tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478683635780673102024-03-12T20:39:43.863-07:00Somerset County Park CommissionRecorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-32707507033512708682021-01-27T09:21:00.003-08:002021-01-27T09:21:23.918-08:00Joiun Saturday Morning Dog Walks at Lord Stirling Stable<p>
</p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable and the Somerset
County Park Commission are pleased to announce that weekly Saturday morning Dog
Walks on the trails at the Stable have resumed and will continue on the </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fall and winter
time schedule</span><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.
The Stable is located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Due to current health protocols, two walks are scheduled
each week. Registration for the “Regular” dog walk begins at 9:45AM. with the walk
commencing at 10:00 A.M. sharp. The “Fast” walk begins promptly at 10:30A.M.;
walkers may register beginning at 10:00A.M. Each walk lasts for approximately
one hour.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All pets must be leashed and kept under control at
all times. These sanctioned Dog Walks offer participants the opportunity to
explore the beautiful equestrian trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As a result of the COVID-19
pandemic and Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders, masks must be worn prior to
the start of the walk but are optional on the trails once the walk begins. Social
distancing must be maintained at all times.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The traditional fee of $3 per dog will be waived at
this time and donations are welcome. </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
For more information, contact Barbara at 908-448-8348 or online at kb2krx@yahoo.com.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For directions, call Lord Stirling Stable at
908-722-1200, ext. 5010. </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-67894322154307331902021-01-22T09:14:00.003-08:002021-01-22T09:14:28.077-08:00Nature Throughg a Child's Eye Virtual Art Exhibit<p>
</p><p class="yiv8043325023msonormal" style="margin: 0in;">The Somerset County Park
Commission Environmental Education (EEC) will virtually present the 2021
Children’s Art Show, <i>Nature Through a Child’s Eye</i>. The EEC has
been featuring artwork from Somerset County students for twenty-nine years and
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue the exhibit this year in a virtual
format through the months of January and February. </p>
<p class="yiv8043325023msonormal" style="margin: 0in;"> </p>
<p class="yiv8043325023msonormal" style="margin: 0in;">The creative art display is
available at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org" target="_blank">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>;
on Facebook at /EECscparks; and on Instagram at @eec_scparks.</p>
<p class="yiv8043325023msonormal" style="margin: 0in;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The works communicate their views of nature and the environment
though application of textures, shapes and colors. Adults and children alike
will enjoy the works of the creative minds of Somerset County school children.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Past projects have included fall leaves printed with tempera,
nature landscapes in pastels, and impressions of trees, all of which
demonstrate the children's relationship with nature.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">For information on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nature
Through a Child's Eye</i> or other Environmental Education Center activities,
call 908-722-1200, ext. 5335 or NJ Relay 711 for individuals with a hearing or
speech impairment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Information on this event and other Somerset County Park
Commission activities may be found on the Internet at
www.somersetcountyparks.org</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-46868422983718641582021-01-21T08:39:00.003-08:002021-01-21T08:39:28.249-08:00EEC Offers Virtual Birding Programs<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Naturalists at the Somerset
County Park Commission (SCPC) Environmental Education Center (EEC) have
scheduled a series of Virtual Birding Workshops & Seminars for adult birders.
Each session will be offered on various dates during the months of January,
2021 through April, 2021.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: no;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Virtual Birding Seminar:
Backyard Birds and Building Your Birding Skills</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> This four week course is designed for
birders of all skill levels. The sessions will focus on learning some of the
most common backyard bird species and tips and techniques to assist in taking
the next step to improve birding ability. The program runs <b>Tuesdays, February
2, 9, 16, and 23, 2021</b> from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Fee is $20 per household
for the four-date session. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Virtual Birding Seminar:
Birding by Ear</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Bird songs and calls are some of most beautiful but
challenging aspects of birding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
class is designed to learn the basics of bird sounds, discussing how birds make
sound, providing examples of sensational songs in our area, and helping
identify the bird you keep hearing in the backyard. The program runs <b>Fridays,
March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2021</b> from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Fee is $20 per
household for the four date session. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Virtual Birding Identification
Workshop: Spring Warblers</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">This program will take a look at warblers, the northeastern
United States’ most iconic group of birds. Around 30 different warbler species pass
through New Jersey in the Spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Participants
will learn field markings, behavior, and other identification tips for each
species. The program runs <b>Thursdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2021</b>
from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Fee is $25 per household for the five date session.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Enrollment is online only at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Registration for January, February, March, and
April opens at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information of Park Commission programs
and activities may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>
or by calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-59001644266652570992021-01-13T07:43:00.004-08:002021-01-13T07:43:46.865-08:00EEC to Offer Virtual Group Outreach Programs<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">NJ –<span style="background: white;"> The Somerset
County Park Commission (SCPC) Environmental Education Center (EEC) Naturalists
are offering <b>Virtual</b> <b>Group Outreach Programs</b></span></span><span style="color: #211e1e; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">, consisting of lectures
and discussion-based presentations appropriate to a variety of audiences.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #211e1e; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #211e1e; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The
virtual programs are offered through the SCPC platform or a platform preferred
by the group leadership. Options are either a </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-no-proof: no;">pre-recorded video link
or a PowerPoint lecture offered virtually with a ‘live’ presenter. </span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-no-proof: no;">Among programs currently
offered are:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Amazing Adaptations </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">will explore how wildlife
survives in its environment. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Armchair Birding </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">featuring first-hand birding stories. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Backyard Bears </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">will educate participants in bear ‘etiquette’
and create a better </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">understanding of bears. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Backyard Birds </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">will help get acquainted with many of New
Jersey’s common </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">backyard birds and when
and where to place feeders in the yard. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Basically Bats</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will explore the life of the only true flying
mammal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Birds of the World</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will explore some of the
more than 10,000 species of birds</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>including those that are poisonous,
