Upcoming Event
Duke Island Park Native Plant Garden Restoration Project
When: Saturday, September 7th, 9-11 am
The Somerset County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of NJ in partnership with the Somerset County Parks Commission is looking for donations of NJ Native Straight Species plants suitable for a sunny, wet location to help restore the garden. See list attached. Donations should be potted and labeled with common and scientific name. Preferably weed-free.
Where: Duke Island Park, Lot A, 189 Old York Rd, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Map
How: Three volunteer options:
1. Drop off donated plants only.
2. Drop off donated plants and help plant them in designated location under the guidance of Kris Gunn and Irene Foley. Please bring preferred garden tools, gloves, hat, sunscreen, and water.
3. Help plant donations given by others. Please bring preferred garden tools, gloves, hat, sunscreen, and water.
If you can help in any way, or have questions, please contact Kris Gunn at by Monday, August 26, 2024.
Rescheduled for Thursday September 12, 2024, 1:30-3:30pm
Butterfly Walk at the Environmental Education Center
The flowering meadows, sun-soaked wood edges, and wetland marshes of the Somerset County Park Commission 1,000-acre Lord Stirling Park provide exceptional habitat for a wide variety of butterflies. Over the years, 56 different species have been seen on the property! Join a Naturalist on a two-hour guided walk searching for hairstreaks, satyrs, skippers, swallowtails, and more. Come prepared with good hiking shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera. The walk will take place over approximately 1-2 miles of flat terrain. No pets, please.
190 Lord Stirling Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ
Registration is now opened. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/butterfly-walk-tickets-978575935967?aff=oddtdtcreator
Pollinator Day 2
Watch for more information
Tree Tour at Duke Farms
Watch for more information
Video from Pollinator Day at Bountiful Gardens, Saturday, June 15, 2024
About the Somerset County Chapter
Somerset County is located in the picturesque (and somewhat mythical) region of Central New Jersey, renowned for its historic towns, lush landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. Our goal as a chapter is to assemble individuals passionate about botany, ecology, native plant gardening, and environmental stewardship, in our collective endeavor to appreciate, conserve, and study New Jersey’s indigenous plants and their habitats.
We warmly welcome everyone, from novice gardeners to expert botanists, interested in enriching their landscapes with native plants, cultivating gardens that support local wildlife, and actively participating in our region’s unique botanical legacy. Our meetings, workshops, and special events will provide a platform for collaboration, learning, and celebration of the beauty and importance of New Jersey’s native plants. Join us in the Somerset County Chapter as we explore, protect, and celebrate the flora that defines our state, contributing to a greener and more sustainable New Jersey.
Leaders: Valerie Szkodny and Nancy Toro
Email:
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Steering Committee
Scott Breeman- Duke Farms- Conservation Coordinator
Shona Erlenborn- Rutgers Master Gardener, Rutgers Environmental Steward
Ellen Locker- Rutgers Master Gardener, Rutgers Environmental Steward
Stephanie Punnett- NJ Audubon-Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary Program Director
Dan Ross- Environmental Education Center- Environmental Stewardship Coordinator
Valerie Szkodny- Chapter Co-Leader, Rutgers Master Gardener, and Rutgers Environmental Steward
Nancy Toro- Chapter Co-Leader, Rutgers Master Gardener, and Rutgers Environmental Steward
Lisa Weinstock- Rutgers Master Gardener, Rutgers Environmental Steward
Mike Witteman– Somerset County Park Commission- Forestry Coordinator