By Joanne Kleinle
I have a friend whose family is from Sweden. When I see her in the rain, snow, or cold, she is outside with her kids. Her family says, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” This philosophy has gained popularity as American families are learning about Scandinavian parenting techniques. If dressed appropriately, being outside in most kinds of weather is actually the healthiest thing you can do. So get outside! There is a lot to do in this area, even in winter and into the muddy months of spring. You can start with the jam-packed calendar of activities at the Environmental Education Center on Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge.
The crown jewel of the late winter calendar at the EEC is its Maple Sugaring program. The program is fun and informative for all ages. Starting at the Center, the group takes a short half-mile hike to the Maple Sugaring shack where a naturalist explains the history of maple sugaring that began in the Northeast centuries ago with the Native Americans and the Colonists. The program also includes a demonstration of how the trees are tapped with both modern and historical sap-collecting methods, as well as showing the boiling process that produces delicious local maple syrup.
The 60-minute program is offered every Saturday and Sunday in February at 12 pm and 2 pm. Tickets are $6 for seniors and students and $7 for adults. They are available at the EEC and it is recommended that you arrive 30-40 minutes early to purchase the tickets. There is a lot to do while you wait! One tip-wear warm clothing and boots or other appropriate footwear. The trails are likely to be muddy or covered in snow. If you have a Scout troop, you can contact the center about forming or joining a scouting group.
Want to learn a little more about nature and meet some people while getting some exercise outdoors? Walking outdoors has been proven to benefit both your mental and physical health. Join one of the EEC’s “Woodland Walks.” This weekly walking group for adults is offered every Tuesday in February from 9-10 am. A naturalist takes the group on a walk on the trails at a moderate pace with occasional breaks. The cost is $24 for the 4-week session for seniors, and $28 for adults.
There are loads of opportunities at the EEC for kids of all ages to get outdoors and connect with nature. The Young Explorers Club on Monday mornings is for infants through age five with a caregiver. KinderNats is on Mondays after school for kids ages 5-7. Swamp Kids is the perfect after-school activity on Thursdays for kids, ages 8-10, who love the outdoors. Older kids, ages 11-13, will love the Trailblazers program on Wednesdays. There are also one-day programs like Animal Tracks that take kids out on the hiking trails with a naturalist in search of animal tracks. All programs require registration. See the website at https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/environmental-education-center/pages/educational-public-programs-february-2025 to register and get more information on fees and available programs.
No excuses-wrap yourself in some warm layers and boots and get out there! The programs at the Environmental Education Center are worth it!