SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
 OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2014
 
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.
 
Duke Island Walkers
A weekly walking group will meet every Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. at the Duke Island Visitor's Center for a healthy walk through Duke Island Park off Old York Road in Bridgewater along a beautiful stretch of the Raritan River. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided.  For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 226. The walk is free of charge
 
Make a Hyper-Tufa Mini Trough
Hypertufa is a handmade material that resembles “tufa” (too-fa), a rugged volcanic rock used to make troughs.  These containers are especially suited for small rock garden plants.  On Friday, October 3, 2014 at Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, NJ from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., participants will learn how to make a hypertufa mini-trough with instruction for curing and completing it at home.  Workshop fee of $35 includes the cost of materials and plants. Pre-registration required call - 908-234-2677. Enrollment is limited to 10 participants.

Make a Hy

 
1770’s Festival at the Environmental Education Center
Step back in time to the colonial period on Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 10:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M at the annual Lord Stirling 1770s Festival. Lord Stirling’s estate at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ comes back to life in the late 1700s.  Colonial craftspeople ply their trades, a town crier delivers the daily news, and Revolutionary War military detachments camp and conduct maneuvers on the former estate lawn. The event promotes historical and environmental education highlighting the unsung Revolutionary War hero William Alexander, Lord Stirling, who lived on the site and served under General George Washington.  Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge 908 766-2489.
 
Salute to Horsepower
The 17th Annual Friends of Lord Stirling Stable Salute to Horse Power, an "all-breed" antique car, classic car, street rod, custom car, and motorcycle show, will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 5, 2014. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Rain date is Sunday, October 12. For more information, please visit the web at www.flssnj.org.
 
Introductory Horseback Ride
The one-hour trail ride scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge will be preceded by a brief lesson. The ride is geared to people who have an interest in becoming more familiar with English-style riding. Participants must be at least 9 years old and under 200 pounds. Riders between the ages of 9 – 12 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Registration is available in the Stable office between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. from September 22 through October 2, 2014, as space permits.  Fee is $35 for Somerset County residents and $45 for non-residents.
 
“Home on the Range” Introductory Horseback Ride”
The one-hour trail ride at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ is scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. will be preceded by a brief lesson. The ride is geared to people who have an interest in becoming more familiar with Western-style riding. Youth and adults who weigh less than 200 lbs., are at least 9 years of age, and 5’0” or taller are eligible to participate. Riders between the ages of 9 – 12 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Registration is available in the Stable office between 9A.M. and 4:00 P.M. from September 29 through October 9, 2014 as space permits..  Fee is $35 for Somerset County residents and $45.00 for non-residents.
 
Watercolors in the Garden – Painting Pleasures
Nature and wildlife artist Beatrice Bork, internationally known nature and wildlife artist, will give a one-day class on Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. to capture the garden’s beauty on paper. The class will be held at Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road, Far Hills, NJ.Students will be guided in choosing a location when painting outdoors, paint application, mixing colors, composition, and how to create a finished watercolor painting. Basic drawing skills are recommended. Call 908-234-2677 to preregister and for art supply list. Workshop fee is $35. Pre-registration required call - 908-234-2677.
 
By the Light of the Moon
Led by a Naturalist, adventurers will explore the Great Swamp while listening for animal sounds and using night vision to navigate the swampy trails under the stars. Walks will depart every 15 minutes at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ on Friday, October 17, 2014 beginning at 6:30 P.M.
 
Halloween Hullabaloo  
Family and friends of all ages will join Naturalists for a wild afternoon rumpus on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ!  At 1:00pm, Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery will present a live reptile show where visitors will meet some of nature’s creepiest creatures.  Following the program will be a plethora of carnival-like games for the whole family.  Light refreshments and music included.  Pre-registration not required. Suggested donation $5 per person
 
Flower & Landscape Photography – Autumn Brilliance
While each season in Buck Garden, located at 11 Layton Road in far Hills, New Jersey, has its own special qualities, none are quite as spectacular as the colors of the trees and shrubs in the fall. This lecture and field session on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. will cover the use of light, composition, landscape photography, close-ups, and how to find the right picture. The workshop will be led by Nature Photographer Brien Szabo. The class is designed for all levels of digital and film photographers. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $35 per person and information is available by calling 908-234-2677.
 
Mischief Night Madness - Colonial Park Putting Course
Play miniature with the ghouls golf at the Colonial Park Putting Course in East Millstone, New Jersey on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. (Rain date Saturday, October 25) Wear your Halloween costume and get a free Halloween goodie bag. Admission includes: Spooky Tales from the Witches Cauldron and Moonlight Hayrides (non-scary variety). Bring along your family Jack-O-Lantern and enter it in the Best Carved Pumpkin Contest. (Judging will take place at 6:30pm) Free apple cider and donuts. Fee: $8.00 for family of two; $10.00 for family of three or more.

19thAnnual Turkey Trot – Colonial Park
Lace up your sneakers for the Turkey Trot 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at Colonial Park on Saturday, November 15, 2014 beginning at 9:00 A.M.. The course is certified in length and USATF sanctioned. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female 5K finishers in each of the several age groups. Fee: $20 until November 2; $25 beginning November 3 (USATF members receive a $3 discount) Registration in Parking Lot C.  For information, call 908 722-1200 ext. 226. T-shirts guaranteed only to individual who register before November 2, 2012.
 
Fall “Family & Friends” Introductory Trail Ride is a special ride on the trails of Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. The ride will be preceded by a brief lesson and is geared to people who have an interest in becoming more familiar with English-style riding. Participants must be at least 9 years old and under 200 pounds. Registration is available in the Stable office between 9A.M. and 4:00 P.M. from November 10 through November 20, 2014.  Fee is $35 for Somerset County residents and $45 for non-residents.
 
37th Annual Festival of Trees
From Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 28, 2014, the Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge will be holiday central presenting the 37th Annual Festival of Trees, an indoor exhibit of decorated trees designed by various community groups. Live holiday music will be presented on selected Saturdays and Sundays.
 
Holiday Festival at Lord Stirling Stable
On the weekend of December 6 -7, 2014, the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable will host the 16th Annual Winter Holiday Festival at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. Daily festivities will include free pony rides at designated times throughout the day; photos with Santa or a pony; and free hay rides through the woods to visit Santa at his house (weather permitting). Enjoy seasonal music and refreshments, while browsing through the enticing array of gift baskets at the School Horse Retirement Fund Silent Auction. The Holiday Festival is open from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. both days.