FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2010

Enjoy “February Festivities” at Trailside, Feb. 12-16

Mountainside, NJ – Families can enjoy February fun at Trailside Nature & Science Center during the annual February Festivities programming offered this year on Feb. 12-16. Park Naturalist Becky Novorro reviews answers with participants in a winter scavenger hunt offered during last year’s festivities. For a complete listing of February Festivities programs and activities including dates, times and fees please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Trailside Nature and Science Center is the place to go for “February Festivities” – special adult, family and children’s programs sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders during the Presidents’ Day vacation days, February 12-16.
 
Kicking off this long weekend on Friday evening, Feb. 12, at 7:00 p.m. is a special presentation for adults, ages 18 and older, entitled “When Artwork Speaks: Eyewitness Images from the American Revolution.” Historian Arthur Lefkowitz will present a color slide presentation of 18th century paintings, portraits, illustrations and rapidly drawn field sketches. You will find that despite the absence of photography and combat illustrators, the American Revolutionary War was accurately recorded by a number of artists.

Mr. Lefkowitz, author of “The Long Retreat,” “George Washington’s Indispensable Men,” and “Benedict Arnold’s Army,”will provide historical information on each illustration and give new insights about the artists who created them. This lecture is free to the public and is funded by the Horizons Speakers Bureau of the New Jersey Council for Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
 
“This program promises to be interesting and educational,” said Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan. “You won’t want to miss this special evening lecture.”

 “February Festivities” continues on Saturday, Feb. 13. The Trailside staff has designed a variety of entertaining and interactive programs for families to heighten your awareness of the natural world during the winter months. Space is limited and classes fill quickly, so pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Programs are recommended for families with children ages five and older and the fee for each program is $5 per person for Union County residents and $6 per person for out-of-county participants unless otherwise noted.

 “Mammal Mania” will be offered on Saturday, Feb. 13, or Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Participants are invited to lean how a mammal is different from a bird, reptile or an insect.  Feel deer, rabbit, skunk and bear fur. Examine skulls from a coyote, bobcat, bear and squirrel.  Discover how to identify and track local mammals and search outdoors for footprints left by Trailside’s animal neighbors. Meet a live mammal and discover how its special adaptations help it to survive in the wild.   

“Journey of Sap to Syrup” is being offered on Saturday, Feb. 13, and Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. or Monday, Feb. 15, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The program will show families how 100-percent real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to try to identify the real thing. A short hike will be taken in order to see a tap in action on a live tree.

“A Walk In Winter,” presented Saturday, Feb. 13, or Monday, Feb. 15, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. will have families discovering the many strategies of survival used by plants and animals during the
winter months. Hike through the nursery to look for deer paths and other animal signs. Stop by the Backyard Wildlife Habitat to see which animals are visiting the feeding station. Conclude around a campfire for hot cocoa and marshmallows.

“Resident Reptiles” is offered on Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Visitors can take a close look at the reptiles that call Trailside home. Learn fascinating facts about these elusive creatures and meet live snakes and turtles from our reptile collection.

Highlighting the Festivities on Monday, Feb. 15, from 1:30-2:15 p.m., “A Touch of Nature” introduces participants to the wonders of nature that are but a touch away. While blending excitement and surprise with care and understanding, the audience will develop an appreciation for all living things – from the ordinary to the exotic! Meet a variety of live animals that may include birds, tarantulas, lizards, snakes and alligators. “A Touch of Nature” is recommended for families with children ages 4 and older. Space is limited and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. the day of the show at the Visitor Service Desk in Trailside’s Visitor Center. No advance ticket sales will be made. The fee is $4 per person. Strollers will not be permitted in the auditorium.

For a complete listing of “February Festivities”programs and children’s workshops, or for information on upcoming events and summer camps, call Trailside Nature and Science Center at (908) 789-3670 or visit us at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.