The ECUA proudly supports and promotes the efforts of the Essex County Environmental Center, an environmental education
center with a mission to create awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the environment and its relationship to Essex County residents. The Center, a facility of the Essex County Park System, is dedicated to uniting its twenty-two communities through integrated educational programs including hands-on activities.

Click HERE to view our Parks Calendar and Register Online Today!

The Environmental Center’s g’ART’bage contest takes a creative approach to protecting our planet from plastic pollution by pulling plastics out of the waste-stream and transforming them into works of public art. Contest participants are challenged to be thoughtful and creative in crafting art made from single-use plastic garbage (non-recyclable plastics). Team and individual projects are welcome. Projects must be crafted to withstand the elements, as they will be showcased in an outdoor setting on the grounds of the Essex County Environmental Center. Winning entrees will be displayed during the week of Earth Day! Grand prizes are awarded to entries that place 1st in all categories; 2nd and 3rd place entries will be recognized with a certificate and a small gift from the Environmental Center.

Click HERE for more information.

Sunday, April 27; 11am to 3pm, Rain Date Saturday, May 3. For all ages.

Yay, it’s EARTH DAY! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to our annual outdoor festival honoring beautiful planet EARTH, the sustainer of all life! On this special day, the Essex County Environmental Center will make extra efforts to share its wonder and appreciation of the natural world with patrons, partners, and friends. Enjoy a day filled with crafts, games, and recreational opportunities, such as canoeing and hiking. Enjoy demonstrations, information, a local eco-vendors’ sale. Environmental Center staff and partner groups will be on hand to guide you throughout this exciting Earth-centric day! FREE EVENT (items may be for sale). Seeking eco-vendors with a sustainable mission. For more information, call 973-228-8776.

Click HERE for more information.

Restore the bond between children and nature. Children will have the opportunity to explore nature right here at the Essex County Environmental Center’s varied habitats-forest, wetland, pond, and river. For details, call the Center at 973.228.8776. Fees: $110 per child/per day

Tuesday, April 15; Wednesday, April 16; Thursday, April 17; 9:30am to 3:30pm
For children ages 6-10.

Click HERE for more information.

Click Here to read The Spirit of Essex – Spring 2025

Mondays- April 7, 21, May 5, 19, June 9, 16

For Ages 2 and 3; 10am to 11am

For Ages 4 and 5; 3pm-4pm

Join us for explorations of nature as we study plants and animals and observe the colors, shapes, textures, and sounds in the Environmental Center’s forest habitat. Please come dressed for the weather; all classes include an outdoor adventure. All children must be walking and accompanied by an adult. Paths cannot accommodate strollers. Please be prepared for all weather conditions. Maximum of two children per adult. All sessions are limited to 10 children. Fee: $15 per child per session

Pre-registration Here

Thursdays— April 10, May 8, June 12; 4pm to 5pm

For children ages 5 through 10. We’ll explore the forest using nets, binoculars, magnifiers, and microscopes to investigate nature in our wooded wetland habitat. Together we hope to foster an ethic of stewardship and offer an opportunity to take part in hands-on conservation projects. This is a drop-off and pick-up class (children only). Fee: $15 per child per session

Pre-registration Here

Wednesdays— April 9, May 7, June 11; 4pm to 5pm

For children ages 5 through 9. Uncover and discover ecosystem interactions at the frog pond. Explore with nets, magnifiers and microscopes to investigate what lives at the pond and learn from a naturalist what can be done to protect and conserve the pond inhabitants. Fee: $15 per child per session

Pre-registration Here

Tuesdays – April 22; May 6, 20; June 10, 24; July 8, 22; August 5, 19; September 9; 4pm to 5pm

For ages 5 and up. Together we’ll grow food in our garden plot and learn about everything from soil to seeds along the way. Participants will get hands-on experience with planting, harvesting and cooking. Session themes include soil and composting, seed planting and labeling, thinning, weeding and watering, selective harvest, garden pests, healthy eating and more! This is a drop-off and pick-up class (children only). Fee: $15 per child per session

