• CNC Annual Meeting and Lecture

    Forest Stewardship

     Impacts of Deer and Invasive Species on Forests in Northern-Central New Jersey

    Wednesday, May 2nd - 7 PM AT THE CABIN

    Dr. Jay Kelly from Raritan Valley Community College will be presenting the results of his research on the impacts of overabundant deer and invasive plant species on forests in northern-central NJ. Since 2014, he and his students have studied over 135 forests, primarily in the Raritan Watershed, documenting how tree regeneration and other aspects of forest understories have changed since the mid-Twentieth Century, when deer and invasive plants were much lower in the state. They also studied the effectiveness of different strategies for forest restoration, including exclosures and deer management programs, at improving forest conditions over time. The goals of this research are to provide real-world research opportunities for students, and to provide local communities with information needed to understand these important issues: showing what is happening to our forests, and what can be done to address them.

     

     

     

    Speaker Bio

    Jay F. Kelly, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Raritan Valley Community College, where he teaches a wide variety of ecology, botany, zoology and environmental science courses. He holds a BA in Biology and a PhD in Ecology & Evolution, both from Rutgers University. His research interests are the biology and conservation of rare plant and animal species, coastal and forest ecology, and the design and implementation of ecological land management practices that balance the needs of humans with other species in the landscape. His other research interests include plastic marine debris, historical ecology, human ecology, and toxins in consumer products. Dr. Kelly attempts to develop community-based research projects and partnerships that benefit both his students and the communities they serve. He received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his research and service in 2010.

     

     


    Continue reading
  • Spring Birding Experience

    Chirp, Chirp

    Come join the "early birds" at the Nature Center cabin from 8:00 to 10:00 Saturday morning, May 5th, 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.  

    Cost: Free for members, $5 donation for non-members payable in person day of event. 

     


    Continue reading
  • May After-School Classes 3rd-6th Gr.

    Frogs, Toads, and Newts!

    Amphibians of the Nature Center.

    Kids will explore the amazing world of amphibians!


    Continue reading
  • May After-School Classes 1st-2nd Gr.

    Frogs, Toads, and Newts!

    Amphibians of the Nature Center.

    Kids will explore the amazing world of amphibians!


    Continue reading
  • May After-School Classes Pre-K to K

    Frogs, Toads, and Newts!

    Amphibians of the Nature Center.

    Kids will explore the amazing world of amphibians!


    Continue reading
  • Spring Break Program

    Staycation at the Nature Center!

    Monday, April 9th – Thursday, April 12th 

    Looking for something for the kids to do during the spring break?
    Here is the answer - Bring them to the Nature Center!
    Our Break programs have been such a success, we are going to do them again.
    The topics will depend on the weather, and they will definitely be fun and educational.

    To help make these programs fit your schedule, the classes will run for 4 days and kids can sign up for 1, 2, 3, or all 4 of the days.
    We will try to spend time outside each day, so please dress for the weather.

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

    Cost:  $80.00 /  week, Member; $100 / week, NON-Members

                    $25.00 / day for Members; $30 / day for NON-Members

    TO REGISTER ONLINE for the full session or single days, please click the blue button below and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.  

    For Daily Classes, option to call Marc at (201) 750-2778 to sign up, then pay $25 or $30 per day by check or in cash on the day of the program.


    Continue reading
  • April After-School Classes 3rd – 6th Gr.

    “Spring Has Sprung”

    Spring is here, and there is a lot going on in the forest and the pond. Animals are waking up, migrants are returning, buds are opening and the weather is getting more beautiful every day. Let’s go check it out!
    We will try to spend as much time as possible outside, so please dress for the weather.

    PreK and K   Tuesdays   3rd - 17th - 24th 
    1st and 2nd  Wednesdays  4th - 18th - 25th
    3rd thru 6th  Thursdays  5th - 19th - 26th 

    Cost: $40 members, $50 non-members
    Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm

    To register online please click the blue button below 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 and follow directions on form below. 


    Continue reading
  • April After-School Classes 1st-2nd Gr.

    “Spring Has Sprung”

    Spring is here, and there is a lot going on in the forest and the pond. Animals are waking up, migrants are returning, buds are opening and the weather is getting more beautiful every day. Let’s go check it out!
    We will try to spend as much time as possible outside, so please dress for the weather.

    PreK and K   Tuesdays   3rd - 17th - 24th 
    1st and 2nd  Wednesdays  4th - 18th - 25th
    3rd thru 6th  Thursdays  5th - 19th - 26th 

    Cost: $40 members, $50 non-members
    Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm

    To register online please click the blue button below 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 and follow directions on form below. 


    Continue reading
  • April After-School Classes Pre-K to K

    “Spring Has Sprung”

    Spring is here, and there is a lot going on in the forest and the pond. Animals are waking up, migrants are returning, buds are opening and the weather is getting more beautiful every day. Let’s go check it out!
    We will try to spend as much time as possible outside, so please dress for the weather.

    PreK and K   Tuesdays   3rd - 17th - 24th 
    1st and 2nd  Wednesdays  4th - 18th - 25th
    3rd thru 6th  Thursdays  5th - 19th - 26th 

    Cost: $40 members, $50 non-members
    Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm

    To register online please click the blue button below 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 and follow directions on form below. 


