Environmental Education Center (EEC) - Somerset County

Environmental Education Center (EEC) - Somerset County At A Glance...

• Home to 'The Great Swamp Experience,' an interactive indoor exhibit with a crawl-through beaver lodge.
• Located on land once owned by Lord Stirling, a Major General in the Continental Army.
• Features 9 miles of trails, including extensive boardwalks over the swampy terrain.
• Todays Sunrise: 7:18 am,   Sunset: 4:36 pm  
• New Jersey Skylands Region Somerset County
• Environmental Education Center (EEC) - Somerset County is part of  Lord Stirling Park

• Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Jogging / Running
  • Picnicking
  • Walking

  Amenities:

  • Restrooms/Bathrooms
  • Parking Lot(s)
  • Gardens
  • Nature / Environmental Center
  • Picnic / Sitting Area
  • Benches
  • Picnic tables

  Trails:

  • Boardwalks
  • Flat / Easy
  • Crushed rock
  • Natural Surface (Dirt/Roots/Rocks)
  • Walking Paths

  Park Type:

  • County Parks

  Rules/Regulations:

  • Alcohol Not Permitted
  • Biking Not Permitted
  • Dogs Not Permitted

Contact / Location

A Brief History

The park is steeped in history, located on land that was once the estate of William Alexander, known as Lord Stirling, a general in the American Revolution. In the 1960s, this area was the site of a massive grassroots battle to prevent the construction of an international airport. The victory resulted in the preservation of 2,600 acres as the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, with the county-owned Lord Stirling Park serving as a crucial buffer and educational gateway. The EEC building, opened in 1977, was notably the first public building in the U.S. to be solar-heated.

Programs / Education

School Programs:

School programs are led by an Environmental Education Center (EEC) Naturalist and can be conducted at the EEC or at your school.

EEC based programs take full advantage of the park's 500 acres. The park serves as an outdoor classroom where students can use hands-on learning to explore fields, forests, marshes, and swampy areas along the upper reaches of the Passaic River. All program offerings are designed to be supportive of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). For a complete list of specific NJCCCS and NGSS program connections please view our Curriculum Content List.

Trail & Path Info

You will find 450 acres and 9 miles of trails within Lord Stirling Park... Learn More...

Things to See & Do

There is plenty to do both indoors and outdoors.

• The Great Swamp Experience: An indoor museum-quality exhibit highlighting the history and ecology of the swamp, featuring archeological artifacts and taxidermy.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is a hotspot for birders, with chances to see barred owls, wood ducks, and migrating warblers.
• Cross-Country Skiing: In winter, the flat trails are popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Each season offers a unique perspective of the swamp.

• Spring: The best time for bird migration and seeing the swamp come alive with greenery.
• Fall: beautiful foliage transforms the swamp into a tapestry of red and gold.
• Winter: Great for tracking animals in the snow and participating in maple sugaring programs.

Tips and Tricks

Maximize your visit with these tips.

• Boots are Best: Even with boardwalks, the natural trails can get muddy. Waterproof footwear is recommended.
• No Pets: Please note that pets are not allowed on the trails at the Environmental Education Center to protect the sensitive wildlife.
• Check for Ticks: As with any natural area in NJ, do a thorough tick check after your hike.

Hours / Season of Operation

• Building: Open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed holidays). Note: Closed Saturdays in July and August
• Trails: Open daily from dawn to dusk.

   

Parking

There is one main parking lot off Lord Stirling Road that provides access to the EEC and the nature trail. There is no launch access to the nearby river from this lot.

Below are a few groups that we have connected to Environmental Education Center (EEC) - Somerset County. If we are missing any, please let us know

• Somerset County Park Commission