Family Nature Club

About this event

Where we grow and learn together Family Nature Club (FNC) is all about discovering the world, and playing WITH nature, not just IN nature. Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors with FNC as we explore our natural heritage within Essex County’s parks. Available to individuals 6-106, this family-friendly program include a visit to South Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, Zoo, or local county park as weather permits. Prior to your program, you will receive detailed instructions of where to meet. Program locations are usually within a 0-10 minute drive of the zoo. We offer two different kinds of FNC Programs to our community: one focused on exploration, the other on service. Nature Adventure HikesNature Guardian Nature Adventurers is an FNC hiking program where we explore our local ecosystems, from rivers to forests and more. We strive to foster discovery of NJ’s fascinating and diverse wildlife and the roles that they fill within our local ecosystems, no matter how big or small. Most programs have a discovery theme, but in the spirit of nature, anything can happen! The cost varies between programs. All Fall Dates and Themes Sunday, September 6 @9am | Woodland Wanderers Sunday, October 25 @9am | Autumn Artists Sunday, November 15 @1pm | National Take a Hike Day Sunday, November 29 @1pm | Preparing for Winter Register Here Nature Guardians is an FNC program focused on community engagement that connects families with local conservation actions and citizen science research, shaping our understanding of the natural world. This evolving program began as we created a garden to provide habitat for our VIP’s: Very Important Pollinators! This season’s programs will focus on a brand-new salamander research project at Turtle Back Zoo. The cost varies from $5-$15 depending on program. All Fall Dates and Themes Sunday, September 13 @ 9am | Birding 101 Sunday, October 11 @ 9am | World Migratory Bird Day Register Here Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is Zoo admission included?A: No; you must purchase separate zoo admission if you’d like to visit the zoo before or after your FNC program. Q: Are all Programs conducted inside the zoo?A: No, programs do not always meet at TBZ, and program tickets do not include zoo admission. You will receive detailed instructions if we plan to meet at a location off zoo grounds. Program locations include the zoo, reservoir, or a local county park. Program locations are usually within a 15 drive from TBZ. Q: What is Nature Play?A: Nature play is playing WITH nature, not just IN nature, and is a great way to interact with nature no matter your experience level or play style. Run, climb, build, dig, or even just sit and experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors. Family Nature Club is a great activity for your family. Please register each person in your family group. Q: Who Should Attend?A: Nature Adventurers is for all ages and all abilities, though best recommended for 6+. There’s something for everybody- t