• April 2022 After-School Program

    on March 25, 2022

    Spring has Sprung!

    Explore the magic of spring.

    Come join Nature Marc at the Closter Nature Center for some outdoor science fun!  Please dress for the weather, as we will be outside for most of the sessions. We will move into the cabin for severe weather.

    Mondays - April 4th, 11th and 25th

    1st- 3rd Grades…..3:45 - 5:00pm

    Tuesdays - April 5th, 12th and 26th

    PK-Kindergarten….3:45 - 5:00pm

    Wednesdays - April 6th, 13th and 27th

    1st - 3rd Grades…..3:45 - 5:00pm

    Thursdays - April 7th, 14th and 28th

    4th - 6th Grades…..3:45 - 5:00pm

     

    $75/ 3-week program for Members - $90/ 3 week program Non-members

     

     

     

    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 our Naturalist, Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.


    Continue reading

  • Hike Into Spring 2022

    on March 25, 2022

    Hike Into Spring

    Sunday, March 27th at 2:00 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 early-spring.

    Cost: $10 members, $20 non-members 


    Continue reading

  • Art by the Pond May 2022

    on March 22, 2022

    Art by the Pond

    A chance to appreciate and illustrate the natural world around us!

    *Classes will meet on the porch of the Log Cabin and will be held outdoors.*

    April: “Drawing” Thursdays, 4/14, 21, and 28th, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

    May: “Painting” Thursdays, 5/12, 19, and 26th , from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

    Led by Francesca Costa, the class may walk around the pond, taking note of animals, plants, and the various textures of the items we find. Conversation may focus on shapes, terms such as “symmetry” and “asymmetry”, and what makes a healthy pond.

    Following the walk, students may make their own art applying what was learned.

    Children grades 5-7.

    Art materials provided. Enrollment is for three one-hour classes

    Cost: $60 for members, $75 for Non-Members

    Instructor Francesca Costa works as a Historic Site Assistant at the Palisades Interstate Park and is also a member of the Closter Nature Center Board of Trustees. Francesca studied Studio Art at Gettysburg College and is excited to teach drawing in such a natural setting.

    All participants must abide by changing Covid-19 CDC guidelines.

     

    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 email admin@closternaturecenter.org 

     


    Continue reading

  • Art by the Pond April 2022

    on March 22, 2022

    Art by the Pond

    A chance to appreciate and illustrate the natural world around us!

    *Classes will meet on the porch of the Log Cabin and will be held outdoors.*

    April: “Drawing” Thursdays, 4/14, 21, and 28th, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

    May: “Painting” Thursdays, 5/12, 19, and 26th , from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

    Led by Francesca Costa, the class may walk around the pond, taking note of animals, plants, and the various textures of the items we find. Conversation may focus on shapes, terms such as “symmetry” and “asymmetry”, and what makes a healthy pond.

    Following the walk, students may make their own art applying what was learned.

    Children grades 5-7.

    Art materials provided. Enrollment is for three one-hour classes

    Cost: $60 for members, $75 for Non-Members

    Instructor Francesca Costa works as a Historic Site Assistant at the Palisades Interstate Park and is also a member of the Closter Nature Center Board of Trustees. Francesca studied Studio Art at Gettysburg College and is excited to teach drawing in such a natural setting.

    All participants must abide by changing Covid-19 CDC guidelines.

     

    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 email admin@closternaturecenter.org 

     


    Continue reading

  • Spring Break Program

    on March 17, 2022

    Spring School Break Program

    Need something fun and educational for the kids to do during the Spring Break? We’ll have four days of nature exploration and discovery here at the Closter Nature Center! It is imperative that kids dress appropriately for the weather, as we plan to be outside as much as possible!

    Monday, April 18th – Thursday, April 22nd 

    9:00 am - 10:30 am….1st - 3rd grade

    11:00 am - 12:30 pm -- 4th - 7th grade

    1:30 pm - 2:30 pm -- PreK - Kindergarten

    3:00 pm - 4:30 pm -- 1st - 3rd grade

    1st - 7th Grades: $100/week for members, $120/week for non-members 

    PreK to Kindergarten: $80/week for members, $100/week for non-members.

     

     

    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 our Naturalist, Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.


    Continue reading

  • Mrs. Wonderwhy’s Nature Fun Fridays (3’s and 4’s)

    on March 15, 2022

    Mrs. Wonderwhy's Nature Fun for Little Ones

    Spring has Sprung and Mrs. Wonderwhy’s Nature Fun Fridays are back with all new age-appropriate nature classes! 

    Toddlers 2 and up, and preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join Mrs. Wonderwhy at our outdoor classroom in April for three fun and wonder-filled Fridays. Wee ones will learn about the miracles of the season through sensory play, nature hikes, songs, games, arts and crafts including “mud prints,” scavenger hunts and live animal introductions.

    April 8th, 15th and 22nd (severe weather date 29th)
     2 - 3 years 2:00pm - 3:00pm
     3 - 4 years 3:45pm - 4:45pm

    May   6th, 13th and 20th (severe weather date 27th)
     2 - 3 years 2:00pm - 3:00pm
     3 - 4 years 3:45pm - 4:45pm

    June  3rd, 10th and 17th (severe weather date 24th)

     2 - 3 years 2:00pm - 3:00pm
     3 - 4 years 3:45pm - 4:45pm

    Cost: $60 members / $75 non-members

    We’ll be outside for the entire hour, so please dress children appropriately including boots for possible muddy trails. In case of rain, we’ll have fun in the classroom but will postpone class in case of severe weather.

