The Nature Program Cooperative is a pooling of the knowledge and resources of nature centers, parks, and environmental educators in northeastern New Jersey, offering the public greater opportunities to explore and enjoy the region’s natural side through shared programming throughout the year.
For the programs listed below, if a fee is charged, membership in any NPC member organization (shown in the sidebar) qualifies for member price discount.
Wednesday evening, June 5
7 PM (music), 7:30 PM (talk) at Fort Lee Historic Park
“The Return of the Raptors”
A special "Midweek Chautauqua" at the visitor center at Fort Lee Historic Park in Palisades Interstate Park (directions). Refreshment, talk, and music at 7 PM. Illustrated talk at 7:30 PM with Don Torino on “The Return of the Raptors.”
This program will conclude the monthly “Chautauqua” programs that have been sponsored through the winter and spring by Palisades Interstate Park and the Nature Program Cooperative. The evening will include a half-hour acoustic music set with local musicians Tom’s Dream at 7 PM, along with refreshments, and then Torino’s talk at 7:30. Admission to the “Chautauqua” programs is by donation, with $5 the suggested fee.
Torino is the president of Bergen County Audubon Society, which is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society. He writes a weekly blog for Wild New Jersey called "Don's Jersey Birding" and writes a monthly column for the NJ Insider newspaper called "Nature in Your Backyard."
The program will address the dramatic return of the bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and osprey to the Northeast and how they struggled back from the brink of extinction.
No registration needed, admission by donation (suggestion: $5). For more information: 201 768-1360 ext. 108 or enelsen@njpalisades.org.
Saturday, June 8
At Closter Nature Center
“Celebrating the Restored Pond”
On Saturday, June 8th from 1 to 4 PM the Closter Nature Center, at 154 Ruckman Rd. in Closter, will host a Pond Celebration to mark the full restoration of Ruckman Pond. The event is free and open to all. Events will include canoe rides, wetland hikes, opportunities for water testing and the collecting and study of microscopic pond life. Visitors can tie-dye t-shirts, be introduced to the larger pond animals, and learn some joyful "water" songs.
Wednesday, July 17
6PM with Hackensack Riverkeeper
“Excursion Around The Bay Eco-Cruise”
Meets at Laurel Hill County Park, end of Paul Amico Blvd (New County Rd.), Secaucus, NJ 07094.Join Captains Bill Sheehan and Hugh Carola aboard the Keeper vessels Edward Abbey and Robert H. Boyle for an amazing 2½ hour trip down the Hackensack River to Newark Bay and all the way to Staten Island and back! See tugboats, cargo ships, the place where PT-109 was built, and a sunset as well. In addition to maritime history, we’ll see foraging herons & egrets and at least four active osprey nests along the way. This is one of our favorite trips. Last year’s NPC excursion got rained out but we’ve got high hopes for 2013. We hope you’ll join us!
Cost: $25 requested donation for adults / $10 for children 4-12 (not recommended for kids 4 and under). Call Capt. Hugh at 201 968-0808 to register.
Sunday, July 28 (rain date: Sun., Aug. 4)
10 AM to 3 PM at DeKorte Park
“Butterfly Day”
Join Bergen County Audubon and the Meadowlands Commission on Sunday, July 28 for the 4th Annual Butterfly Day at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. There will be activities and butterfly walks for the whole family, brief introductory slide shows about the butterflies of DeKorte Park, tables with information on butterfly identification, binoculars and gardening to attract butterflies.
This is a FREE event! For more information: Don Torino at 201-230-4983 or greatauk4@aol.com
Sunday, October 6
12 to 4 PM at State Line Lookout
“Hawks Over the Hudson”
The Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey hosts this annual NPC event featuring live birds of prey presented by the Delaware Valley Raptor Center. Between the programs, visitors will have a chance to see the animals up close, chat with the presenters, and to enjoy activities and exhibits by some of the member organizations of the NPC. The afternoon is free and open to all, with no advanced registration required to attend. Lookout Inn, a refreshment stand with a lunch and snack menu, as well as gifts and books, will be open during the event. Click here for directions.
This is a FREE event with no registration required. For more information, call 201 768-1360.
