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Newsletter — September, 2018
on August 27, 2018>>September Events and Activities –>
Forest Stewardship Update
During the summer, the Forest Stewardship team has been sporadically busy in the forest, despite the very wet weather. Rutgers graduate students have completed spring and summer assessments of vegetation in their 6 study plots scattered throughout the Nature Center. Three of the six research plots will be protected within 3 separate 8-10-acre deer exclusion fences. The other 3 research plots will be left outside the fencing to allow us to compare and determine the effectiveness of deer exclusion. You may notice the abundant pink and yellow flagging through the woods. In a few months we expect vinyl fencing to be erected along these flag lines.
A presentation of the project has been made to the Mayor and Council, and we received their appreciative endorsement for our plans to protect this Borough-owned forest.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS AND CLASSES:
September After-School Programs
“Let's Take a Hike”
Come explore the trails of the Nature Center. See the sights, meet the animals and have some fun outside this September!
Please dress for the weather...
Pk-K - Tuesdays 11th - 18th - 25th
1st-2nd – Wednesdays - 12th - 19th - 26th
3rd-6th – Thursdays - 13th - 20th - 27th
Cost: $40 members, $50 non-members
Time: 3:45 - 5:00To 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.
“Goodbye Summer” Hike
Saturday, September 22 at 11 AM
Come visit the Nature Center and join us for a hike along our trails. Enjoy our woods as Summer turns to Autumn! Meet at the cabin by Ruckman Pond...
ADULT PROGRAM: MUSHROOMS!
Thursday, September 27, at 7 PM
You will not want to miss this captivating and fascinating program: Naturalist Marc Gussen has offered it often over the years, and always has had a great response. Come learn about mushrooms, their role in the forest...and in the
kitchen!
SPECIAL PROGRAM: BATS, BATS, BATS!
Sunday, October 7th 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.
CNC Month By Month:
Saturday September 22nd, at 11 AM – “Goodbye Summer” Hike
Thursday September 27, at 7 PM - Marc’s Mushroom Presentation
Sunday, October 7th, at 2 PM – BATS, BATS, BATS!
Sunday, November 5th, at 3 PM – Winter Hike
.
Continue reading -
Newsletter — June, 2018
on May 19, 2018JUNE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES –>
JUNE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Pond Life
This month’s after-school program will focus on pond animals. Who lives in the pond, and why? Come find out!
We will spend as much time outside as possible, so please dress for the weather.
Pk-K : Tuesdays, June 5th and 12th
1st and 2nd: Wednesdays, June 6th and 13th
3rd through 6th: Thursdays, June 7th and 14thJust 2 days! Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Cost: $25 members $35 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.
POND CELEBRATION AT RUCKMAN POND!
JUNE 3rd from 1-4 PM
(Rain Date: June 10th)
Please join us for the sixth annual celebration of the revival of Ruckman Pond! Come for an afternoon of
pond science and fun! Admission is FREE
Enjoy the pleasures of our Nature Center, cabin and pond on a lovely early June afternoon that will feature:
Canoe Rides Tie dying shirts
Webbed Foot Race Pond Hikes
Arts and Crafts Pond Scooping
Microscope Activities Live Animals
Fishing 101 Casting Class
Live Music...And Much More!
Bring your family and friends, grandparents, aunts, cousins and uncles!
Cute Kid’s Quote
About an hour before a windy spring storm was about to hit, a 4 year old girl came running and up to me said, "Nature Marc ...There's A Tomato Warning!!!!"
CNC 2018 Summer Program: Registration Is Ongoing!
The program runs Monday - Thursday for 9 weeks. 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.