    Masks are optional indoors. All participants must abide by changing Covid-19 CDC guidelines.

    Caregivers are required to remain with children and are encouraged to join in on the fun while helping Mrs. Wonderwhy (aka long-time preschool instructor Maria Costa) keep children safe. 

     

    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 email admin@closternaturecenter.org. 

     


    Continue reading

  • Mrs. Wonderwhy’s Nature Fun Fridays (2’s and 3’s)

    on March 15, 2022

    Mrs. Wonderwhy's Nature Fun for Little Ones

    Spring has Sprung and Mrs. Wonderwhy’s Nature Fun Fridays are back with all new age-appropriate nature classes! 

    Toddlers 2 and up, and preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join Mrs. Wonderwhy at our outdoor classroom in April for three fun and wonder-filled Fridays. Wee ones will learn about the miracles of the season through sensory play, nature hikes, songs, games, arts and crafts including “mud prints,” scavenger hunts and live animal introductions.

    April 8th, 15th and 22nd (severe weather date 29th)
     2 - 3 years 2:00pm - 3:00pm
     3 - 4 years 3:45pm - 4:45pm

    May   6th, 13th and 20th (severe weather date 27th)
     2 - 3 years 2:00pm - 3:00pm
     3 - 4 years 3:45pm - 4:45pm

    June  3rd, 10th and 17th (severe weather date 24th)

     2 - 3 years 2:00pm - 3:00pm
     3 - 4 years 3:45pm - 4:45pm

    Cost: $60 members / $75 non-members

    We’ll be outside for the entire hour, so please dress children appropriately including boots for possible muddy trails. In case of rain, we’ll have fun in the classroom but will postpone class in case of severe weather.

    Masks are optional indoors. All participants must abide by changing Covid-19 CDC guidelines.

    Caregivers are required to remain with children and are encouraged to join in on the fun while helping Mrs. Wonderwhy (aka long-time preschool instructor Maria Costa) keep children safe. 

     

    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 email admin@closternaturecenter.org. 

     


    Continue reading

  • March 2022 After-School Classes

    on March 10, 2022

    March After-School Program

    Come join Nature Marc at the Closter Nature Center for some outdoor  science fun!  Please dress for the weather, as we will be outside for most of the sessions. We will move into the cabin for severe weather

    $75/ 3-week program for Members - $90/ 3-week program Non-members

    Mondays -  1st- 3rd Gr. 3:45 - 5:00pm

    March 14th, 21st and 28th

    Tuesdays – Kindergarten 3:45 - 5:00pm

    March 15th, 22nd and 29th 

    Wednesdays - 1st- 3rd Gr. 3:45 - 5:00pm

    March 16th, 23rd and 30th

    Thursdays – 4th - 6th Gr. 3:45 - 5:00pm

    March 17th, 24th and 31st

     

     

     

    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 our Naturalist, Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.


    Continue reading

  • SPRING CLEANUP

    on March 4, 2022

    CLOSTER'S ANNUAL CLEANUP DAY

    BOC 888084 FLYER SAMPLE – REVISED 3-4-22

     


    Continue reading

  • Primitive Technology Workshop

    on February 21, 2022

    Primitive Technology

    Come learn about the skills of our ancestors and how technology began.

    Fire making, rope making and stone tools will be some of the topics covered and demonstrated.

    We will be inside the cabin.

    Registration required.

    10 people maximum.  Ages 15 and older welcome.

    1 1/2 hours, $10 members $20 non-members

    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 our Naturalist, Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.

    Naturalist Marc Gussen


    Continue reading

  • INTRODUCTION TO BIRDING

    on February 16, 2022

    Introduction to Birding

    Have you ever wanted to get into birding but are not sure where to start? Now is your chance to learn how to get started (just in time for spring migration)!

    What: Introduction to Birding Workshop

    When: Sunday, March 20th

    Time: 9:00-11:00am

    Cost: $20 for members / $35 non-members (all proceeds go to benefit the Closter Nature Center)

    Pre-Registration: Required  (see link below)

    The first portion of the class will cover basic bird identification, birding etiquette, places to go, a high-level overview of tools you might need or want such as binoculars and cameras, an overview of websites, apps, and other tools.

    We will also discuss binoculars, the primary tool of birders. Bring your own or we will have "loaners" available.

    Once we have the basics down, in the second part of the session we will explore the pond and surrounding trails while applying and practicing what we learned.

    Please note this workshop is primarily intended for adults and will be led by birding enthusiast and long-time Closter Nature Center volunteer Joel Rudin. 

     

    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 our Naturalist, Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.

    Hummingbird (photo courtesy: Jim Lager)


    Continue reading

  • February 2022 School Break Program

    on February 2, 2022

    February School Break Program

    Need something fun and educational for the kids to do during the Winter break? We’ll have four days of nature exploration and discovery here at the Closter Nature Center! It is imperative that kids dress appropriately for the weather, as we plan to be outside as much as possible.

    Mask wearing is mandatory if we go inside the Nature Center building. 

    Monday, February 21st – Thursday, February 24th

    9:00 am - 10:30 am….1st - 3rd grade

    11:00 am - 12:30 pm……..4th - 7th grade

    1:30 pm - 2:30 pm………………Kindergarten

    3:00 pm - 4:30 pm………………1st - 3rd grade

    1st-7th Grades: $100/week for members, $120/week for non-members 

    Kindergarten: $80/week for members, $100/week for non-members.

     

     

    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 our Naturalist, Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778.


    Continue reading