypass.net/Closter, and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.

    If you have any questions please call Naturalist Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778 or email admin@closternaturecenter.org. 

     


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  • OPERATION MULTIFLORA ROSE

    on December 23, 2020

    Invasive Brigade

    One multiflora rose plant may produce half million seeds each year. Photo courtesy of IPANE.

    The Closter Nature Center is a magical place loaded with native plants and animals. Unfortunately, we have a problem in our preserve--an invasive species that threatens the health of our forest. Is it a venomous snake? No. Is it a deadly spider? No. It’s a rose. Yes, a rose. Multiflora rose was brought to this country from Asia in the late 1800s for use as both an ornamental plant and as a “living fence”. Its good looks and usefulness are quickly overshadowed by its ability to take over its habitat. Fields and roadsides are where it is often a big issue but given the right circumstances it can degrade a forest habitat as well.

    The first step to eradicating multiflora rose is to learn to identify it and educate others.

    For about a month in late spring and early summer this invasive is covered with small white roses. Those fruits become rose hips, the seed- bearing fruits of the rose. Some birds are fond of the fruit and spread the seeds. It grows by way of arching canes that are covered with recurved thorns that protect them from herbivores.

    Multiflora rose has been spreading here at the Nature Center, and once they grow from individual stems into multi branched shrubs they can be very difficult to remove. Now is our chance! Naturalist Marc Gussen is putting together a squad of volunteers to get to work removing this plant from our forest.page1image9634416

    Come join us for a short hike where Marc will explain the issue further, go over techniques for removing it, and then we will roll up our sleeves and get to work!

    WHEN: Saturday, January 9th and January 23rd at 1:00 PM

    WHERE: Log Cabin by the Pond

    Please dress for the weather, and bring gardening gloves and garden clippers if you can.

    Contact Marc at mgussen@aol.com with questions or to sign-up.

    Let Marc know if you can bring gloves, eye protection, and pruners or loppers, so that we can be sure of having adequate equipment on hand for everyone. Participants must wear a mask during the hike and be at least 13 years of age.

    page2image7398976


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  • Christmas Bird Count 2020

    on November 27, 2020

    Calling all citizen scientists!!

    Audubon's 121st Christmas Bird Count will be conducted between the dates of Monday, December 14, 2020 and Tuesday, January 5, 2021

    On Saturday, December 19th, from 10 AM to 1 PM, the Nature Center will host an "Open Porch" for backyard birders –-an opportunity to drop by the cabin by the pond and join others in observing and identifying the birds that are common to Closter throughout the winter.

    The number and types of birds observed on that day will be shared with Bergen County Audubon as part of the annual bird count.  Join birders across the country to monitor and count the birds in your area. Your efforts will add to a long tradition of data on bird populations and trends useful for monitoring environmental threats not only to birds but to the larger ecosystems we all depend on.

    What to bring: binoculars, warm clothes and a good attitude !

    Note: There will be some binoculars to borrow and a few experienced bird watchers for guidance. 


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  • December After-School Classes

    on November 22, 2020

    Winter Outdoor Science Fun

    Hiking, exploring, and enjoying nature with Naturalist Marc Gussen: a great way to accent online and at-home learning! We are keeping our class size to a maximum of 9 kids, mask wearing is mandatory. These outside- only programs will be for one hour over the winter months. It is imperative that our students dress properly for the weather, as we will be outside for the full hour program. Layering clothing is essential. If severe weather is predicted, we may need to reschedule classes.

    To register please go to: https://register.communitypass.net/Closter, and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.
     If you have any questions please call Naturalist Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.

    December After School Programs:

    1st - 3rd Grade

    $60/3 day session for Members

    $75/3 day session Non-Members

    Mondays, 1:30 - 2:30pm Dec. 7th, 14th, and 21st

    Tuesdays, 3:30 - 4:30pm Dec. 8th, 15th, and 22nd

    Wednesdays, 1:30 - 2:30pm Dec. 9th, 16th, and January 6th

    Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30pm Dec. 10th, 17th, and January 7th

    Fridays, 1:30 - 2:30pm Dec. 11th, 18th, and January 8th

    4th - 7th Grade

    $60/3 day session for Members

    $75/3 day session Non-members

    Mondays, 3:30 - 4:30pm Dec. 7th, 14th, and 21st

    Tuesdays, 1:30 - 2:30pm Dec. 8th, 15th, and 22nd

    Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30pm Dec. 9th, 16th, and January 6th

    Thursdays, 1:30 - 2:30pm Dec. 10th, 17th, and January 7th

    Fridays, 3:30 - 4:30pm Dec. 11th, 18th, and January 8th


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  • Children’s Birthday Party

    on November 6, 2020

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  • November Break

    on October 19, 2020

    Teachers Convention Science Classes

    Vacation Nature Program

    Thursday November 5th and Friday November 6th

    Looking for something for the kids to do during the teacher’s convention? Come to the Closter Nature Center for some outdoor science fun!

    All classes will be held outdoors, so please dress for the weather. 

    Classes will be held rain or snow or shine! 