Fees for the 2-hour programs are:
$70 for members ($90 for non-members)
Fees for the 3-hour programs are:
$90 for members ($110 for non-members)
DATES FOR THE PROGRAM ARE AS FOLLOWS:
WEEK #1 June 25 - 28 Ages 4 - 6 and 7 - 10
WEEK #2 July 9 - 12 Ages 11 -14 and 7 - 10
WEEK #3 July 16 - 19 Ages 7 - 10 and 4 - 6
WEEK #4 July 23 - 26 Ages 7 - 10 and 11 - 14
WEEK #5 July 30 - August 2 Ages 4 - 6 and 7 - 10
WEEK #6 August 6 - 9 Ages 7 - 10 and 11 - 14
WEEK #7 August 13 - 16 Ages 4 - 6 and 7 - 10
WEEK #8 August 20 - 23 Ages 11 - 14 and 7 - 10
WEEK #9 August 27 - 30 Ages 4 - 6 and 7 - 10
To register please go to: https://register.communitypass.net/Closter
and you will be taken to Community Pass, our NEW online registration and payment system.
Any questions? Please send to CNCsummer@closternaturecenter.org
COMMUNITY PASS: TO HELP US MOVE FORWARD!
To those members that have logged into Community Pass, opened accounts, purchased memberships online or otherwise helped us in updating our administration… THANK YOU!!
For members that haven’t gone to Community Pass, please take a look!
The link to our “community" is: https://register.communitypass.net/Closter
Hopefully, this online platform will allow us to spend less time doing paperwork and more time in the great outdoors!
But we need your help. If you have an account on Community Pass, log in and check out the Closter Nature Center offerings.
If you don’t have an account, open one today — it’s free and takes about a minute! By opening an account on Community Pass, we get your email for communication and you can sign up for classes online and purchase your membership online, too.
If you have any questions, please contact admin@closternaturecenter.org
Spring: The Perfect Time to Clean Out Your Closets!
Bring your unwanted clothing to the bins located in the Stop and Shop parking lot, and the proceeds will benefit the Closter Nature Center.
Look for the blue and green receptacles, towards the front of the parking lot on Demarest Ave.
Put your unwanted clothing to good use!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
CNC MONTH BY MONTH:
June 3rd - Pond Celebration (June 10th rain date)
June 25 to August 30 – Summer Programs!
September 30 - Hawks Over the Hudson at State Line Lookout
Continue reading -
Newsletter — May, 2018
on April 24, 2018MAY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES –>
SPRING BIRDING EXPERIENCE:
Saturday, May 5th 8:00- 10:00 AM
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. Free for members, $5 for non-members.
CNC ANNUAL MEETING AND LECTURE
Wednesday, May 2nd - 7 PM AT THE CABIN
Impacts of Deer and Invasive Species on Forests in Northern-Central New Jersey
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.
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.
MAY AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS:
Frogs, Toads and Newts: Amphibians of the Nature Center
Kids will explore the amazing world of amphibians!Pk-K ....Tuesdays, 5/8, 15th and 22nd
1st and 2nd.....Wednesdays....5/9, 16th and 23rd
3rd through 6th......Thursdays......5/10, 17th and 24thTime: 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.
CNC 2018 Summer Program:
Registration Is Ongoing!
The program runs Monday - Thursday for 9 weeks. 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.
Fees for the 2-hour programs are:
$70 for members ($90 for non-members)
Fees for the 3-hour programs are:
$90 for members ($110 for non-members)
DATES FOR THE PROGRAM ARE AS FOLLOWS:
WEEK #1 June 25 - 28 Ages 4 - 6 and 7 - 10
WEEK #2 July 9 - 12 Ages 11 -14 and 7 - 10
WEEK #3 July 16 - 19 Ages 7 - 10 and 4 - 6
WEEK #4 July 23 - 26 Ages 7 - 10 and 11 - 14
WEEK #5 July 30 - August 2 Ages 4 - 6 and 7 - 10
WEEK #6 August 6 - 9 Ages 7 - 10 and 11 - 14
WEEK #7 August 13 - 16 Ages 4 - 6 and 7 - 10
WEEK #8 August 20 - 23 Ages 11 - 14 and 7 - 10
WEEK #9 August 27 - 30 Ages 4 - 6 and 7 - 10
To register please go to:
https://register.communitypass.net/Closter
and you will be taken to Community Pass, our NEW online registration and payment system.