those that fly when asleep, and those</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>that migrate 50,000 miles each year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Butterfly Basics</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will explore the interesting physical and
behavioral adaptations </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">of these complex insects.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Coyote Cries</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will help sort out the myths from facts on
the coyotes living in New</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jersey.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Fantastic Plant Stories</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will examine how plants
are used in celebrations locally </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">and around the world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">New Jersey Owls</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will explore the nocturnal world of these
fascinating local birds</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of prey.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Off the Coast</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will examine the life of the sea turtle
and why they need help from</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>humans.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Oh Deer!</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> Will explore the world of deer biology, the
interactions deer have with</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>predators, habitat, and humans.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Passports to Penguins</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will review the lives of
the many types of penguins, where </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">they live, what they eat,
and more.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Planning a Native Butterfly Garden</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> will illustrate which
native plants attract </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">which native butterflies
and moths</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Sharks 101 </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">will explore the facts and myths about sharks and
the important role </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">they play in our
ecosystem. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Virtual Rainforest </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">will take a trip to the
tropics of the Costa Rican rainforest to </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">find out what makes a
two-toed sloth different from a three-toed sloth, </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">what a three-wattled bell
bird mustache looks like and many other </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">fascinating facts. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Virtual Safari </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">will travel to Tanzania to go on a virtual
safari deep into the wilds </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">of the African ‘bush’. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Vital Vernals </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">will explore the vernal pools are unique habitats that only
exist when water is prevalent. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Groups are invited to choose one of the existing topics
or suggest one. Each program can be tailored to the group’s specific needs,
interests, and time frame. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">For more information, program pricing, or to
schedule a program, contact Kurt Bender at 908 722-1200 Ext. 5332 or kbender@scparks.org
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information of Park Commission
programs and activities may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org"><span style="color: black;">www.somersetcountyparks.org</span></a>
or by calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-24279732733768638302021-01-05T08:07:00.004-08:002021-01-05T08:07:29.539-08:00Now Accepting Wedding Ceremony & Photo Reservations<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Horticulture Department of the
Somerset County Park Commission is accepting reservations for wedding
ceremonies and photography at the following locations: Colonial Park Gardens,
namely the Arboretum (for ceremonies and photos) and the Rudolf W. van der Goot
Rose Garden (for photography only). The Leonard J. Buck Garden is accepting
reservations for wedding photography only. The fee for each garden is $150.00
per hour. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Colonial Park Gardens is located in
Colonial Park, Somerset, (Franklin Township), New Jersey. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The one-acre Rudolf W. van der Goot
Rose Garden is a display garden, comprising one acre of plantings with more
than 3,000 roses in more than 325 varieties. The garden is at its peak bloom in
late May and June. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The new Perennial Garden’s planting is
inspired by the history of the park’s landscape and the existing garden. Additionally,
the design is based on three over-arching ideas – a Fibonacci spiral, a meditative
labyrinth, and traditional garden mazes. The plantings have been chosen to give
a long period of interest as well as a sequence of bloom from early spring to
late fall. Evergreen hedges and tan foliage of grasses left for the winter will
deliver the final season of interest.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The 144-acre Arboretum provides
displays of flowering trees, evergreens, shade trees, dwarf conifers, and flowering
shrubs. This includes the three-acre Shrub Collection which showcases plants
that grow well in central NJ and are designed to give year-round interest by
using flowering shrubs; trees; perennials; and ornamental grasses; and the
areas surrounding the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden and the Perennial
Garden. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Leonard J. Buck Garden, located at
11 Layton Road in Far Hills, is a unique naturalistic garden of great beauty.
Well-known for its numerous wildflowers, shrubs, and beautiful shade trees, this
woodland rock garden is the perfect setting for spectacular wedding photos.
This 13-acre rock garden is set within a 29-acre natural woodland area and
features a rustic gazebo and bridges, sparkling pond, flowing stream, and
winding paths leading to your memorable wedding photo site. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Reservations, at least two weeks prior
to the wedding date, may be made by calling 908-722-1200 ext. 5721 for the
Colonial Park Gardens and ext. 5621 for the Leonard J. Buck Garden. Individuals
with hearing/speech impairment may use the NJ Relay Service at 711. The
reservation line for Colonial Park Gardens is available from Monday through
Friday from 8:00<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and
the Leonard J. Buck Garden from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (except for holidays). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information on Somerset County Park
Commission activities may be found on the Internet at <span style="color: blue;">www.somersetcountyparks.org</span>.
</span></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park
Commission has announced that Quail Brook Golf Course on New Brunswick Road in
Somerset, New Jersey will be open for play Friday, January 8 through Sunday,
January 10, 2021.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The course will be open from 8:00
A.M. to 4:00 P.M. each day. Tee time reservation will be available to golfers
registered for 2021.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Spooky Brook Golf Course
at Colonial Park in Somerset, the Neshanic Valley Championship and Academy
courses will be open during the winter as weather permits. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information on all golf
facilities may be obtained by calling the Somerset County Park Commission at
908-722-1200, ext. 5428 or on line at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>. </span></p>
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</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park Commission will be accepting natural
Christmas trees for recycling through Sunday, January 31, 2020.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-no-proof: no;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Somerset County residents may bring their tree to Colonial Park
Gardens, Parking Lot F, 156 Mettlers Road in Somerset, Franklin Township or to
North Branch Park at the lighted baseball field, 355 Milltown Road in
Bridgewater. Both facilities will accept trees from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.,
seven days a week. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Each family is limited to only one tree that must be free of
all ornaments, wires, netting, and tinsel. Only natural trees will be accepted.
Wreaths and garland will not be accepted as these items cannot be recycled.
