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!

ECEC is operating on a Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 5pm schedule and will be CLOSED on MONDAYS through March 9, 2026.

Click Here to read The Spirit of Essex – Spring 2026

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 – Project Drop-off: Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:30am to 1:30pm

The Environmental Center’s g’ART’bage contest takes a creative approach to protecting our planet by pulling garbage that cannot be easily recycled or is commonly littered and transforming it into works of public art. Team and individual projects are welcome. 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 plaque, certificate, and a small gift from the Environmental Center.

Pre-registration For registration, rules and information Click Here!

Saturday, April 25, 2026 11am to 3pm (Rain Date Sunday, April 26, 2026)

Live Music • Eco-vendors and ECEC Crafts • Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County • Essex County 4-H Fair • Essex County Beekeepers • Rock Climbing Wall • Food and Refreshments • Essex County Turtle Back Zoo • Canoeing (weather and river level dependent) • New Jersey Woodturners

More Information Here

Saturday, March 7 – 10am to 11:30am

For all ages. Join Andrew and Joanne from The Backyard Birding Store for an informative session on Bird Feeding Basics. They’ll cover everything you need to know to get started from choosing the right seeds and feeders to setting up your backyard for optimal birdwatching. You’ll also learn tips for creating a bird-friendly habitat and managing common challenges like squirrels and nuisance birds. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to up your birding game, this session is for you!
Fee: $12 per child and $15 per adult

Register Here

Saturday, March 14 – 2:30pm to 4pm

For families. Maple syrup is a sweet treat that has been harvested ever since the Lenape Native Americans lived here on the landscape. Let’s celebrate the spring equinox together and hear the story of how maple syrup was discovered, learn to identify our maple trees, tap tree stumps with the twirl of brace and bit hand augers and taste the real thing drizzled over mini pancakes that we make together and cook on a campfire!
Fee: $15 per participant

Registration Here

Wednesdays, March 18; April 22; May 13; June 10 – 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. This is a drop-off and pick-up class (children only). This is a 4-class session series; must sign up for the entire series.
Fee: $60 per session series

Register Here

Saturday, March 21 – 10am to 11:30am

For all ages. Allowing ourselves to be inspired by nature, we will begin the session with a walk outdoors to observe the different colors, shapes, textures and sounds that the season has to offer. We will collect materials from nature and bring them back indoors to create expressive and unique works of art. Led by Roxana Marroquin, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate, Agriculture & Natural Resources.
Fee: $12 per child, $15 per adult.

Registration Here

Saturday, March 28 – 9am to 10:30am OR 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. Children can bring their favorite basket to collect eggs and earn surprises! In the spirit of being “green,” participants will exchange eggs for small prizes and meet a live rabbit from the Rutgers 4-H Small Animals Club. The eggs are sanitized and reused for future events and programs. Refreshments and a spring craft giveaway per child included. Held rain or shine. Limited space available.
Fee: $20 per child

Registration Here

Tuesday, March 31; Wednesday, April 1; Thursday, April 2; – 9:30am to 3:30pm OR Tuesday, April 7; Wednesday, April 8; Thursday, April 9; – 9:30am to 3:30pm

For children ages 6 to 10. 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. Fee: $120 per child per session

Pre-registration Here

Thursday, April 9 – 5pm to 7pm

For families with young children ages 4 and up.Meet at the end of Locust Avenue in Roseland and hike 1 mile total to explore this National Historic Landmark that is home to three-toed Grallator dinosaur tracks from the late Triassic age. Using clay, we’ll make and take an impression of an existing track and leave the site undisturbed for future paleontological study.
Fee: $15 per participant

Registration Here

Fridays, April 10,17; May 8, 22; June 12 – 3:30pm to 4:30pm

For ages 2 to 5. 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. Maximum of two children per adult. All sessions are limited to 10 children. This is a 5-class session series; must sign up for the entire series.
Fee: $100 per session series

Register Here

Saturday, April 11 – 10am to 11:30am

For all ages. Allowing ourselves to be inspired by nature, we will begin the session with a walk outdoors to observe the different colors, shapes, textures and sounds that the season has to offer. We will collect materials from nature and bring them back indoors to create expressive and unique works of art. Led by Roxana Marroquin, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate, Agriculture & Natural Resources.
Fee: $12 per child, $15 per adult.

Register Here

Monday, April 13 – 5pm to 6:30pm

For adults and students in Grades 9 and older. Do you have an interest in the environment and or education and want to get more involved? Join Center staff for an information and training session to find opportunities that fit your skills, interests and schedule. Needs include program support, gardening, stewardship projects, summer camp counselors, butterfly tent hosts and much more!
FREE

Register Here

Thursday, April 16 – 5:30pm to 7pm

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 as bite size fritters and leave with a greater appreciation for the ephemeral beauty of our changing seasons.
Fee: $12 per child, $15 per adult.