Any questions?
Please send to CNCsummer@closternaturecenter.org
Our Thanks go out to the many generous souls who contributed more than 25 homemade soups to our delightful Soup Supper. In addition, The Barn, Closter One, Madeline Petit Paris, La Promenade and Zendiggi all donated soups, and Balthazar Bakery contributed bread! All were delicious! By the end of the cold, rainy afternoon, (perfect for enjoying soup!), we’d had a warm, friendly and very well attended Soup Supper!
COMMUNITY PASS: TO HELP US MOVE FORWARD!
To those members that have logged into Community Pass, opened accounts, purchased memberships online or otherwise helped us in updating our administration… THANK YOU!!
For members that haven’t gone to Community Pass, please take a look!
The link to our “community" is: https://register.communitypass.net/Closter
Hopefully, this online platform will allow us to spend less time doing paperwork and more time in the great outdoors!
But we need your help. If you have an account on Community Pass, log in and check out the Closter Nature Center offerings.
If you don’t have an account, open one today — it’s free and takes about a minute! By opening an account on Community Pass, we get your email for communication and you can sign up for classes online and purchase your membership online, too.
If you have any questions, please contact admin@closternaturecenter.org
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
CNC MONTH BY MONTH:
May 2 - Annual Meeting and Presentation by Jay Kelly: 7 PM
May 5th Bird Walk Saturday, 8-10 AM with Nancy Slowik
June 3rd - Pond Celebration (June 10th rain date)
June 25 to August 30 – Summer Programs!
September 30 - Hawks Over the Hudson at State Line Lookout
Continue reading -
Newsletter — November, 2017
on October 20, 2017NOVEMBER EVENTS AND CLASSES
*** Annual Membership Drive ***
Welcome to our newest members! If you’ve joined our Nature Center in the past six months, we say thanks and hope that you've been enjoying the trails.
For everyone else, it is time to show your support and renew your membership!
With nearly 400 members, the Closter Nature Center is an active and vital part of the community. We provide hundreds of hours of nature programming for children, lectures for adults and a great place to sit and enjoy the day. Some of our projects this year have included building two new bridges, a new website and upgrading to an online registration system. But we can’t do this without your support! Please renew your membership in the envelope provided with your print newsletter, or go to our website at www.closternaturecenter.org and renew online.
And thanks!
After-School Programs: “MAMMALS OF THE NATURE CENTER”
This month’s program will focus on our furry friends. We will be outside as much as possible.PK-K Tuesdays 7th -14th- 21st
1st-2nd Wednesdays 8th- 15th -22nd
3rd-6th Thursdays 9th -16th -30th *Cost: $40 members, $50 non-members
Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm
TO REGISTER ONLINE:
Go to https://register.capturepoint.com/Closter , and you will be taken to our online registration and payment system.
If you would prefer to register in person, call Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778, fill out a registration form and bring the form along with payment in full (check or cash) to the first class.
You can pick up a registration form at the Log Cabin, 154 Ruckman Road, Closter, NJ 07624. Or, you can download a copy here: https://closternaturecenter.org/after-school-classes-registration-form
Cute Kid’s Quote: "Dogs are my favorite people."
-Willow
Community Program: SAVE THE HONEY BEES!
Sunday, November 12th at 3 PM
The president of Ramapo College of NJ's Beekeepers Club, Pat Harrison, will be coming to speak on what Honey Beekeeping entails, its importance, and what someone can do to help struggling bee populations. This event will be kid friendly! Pat Harrison is a senior in Environmental Science at Ramapo College and a backyard beekeeper of three years.