    Continue reading
  • Summer Program 2018 Week 9

    MORNING SESSION

    AGES: 4-6

    TIME: 9am-11am

    AFTERNOON SESSION

    AGES: 7-10

    TIME: 1pm-4pm

    SUMMER FUN !!

    The Closter Nature Center is proud to offer its annual summer camp program to children ages 4 – 14. For over 45 years, campers have had an opportunity to explore the Nature Center’s 136 acres of ponds, streams, meadows and forests in a fun and nurturing environment. Our campers hike, dig, wade in the water, and examine nature, all under the supervision of a trained naturalist and an assistant. The 2018 summer program will begin on June 25th and continue for 10 weeks ending August 30th. Camp sessions will be either morning or afternoon, Monday through Thursday. Campers can sign up for one or more 4-day weeks. Each weekly program will offer different activities suitable to the age group, children’s interests and the weather. Campers ages 4 – 6 will meet each day for 2-hours, with weekly fees of $70 for members, $90 for non-members. Campers ages 7 – 11, and 12-14 meet for 3-hours each day, with weekly fees of $90 for members, $110 for non-members.

    To register online please click the blue button below and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.  All summer program registrations will be done through Community Pass whether you are paying by check, credit card or via PayPal. 

    QUESTIONS about the program? E-mail CNCsummer@closternaturecenter.org

    QUESTIONS about the registration? E-mail registration@closternaturecenter.org

    As the summer progresses, classes will fill up.  Don't delay, SIGN UP TODAY! 

    The Closter Nature Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization. A peaceful oasis in the middle of suburban Closter, New Jersey we are dedicated to the preservation of our natural environment through exploration and education.


    Continue reading
  • Summer Program 2018 Week 8

    MORNING SESSION

    AGES: 11-14

    TIME: 9am-12pm

    AFTERNOON SESSION

    AGES: 7-10

    TIME: 1pm-4pm

    SUMMER FUN !!

    The Closter Nature Center is proud to offer its annual summer camp program to children ages 4 – 14. For over 45 years, campers have had an opportunity to explore the Nature Center’s 136 acres of ponds, streams, meadows and forests in a fun and nurturing environment. Our campers hike, dig, wade in the water, and examine nature, all under the supervision of a trained naturalist and an assistant. The 2018 summer program will begin on June 25th and continue for 10 weeks ending August 30th. Camp sessions will be either morning or afternoon, Monday through Thursday. Campers can sign up for one or more 4-day weeks. Each weekly program will offer different activities suitable to the age group, children’s interests and the weather. Campers ages 4 – 6 will meet each day for 2-hours, with weekly fees of $70 for members, $90 for non-members. Campers ages 7 – 11, and 12-14 meet for 3-hours each day, with weekly fees of $90 for members, $110 for non-members.

    To register online please click the blue button below and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.  All summer program registrations will be done through Community Pass whether you are paying by check, credit card or via PayPal. 

    QUESTIONS about the program? E-mail CNCsummer@closternaturecenter.org

    QUESTIONS about the registration? E-mail registration@closternaturecenter.org

    As the summer progresses, classes will fill up.  Don't delay, SIGN UP TODAY! 

    The Closter Nature Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization. A peaceful oasis in the middle of suburban Closter, New Jersey we are dedicated to the preservation of our natural environment through exploration and education.


    Continue reading
  • Summer Program 2018 Week 7

    MORNING SESSION

    AGES: 4-6

    TIME: 9am-11am

    AFTERNOON SESSION

    AGES: 7-10

    TIME: 1pm-4pm

    SUMMER FUN !!

    The Closter Nature Center is proud to offer its annual summer camp program to children ages 4 – 14. For over 45 years, campers have had an opportunity to explore the Nature Center’s 136 acres of ponds, streams, meadows and forests in a fun and nurturing environment. Our campers hike, dig, wade in the water, and examine nature, all under the supervision of a trained naturalist and an assistant. The 2018 summer program will begin on June 25th and continue for 10 weeks ending August 30th. Camp sessions will be either morning or afternoon, Monday through Thursday. Campers can sign up for one or more 4-day weeks. Each weekly program will offer different activities suitable to the age group, children’s interests and the weather. Campers ages 4 – 6 will meet each day for 2-hours, with weekly fees of $70 for members, $90 for non-members. Campers ages 7 – 11, and 12-14 meet for 3-hours each day, with weekly fees of $90 for members, $110 for non-members.

    To register online please click the blue button below and you will be taken to Community Pass, our online registration and payment system.  All summer program registrations will be done through Community Pass whether you are paying by check, credit card or via PayPal. 

    QUESTIONS about the program? E-mail CNCsummer@closternaturecenter.org

    QUESTIONS about the registration? E-mail registration@closternaturecenter.org

    As the summer progresses, classes will fill up.  Don't delay, SIGN UP TODAY! 

    The Closter Nature Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization. A peaceful oasis in the middle of suburban Closter, New Jersey we are dedicated to the preservation of our natural environment through exploration and education.


    Continue reading