Deliveries from groups or dealers will be rejected. Following these guidelines
is necessary to maintain a manageable recycling program. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Trees will be chipped into wood chip mulch which will be used
throughout the park system to mulch plantings. Some chips/mulch will be made
available to the public at each of the drop-off sites at no cost. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">For information, please call the Somerset County Park
Commission Horticulture Department at 908-722-1200, ext. 5721 or the Relay
Service at 711 for individuals with a hearing and/or speech impairment, Monday to
Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information on Somerset County Park Commission activities may
be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. </span></p>
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</p><p class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-no-proof: no;">Somerset County Park Commission Division of Golf Management has announced
the winter schedule of golf course closures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Quail Brook Golf Course on New Brunswick Road in Somerset, NJ,
Green Knoll Golf Course on Garretson Road in Bridgewater, NJ, and <span style="color: black;">Warrenbrook Golf Course on Warrenville Road in Warren are
currently closed for the winter season. Courses will reopen in 2021 as weather
permits.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Spooky Brook Golf Course
at Colonial Park in Somerset, the Neshanic Valley Championship and Academy
courses will remain open</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> during the winter as weather permits. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Courses will be open from
8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. daily though Christmas. A variety of golf gifts and gift
certificates, including gift certificates for the Callaway Performance Center,
are available for holiday giving.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information on all golf
facilities may be obtained by calling the Somerset County Park Commission at
908-722-1200, ext. 5428 or on line at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>. </span></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">The Naturalists at the Somerset County Park Commission
Environmental Education Center are offering virtual Homeschool classes for
children age 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Registration is open online at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>. Log
in information is available with registration.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Crayfish Kids</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> for age 5 to
9 </span>is geared toward homeschoolers in grades K-4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each Wednesday morning, January 6, 13, 20,
and 27; and February 3, 10, and 24; and March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 10:30
A.M. to 11:30 A.M., </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Environmental Education Center
Naturalists will lead an hour-long program about the natural world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturalists suggest that following the classes
families walk to a nearby natural area to experience the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>various topics and themes related to each
session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Program content is guided by
the Next Generation Science Standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fee
is $60 per household.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wise Old Owls</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> for age 10 to
14 </span>is geared toward homeschoolers in grades 5-8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each Wednesday afternoon, January 6, 13, 20,
and 27; and February 3, 10, and 24; and March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 1:00
P.M. to 2:00 P.M. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Environmental Education Center
Naturalists will lead an hour-long program about the natural world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturalists suggest that following the
classes families walk to a nearby natural area to experience the various topics
and themes related to each session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Program content is guided by the Next Generation Science Standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Fee is $60 per household. Both programs
run in a series format, building on concepts from week to week. The $60 covers
all 12 dates in the sequence. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Information of
Park Commission programs and activities may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a> or by
calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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</p><p class="yiv4868590550msonormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">The Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation
Department (TR) Administrator Dina Trunzo, CTRS, has been recognized by the </span>New
Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association (NJ/EPA) <span style="background: white; color: black;">for “Excellence in Therapeutic Recreation”
for her co-leadership with the Recreational Therapy Licensure Committee.</span></p>
<p class="yiv4868590550msonormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></p>
<p class="yiv4868590550msonormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">The award was earned </span>in recognition of work done over
the past four <span style="color: black;">years for the successful advocacy for legislation
passed makes it mandatory for recreational therapists to be licensed to practice
in NJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trunzo stated that “the main purpose
for pushing this legislation these past years has been for consumer protection.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to ensure that non-qualified and
unregulated practitioners are not providing recreational therapy. This will set
a mandate that services be provided by professionals who demonstrate a
standardized clinical competency.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="yiv4868590550msonormal" style="margin: 0in;"> </p>
<p class="yiv4868590550msonormal" style="margin: 0in;">A committee advocating for
the legislation was led by Trunzo and Caitlyn Foelsch, Pam Griffin. Committee
members Griffin and Trunzo have extensive experience with public policy on
state and national levels and were a part of the group 20 years ago that attempted
to get licensure with little success. <span style="color: black;">Trunzo is also
an active member of the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association Public
Affairs Committee for over 20 years. <span style="background: white;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="yiv4868590550msonormal" style="margin: 0in;">The current initiative began
four years ago with the NJ/EPA spearheading the effort by organizing and supporting
a committee to advocate in front of state legislators. The committee initiative
included writing the actual legislation that was submitted and introduced by
Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Senator Troy Singleton. </p>
<p class="yiv4868590550msonormal" style="margin: 0in;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Somerset
County</span> <span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Therapeutic Recreation
is run in partnership with 16 municipalities. Programs provide opportunities
for any child or adult needing specially designed programs and residing in
Bedminster, Bernardsville, Bernards Township, Bound Brook, Branchburg,
Bridgewater, Green Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, Montgomery, North Plainfield,
Raritan, Somerville, South Bound Brook, Warren, or Watchung to avail themselves
of program offerings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information of Park Commission
programs and activities may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a> or by
calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-51749604700232110272020-12-02T08:08:00.002-08:002020-12-02T08:08:17.609-08:00Give a Lasting Tribute in a Somerset County Park<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Somerset County Park Foundation is providing
an opportunity to create a lasting memory in one of the Somerset County parks through
the purchase of a Commemorative Brick, Legacy Tree, or Tribute Bench. Purchases
support the valuable programs funded by the Park Foundation and offered by the
Somerset County Park Commission. The bricks, benches, and trees </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">provide
individuals and organizations with the opportunity to honor people and groups
or commemorate special events.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Commemorative Bricks are placed at the entrance
to TD Bank Ballpark and Tribute Benches and Legacy Trees are placed in a selected
county park to provide</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> an enduring tribute. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Commemorative Bricks are available at $100 each
and will be engraved with a maximum of three (3) lines of twenty (20)
characters including spaces and punctuation. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A
