A variety of programs are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland during the month of November that will teach children and adults about nature and help them gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the environment. 
Remaining events scheduled for November are listed below.
“Frog Pond Science Club” is for children ages five through nine, Wed., Nov. 16, at 4 p.m. Uncover and discover ecosystem interactions at the frog pond. Explore with nets, magnifiers and microscopes to investigate what lives at the pond and learn with a naturalist what can be done to protect and conserve the pond inhabitants. Cost is $8 per child per session. Advance registration, payment and a minimum number of participants are required. For information, call 973-228-8776.  

“Birding Hike in Essex County Hilltop Reservation” is presented by New Jersey Audubon on Thur., Nov. 17, at 8:30 a.m. at Essex County Hilltop Reservation
                        Mountain Avenue and Courter Lane in North Caldwell.
 Explore edge and meadow habitats for fall migrants with an easy walk through the reservation. This is a free event. Call 908-766-5787 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register. 
 
“Birding Hike in Canoe Brook Reservoir” is presented by New Jersey Audubon on Sat., Nov. 19, at 8 a.m., location to be determined. NJ Audubon has been granted access to New Jersey American Water reservoirs, one of the best places in Essex County to see wintering waterfowl. Hikers may catch a glimpse of hawks and perhaps a Bald Eagle. Pre-registration is required for this field trip. Map, directions and meeting location will be provided after registration. Cost is $10 for NJA members and $12 for non-members. Call 908-766-5787 or e-mail kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:
                                                                   

 
“Horticulture for Seniors” is for senior citizens. Join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County on Mon., Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. at the Essex County Environmental Center for this horticulture class especially designed for senior citizens. The focus for November is Putting the Glenmont Estate to Bed for Winter with Amy Trimarco. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. This is a free program. Advance registration is required one week prior to program; call Helen at 973-731-0717 or Amy at 973-731-2449. 
 
 
“Fall Harvest Campfire” is for families. Find a seat around the camp fire on Fri., Nov. 25 at noon or 12:30 p.m., at the Essex County Environmental Center to celebrate the fall harvest. Roast marshmallows and enjoy popcorn and cider. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. Cost is $8 per child and $10 per adult. Advance registration and a minimum number of participants are required. For information, call 973-228-8776.
 
“Monthly Meditation Group” is for adults on Mon., Nov. 28, at 6:45 p.m. at the Essex County Environmental Center. Participate whether new to meditation, could use some inspiration, or are a seasoned practitioner. Some of the many benefits of a meditation practice are stress reduction, improved relationships and increased health. Each monthly meeting will include some chair yoga poses, a specific meditation technique, and hints and suggestions for establishing or enhancing a regular practice. Q&A is also welcome. Cost is $10 per adult per class. Advance registration and a minimum number of participants are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. 
 
“New Jersey Woodturners” is for adults. Discover the wonders of creating art from found pieces of wood on Mon., Nov. 28, at the Essex County Environmental Center. Topics vary month to month. For information, call the Environmental Center at 973-228-8776. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $10 per adult and free for NJWA members. 
 
“Gingerbread House Making Workshop” on Sat., Dec. 3, at the Essex County Environmental Center is an opportunity to register a gingerbread home or habitat in the county’s annual contest and get some help making it. The Essex County Environmental Center staff will help participants get started on their own unique creation. All gingerbread projects must be completed by 1 p.m. to be considered for the contest. Some materials will be provided, however, participants are encouraged to bring their own items. This is the last day to register for the contest. This is a free event. Advance registration is required. For more information, call 973-228-8776. 

The registration deadline for the “12th Annual Sustainable Homes & Habitats Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit” is Sat., Dec. 3; all entries must be submitted by Mon., Dec. 5. Create a unique gingerbread house with natural accents and green building design features. Sustainable Gingerbread Homes will be on display from Wed., Dec. 7 through Fri. Dec.16, when prizes in various categories will be awarded. Call 973-228-8776 to register or for more information.