    1st -  3rd grades: 9:00am - 10:30am
    4th - 7th grades: 11:00am - 12:30pm

              Parents can sign up children for either 1 or 2 days. 

    Cost:

    $25 / session for members

           $35 / session for NON-members

    Please sign up online with Community Pass.

    Any questions? Call Naturalist Marc at (201)750-2778 

    For more info about becoming a Closter Nature Center member visit our website at: www.closternaturecenter.org

    Membership can also be purchased on Community Pass (see link / button below). 

    COMMUNITY PASS SIGNUP — CLICK “SIGN UP ONLINE” BUTTON BELOW

    Sign-up Online Powered by CommunityPass

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  • November After-School Classes

    on October 15, 2020

    Fall Outdoor Science Programs

    Come join Nature Marc at the Closter Nature Center for some outdoor science fun! 
    Our fall afternoon programs are designed to enhance school system's half-days and online curricula. 
    We will be keeping our class sizes small and adhering to CDC guidelines.
    Please note: No classes week of Thanksgiving.
    Classes will be held outdoors rain or shine. Please dress for the weather!
    To register please go to: https://register.communitypass.net/Closter, and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.
     If you have any questions please call Naturalist Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.

    NOVEMBER CLASSES ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION 

    November 1st - 3rd Grade  (Chose One 4-week session)

    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members  

    Mondays, 1:30 - 3:00 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th
    Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  3rd, 10th, 17th and Dec. 1st
    Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  4th, 11th, 18th and Dec. 2nd (FULL)
    Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  4th, 11th, 18th and Dec. 2nd
    Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:00  5th, 12th, 19th and Dec. 3rd

    November 4th - 7th Grade (Chose One 4-week session) 

    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members
    Mondays, 3:30 - 5:00  2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th
    Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:00   3rd, 10th, 17th and Dec. 1st
    Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:00  5th, 12th, 19th and Dec. 3rd

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  • October After-School Classes

    on September 23, 2020

    Fall Outdoor Science Programs

    Come join Nature Marc at the Closter Nature Center for some outdoor science fun!
    Our fall afternoon programs are designed to accent school system's half-days and online curricula.
    We will be keeping our class sizes small (8 maximum + teacher + assistant) and will be adhering to CDC guidelines. 
    Please dress for the weather, as we will be outside in our outdoor classroom.
    To register please go to: https://register.communitypass.net/Closter, and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.
     If you have any questions please call Naturalist Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.

    OCTOBER CLASSES ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION 

    October 1st - 3rd Grade  (Chose One 4-week session) 

    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members
    Mondays, 1:30 - 3:00 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
    Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:00 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th 
    Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:00  7th, 14th, 21st and 28th (FULL)
    Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
    Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:00  8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th

    October 4th - 7th Grade (Chose One 4-week session) 

    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members
    Mondays, 3:30 - 5:00  5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
    Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  6th, 13th, 20th and 27th 
    Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:00  8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th

    November 1st - 3rd Grade  (Chose One 4-week session)

    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members  

    Mondays, 1:30 - 3:00 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th
    Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  3rd, 10th, 17th and Dec. 1st
    Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  4th, 11th, 18th and Dec. 2nd
    Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:00  5th, 12th, 19th and Dec. 3rd

    November 4th - 7th Grade (Chose One 4-week session) 

    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members
    Mondays, 3:30 - 5:00  2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th
    Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:00   3rd, 10th, 17th and Dec. 1st
    Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:00  4th, 11th, 18th and Dec. 2nd
    Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:00  5th, 12th, 19th and Dec. 3rd

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  • VOLUNTEER PROJECT – Forest Stewardship

    on September 2, 2020

    CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

         Would you like an excuse to get outside and exercise while supporting the Closter Nature Center? The Forest and Trail Stewardship Project is looking for volunteers to maintain trails and repair the native species fence enclosures. This work can be strenuous, especially after an intense storm brings down tree limbs that block the hiking trails or create breaks in the fencing. Teams of at least two are needed to remove these blockages or repair the fences.

         If you would like to hear more about this volunteer opportunity, please join us for a meeting at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 12 at the Closter Nature Center cabin porch. Mask required.

    Rain date: following the Saturday, 9/19. 

        Teenagers partnering with an adult are welcome. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like more information, please contact Tom Golodnik (t.golodik@verizon.net) or Beth Ravit (bravit@scarletmail.rutgers.edu).


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  • After-School Classes

    on August 30, 2020

    Fall Outdoor Science Programs

    Come join Nature Marc at the Closter Nature Center for some outdoor science fun!
     
    Our fall afternoon programs are designed to accent school system's half-days and online curricula.
    We will be keeping our class sizes small (8 maximum + teacher + assistant) and will be adhering to CDC guidelines. 
     
    Please dress for the weather, as we will be outside in our outdoor classroom.
     
    To register please go to: https://register.communitypass.net/Closter, and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.
     
     If you have any questions please call Naturalist Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.
     