donation of </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; layout-grid-mode: both; letter-spacing: 0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">$2,500</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.00</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; layout-grid-mode: both; letter-spacing: 0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">will earn the placement of a
bench or tree in a designated county park of choice with a plaque memorializing
the contribution. Tribute Benches are available in <span style="color: black;">three
styles conforming to the park in which the bench is to be placed. </span>Living
Legacy Trees can either be a new planting or an already established tree,
either one noted with an engraved plaque.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All fees
are tax deductible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
popularity of the program has created new opportunities for locations to place
benches including East County Park in Warren Township, Skillman Park in
Montgomery Township, and Mountain View Park and Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough
Township. Other potential locations include Colonial Park and Gardens, Duke
Island Park, Natirar Park, Leonard J. Buck Garden, the trails at the
Environmental Education Center, any of the five county golf courses, Lord
Stirling Stable, North Branch Park, Torpey Athletic Complex, and Colonial Park
and Green Knoll Tennis Centers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The timing and specific location of placement of
benches, trees, and bricks will be at the discretion of park staff. A
certificate will be provided to the donor for gift giving.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Park Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3)
organization created for the purpose of preserving, supporting, and promoting
Somerset County Park Commission programs, facilities, and open space through
advocacy and fundraising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Park
Commission is an entity which was established in 1956 by voter referendum and
is funded, in part, by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders
utilizing taxpayer dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Information is available at </span><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.somersetcountyparks.org</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
information call the Park Foundation at 908-722-1200, ext. 5237.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-78744152288580816332020-11-30T08:38:00.003-08:002020-11-30T08:38:37.109-08:00Holiday Shopping at Amazon Will Support Somerset County Parks<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park Foundation would like to remind
park patrons and supporters that all purchases through <a href="http://www.smile.amazon.com">www.smile.amazon.com</a> will result in a
contribution of 0.5% of the purchase price to the Somerset County Park Foundation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The Foundation has registered with AmazonSmile, a simple
and automatic way for financial support with every Amazon purchase. AmazonSmile
offers tens of millions of products eligible for the donation, virtually
everything available on the standard amazon.com website. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">Anyone with an Amazon account can register on AmazonSmile
and select the Somerset County Park Foundation as the charitable organization.
The Amazon Smile Foundation will then donate 0.5% of every purchase price to
the Foundation. As everyone continues to practice social distancing during the
Covid-19 pandemic, Amazon purchases will provide a much needed contribution to
the Therapeutic Recreation department and other Foundation activities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park Foundation is a 501c(3) created
to preserve, support, and promote Somerset County Park Commission programs,
facilities, and open space, through advocacy and fund raising. The Foundation
is managed by a 15-member Board of Trustees including one member from the Board
of Chosen Freeholders. Funds are used to sponsor, underwrite, support, and
promote park activities, expansion of programs, improvement of facilities, and
capital expenditures to enhance access to active and passive recreation
opportunities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">For information on the Park Foundation, visit <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a> or
call 908-722-1200.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-66361788156793111432020-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:002020-11-09T08:00:02.369-08:00Park Foundation Receives US Dept. of Agriculture Grant<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;">The Somerset County Park Foundation (SCPF) has been awarded
contracts for a $4,000 Forest Stewardship grant and an $8,000 Wildlife grant
from the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS). The funds will be supplemented by a $9,000 matching grant from the
Somerset County Park Foundation and applied to projects at the Somerset County
Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC), 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking
Ridge, New Jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;">The funding total of $21,000 is estimated to save the
Somerset County Park Commission approximately $500,000 in capital expenses,
based upon previous engineering costs in planning and dredging of other ponds. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;">The NRCS Forest Stewardship grant will provide funds
to hire a state-licensed forester to create a 10-year stewardship plan for the
550-acres of forest and swamp habitat at the EEC that will help manage and
maintain a diverse range of native plants and trees which will create rich,
dense, forest layers and biodiverse habitats for native wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;">The NRCS Wildlife and SCPF grants will allow the EEC
to pursue a long overdue wetland enhancement project at Lily Pad Pond. The pond
is used as an educational resource by Naturalists to teach students about
aquatic ecosystems by testing dissolved oxygen and pH, measuring the water
temperature and temporarily collecting and identifying a variety of aquatic
insects, arthropods, fish, mollusks, amphibians, and reptiles. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;">The NRCS grant will also provide experienced
engineers and biologists to work closely with EEC staff to develop an environmentally
friendly plan to enhance Lily Pad Pond and maintain the pond as an educational
resource for Naturalists, students, and general park visitors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;">“We are beyond excited to have the support of the
Park Foundation and the expertise from NRCS to help guide us through this
delicate project” said Carrie Springer, Manager of Environmental Science for
the Somerset County Park Commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
have successfully managed the meadows at the EEC for several years with assistance
from the NJ Forest Fire Service through annual prescribed burns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last 15<span style="color: red;"> </span>years
we have seen native wildflowers, butterflies, bees, and birds increase in our
meadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to focus on our
forests and ponds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With assistance from
NRCS, I am confident we can design and implement a plan that will ensure the
EEC stays rich in native biodiversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want the park to remain an educational resource and haven for
wildlife for generations to come.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;">The SCPF, 501(c)(3) created to preserve, support, and
promote Somerset County Park Commission programs, facilities, and open space
through advocacy and fundraising, will provide an additional $9,000 to complete
the wetland enhancement project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: Times;">For more information on the Somerset County Park
Foundation or the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education
Center, please visit </span><a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org"><span style="font-family: Times;">somersetcountyparks.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Times;">. </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-68422700893948949572020-11-02T07:38:00.003-08:002020-11-02T07:38:56.982-08:00Holiday Shopping at Amazon Will Support County Parks<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park Foundation would like to remind
park patrons and supporters that all purchases through <a href="http://www.smile.amazon.com">www.smile.amazon.com</a> will result in a
contribution of 0.5% of the purchase price to the Somerset County Park Foundation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The Foundation has registered with AmazonSmile, a simple
and automatic way for financial support with every Amazon purchase. AmazonSmile
offers tens of millions of products eligible for the donation, virtually
everything available on the standard amazon.com website. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">Anyone with an Amazon account can register on AmazonSmile
and select the Somerset County Park Foundation as the charitable organization.
