• Leroy F. Smith Jr. Public Safety Building
  • 60 Nelson Place
  • Newark NJ 07102

Education at Essex County Environmental Center

Essex County NJ Recycling Information

Enjoying one of Essex County’s many parks (Miriam Jarney)

Recycling and Environmental Education in Essex County

Essex County Park System

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.

Essex County Environmental Center

  • 621-B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ

20 years of Essex County Environmental Center

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

Little Explorers

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

boy looking through binoculars

Forest Friends Club

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

boy looking through magnifying glass

Frog Pond Club

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

holding a frog

Garden Discovery Club

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

kids gathered around a table with produce

Frog Pond Adventure Outdoor Class

Thursday, May 22; Thursday, June 12; and Monday, August 25; 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

young girl holding a frog

2025 Essex County Parks Photography Contest

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

flowers,boating and a sunset

Butterfly Tent Safari

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).

butterfly tent exhibit

Buzzfest

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.

two kids in beekeeper suits

Education at the ECEC

What's Happening at the Environmental Center?

Essex County Environmental Center hosts classroom field trips.

Field Trips and Outreach Programs for
Schools & Groups

LEARN MORE

Essex County Environmental Center sponsors contents, exhibits and other events.

Camps, Contests, and Events in the
Essex County Parks

SEE THE CALENDAR

Essex County Environmental Center hosts birthday parties.

Birthday Parties at Essex County Environmental Center

BOOK TODAY!

West Essex Park, Home of the Essex County Environmental Center

Map of West Essex Park, Essex County NJ.