    SEPTEMBER CLASSES ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION 

    September 1st - 3rd Grade (Chose One 3-week session)  

     
    $75/session for Members - $100/session Non-members
     
    Mondays, 1:30 - 3:00     14th, 21st and 28th
     
    Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00    15th, 22nd and 29th 
     
    Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00    16th, 23rd and 30th
     
    Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:00     17th, 24th and October 1st
     
     

    September 4th - 7th Grade (Chose One 3-week session)

     
    $75/session for Members - $100/session Non-members
     
    Mondays, 3:30 - 5:00 14th, 21st and 28th
     
    Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:00  15th, 22nd and 29th 
     
    Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:00  16th, 23rd and 30th
     
    Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:00 17th, 24th and October 1st
     
     

    October 1st - 3rd Grade  (Chose One 4-week session) 

     
    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members
     
    Mondays, 1:30 - 3:00 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
     
    Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  6th, 13th, 20th and 27th 
     
    Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
     
    Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:00  8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
     

    October 4th - 7th Grade (Chose One 4-week session) 

     
    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members
     
    Mondays, 3:30 - 5:00  5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
     
     
    Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:00  6th, 13th, 20th and 27th 
     
     
    Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:00  7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
     
     
    Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:00  8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
     

    November 1st - 3rd Grade  (Chose One 4-week session)

    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members  

    Mondays, 1:30 - 3:00 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th
     
    Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  3rd, 10th, 17th and Dec. 1st
     
    Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00  4th, 11th, 18th and Dec. 2nd
     
    Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:00  5th, 12th, 19th and Dec. 3rd
     

    November 4th - 7th Grade (Chose One 4-week session) 

    $100/session for Members - $125/session Non-members
     
    Mondays, 3:30 - 5:00  2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th
     
    Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:00   3rd, 10th, 17th and Dec. 1st
     
    Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:00  4th, 11th, 18th and Dec. 2nd
     
    Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:00  5th, 12th, 19th and Dec. 3rd

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  • Closter Nature Center Annual Meeting

    on May 10, 2020

    You are cordially invited to join us for the Annual Meeting of the Closter Nature Center (CNC). 
    This meeting is an annual event open to the public and our membership where the CNC Board of Trustees will discuss Nature Center highlights of the past year and look ahead to the upcoming year. Due to health concerns and Covid-19, we will be holding the meeting via Zoom this year. 

    Topic: Closter Nature Center Annual Meeting
    When: May 12, 2020 
    Time: 7:30PM 
    Where: via Zoom 

    Please reply to admin@closternaturecenter.org to request login information for the meeting and include “Annual Meeting Request” in the subject line. 

    Click *HERE* to see the Closter Nature Center Google calendar. Click the *+* sign in lower right hand corner to add the calendar to your list. 
    Meeting should last approximately 30-45 minutes. 

    Hope to see you there!


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  • Earth Day 2020

    on April 18, 2020

    Please join us (virtually) to celebrate the

     50TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY

    APRIL 22, 2020

     

    Here are some fun facts about Earth Day from www.earthday.org

    • Earth Day is April 22 of every year. April 22, 2020 will mark 50 years of Earth Day.
    • The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action.
    • Earth Day was started as a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, smog, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — 10% of the U.S. population at the time — took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet.
    • The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event.

    Want to celebrate but don’t know how? Here are some virtual and virtually free suggestions from Closter Nature Center (CNC) Trustees and other friends of the Closter Nature Center.

    Several Trustees recommended "The Overstory", a book by Richard Powers and winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. "The Overstory" is also a podcast on Sierra Club's website. "The first episode of  The Overstory's second season was originally intended as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day" but as the pandemic unfolded, they pivoted to consider what social activism will look like in this season of social distancing.

    CNC Trustee Sue Kozel: This link --> https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/earth-day-activities/ contains lots of ideas to celebrate Earth Day. It's the perfect time to start thinking about teaching your children why Earth Day is important and how they can help protect the environment!

    CNC Trustee Susan McTigue: Discover Jane Goodall, her research and videos at janegoodall.org.

    “Only if we understand, will we care.  Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall we all be saved."  

    -- Dr. Jane Godall

    CNC Trustee Karen Seagaard: Let’s turn the annual town wide cleanup into a cleanup of our yards and in front of our houses!

    CNC Trustee Ann Ginsberg: Go outside and take a photo of the nature in your world —the gardens and forests so critical to both our physical and mental wellbeing. Share the photos on our Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/closternaturecenter/to

    CNC Trustee Lori Spechler: Use some of those home cooking scraps to start a compost station in your own backyard. Lots videos on youtube.com including this one from Better Homes & Gardens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGRunDez1j4

    From Linda Sloginski: Join a virtual gathering on Fungi Day, April 21st.  #FantasticFung ihttps://www.facebook.com/355308397955395/posts/1589175674568655/?sfnsn=mo .

    Via Hugh Carolla, Hackensack Riverkeeper: Feeling bored and cooped up? The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is coming back to Rockland County to uplift, inspire and connect you with the world and its wonders. Watch in the comfort and safety of your own home. Click on the link to see lineup and register: http://www.suffernfilmfest.com/film-lineup/ .

     

     


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