The Amazon Smile Foundation will then donate 0.5% of every purchase price to
the Foundation. As everyone continues to practice social distancing during the
Covid-19 pandemic, Amazon purchases will provide a much needed contribution to
the Therapeutic Recreation department and other Foundation activities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park Foundation is a 501c(3) created
to preserve, support, and promote Somerset County Park Commission programs,
facilities, and open space, through advocacy and fund raising. The Foundation
is managed by a 15-member Board of Trustees including one member from the Board
of Chosen Freeholders. Funds are used to sponsor, underwrite, support, and
promote park activities, expansion of programs, improvement of facilities, and
capital expenditures to enhance access to active and passive recreation
opportunities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">For information on the Park Foundation, visit <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a> or
call 908-722-1200.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-28459881074166056952020-10-30T08:34:00.003-07:002020-10-30T08:34:47.291-07:00Warrenbrook Golf Course to Close for Winter November 8<p>
</p><p class="MsoBodyText3">Somerset County Park Commission has announced that
Warrenbrook Golf Course on Warrenville Road in Warren Township, NJ will close
for the winter season at the conclusion of play on Sunday, November 8, 2020. Opening
date in the spring will be determined based on weather and course conditions.</p>
<p class="MsoBodyText3"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Winter closing dates for Quail Brook Golf
Course on New Brunswick Road in Somerset and Green Knoll Golf Course on
Garretson Road in Bridgewater will be based on weather and playing conditions
and will be announced when confirmed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Spooky Brook Golf Course at Colonial Park in
Somerset and Neshanic Valley Golf Course on South Branch Road in Neshanic
Station will remain open throughout the winter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Information on all golf facilities may
be obtained by calling the Somerset County Park Commission at 908-722-1200,
ext. 5427.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-3099644266610593882020-10-21T05:35:00.002-07:002020-10-21T05:35:11.864-07:00Park Commission Planting for the Future<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Commissioners and staff at
the Somerset County Park Commission take their responsibility as stewards of
the environment very seriously. In addition to providing an extreme variety of
active and passive recreation opportunities through Somerset County, the staff
at the Park Commission is responsible for the oversight and protection of over
15,000 acres of open space.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Part of this responsibility is to
plan for the future of the environmental throughout the county, assuring that
both parks and open space continue to provide the beauty and natural
protections that trees and plants offer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="yiv5818726124msonormal"><span style="color: black;">More than one hundred
new trees are planted, mulched, staked, and provided with cultural care each
year at various parks and golf courses. These trees reduce the effects of
climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen back into the
air; filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and
bark; absorb pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and
ozone; and help to reduce soil erosion and prevent water pollution by slowing rain
water run-off. Additionally, trees provide a canopy, food, and habitat for
wildlife including birds, bees, opossums, raccoons, and
squirrels. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="yiv4714012444msonormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Normally accomplished as an annual fall project, the 2019 large
scale tree and shrub planting project was delayed by weather and completed a last
May. The next fall tree and shrub planting is scheduled to take place in
2021. The Commission Forestry Coordinator is preparing a tree planting project for
the summer with expected completion in the fall of 2021. </span></p>
<p class="yiv4714012444msonormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Arboretum of Colonial Park collects, conserves
and cares for trees and shrubs, displaying them in a conscientious manner that
promotes education, inspiration, and enjoyment. This is accomplished with
careful consideration for a beneficial impact on the plants, the environment,
park patrons, and employees. Staff promotes an understanding of the relationship
between plants, people, and place through display and through programs that
integrate science and culture. The 5 1/2-acre Arboretum is located in the
western section of Colonial Park in Colonial Park Gardens and is comprised of
over 900 specimens of trees and shrubs. </span></p>
<p class="yiv4714012444msonormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
<p class="yiv4714012444msonormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;">Park Commission Horticulture staff is currently working on
a massive bulb planting project at the recently redesigned Perennial Garden at
Colonial Park with over 200,000 bulb plantings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information of Park Commission programs
and activities may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>
or by calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-88655888378853173392020-10-19T08:07:00.003-07:002020-10-19T08:07:27.933-07:00Quail Brook Recognized for Environmental Excellence<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -.8in -.5in 0in 9.0pt 1.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Somerset County Park Commission Quail
Brook Golf Course, located on New Brunswick Road in Somerset, New Jersey, has
achieved designation as a <b>"Certified Audubon Cooperative
Sanctuary"</b> through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf
Courses. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -.8in -.5in 0in 9.0pt 1.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -.8in -.5in 0in 9.0pt 1.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom Marshall, Golf Course Superintendent<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">,</span> completed the effort to obtain sanctuary
designation on the property.<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> Quail Brook
Golf Course is one of only 900 courses in the world to hold the title of
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -.8in -.5in 0in 9.0pt 1.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText2" style="tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Quail Brook Golf
Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to
be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf
course property," said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International. </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText2" style="tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">"To reach certification, a
course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of
environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Kane. These
categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management,
Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation,
and Water Quality Management. Quail Brook Golf Course’s accomplishments
include:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 39.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Extensive native acreage on the
property</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 39.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Reducing irrigated areas to
conserve water</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 39.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Establishing buffers around water
bodies</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 39.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Providing Excellent Wildlife
Habitat</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 39.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Conducting Outreach &
Education activities</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 39.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">“Environmental stewardship has always
been a top priority at Park Commission golf courses and we strive to fulfill our
responsibility to the environment and to our golfers,” commented Marshall. “We
continually prove that we can maintain the highest quality golfing experience while
still protecting the environment around us.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Quail Brook joins Neshanic Valley Golf
Course as an Audubon Sanctuary. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Quail
Brook has also been recognized as a Groundwater Guardian Green Site by The
Groundwater Foundation and as a River-Friendly Golf Course by the New Jersey
Water Supply Authority (NJWSA).</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 0in 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.1pt;">The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association,
provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance
wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the <a name="OLE_LINK1"></a><a name="OLE_LINK2"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">United
States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and
Southeast Asia</span></a> have achieved certification in the program.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Audubon International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization based in Troy, NY, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>providing
programs for businesses, schools, communities, golf courses, and new
developments with the purpose of delivering high-quality environmental
education and facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources. For
more information, call Audubon International at 1-844-767-9051 or visit <a href="http://www.auduboninternational.org">www.auduboninternational.org</a>.</span></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park Commission has announced that
they are accepting entries for the “<i>Show Us Your Best Shot</i>: 2020 Photo
Contest.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">Photos must be taken in a park managed by the Somerset
County Park Commission and fall into one of the following categories: Scenic;
Wildlife; Horticulture; or People. A listing of parks may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 30,
2020.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">Selected photographers will be awarded Park Commission
prizes and photos will be featured on the Park Commission website and social
media.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">Photos must be 200 dpi or higher and should be sent as an
attachment to an email to <a href="mailto:dhealey@scparks.org">dhealey@scparks.org</a>,
indicating “Photo Contest” and category in the subject line. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">The 2019 winning entries may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/2019%20Photo%20Contest/2019%20Photo%20Contest.pdf">http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/2019%20Photo%20Contest/2019%20Photo%20Contest.pdf</a>
.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: no;">For information on this any other Park Commission
programs and activities visit <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>
or call 908-722-1200.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"></span></p>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">From now through November, residents are invited to venture to the
Washington Valley Park Hawk Watch Area, off Vosseller Avenue at the end of Miller
Lane in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater, New Jersey, to experience the
migration of raptors on their annual journey south.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parking at the Miller Lane lot will
be limited to 50 percent capacity, masks and social distancing are requested. Somerset
County Park Rangers and Somerset County Sheriff’s Officers will patrol the
area.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Hawk Watch is host to hundreds of people from all over the
northeastern United States who gather to witness the thousands of hawks, falcons,
and eagles flying overhead, sometimes just over the treetops. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Armed with binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras, hawk watchers
enjoy the passage of numerous raptors, counting and identifying these
extraordinary birds as they make their journey south to far away places in
Central and South America. Endangered and threatened birds like Ospreys,
Peregrine Falcons, and Bald Eagles are some of the most noteworthy of the birds
soaring above the area. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Following a cold front, the winds shift from the northwest, setting
the stage for a day of effortless flight. When the condition occurs in
mid-September while the Broad-winged Hawk migration is at its peak, over 10,000
raptors can be seen in a single day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText2"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Information on this and other Somerset County Park Commission events
may be found on the Internet at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>
or by calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-23467075523405446262020-09-24T08:26:00.009-07:002020-09-24T08:26:52.725-07:00Park Watch Program at Washington Valley Park<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park Commission has
announced the formation of a “Park Watch Program” at Washington Valley Park in
Bridgewater Township. The initiative is intended to support the efforts of the Commission’s
Park Rangers and local and county law enforcement officers, help assure a safe
and comfortable environment for visitors, and protect the natural resources of
the park.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington
Valley Park usage has increased dramatically, and, regrettably, we have seen
some abuses of park facilities and a heightened level of poor behavior,”
commented Park Commission Director Geoff Soriano. “Thanks to the support of the
Bridgewater Township Police Department and Officers from the Somerset County Sheriff’s
Office, the number of violations observed has decreased significantly, and through
the efforts of law enforcement and Park Rangers, the park is returning to a safe
and secure place for people to hike, mountain bike, and enjoy nature.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Employing the principle of “See Something,
Say Something,” those park patrons who are out hiking, biking, paddling or
fishing in the park can notify Park Rangers if they notice illicit activity, at
which time a Ranger can be dispatched to the designated location. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For non-emergency matters, “Park Watchers” are
asked to call the following numbers in the following order:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>908 285-3800</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>908 210-8174 Sun–Wed / 908 256-6491
Wed–Sat</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>908 297-2239</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">If an emergency situation is encountered, patrons
are instructed to contract the Somerset County 911 Communications Center by
dialing 911.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">“If we’ve learned one thing during the
difficulties experienced this past summer, it’s that the patrons of Washington
Valley Park are thoroughly absorbed and dedicated to the park’s well-being. We emphasize,
however, that “Park Watchers” should not to engage those that they observe
committing infractions,” continued Soriano. “These citizens simply add more
eyes and ears to help our Rangers do their jobs.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and
activities may be found at </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"><a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org"><span style="color: black;">www.somersetcountyparks.org</span></a> or by calling
908-722-1200.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-63920872306488236112020-09-24T07:57:00.002-07:002020-09-24T07:57:31.317-07:00Park Foundation Honors Fred Quick<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) and the Somerset
County Park Foundation (SCPF) unveiled a bench dedicated to long time Park Commissioner
and Park Foundation trustee Fred Quick who passed away earlier this year. The
bench is located at Mountain View Park in Hillsborough, Quick’s home town. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Quick was a member of the Somerset County Park Commission from
1980 to 2007, serving as president from 2005 to 2007. He was a trustee of the
Somerset County Park Foundation from 2007 to 2018. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The SCPF provides multiple opportunities to recognize deserving
individuals and groups. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Engraved
commemorative bricks can be placed at the grand main entry plaza at TD Bank
Ballpark for a fee of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$100. Tribute benches
and legacy trees may be placed at locations throughout the county park system for
a donation of $2,500. All fees are tax deductible. Information is available by
calling the Park Foundation office at 908-722-1200, ext. 5237.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and
activities may be found by visiting <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a>
or calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-40915872261831476522020-09-23T07:16:00.003-07:002020-09-23T07:16:13.024-07:00Rose Garden is One of "Jersey's Best"<p>
</p><h1 style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;">The Somerset County Park Commission
Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden at Colonial Park (Parking Lot A) in
Somerset, New Jersey, has been bestowed another honor, being named<span style="color: #141823;"> one of </span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">“6 whimsical N.J. Gardens that feel like a
fairy tale brought to life”</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"> by <a href="http://www.jerseysbest.com">www.jerseysbest.com</a>.</span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The <i>Jersey’s Best</i> article noted that now is the perfect
