Family Nature Club
Family Nature Club
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. We offer two different kinds of FNC Programs to our community: one focused on exploration, the other on service.
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!
Upcoming Programs:
January 26, 2025 @ 1pm | Journal Journeys
February 9, 2025 @1pm | Rock On! Geology Hike
Search for your desired date in the top left corner of the page.
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 building your birding skills and a brand-new salamander research project at Turtle Back Zoo.
Upcoming Programs:
February 16, 2025 @ 9am | Great Backyard Bird Count
Search for your desired date in the top left corner of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions…
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:Are the specific health and safety protocols?
A: Everyone will be outside, social distancing and face coverings are optional.
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:Who Should Attend?
A:Nature Adventurers is for all ages and all abilities, though best recommended for 6+. There’s something for everybody- teens and adults are invited and encouraged to join in the fun, not just little ones! If you have accessibility concerns, please contact your Nature Play Leader, Katie Fenyar at [email protected] who will work with you to accommodate.
Q:What Should I bring?
A: Wear comfortable outdoor clothing including long pants, closed-toed shoes, raincoat, and other seasonal or weather gear. Bring a reusable water bottle, camera, emergency medications such as Epipens and inhalers, and your imagination! Additionally, Family Nature Club backpacks, filled with nature play goodies, are available for purchase on the day of your event ($10 cash only). Please email your interest in purchasing a backpack to [email protected] before the event.
Q: What should I leave at home?
A: Please do not bring anything you don’t want to get dirty, wet, broken, or lost. We will be ‘unplugging’ during the program, so electronic devices other than cellphone for cameras are not recommended.
Q: What is inside a Nature Adventurers Backpack?
A: We now have drawstring, water-resistant backpacks available with your own starter kit of adventuring supplies to take home! These are not required but recommended if you intend to come often or go on your own adventures outside of our meetups (or both!). The cost is $10 while supplies last. Inside you’ll find:
• a reusable water bottle
• a telescoping net
• a blank nature journal
• colored pencils and sharpener
• a laminated copy of the Nature Adventurers Handbook
• a guide for Nature Play Resources that we recommend including books, websites, and apps
• a water-resistant pencil case
• 3 animal print adhesive bandages
• a small bug jar with a magnifying lid
• 2 Nature Adventurers stickers
• paracord
These are while supplies last. We have them in the following color themes: Magenta, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Lime Green/Black, Forest Green, Teal/Bright Orange, Light Blue, Royal Blue. When purchasing a ticket with a backpack, please indicate what color(s) you would like. If you do not select a color or we run out of that color, we will select one for you.
Q:What is your refund policy?
A: Cancellation with refund may be made up to 7 days before the originally scheduled date and time; no refunds will be offered less than 7 days prior to the originally scheduled tour date and time. Cancellations may be made by email: [email protected].