ESSEX COUNTY FALL PROGRAMS – CHILD – ADULT 2014 – Township of Irvington New Jersey

Essex County Environmental Center Fall 2014 Public Programs
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And The Board of Chosen Freeholders Present

SEPTEMBER 2014

TUESDAY AFTERNOON YOGA WITH MEDITATION

Tuesdays—September 2, 23, 30; 3:30pm to 4:45pm

For adults. The focus of this class is on the many benefits of long-held, seated poses. We lengthen tissues that connect, wrap and interweave muscles, helping to increase our range of motion and free up areas of limitation. We cultivate a meditative state in each pose, as well as sit for a meditation at the end of class. All levels are welcome. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Fee: $10 per class

BAKING WITH HERBS

Saturday, September 6; 10:30am to 12:30pm

Adults and children ages 12 and up. Rosemary thyme butter cookies? Lavender lemon cake? Join Master Gardener Fran Kroeckel for a culinary adventure from herb garden to table. This hands-on demonstration will send you home with a tasty treat. Advance registration required; call 973.228.8776. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Fee: $7 per child, $9 per adult

WHY GARDEN ORGANICALLY?

Tuesday, September 9; 7pm to 9pm

For adults. There are many reasons to go organic these days as we learn more about the imbalance in nature. Organic gardening utilizes practices that are more harmonious with nature and our awareness becomes key in the products we purchase and use. Marleny Franco from Grace Landscaping will discuss the following topics: The history of how we moved away from organics and how to come back to the basics; why organic is a good choice; the fundamental principles of organic gardening; what it looks like in practice; and the initial steps of organic garden preparation. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $20 per person

HORTICULTURE FOR SENIORS

Monday, September 15; 1pm to 3pm

For senior citizens. Join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County for this horticulture class especially designed for senior citizens. This month’s topic is How to Harvest the Summer Bounty. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required one week prior to program; call 973.379.5488 or 973.731.0717. FREE

SPANISH FOR NATURE LOVERS (10-week course)

Tuesdays September 16 through November 18; 12:30pm to 2pm

Thursdays, September 18 through November 20; 6:30pm to 8pm

For adults. Learn to understand and speak Spanish with Tricia Idrobo, a New Jersey-certified Spanish teacher, in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere, using the themes of nature. This ten-week class is intended for those with little or no knowledge of Spanish and will cover basic vocabulary and grammatical structures. Be prepared to go outdoors for part of every class, weather permitting. Advance registration and pre-payment are required by September 12th; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $120 per person (includes material fee)

2014 ESSEX COUNTY PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 17, so grab a camera and visit an Essex County Park! Anyone with a camera is invited and encouraged to submit photos that capture a part of your visit to the County Park System. For rules and regulations, please contact the Essex County Environmental Center at 973-228-8776.

THURSDAY EVENING YOGA

Thursdays—September 18 & 25; 6:15pm to 7:30pm

For adults. This “all levels” yoga series will focus on alignment, flow and warmth followed by a restorative pose to unwind the body and mind for bed. All levels are welcome. Advance registration and monthly payment are required; call 973.228.8776. No refunds for missed classes. Fee: $20

FRIDAY MORNING YOGA

Fridays—September 19 & 26; 9:30am to 10:45am

For adults. This class will explore the many joys of yoga. Breathing synchronized with movement will warm the body and relax the mind. All levels are welcome. Join us weekly or for just one class. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Fee: $10 per class

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR

Saturday, September 20; 12pm to 1:30pm

Adults and children ages 13 and older. Be prepared for this school year with essential oils! We will be discussing which essential oils are best to reduce stress and anxiety, keeping germs at bay, and maintaining energy and attention. Learning a few simple tips from this class can make this the best school year yet! Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9 per person

EXTENDING THE GARDEN SEASON

Saturday, September 20; 9am to 11am

Pick fresh spinach (or kale) from your garden for this Thanksgiving. Learn from Rutgers Master Gardeners the simple and inexpensive techniques of growing and harvesting vegetables in the fall. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9 per person