time of year to visit the gardens and get some fresh air following the months-long
COVID-19 restrictions. When visiting the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden or <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">any of the other noted gardens,</span>
it is recommended that state public health guidelines and garden-specific rules
be adhered to. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">is one-acre in size
and contains more than 3,000 roses of 325 varieties. The garden was named in
honor of Rudolf W. van der Goot, the first horticulturist with the Somerset
County Park Commission, as a tribute to his efforts in designing and developing
the garden</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> The Rose Garden is
located in Colonial Parkon Mettlers Road (Parking Lot A) in the East Millstone
section of Franklin Township.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">From late spring through fall, the roses
present a kaleidoscope of color, form, and fragrance. Visitors can view popular
modern hybrids, species, and various classes of Old Garden Roses. All roses are
clearly labeled for easy identification and only roses that thrive in central
NJ are kept in the rose collections.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Rose Gardens also earned the 2015 <span style="color: #141823;">World Federation of Rose Societies' (WFRS) Garden of
Excellence </span>A<span style="color: #141823;">ward.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The five other gardens recognized by <i>Jersey’s
Best</i> are: Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown Township; Duke Farms in
Hillsborough; Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills; the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton
Township; and the New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Skylands in Ringwood</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-18690465506258795742020-09-10T08:56:00.003-07:002020-09-10T08:56:55.318-07:00EEC Naturalists Offer Virtual Home School Programs<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Somerset County Park
Commission (SCPC) Environmental Education Center (EEC) Naturalists are offering
<b>Virtual</b> <b>Home School Programs</b></span><span style="color: #211e1e; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">, designed to add quality programming to home
schooling activities during the COVID-19 pandemic</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #211e1e; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #211e1e; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Virtual programs are offered through the SCPC
platform. </span><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Registration Opens
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 9:00 A.M.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> online at</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span><a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">www.somersetcountyparks.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></p>
<p style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Crayfish Kids</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> for </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">homeschoolers<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> age
5 to 9, is geared to</span> grades K-4. The program will run Wednesdays,
September 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 A.M to 11:30 A.M. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Each
Wednesday EEC Naturalists will lead an hour-long program about the natural
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is suggested that the family continue
the program with a family walk in a nearby natural area focusing on different
topics and themes related to each week’s session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Program content is guided by the Next
Generation Science Standards. Fee is <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">$30
per student for the six session program.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Wise Old Owls for </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">homeschoolers age 10 to 14,
is geared to grades 5 to 8. The program will run Wednesdays, </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">September 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:00
P.M. to 2:00 P.M.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Each
Wednesday EEC Naturalists will lead an hour-long program learning about the
natural world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is suggested that the
family continue the program with a family walk in a nearby natural area
focusing on different topics and themes related to each week’s session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Program content is guided by the Next
Generation Science Standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fee is $30
per student for the six session program.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">For more information contact
Kurt Bender at 908 722-1200 Ext. 5332 or kbender@scparks.org </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information
of Park Commission programs and activities may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org"><span style="color: black;">www.somersetcountyparks.org</span></a>
or by calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-10036994876041191832020-08-11T08:03:00.003-07:002020-08-11T08:03:54.887-07:00Washington Valley Park Update<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Somerset County Park
Commission has announced that it is working closely with the Bridgewater Police
Department and the Somerset County Sherriff’s Office to limit vandalism,
illegal alcohol consumption and trespassing at Washington Valley Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Somerset County Park is a 720-acre site
featuring a 21-acre reservoir, scenic waterfalls, more than seven miles of
trails for hikers and bikers, and a hawk watch that is enjoyed by thousands of
visitors each year. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">According to Somerset County
Park Commission Director-Secretary Geoffrey Soriano, “This summer has been
different than in years past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
seen illegal swimming and trespassing, illegal drinking, and dumping of garbage
and empty beer and liquor bottles. Last month a 37-year old man tragically lost
his life when he drowned after jumping into the reservoir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the Park Commission’s responsibilities
is to keep our parks clean and safe for the law abiding visitors, and we take
that responsibility seriously.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">During the course of the
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Commission’s Park Rangers have witnessed a
myriad of violations—well above and beyond the number typically
experienced—within the confines of Washington Valley Park and predominantly in
or in the immediate vicinity of the waterways and bodies of water that comprise
the reservoir and the East and West Branches of Middle Brook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has never been intended that Washington
Valley Park would to be utilized as a “destination point” for “beach-goers” to
engage in activities that are in direct violation of the Park Commission’s rules
and regulations. According to Soriano, “illegal activities are interfering with
the legal enjoyment of the park”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As a result and on a nearly
daily basis, Park Rangers have had to call upon officers from the Bridgewater
Township Police Department to undertake enforcement efforts to properly address
the violations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These enforcement
efforts, the need to clean piles of trash left behind, the resulting
degradation of Washington Valley Park, and the adverse impacts to the
neighboring property owners (noise pollution, potential forest fires, instances
of trespass, and continued harassment) caused the Park Commission to consider
taking action to authorize the designation of certain areas in Washington
Valley Park to be restricted from public access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At an August 7, 2020 emergency meeting of the
Park Commission, a plan was developed to enlist the services of the Somerset
County Sheriff’s Office to initiate a focused enforcement effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The August 7<sup>th</sup> meeting was essentially
adjourned and carried to Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Sheriff’s Officers patrolled
Washington Valley Park this past weekend, and officers will continue to patrol
the park for the foreseeable future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sheriff’s Officers are prepared to issue summons-complaints for
violations including trespass, swimming, possession of alcohol, and illegal
parking. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result of these enforcement efforts, the
Park Commission has suspended its consideration of the proposal to designate
restricted areas in Washington Valley Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As such, the continuation of emergency meeting has been canceled by the
Park Commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Commission will
