Introducing: The Nature Program Cooperative

 

You might not realize it but there are over a dozen places and organizations in Bergen County alone that provide quality nature programs. Recently, they created the Nature Program Cooperative - a pooling of knowledge and resources designed to offer the people of our region greater opportunities to explore and enjoy the County’s natural side. From hikes to boat trips to live animal presentations to slideshows to hands-on activities to paddling adventures and more, it is all available here in Bergen County.

Current Nature Program Cooperative partners include:

·       Closter Nature Center

·       Demarest Nature Center

·       Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

·       The Fyke Nature Association

·       Greenbrook Sanctuary

·       Hackensack Riverkeeper®

·       Lorrimer Sanctuary (NJ Audubon)

·       Meadowlands Environment Center (NJMC)

·       Palisades Interstate Park Commission

·       Snakes-n-Scales and Turtle Tales

·       Teaneck Creek Conservancy

·       Tenafly Nature Center

·       Watershed Ambassadors (NJDEP)

Throughout the year, different partners of the Co-op will host an outdoor activity or indoor educational program at a nature center or other appropriate location to which all group members are invited. We hope to encourage more people to visit the Meadowlands to the south, the Palisades to the east, the reservoirs to the north and the Highlands to the west, and everywhere in between.

When applicable, member discounts will apply to all Co-op partner members and supporters. For example, when NJ Audubon’s Lorrimer Sanctuary hosts an event, members of all other groups pay the NJ Audubon Society member rate. Non-members are also welcome to attend. All events will be advertised in each group’s newsletter.

Here is our first event:

Winter Tree Identification Hike

in Greenbrook Sanctuary

Sponsored by the Nature Program Cooperative

Hosted by Greenbrook Sanctuary

January 22, 2006 (Snow date: January 29)

1:00 - 3:00 PM

 

Join us for a winter hike along the top of the Palisades and learn how to identify trees and shrubs without their leaves. Participants will learn how to recognize ten species of trees and five shrubs using buds, bark and fruits. Dress for cold weather and please wear hiking boots. We will meet at the Orientation Center.

Non-members note that the gate will be open from 12:45 PM - 1:10 PM the day of the hike. Please be prompt.

Register by phone (201) 768-1360. Members Free. Non-members $5.00. Limit 20 participants. Entrance to Sanctuary is .8 miles north of East Clinton Avenue on Route 9W in Tenafly, NJ.