*** 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 - 21st
Cost: $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 - 3:30
Cost: $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
Many of the animals that we love and care for here at the Nature Center were once brought here as unwanted pets. Their stories vary considerably, but they all have a common thread - they really needed a new home. Sometimes it is a simple case of: "I never thought it would live this long and my son is going off to college" or, "The kids have lost interest and my husband is stuck doing all the work". Other times a conscientious caregiver just becomes unable to continue providing for a beloved pet, and responsibly seeks out the best new home they can find. On occasions (thankfully rare), animals get dropped off with out a call or even a note. No matter what the circumstances, we do our best to find or give them a good home. Having a pet can be a huge responsibility and require lots of time and love. Obviously, a horse will require more effort and resources than a goldfish, but both will rely on you just the same. Having a pet is commitment that is easier to make when a person truly understands what it actually takes to care for whatever animal they choose. A large jungle bird that needs its own room in the house, eats $100 worth of macadamia nuts a week, and could live to be 60 years old might not be the best choice for most prospective pet owners, despite the flashy plumage. 
P.S. Cute Kid’s Quote