continue to work with law enforcement agencies to increase enforcement of rules
and local laws in this park.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Park Commission wishes to
express its great gratitude to Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo and the
Sheriff’s Officers of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office for their
enforcement initiative this past weekend as well as their future enforcement
efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, the Commission
recognizes the valuable assistance supplied by Chief Paul Payne and officers
from the Bridgewater Township Police Department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Commission’s
Secretary-Director recognizes the many emails and telephone calls from valued
park patrons who rightfully utilize Washington Valley Park and who have
expressed genuine concern that access to this facility would be restricted. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Park Commission is
committed to protecting all of its parks and facilities to ensure that those
individuals who use, enjoy, and respect them can continue to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
continued assistance from local and county law enforcement, the Park Commission
will continue to welcome visitors who desire to avail themselves of these
really special places—especially during the instant pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Somerset County Park
Commission encourages all who visit Somerset County parks to visit safely and respect
and preserve their natural beauty by:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 1.5pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Observing “No Trespassing” and “No Swimming” signs and
staying out </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">of designated restricted or dangerous areas;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carrying out whatever may have been
carried in;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Utilizing
re-usable water bottles;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ensuring
that alcoholic beverages, grills, and glass bottles remain at home</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and
not in the parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information of Park Commission
programs and activities may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a> or by
calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></p>Recorderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14971292424380986780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-747868363578067310.post-19134796153939272712020-07-20T07:08:00.001-07:002020-07-20T07:08:27.606-07:00Lord Stirling Stable Update
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">In operation for more than five decades, Lord Stirling Stable,
located in the Baking Ridge Section of Bernards Township, has offered a variety
of riding activities for riders of most ages and skill levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Stable is one of the many jewels in the
park system stewarded by the Somerset County Park Commission and funded in
large measure by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The Park Commission and the Freeholder Board have recently been
made aware of and wish to dispel a myriad of rumors relating to Lord Stirling
Stable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>First and foremost, a
decision has never been made to close the Stable permanently.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As explained in more detail below, the
programmatic components of the Stable were suspended in response to the
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>In
addition, there is neither a plan in place nor has any consideration been given
to selling the Lord Stirling property to any third party—including, most
notably, a developer.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Finally, the Park Commission and Freeholders continue to work
to achieve their mutual intention to reopen the Stable in some fashion that
makes sound fiscal sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
unequivocally agreed that the presence of horses in the Stable’s pastures is a
securely knit fabric which has facilitated the establishment of Somerset
County’s exemplary quality of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and the resulting mandated
restrictions to ensure the safety of both staff members and the public have had
a very profound impact on the Somerset County Park Commission—the entirety of
the Commission and not just the Lord Stirling Stable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Park Commissioners, senior management and
staff have been forced to make some very difficult decisions over the last four
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Facilities were closed and
programming was cancelled in order to either comply with Governor Murphy’s many
Executive Orders or endeavor to ensure the financial survival of the Park
Commission for the balance of 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
hiring of seasonal and part-time employees has been necessarily constrained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cessation or constriction of the
Commission’s business has had an extreme effect on the financial well-being of
the Park Commission, and the loss of revenue experienced will, no doubt, result
in long lasting aftereffects. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">To help alleviate the financial burden that the Stable presented
when the pandemic began, the number of lesson horses in the herd was reduced
and staffing was cut to the minimum possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Despite those measures and the day-to-day effort of the Stable’s
Management and staff to reduce costs, the expenses at the Stable continue to be
substantial and the deficit continues to increase. The difficult decision to
disperse the remainder of the lesson herd was made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Financially there was no other option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The plan at Lord Stirling Stable as is the plan at many of the
Commission’s other facilities is to “hibernate” for the balance of 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankly, since the Stable consistently
operates at a significant loss, the Commission cannot afford to do much
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plan has never been to close
the Stable permanently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, there
has been a suspension of programmatic activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Currently, there are 30 horses boarded at Lord Stirling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, as the Stable’s loyal ridership knows
well, many of those horses were previously a part of the Commission’s lesson
herd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">The majority of the property that is Lord Stirling Park (comprised
of the Stable and the Commission’s Environmental Education Center) was
purchased by Somerset County in 1967 utilizing a combination of funds
contributed by the New Jersey Green Acres Program, North Jersey Conservation
Foundation (now known as New Jersey Conservation Foundation), and the Federal
Land and Water Conservation Fund. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Today, the entirety of 1,105 acres that comprise Lord Stirling
Park are listed on Somerset County’s Recreation and Open Space Inventory,
and, as such, the property is encumbered by and subject to the N.J. Green Acres
rules which are overseen and enforced by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection Green Acres Program. It is rare when a
diversion of Green Acres-encumbered parkland occurs, and the process for doing
so is exceptionally arduous. To be certain, however, there is no intention
of applying for diversion approval.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Finally, since January of this year—before the pandemic hit in
March—Park Commission staff and senior management, as well as Park Commissioners
and County representatives, have met as a committee in order to explore
alternatives to address the financial challenges that the Stable presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>While one option could be to cease stable
operations, the committee quickly and unanimously dismissed same and is now
focused on a financially prudent plan of reopening Lord Stirling Stable.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Much like the pandemic itself, the recent events at Lord
Stirling Stable are indeed emotional since riders have attachments to the
horses, and therefore can be difficult to understand and embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Freeholder Board and Park Commission are
working their very hardest to ensure that a herd of horses will continue to
roam Lord Stirling’s pastures and that the Stable’s programmatic component will
resume.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;">Information of Park Commission
programs and activities may be found at <a href="http://www.somersetcountyparks.org">www.somersetcountyparks.org</a> or by
calling 908-722-1200.</span></p>
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