Closter Nature Center Closter Nature Center

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

SPECIAL PROGRAM: BATS, BATS, BATS!

With Joe D’Angeli

Sunday, November 17^th at 2 PM

Throughout the world, bats have been misunderstood and persecuted, causing a serious decline in the bat population. The program "BATS, BATS, BATS!" was established to bring this matter to the public's attention. Find out why bats are now being protected because of their vital role in virtually every environment on earth, and learn, for example, about their importance in insect maintenance and rainforest regeneration. 

Suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members and $3 per person for members. Light refreshments will be served.

Spend Some Time in the Woods - Join Our Happy Band of Deer Fence Monitors

Our challenge now is to monitor the deer exclosure fencing to make sure there are no breaks where deer can come in. We are building a solid team of volunteers to support this effort - please consider joining us. Training provided. Any time you could give would be very welcome!  If you have a friend or neighbor you'd like to team with (CNC member or not), sign both up on our volunteer website.  If you would like to be involved in this project please click here https://closternaturecenter.org/volunteer-positions-available/ and fill out our volunteer form at the bottom. Please mention this article.

After-School Program:

Native Americans - How They Used Nature to Survive

This month we will try our hand at some primitive technology, learning about how Native Americans used nature to survive and thrive.

Dress for all conditions, as did the people who lived here not so long ago!

Pk-K Tuesdays 12th, 19th and 26th

1st and 2nd  Wednesdays 13th, 20th and 27th

3rd through 6th Thursdays 14th, 21st and Dec 5^th

Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm

Cost - $40 for members, and $50 for non-members.

To register online please go to:

https://register.communitypass.net/Closter , and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system. If you would prefer to register in person, please call Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778

 “Vacation” Nature Program 

Looking for something for the kids to do during the teacher’s convention? 

Bring them to the Nature Center!

Thursday, November 7th and Friday, November 8^th

1st and 2nd grades: 9:00am - 11:30am
3rd thru 6th grades: 1:00pm - 3:30pm

Cost: $40 for the full two day session for CNC members      

  $50 for the full two day session for non-members.

$25 per day for CNC members; $30 per day for non-members.

CNC Month By Month:

November 17th @ 2pm Bats 

December 22nd @ 3pm Welcome Winter Hike 

December 14^th Bergen Audubon Christmas Bird Count 

January 16th @ 7pm Primitive Tech

February 9th @ 3pm Winter Hike

March 15th @ 3pm Meet the animals of the nature center

April 15th @ 7pm Invasive/native plants 

April 19th Soup Supper

May Forest Stewardship/deer exclosure community update

May Bird Count

June  Summer Hike

June 7th Pond Celebration

Pond Celebration!
Sunday, June 2nd, 1 to 4 PM
At the cabin by Ruckman Pond

Come join us for day of fun honoring the Nature Center’s Ruckman Pond! A place so special deserves a day of its own!
Activities include:
* Canoe rides
* Tie-dyed t-shirt making
* Arts and crafts
* Science exhibits
* Webbed foot obstacle course
* Pond animal exploration
* Turtle exhibit
* Live music
* Games for kids
* Fishing 101

Bring your family and friends, grandparents, aunts, cousins and uncles!

Admission is FREE!

Forest Stewardship
Deer Exclusion Fence Update:

With the Borough's support, plans for the installation of fencing for three 10-acre or less deer exclusion sites are moving forward.  The installation will likely take place sometime after mid-June.  Hopefully the swampy ground will dry up a bit by then!  If you have already indicated some interest in volunteering time to this project, you'll receive a more specific email after June 12th.  If you'd like to consider volunteering to assist the installation process, (if you're available as it happens), email Mary Mayer at marym812@aol.com (mailto:marym812@aol.com) .

CNC 2019 Summer Program
Registration Has Begun!

Our 136 acres of ponds, streams, meadows and forest are waiting to be explored by young people in small groups led by a trained naturalist with an assistant. Children will hike, dig, wade in the water, examine nature, discuss the environment and above all, have fun!! For over 45 years, our goal has been to help every child become active and at ease outdoors, to see him/herself as a part of nature and to appreciate the natural world as a source of learning and adventure.

The program runs:
* Monday - Thursday for 9 weeks, beginning June 24th
* Monday – Wednesday during the week of July 1st

Each day includes two sessions as noted below:
* 2-hour programs for children ages 4 – 6
* 3-hour programs for children ages 7 - 10 and 11 - 14
* Both morning and afternoon classes are offered each week.

