• Newsletter — April, 2019

    >> April Events and Activities –>

    THE SOUP SUPPER IS BACK!

    Sunday, April 7th5-7 PM

    One of our most popular events, the Soup Supper has brought members and friends together for more than 30 years. A great variety of homemade soups and breads is our speciality. You get a bowl and spoon to sample as many soups as you like—plus tasty breads! Arrive by 6:30 for best selection.

    The charge is $10 for adults, and $5 for children under 10. Pay at the door. Also available, for only $5 extra, are wonderful ceramic, re-usable soup mugs, with our CNC logo. All proceeds go to support the Nature Center’s education programs.

    To contribute much appreciated soups, please call Adri Turrell at (201) 768-3550.Leave a clear message with type of soup, your name and phone number.

    Very Important:Please bring hot soups HOT!(Due to limited space, we can’t reheat your delicious soups).

    APRIL AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

    "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.

    P-K and K.........Tuesdays 2nd, 9th and 23rd

    1st and 2nd............Wednesdays 3rd, 10th and 24th

    3rd - 6th...........Thursdays 4th, 11th and 25th

    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.

    Spring Break Program
    Monday, April 15th – Thursday, April 18th 

    Looking for something for the kids to do during the spring break?
    Here is the answer - Bring them to the Nature Center!
    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 - 11:30am
    3rd thru 6th grade: 1:00 - 3:30pm

    Cost: $80 full session for Members... $100 full session for NON-members

    $25 per day for members, $30 per day for non-members

    Feel free to sign up online with CommunityPass, if you are signing upfor the whole week.

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

     

    Photo Contest and Exhibition! 

    The 3rd annual Closter Nature Center Photo Exhibition and Contest is on display at the Closter Public Library, 280 High Street, throughout the month of April!

    Please join us as contest winners are announced at a Reception on Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m.  All photos will remain on display until Monday, April 29 and can be picked up starting on April 30.

     ANNUAL CLOSTER TOWN CLEANUP

    SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH

    10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

    The Closter Environmental Commission is conducting its Annual Spring Cleanup Drive on Saturday, April 6th from 10 AM to 2 PM.

    Starting at 10:00 a.m., meet at the historic Lustron House (421 Durie Avenue) or the Closter Nature Center (154 Ruckman Road). Refreshments and supplies will be provided – all you need to bring is yourself! Students, don’t forget to count these hours toward community service.As the weather warms, take this opportunity to spend a beautiful day outside helping your neighbors keep Closter the clean, green borough we all enjoy. Families are encouraged to participate; children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The members of the Environment Commission look forward to seeing you there! Event details are at the Borough website: www.closternj.us.

     

    RIVERKEEPER PROGRAM AT THE NATURE CENTER

     Monday, April 29that 7 PM

    Captain Hugh Carola, Program Director at Hackensack Riverkeeper since 2001, will present "From High Tor Mountain to Newark Bay: the Hackensack River and its Waterkeeper".Featuring photos taken from the river’s headwaters to Ports Newark and Elizabeth, the presentation will cover the blended natural and cultural histories of our watershed region. Special emphasis will be given to our organizations’ shared mission of protecting, preserving and restoring the unique wildlife habitats we are privileged to oversee.

    ****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:

    www.closternaturecenter.org

    To register please go to: 

    https://register.communitypass.net/Closter

    *** 2019 Closter Nature Center Summer 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 application by April 1st via 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

    FOREST STEWARDSHIP:

    Deer Exclusion Fencing Moving Forward

    Volunteer Opportunities!

    This project has cleared through the Mayor and Council and now the fence installation has gone out for a public bidding process.  We hope this request for bids will be completed by the end of March, with installation in early spring. There are still hurdles, such as installer availability and weather, which may delay this process.

     

    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!