IKEBANA DESIGN, JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING SERIES

Mondays September 22, October 27, November 24, December 22; 7pm to 8:30pm

Learn the Japanese art of Ikebana, a disciplined art form reflecting the forces of nature with which plants live in harmony. Ikebana is a minimalist expression which draws emphasis toward shape, line and form. Working with flowers in this way can soothe our minds and lift our spirits. This workshop will include an introduction to the history and philosophy of Ikebana as well as the different styles (moribana, shoka, rikka) and techniques. Hands on instruction in design and technique will be led by the experienced and talented Hideko Eda, a senior professor of Ikebana in Japan. Learn how to bend branches and flowers so they appear to be blown by the wind, or create a leaf that appears half eaten by insects. Each participant will receive fresh flowers to work with in each of the four classes. You have an option to either bring your own container, garden scissors, and kenzan (pin cushion) to class or you may purchase these items in class. Advance registration and payment is required by Thursday, September 18th; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $72 per person for the series

NEW JERSEY WOODTURNERS

Mondays—September 22, October 27, November 24; 7pm to 9:30pm

For adults. Learn to turn with the NJ Woodturners Association! Discover the wonders of creating art from found pieces of wood. Topics vary month to month; call the Environmental Center for details. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Fee: $9 per adult; free for NJWA members

LIVE BIRD AND CRAFT PROGRAM

Saturday, September 27; 11:45am to 1:30pm

For ages 4 and up. Whether small or large, birds of prey utilize different techniques to find food. All require a set of talons to survive in the wild. Create your own bird of prey after which they’ll be a live showing of a Barred Owl and a Red Tailed Hawk. Participants will observe these live birds up close and will learn about their behavior, physiology, adaptations, ecological importance and natural history. Hands-on artifacts and demonstrations will capture the imagination of young and old. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7 per child, $9 per adult

OCTOBER 2014

CHAIR YOGA THURSDAYS

Thursdays—October 2, 9, 23, 30; 3pm to 4pm

For adults. Whether you are new to yoga, are an older adult, or know and love yoga but no longer get up and down from the floor easily, chair yoga may be for you! All poses are done seated or standing next to a chair. Our breath will guide us through class and we will end with a relaxing meditation. All levels and ages welcome. Dress comfortably. Advance registration and monthly payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $36 for the series or $28 for those 65 and older

THURSDAY EVENING YOGA

Thursdays—October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 6:15pm to 7:30pm

FRIDAY MORNING YOGA

Fridays—October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 9:30am to 10:45am

10TH ANNUAL OCTOBERFEST FALL FAMILY CELEBRATION

Saturday, October 4; 11am to 4pm

Come celebrate autumn at the Environmental Center! There will be fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy—hands-on nature games and crafts, farmer’s market featuring a variety of NJ Fresh seasonal produce, canoeing, Native American life, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, food, and more. FREE EVENT; some items may be for sale.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON YOGA WITH MEDITATION

Tuesdays—October 7, 14, 21, 28; 3:30pm to 4:45pm

SOIL SCIENCE: THE GOOD GUYS … WE CAN’T SEE

Tuesday, October 7; 7pm to 9pm

For adults. Marleny Franco from Grace Landscaping teaches how to garden chemical-free by using microbes to restore soil. With the addition of microbes, our soil will be able to provide all the necessary macro and micronutrients, the plants that sprout and grow will be filled with minerals and vitality, the food you harvest will be healthier, tastier and more diversified, and your intestinal microbes will wildly applaud your new, healthier diet. All this while creating a more ecologically balanced earth and getting better and bigger vegetables. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $20 per person

MOVIE NIGHT: QUEEN OF THE SUN: WHAT ARE THE BEES TELLING US?

