The Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, New Jersey, has announced a full schedule of educational and recreational programs for the fall season. In partnership with the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the center will host events for all ages, including a special Space Day, a series of nature workshops, and the annual Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Show.
Key Takeaways
- Trailside Nature and Science Center is hosting a series of fall events, starting with Space Day on Saturday, October 4.
- The Fall Workshop Series runs from October 2 through December 6, offering classes for toddlers, adults, and seniors.
- The annual Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Show is scheduled for November 8 and 9, with free admission.
- Programs cover a range of topics including astronomy, nature wellness, local wildlife, and geology.
Space Day Celebration Kicks Off Fall Season
To mark World Space Week, Trailside will hold a special Space Day on Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is designed for children ages 6 and older and features a variety of activities focused on astronomy and space exploration. Some programs require a modest fee and pre-registration.
"Fall is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the changing seasons with family and friends," said Commissioner Chairperson Lourdes M. Leon. "Trailside’s special Space Day programming will be a day that is out of this world and filled with extraordinary activities that the whole family will love."
Scheduled Space Day Activities
The day's events offer a mix of entertainment and education. Participants can look forward to a structured schedule of presentations and hands-on experiences.
- 11:00 a.m. - Space Explorer Laser Light Show: This presentation uses laser animations set to popular music to explore the solar system. According to the center, the show will also explain how lasers contribute to our understanding of the universe. All attendees will receive a glow bracelet.
- 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Solar Viewing: Members of the Amateur Astronomers Inc. will be on-site to facilitate a solar viewing session in front of the Visitor Center. This activity is weather permitting.
- 1:30 p.m. - Life on the Space Station: Speaker Paul Cirillo will present on life in outer space, showcasing recent astronomical images from various observatories.
- 2:30 p.m. - Guided Walk on the Solar System Trail: A naturalist will lead a half-mile walk where each step represents one million miles in space. Audio guides will be used to provide additional information about the solar system.
Expert Speaker Paul Cirillo
Paul Cirillo is a member of the New Jersey Astronomical Association, which operates the largest public observatory in the state. He also serves as a volunteer outreach ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, helping to make complex astronomical concepts accessible to a general audience.
In addition to the scheduled programs, free space-themed crafts and giveaways will be available in the front lobby of the center throughout the event.
Expanded Fall Workshop Series for All Ages
Beyond the single-day Space Day event, Trailside is offering its Fall Workshop Series from Thursday, October 2, through Saturday, December 6. This series includes recurring nature-themed classes specifically designed for toddlers, families, adults, and seniors.
Toddler Time Nature Classes
The Toddler Time Series is designed for adults with children aged three and under. These sessions are held on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and on Saturdays at either 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. The curriculum uses hands-on activities to teach young children about nature.
Themes for the fall sessions include:
- Ring-tailed Rascals
- Minibeasts
- Nocturnal Neighbors
- Fall Leaves
- Turkeys
- Snakes and Turtles
Adult Wellness Programs
For adults 18 and older, Trailside offers an Adult Wellness Series focused on stress relief and creative expression in a natural setting. These workshops provide opportunities to connect with nature through various practices.
The wellness series includes Forest Bathing Nature Walks, based on the Japanese practice of "Shinrin-yoku." This practice involves immersing oneself in nature to quiet the mind and reduce stress.
The series also includes Acrylic Painting workshops with a nature theme and Sound Bowls sessions, which use vibrations to promote relaxation and well-being.
Specialized Programs for Seniors
Trailside has also developed a Senior Nature Walk Series for participants aged 55 and older. These guided walks are led by a Trailside naturalist and take place on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each week features a different educational topic.
The themes for the senior walks are diverse and cover various aspects of the local environment and history:
- Solar System Walk
- Migratory Bird Walk at Oak Ridge Park
- Autumn Tree Identification
- History of the Deserted Village
- Lenape Native Americans
- Owls of New Jersey
These walks offer a gentle form of exercise combined with learning, providing a social and educational outlet for older adults in the community.
Annual Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Show Returns
A popular annual event, the Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Show, will return to Trailside on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. This event is a partnership between Trailside and the New Jersey Mineralogical Society.
Admission to the show is free. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse and purchase minerals, jewelry, fossils, and gemstones from vendors around the world. The event is positioned as an opportunity for unique holiday gift shopping. Activities for children will also be available, making it a family-friendly weekend event.
Event Information and Registration
For more information on any of the fall programs, including fees and pre-registration requirements for Space Day and the workshop series, residents are encouraged to visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/trailside or call the center directly at 908-789-3670.