Pre-registration Here

Saturday, April 19; 11am to 12pm

For families with children ages 1 to 6. Celebrate the beginning of spring with a reading of the “Little White Rabbit” and an egg hunt within the forest grounds of the Environmental Center. Kids can bring their favorite basket to collect eggs and earn surprises! In the spirit of being “green,” participants will exchange eggs for small prizes. The eggs are sanitized and reused for future events and programs. Refreshments and a spring craft giveaway per child included. Limited space available. Fee: $15 per child per session

Pre-registration Here

Tuesday, April 22; 6pm to 7:30pm

For families. Take a walk along our trails to identify and discuss the variety of forest groceries available for harvest around our local landscape. You’ll meet Spice Bush, Ostrich Fern, Mountain Mint, Stinging Nettle, Wild Leek, Trout Lily and others. Learn some of the folklore behind the plants and, as we walk and talk, we’ll discuss proper identification, ethical harvest, growing environment and methods of preparation. On our return, we’ll collect a few dandelions to fry up as bite size fritters and leave with a greater appreciation for the ephemeral beauty of our changing seasons. Fee: $40 per family (up to two adults and two children) or $12 per child, $15 per adult.

Pre-registration Here

Tuesday, May 6; 9am to 3pm

For educators of grades K-8. The Project WET curriculum guide is a collection of science-based, interdisciplinary activities and lesson plans that are teacher-tested and classroom ready. They are sure to help educators feel confident addressing themes of water in the classroom and empower students to build a more resilient future. The Climate, Water and Resilience guide helps educators teach middle and high school students about climate and climate change using interactive, objective, science-based activities that students will enjoy. Understanding climate, and specifically the way that climate is changing, is crucial to making informed decisions and building community and environmental resilience. Both guides are aligned with NGSS standards. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Certificates are given for the workshop hours completed. Led by Environmental Center Senior Naturalist, David Alexander and NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection Project Wet Coordinator Toni Heater. Fee: $40 (includes curriculum activity guides) (scholarships available for Essex County urban aid district teachers; call the Center for details).

Pre-registration Here

Tuesday, May 6; 6pm to 7:30pm

For families. We’ll explore our wetlands for signs of spring focusing on frogs and flowers. Along the way, we’ll carefully gather a few ingredients from nature and build own living terrarium and learn to provide low maintenance nurturing care for it. Fee: $12 per child and $15 per adult.

Pre-registration Here

Saturday, May 10; 9am to 3pm

For all ages. Stop by the Rutgers Master Gardener’s annual plant sale for a wide variety of annuals, perennials, ornamentals, shrubs, small trees, tomatoes and herbs. For more details, call the Rutgers Master Gardeners’ Helpline at 973.228.2210 from Monday to Thursday between 10am and 2pm. Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale will also be hosted at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens on Friday, May 2 from 10am to 4pm and Saturday, May 3 from 9am to 3pm at the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair. Admission is FREE but plants will be for sale.

Thursday, May 22; 6pm to 7:30pm

For families. This rrribbettting program will take an up-close look at our wetland and pond ecosystem. Search out and identify the life found in the pond through magnifying glasses, microscopes and field guides. Fee: $12 per child, $15 per adult.

Pre-registration Here

Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 10

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. David Alexander dalexander@parks.essexcountynj.org

Saturday, July 12 to Saturday, July 26, 2025

Tent Hours ~ Monday through Friday from 12pm to 3pm Saturdays, July 12, 19 & 26 from 10:30am to 1:30pm For all ages. Featuring live butterflies and butterfly-themed programming for all ages. Must book a time slot. Advance registration is required. $8 per person (includes a take-away item per paid participant).

Saturday, August 9 10:15am to 11:15am; 11:30am to 12:30pm; OR 12:45pm to 1:45pm

For all ages. Have you ever wondered how honey goes from hive to jar? Come join our local beekeeper and see a real hive! You’ll even get a sample taste. Learn about bees, their current challenges, and how we can help. Take home a bee themed craft. Limited space per time slot; must book from one of three time slots. Advance registration is required. Fee: $15 per participant (includes a take-away item) REGISTRATION OPEN AT A LATER DATE.