Outdoor Events
Earth Day was last Saturday but there are still plenty of green celebrations throughout NJ this weekend.
The Baird Tapir
Visit the Bergen County Zoological Park on Friday, April 27th for the Zoo’s World Tapir Day celebration! World Tapir Day has been established to raise awareness about the four species of tapir that inhabit Central and South America and South-East Asia. Each of the four species is in decline, including the Baird Tapir which are on exhibit at the Bergen County Zoo. It is the largest mammal of the Americas and is facing a similar threat of extinction in its home range in Central America. The event is free and open to the public. 11:00 am – Keeper chat/feed and enrichment demonstration, 12:30 pm – Story time in the Amphitheatre, 1:00 pm – chat/feeding, 2:00 pm – story time in the Amphitheatre. The Bergen County Zoological Park at Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Glen Rock Arboretum, April 28. Free tours of the Glen Rock Arboretum‘s wooded wetlands at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm and will be led by knowledgeable docents. The tours run about 45 to 60 minutes, and visitors will plant a seedling tree in the wooded wetlands.. The Arboretum is located at 460 Doremus Avenue. 201-447-0452.
Vernon Earthfest at Heaven Hill Farm, April 29. For the last decade, Vernon has been the home of one of the best Earth day events in New Jersey. Again this year, Earthfest 2012, sponsored by Vernon Chamber Charities. Earthfest is a multifaceted event centering around the environment and keeping things green. The day is full of activities paying hommage to the earth, and it’s also a lot of fun with vendors, entertainment and activities for adults and children. Some of Earthfest 2012 presenters include: Delaware Raptor Center presents “Birds Of Prey”, Snakes and Scales presents “Sharks Eye View” and “Creatures From Around The Earth” Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery. Other fun activities include hayrides, gem mining, seed planting, the bee exhibit, face painting, ice cream & concessions, a service truck exhibit including firetrucks, police cars and more. 11-4pm. Heaven Hill Farm, 451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 973.764.5144.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm sponsors Green Weekends in Morris County: “Our Green World,” Sustainable Life on the Farm”, April 29, 12-4pm. Discover how farmers in the early 20th century used sustainable farming methods. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride around the farm and learn how garden vegetables, crops, and livestock were raised a century ago. Get down and dirty, and help plant varieties of heirloom potatoes grown by the Fosters and their farmers in the 1920s. Become acquainted with Fosterfields Farms. 973-326-7645.
Family Tree Walk, Palisades Interstate Park Alpine, NJ, Sat. Apr 28th @ 1pm. Cost: Free. Go on a guided, 3.5-mile, easy nature walk and learn about some of New Jersey’s native trees. Meet at the entrance to Alpine Boat Basin and Picnic Area (PIP Exit 2). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Phone: 201-768-1360×110.