Cost for the 2-hour programs are:
$80 for members; $100 for non-members)
Cost for the 3-hour programs are:
$100 for members; $120 for non-members

For more information visit our website:
www.closternaturecenter.org

To register please go to:
https://register.communitypass.net/Closter
Click Here to Register (https://register.communitypass.net/Closter)

2019 Closter Nature Center Summer Volunteer Program

The Closter Nature Center is currently looking for summer volunteers for the Summer Program. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and entering 9th grade. Volunteers must commit to helping out 4 days a week for a minimum of two weeks between June 24th and August 22nd.
This year the summer program begins on June 24th and runs through August 22nd, 2019. The program runs Monday - Thursday from 8:45 am - 4:15pm. The week of July 1st the program runs Monday – Wednesday (no program on July 4th).

In order to be considered for the program, please complete an application that includes a Parental Consent Form, an essay and recommendation. You must submit your application by April 1st via email to CNCsummer@gmail.com (mailto:CNCsummer@gmail.com) . Please be mindful that there will be a selection process, as we cannot accept every student who applies to the program.

Applications are now available on our website: www.closternaturecenter.org, or you can request one by emailing CNCsummer@gmail.com (mailto:CNCsummer@gmail.com) .

FOREST STEWARDSHIP:

Deer Exclusion Fencing Moving Forward

Volunteer Opportunities!

WHITE TIES STILL VERY MUCH NEEDED.  We need close to 450 ties (approximately 3 foot x 4 inches of light colored sheeting).  These will be tied at intervals to help the deer be aware of the black vinyl fencing as it goes up.  Scout project?   Please leave bags of ties (bundles of about 20), or sheets that we can tear ourselves, on the porch of the Nature Center cabin.  Shaggy is fine....THANK YOU!

VOLUNTEERSfor staging materials and on-going fence work:  Our list is growing, but we could always use more help.  Please email Mary Mayer at  marym812@aol.com, or even better, go to closternaturecenter.org, pull down the "Get Involved" tap and click on "Volunteer",  where you can fill out the form and indicate the many ways you might like to get involved.    Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
CNC MONTH BY MONTH

June:
6/2 - Pond Celebration, 1 pm - 4 pm
6/24 - Summer Program Begins!
Closter Nature Center is gradually moving our administrative functions over to Community Pass. This digital support option allows our members to conveniently sign up for classes and renew their annual Closter Nature Center memberships. Community Pass renewal reminders will now be sent out on the anniversary date of your membership sign up. This transition is a significant change for the Nature Center and we hope it will enable us to better meet the needs of all our member families.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP:

Deer Exclusion Fencing Moving Forward

Volunteer Opportunities!

WHITE TIES STILL VERY MUCH NEEDED.  We need close to 450 ties (approximately 3 foot x 4 inches of light colored sheeting).  These will be tied at intervals to help the deer be aware of the black vinyl fencing as it goes up.  Scout project?   Please leave bags of ties (bundles of about 20), or sheets that we can tear ourselves, on the porch of the Nature Center cabin.  Shaggy is fine....THANK YOU!

VOLUNTEERSfor staging materials and on-going fence work:  Our list is growing, but we could always use more help.  Please email Mary Mayer at  marym812@aol.com, or even better, go to closternaturecenter.org, pull down the "Get Involved" tap and click on "Volunteer",  where you can fill out the form and indicate the many ways you might like to get involved.    Thank you!

 Introducing Tom Golodik, our new trail maintenance volunteer. Tom is a long-time Closter resident with lots of trail maintenance experience.  He has already been hard at work dealing with some recent blow-downs and stream back-ups.  If you meet Tom on the trails, stop and say hello!

MAY AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS 

Frogs, Toads and Newts - Amphibians of the Nature Center
Kids will explore the amazing world of amphibians.

Pk-K.....Tuesdays - 14th, 21st and 28th

1st and 2^nd.........Wednesdays - 15th, 22nd and 29th

3rd through 6^th...........Thursdays - 16th, 23rd and 30^th

Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm

Cost - $40 for members, and $50 for non-members.

To register online please go to:

https://register.communitypass.net/Closter, and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system. If you would prefer to register in person, please call Marc Gussen at(201) 750-2778.

Cute Kid’s Quote (from Sue K.)

“Hey look everyone! A turkey vulture!”

A four year old looked up and said, "It looks like a bird to me!"

SPRING BIRDING EXPERIENCE:

Saturday, May 4^th8:00- 10:00 AM

Come join the "early birds" at the Nature Center cabin from 8:00 to 10:00 AM Saturday, May 4th, for a birding adventure with Naturalist Nancy Slowik.  While seasoned birders are welcome, no experience is required. A pair of binoculars is most helpful.  A few extra binoculars will be available for those not able to bring their own.  We will start indoors for some pointers and to see images of the wide variety of birds we hope to spot out on the trails.

