>> MAY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES –>
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 2nd.........Wednesdays - 15th, 22nd and 29th
3rd through 6th...........Thursdays - 16th, 23rd and 30th
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 4th8:00- 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 14that 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 19that 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 24th; Monday – Wednesday during the week of July 1st
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:
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 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 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 24thSummer Program begins!