Wednesday, October 8; 7pm to 9pm

For adults. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world, including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva. Together, they reveal both the problems and the solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature. Q&A session with a local beekeeper and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agent will follow. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9 per person

BIKE RIGHT – LEARN TO RIDE

Saturday, October 11; 10am to 12pm

Children ages 5 and older. Make learning to ride a bike easier for your child with TransOptions’ Bike Right Learn to Ride class. Bike Right Learn to Ride will teach your child the safe, easy and effective way to learn to ride. Using this “balance first” method, parents help get their children rolling while the child does most of the work. Participants learn the basics of balancing, starting, stopping, and steering a bike, as well as proper helmet fit and adjustment. Please bring a helmet and a bike (without training wheels) in good working order. In the event of rain, this program will be rescheduled. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7 per child

HEALTH AND WELLNESS WORKSHOP

Saturday, October 11; 12pm to 1:30pm

Adults and children ages 13 and older. Do you wonder if the things you get from the drug store — cough syrup, decongestants and antiseptics — might be doing more harm than good? In this workshop, we will search out natural and effective alternatives for treating family health issues and injuries using 100% plant-based essential oils. This introductory class will start a path of discovery to regain control of your own family’s wellness for the upcoming cold and flu season. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9 person

FROG POND FUN HOLIDAY CAMP

Monday, October 13; 9:30am to 3:30pm

For students in grades 1, 2, and 3. Explore the depths of our pond and wander into our wooded wetland to discover what’s there beyond first glance. Through outdoor and indoor activities, campers will uncover the adaptations that allow frogs and other wetland organisms to survive and thrive while learning how we can become stewards for these fascinating species. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $60 per child

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: PROJECT LEARNING TREE

Thursday, October 16; 9am to 3pm

For adults. These two curriculum guides, Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood and Growing Up WILD, and music CD, engage children ages 3 to 7 in outdoor exploration and play. The many nature-themed lessons use hands-on activities to integrate the outdoors with art, literature, math, music, and movement. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $25 (limited scholarships available for Essex County urban aid district teachers; call the Center for details)

BACKYARD COMPOSTING MADE EASY

Thursday, October 16; 6:30pm to 8pm

All ages. Learn everything you need to know to successfully compost organic waste in your own backyard. The fee includes The Earth Machine and a kitchen scrap collection pail. An optional aerator is also available. Advance registration is required by Monday, October 13th; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $69 (the bin retails for over $100 at Home Depot, plus shipping)

AUTUMN LANTERN CRAFT

Saturday, October 18; 10:30am to 12pm

For families. Let’s create lanterns using leaves, glue and balloons while listening to the story of the lantern prince. Return for one of our night hikes to help light the way. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7 per child

THE BASICS OF TEACHING OUTDOORS

Saturday, October 18; 10:30am to 2pm

For adults. Using New Jersey Audubon’s Bridges to the Natural World, we will explore ways in which the outdoors can be used to enhance teaching. Hear about the benefits of place-based learning, outdoor classroom management and general safety guidelines along with curriculum ideas that support STEM education and the arts. This workshop is great for home-school parents, after-school providers, scout leaders or anyone who loves the outdoors! This workshop will be led by Kelly Wenzel, NJA Project Coordinator-Urban Education, and Jennifer Dowd, NJ Coordinator-Eco- Schools USA. Advance registration is required; call 908.766.5787. Fee: $20

HORTICULTURE FOR SENIORS

Monday, October 20; 1pm to 3pm

For senior citizens. Join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County for this horticulture class especially designed for senior citizens. This month’s topic is Enjoying the Fall Splendor. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required one week prior to program; call 973.379.5488 or 973.731.0717. FREE

FALL HARVEST CAMPFIRE

Thursday, October 23; 6:30pm to 8pm

For families. Find a seat around the camp fire to celebrate the fall harvest. Roast marshmallows and enjoy some popcorn and cider. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7 per child; $9 per adult