This program is geared to adults, but interested young people are welcome.  The walk portion will last about one hour.  Free for members, $5 for non-members. 

Forest Stewardship Presentation by Marc Gussen

Tuesday, May 14^that 7 PM

At the cabin by Ruckman Pond 

See Naturalist’s Notes for Details!

Naturalist’s Notes:

One of the many functions of the Closter Nature Center’s Board of Trustees is to manage this amazing parcel of land and do what's best for its inhabitants. Over the last couple of years we have taken this job seriously and are devoted to protecting not just the forest itself, but also maintaining its unique diversity of plant and animal species. After years of collecting data, researching, and analyzing our options we have identified our most pressing problems and are proudly moving forward with solutions.

The over-population of deer, non-native insects attacking our trees, and invasive plants out-competing our native plants are the three biggest threats to diversity that we face. Among the invasive plants that have the ability to squeeze out their native counterparts is "Diversity enemy # 1": the multiflora rose. This Asian import's ability to completely take over and produce a monoculture is second to none. I love all plants, (including multiflora rose), but it’s ability to take over is why one of our goals in managing our forest is the labor intensive removal of this beautiful but out-of-place plant. If you feel that helping to protect our little gem of a forest is something that you would be willing to devote some time and sweat to, please join us!

Visit our website, www.closternaturecenter.org,  for info on how to get involved,and please join us for an upcoming presentation on Forest Stewardship!

See you on the trails...Marc Gussen, Naturalist

Summer is Coming Hike

Sunday, May 19^that 3 PM

Are you ready for an afternoon to remember?

We will learn about the plants and animals of the Nature Center. Meet at the cabin, hike into the woods for about 45 minutes, and enjoy the glories of mid-spring before the summer heat sets in. Cost: Free!

Our Thanks go out to the many generous souls, (including Mayor Glidden), who contributed more than 25 homemade soups to our delightful Soup Supper. In addition Closter One, Madeline Petit Paris, Isabella’s, La Promenade and Zendiggi all donated soups, and Balthazar Bakery contributed bread!All were delicious!  By the end of a lovely and sunny afternoon we’d had a warm, delicious and very well attended Soup Supper!

CNC 2019 Summer Program:

Registration Has Begun! 

Our 136 acres of ponds, streams, meadows and forest are waiting to be explored by young people in small groups led by a trained naturalist with an assistant. Children will hike, dig, wade in the water, examine nature, discuss the environment and above all, have fun!! For over 45 years, our goal has been to help every child become active and at ease outdoors, to see him/herself as a part of nature and to appreciate the natural world as a source of learning and adventure.

The program runs Monday - Thursday for 9 weeks, beginning June 24^th;  Monday – Wednesday  during the week of July 1^st 

Each day includes two sessions as noted below.

We offer 2-hour programs for children ages 4 – 6,

and 3-hour programs for children ages 7 - 10 and 11 - 14.

Both morning and afternoon classes are offered each week.

Fees for the 2-hour programs are:

$80 for members ($100 for non-members)

Fees for the 3-hour programs are:

$100 for members ($120 for non-members)

For more information visit our website:

www.closternaturecenter.org

To register please go to: 

https://register.communitypass.net/Closter

2019 Closter Nature CenterSummer Volunteer Program

The Closter Nature Center is currently looking for summer volunteers for the Summer Program. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and entering 9^th grade.  Volunteers must commit to helping out 4 days a week for a minimum of two weeks between June 24^th and August 22^nd.

This year the summer program begins on June 24^th and runs through August 22^nd, 2019. The program runs Monday – Thursday from 8:45 am – 4:15pm.  The week of July 1^st the program runs Monday – Wednesday (no program on July 4^th)

In order to be considered for the program, please complete an application that includes a Parental Consent Form, an essay and recommendation. You must submit your applicationvia email to CNCsummer@gmail.com.  Please be mindful that there will be a selection process, as we cannot accept every student who applies to the program.     

 Applications are now available on our website: www.closternaturecenter.org,

Or you can request one by emailing cncsummer@gmail.com

 CNC Month By Month:

May 4thBird Walk 8-10 AM

May 14thForest Stewardship presentation by Marc Gussen 7 PM

May 19thSummer is Coming Hike 3 PM

June 2ndPond Celebration 1-4 PM

June 24^thSummer Program begins!