CNC NATURALIST MARC GUSSEN RECEIVES NJ AUDUBON AWARD
The Nature Center's beloved naturalist Marc Gussen is the recipient of the New Jersey Audubon's Informal Educator of the Year Award. On Saturday, October 21, Marc, his wife Kimberly and his mother traveled to the 3-day Fall Festival event in Cape May. Marc says he was very honored to be chosen for this award. "My goal every day is to generate excitement about the Nature Center and our natural surroundings. Even if kids don't remember everything I say, I know they will remember the fun of being outdoors and being exposed to the wonders surrounding us. Every minute that I can get them away from an electronic device and into the woods is a huge success."
The Board of Directors of the Closter Nature Center congratulates Marc on this deserved recognition and thanks him for making the Nature Center the unique place that it is.
LOOKING AHEAD: DECEMBER CLASSES AND EVENTS:
December After-School Classes:
Rocks + Minerals
December’s after-school program will be about the amazing
world of geology.
We will get to see the Nature Center’s incredible collection of rocks and minerals and get to make our very own crystals to take home and eat!
This program will be inside and out so please dress for the weather!
Pk-K Tuesdays 5th - 12th - 19th
1st and 2nd Wednesdays 6th - 13th - 20th
3rd thru 6th Thursdays 7th - 14th - 21stCost: $40 members, $50 non-members
Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Holiday Break Classes:
Tuesday, December 26th through Friday, December 29th
Need something fun and educational for the kids to do
during the holiday break?
We have the answer: four days of Nature exploration and animal fun here at the Closter Nature Center. Our Break programs have been such a success, we are going to run them again. Depending on your schedule you can sign up for one, two, three, or all the days.
We will try to spend time outside each day, so please dress for the weather.
Tuesday, December 26th through Friday, December 29th
1st and 2nd grade 9:00 - 11:30
3rd thru 6th grade 1:00 - 3:30Cost: $20 per day for members, $30 per day for non-members
TO REGISTER ONLINE:
go to: https://register.capturepoint.com/Closter
and you will be taken to CommunityPass, our online registration and payment system.
If you would prefer to register in person, call Marc Gussen at (201) 750-2778, fill out a registration form and bring the form along with payment in full (check or cash) to the first class.
You can pick up a registration form at the Log Cabin, 154 Ruckman Road, Closter, NJ 07624. Or, you can download a copy here: https://closternaturecenter.org/after-school-classes-registration-form
***BERGEN COUNTY AUDUBON ***
* CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT *
Coming on December 16th
Details in next month’s News!
Winter break classes will be Monday, February 19th -Thursday, February 22nd
Spring break classes will be Monday, April 9th -
Thursday, April 12th
Continue reading -
Newsletter – April, 2017
on April 19, 2017Newsletter – February, 2017
on January 31, 2017FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES AND CLASSES:
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Volcanoes!
Watch out!!! Mount Closter is about to erupt again! This month’s after-school science program will focus on everyone’s favorite natural disaster…
Continue readingDecember 2016 Newsletter
on November 29, 2016DECEMBER CLASSES, SPECIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES:
December After-School Classes:
“Rocks and Minerals”
No Fields Found.
This month’s after school program will focus on the amazing world of rocks, minerals and crystals.
We will be making our own…
Continue readingJUNE 2016 NEWSLETTER
on August 5, 2016JUNE CLASSES AND SPECIAL EVENTS:
Pond Life
This month we will explore Ruckman Pond and its amazing
This…
Continue readingPost Tags
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Newsletter – April, 2017
Newsletter – February, 2017
FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES AND CLASSES:
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Volcanoes!
Watch out!!! Mount Closter is about to erupt again! This month’s after-school science program will focus on everyone’s favorite natural disaster…
Continue readingDecember 2016 Newsletter
DECEMBER CLASSES, SPECIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES:
December After-School Classes:
“Rocks and Minerals”
No Fields Found.
This month’s after school program will focus on the amazing world of rocks, minerals and crystals.
We will be making our own…
Continue readingJUNE 2016 NEWSLETTER
JUNE CLASSES AND SPECIAL EVENTS:
Pond Life
This month we will explore Ruckman Pond and its amazing
This…
Continue reading