Enjoying one of Essex County’s many parks (Miriam Jarney)
Education at Essex County Environmental Center
Recycling and Environmental Education in Essex County
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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).
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.
Education at the ECEC
What's Happening at the Environmental Center?
West Essex Park, Home of the Essex County Environmental Center