Register Here

Thursdays, April 16; May 14; June 11 – 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). This is a 3-class session series; must sign up for the entire series.
Fee: $45 per session series

Register Here

Tuesdays, April 21; May 5, 19; June 9, 23; July 7, 21; August 4, 18; September 8; – 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). This is a 10-class session series; must sign up for the entire series.
Fee: $150 per session series

Register Here

Thursday, April 30 – 5:30pm to 7pm

For families. We’ll begin with an introduction to freshwater fishing and learn to target specific fish species, fishing equipment, knots, bait selection, and technique. Participants will make their own “Altoids Tin Fishing Tackle Kit” to use on site and then take home. Basic equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own. Meet at the waterfront area in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, West Orange, near the Clipper Pavilion and boat rental.
Fee: $20 per participant

Register Here

Thursday, May 7 – 6pm to 7:30pm

For families. We are lucky to have a diversity of backyard birds in our neighborhood including American Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal and Eastern Bluebird. We’ll explore what makes birds unique by examining beaks, wingspan, weight and bird song. Then we’ll explore our trails with binoculars for inspiration to then use our creativity and watercolors to paint representations of our favorite birds.
Fee: $12 per child and $15 per adult

Register Here

Saturday, May 9 – 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. Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale will also be hosted at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair, on Friday, May 1 from 10am to 4pm and Saturday, May 2 from 9am to 3pm. For more details, call the Rutgers Master Gardeners’ Helpline at 973.228.2210 from Monday to Thursday between 10am and 2pm.
Admission is FREE but plants will be for sale

Wednesday, May 13 – 6pm to 8pm

For adults and children ages 10 and older. Take a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River Paddlers will enjoy scenery and peacefulness as they paddle up the river and float downstream. Geared for beginners and children 10 and up accompanied by a parent or guardian. Meet in the Garibaldi Hall parking lot.
Fee: $40 per person

Register Here

Thursday, May 21 – 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

Register Here

Register Here

Teen Trailblazers Cit Camp
June 29th – July 2nd (4-day camp)
Monday to Thursday; 9:30am to 1:30pm; $320 per child per week

For ages 13 to 16. Captain a canoe! Navigate the trail! Lead a frog pond exploration! Learn First Aid! Through teambuilding and outdoor adventures, this leadership program gives teens the confidence, motivation, and skills to become positive mentors for younger campers this summer and beyond.

Teen Trailblazers Register Here

Summer Wildlife Explorers
August 24th – August 28th (4-day camp)
Monday to Friday; 9:30am to 1:30pm; $400 per child per week

For ages 6 to 10. Campers enjoy stories, crafts, campfires, and forest adventures exploring our wetland forest in the last week of summer!

Wildlife Explorers Register Here

In Partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) of Essex County

For more information and to schedule, email Program Coordinator, David Alexander, dalexander@parks.essexcountynj.org

Kitchen Gardens

Bring the vibrant flavors of garden herbs into your kitchen year-round and harvest fresh while cooking! We’ll dig into the essentials of indoor cultivation and whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a beginner gardener, you’ll leave with the confidence to maintain a thriving, aromatic kitchen garden that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. (Herbs discussed may include basil, cilantro, oregano, thyme, parsley, chives, dill, lemonbalm and sage). Led by Roxana Marroquin, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate, Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Seed Saving 101

Learn to collect, process and properly store seeds from your garden, while deep diving into the types and parts of seeds. Through a hands-on activity for all ages, participants will learn techniques for seed saving. We will review how to start and care for seeds, as well as the importance of seed preservation. Led by Roxana Marroquin, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate, Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Intro To Food Systems and Food Justice

A presentation that will introduce terms and concepts of food systems, such as local agriculture, industrial agriculture, food insecurity, food access, and food justice. Through an interactive discussion, participants will reflect on their local food system, how it impacts them and their community and how to become active participants in how food is grown, distributed and consumed around them. Led by Roxana Marroquin, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate, Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Art In Nature (Also available as a Birthday Party theme!)

Allowing ourselves to be inspired by nature, we’ll walk outdoors to observe the different colors, shapes, textures and sounds that the season has to offer. We’ll collect materials from nature and bring them back indoors to create expressive and unique works of art that can range from collage, sculpture, plant prints or mixed media. Led by Roxana Marroquin, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate, Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Grow and Glow: Herbs for Self-Care (Also available as a Birthday Party theme!)

Explore our trails and gardens to learn about different herbs that can be used for self-care to reduce stress, boost confidence and to promote radiant skin and hair. Participants will create their own herbal products to take home – you choose: bath salts or sugar scrub. Led by Roxana Marroquin, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate, Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 9

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