HEALTHY FOOD; HEALTHY BODY

Friday, October 24; 3:30pm to 4:45pm

For children ages 8 to 12. Join us in celebration of National Food Day as we explore ways to eat and live healthier. We’ll learn how to make healthy food choices every day so that we can stay fit in body, mind, and planet. We’ll make and enjoy a healthy snack together. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $10 per child

NOVEMBER 2014

PUTTING YOUR GARDEN TO BED

Saturday, November 1; 9am to 11am

Who is thinking about their garden after the first frost? What happens in your garden or landscape has an impact on next year’s garden. Rutgers Master Gardeners will explain what to do this fall so that your garden has a healthy start next year. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $9 per person

MONDAY MORNING YOGA

Mondays—November 3, 10, 17, 24; 9:30am to 10:45am

For adults. Each class will start with a short reading from a classical yogic text. The chosen verse (sutra) will guide us throughout class and in each posture, helping to deepen our understanding of yoga. All levels are welcome. Join us weekly or for just one class. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Fee: $10 per class

TUESDAY AFTERNOON YOGA WITH MEDITATION

Tuesdays—November 4, 11, 18, 25; 3:30pm to 4:45pm

PLANNING THE GARDEN, CONTINUOUS PLANTING, CROP ROTATION AND COMPANION PLANTING

Wednesday, November 5; 7pm to 9pm

For adults. Marleny Franco from Grace Landscaping teaches us why a good plan has an impact on the production of our garden. Designing the garden to create balance and beauty are important steps which will be discussed. Learn how complementary plantings can increase production and help control pests. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $20 per person

THURSDAY EVENING YOGA

Thursdays—November 6, 13, 20; 6:15pm to 7:30pm

SCOUTING DAY

Thursday and Friday, November 6 & 7; 10:30am to 12pm and 1pm to 2:30pm

Calling all Scouts—Wolfs, Bear Cubs, Juniors and Brownies—this is your chance to work on belt loops and pins with environmental staff. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776 for more information. Fee: $7 per scout per class

FRIDAY MORNING YOGA

Fridays—November 7, 14, 21, 28; 9:30am to 10:45am

CHAIR YOGA THURSDAYS

Thursdays—November 13 & 20; 3pm to 4pm

TWILIGHT HIKE AND CAMPFIRE

Thursday, November 13; 6:30pm to 8pm

For families. Join a naturalist for a short walk on our trails and experience the night life under the light of the moon. After the walk, enjoy a campfire and roasting marshmallows. Bring flashlights. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7 per child; $9per adult

HORTICULTURE FOR SENIORS

Monday, November 17; 1pm to 3pm

For senior citizens. Join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County for this horticulture class especially designed for senior citizens. This month’s topic is Creating an Indoor Garden. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required one week prior to program; call 973.379.5488 or 973.731.0717. FREE

THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE

Saturday, November 22; 10:15am to 11:45am

Join us to make a natural fall table arrangement with lights to brighten up anyone’s Thanksgiving holiday. Give it as a gift or keep it for yourself. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $7 per child, $9 per adult

HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL OILS WORKSHOP AND CRAFT

Saturday, November 22; 12pm to 1:30pm

Adults and children ages 13 and older. In this informative and hands-on class, we will learn how therapeutic-grade essential oils can enhance your family’s health and wellness throughout the holidays and into the New Year! Together, we will make aromatic gifts of relaxing mineral bath salts or floral sprays for the upcoming the holiday season. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776.

Fee: $25 per person

FALL HARVEST CAMPFIRE

Friday, November 28; 12pm to 1:30pm OR 2:30pm to 4pm

The Essex County Environmental Center is located at 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland in Essex County West Essex Park and is a facility of the Essex County Park System. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Essex County West Essex Park is open to the public every day from dawn until dusk. Pre-registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. For more information, please call 973-228-8776

ESSEX COUNTY FALL PROGRAMS – CHILD – ADULT 2014