     

    CNC Month By Month: 

    April 6th Closter Clean-Up Day at the cabin, sponsored by the Environmental Commission. 10 AM - 2 PM

    April 7th Soup Supper 5-7 PM

    April 27th Earth Fair (Tenafly)

    April 29th Hackensack River Keeper presentation 7 PM

    May 4th Bird Walk 8-10 AM

    May 14th Annual Meeting /Forest Stewardship presentation by Marc Gussen 7 PM

    May 19th Summer is Coming Hike 3 PM

    June 2nd Pond Celebration 1-4 PM

    What exactly is the Closter Nature Center?

    It is 136 acres of ponds, brooks, meadows and forests in the heart of Closter. It is a series of community happenings: group walks in the woods, evening family programs, and year-round classes for young people. It is individuals hiking, fishing, picnicking, birdwatching, and exploring the natural world. Perhaps most importantly, the Closter Nature Center is an idea in the minds of the people of the community about the kind of place in which they want to live. Tell a friend!


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  • Newsletter — May, 2018

    MAY 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 24th

    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.

    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


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  • Newsletter — April, 2018

    APRIL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

    THE SOUP SUPPER  IS BACK!

    April 15th 5-7 PM

    One of our most popular events, the Soup Supper has brought members and friends together for more than 30 years. A great variety of homemade soups and breads is our speciality. You get a bowl and spoon to sample as many soups as you like—plus tasty breads! Arrive by 6:30 for best selection. 

    The charge is $10 for adults, and $5 for children under 10. Pay at the door. Also available, for only $5 extra, are wonderful ceramic, re-usable soup mugs, with our CNC logo. All proceeds go to support the Nature Center’s education programs.

    To contribute much appreciated soups, please call  Adri Turrell at (845-359-3828). Leave a clear message with type of soup, your name and phone number. 

    Very Important: Please bring hot soups HOT! (Due to limited space, we can’t reheat your delicious soups).

    And just before we start ladling soup, join us for the big unveil of the “Mayer Loop Trail” sign! This trail was named to honor the tireless work for our Nature Center by Gay and Mary Mayer. 

    4:30pm — far side of the pond

    April After-School Programs:

    "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.

    P-K and K.........Tuesdays 4/3, 17th and 24th
    1st and 2nd............Wednesdays 4/4, 18th and 25th
    3rd - 6th...........Thursdays 4/5, 19th and 26th

    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.

    *Spring Break Program*
    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 - 11:30am
    3rd thru 6th grade: 1:00 - 3:30pm

    Cost: $80 full session for Members... $100 full session for NON-members

    $25 per day for members, $30 per day for non-members

    Feel free to sign up online with CommunityPass, if you are signing up for the whole week.

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

     

    April Photo Contest and Exhibition! 

    Beginning on Tuesday, April 2, the Closter Library will host the Closter Nature Center's 2nd Annual Photography Contest and Exhibition.  Open to children and adults alike, the photos have been taken in all corners of the Nature Center, in all seasons of the year! The show can be seen during regular library hours, Monday through Saturday, during the month of April, with a reception and awarding of contest winners on Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to attend!

    DONATION NEEDED: 

    New or gently used laptop computer for our cabin. Send any questions to admin@closternaturecenter.org

    CNC 2018 Summer Program: Registration Has Begun! 

    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

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

    CNC MONTH BY MONTH:

    March Photo Contest: Entries Due on March 30th

    April 9th – 12th Spring Break Classes

    April 15, Soup Supper Sunday, 5-7 PM

    April 21, Earth Day Fair...11AM to 4 PM , NV Demarest High School

    April 28 at 2 p.m. Photo Contest Reception and Awards

    At Closter Library

    May 5th Bird Walk Saturday, 8-10 AM with Nancy Slowik

    May 2 - Annual Meeting , 7 PM

    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


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  • Newsletter — June, 2017

     

    JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS:

    MEMORIAL DAY PARADE! MONDAY, May 29th

    Come join us in the parade!

    This Memorial Day, the CNC will have a float.

    Meet in the parking lot at…


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  • Newsletter – March, 2017

    MARCH AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES:

    Pets 101
    What it means to have a pet, what animals make good pets, and what it takes to keep them happy and healthy.


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