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!

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.

See below for more details about Family Nature Club and what it’s all about. Family Nature Club does not include zoo admission. Family Nature Club does not always meet at TBZ; you will receive detailed instructions if we plan to not meet at the zoo.

To Register for Nature Guardians: Click Here

Type “FNC” in the search bar to see all available programs

Spring Dates and Themes!

March 17 @ 9 AM – Searching for Salamanders
March 24 @ 9 AM – World of Water
April 21 @ 9 AM – Searching for Salamanders
May 12 @ 9 AM – Birding 101: World Migratory Bird Day!
May 26 @ 9 AM – Searching for Salamanders
June 9 @ 9 AM – Searching for Salamanders
June 23 @ 9 AM – Pollinator Parade

FNC Nature programs meet at various locations: the zoo, the reservoir, or local county park. Prior to your program, you will receive detailed instructions of where to meet. Program locations are usually within a 5-10 minute drive of the zoo.

To Register for Nature Guardians: Click Here

Type “FNC” in the search bar to see all available programs

Frequently Asked Questions…

What is Nature Play? 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.

Covid-19 Health and Safety: Everyone will be outside, social distancing and face coverings are optional.

Family Nature Club does not include zoo admission. You can purchase zoo admission separately at turtlebackzoo.com if you’d like to attend the zoo earlier in the day. The zoo will be closed by the time the FNC program has concluded for the day.

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 kfenyar@parks.essexcountynj.org before the event. See below for more details about the backpacks.

Who Should Come
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 kfenyar@parks.essexcountynj.org who will work with you to accommodate.

What to Bring
• Close-toed shoes and long pants (recommended for playing in tall grasses and the woods)
• Reusable water bottle*
• Sunscreen, bug spray, raincoat, poncho, or other seasonal or weather gear
• Epi-pens, inhalers, or any other necessary medications for anyone in your family
• A camera to capture the memories
• Your imagination and eagerness to have fun!

What Not to Bring
• Anything you don’t want to get dirty, wet, broken, or lost
• Electronic devices you might get glued to (phones are ok if you’re just taking pictures). We will be ‘unplugging’ and do not want the electronics to become a distraction.
• Grumpy attitude!

*NEW! Nature Adventurers Backpacks
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!). 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.

Cancellations
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: kfenyar@parks.essexcountynj.org.