• Nature Center
• Programs & Activities
• Summer Camp
• Kid Zone
• For Teachers
• Nature Notes

Programs & Activities

Whether you are looking to explore the outdoors, learn more about nature, or find a fun activity for your family, the Watershed Association offers a wide variety of programs, events and activities. For a complete listing of what’s coming up, visit our Calendar of Events or check out the latest issue of Wellspring. Below are a few of the programs and activities we offer year-round. Call the Buttinger Nature Center at (609) 737-7592 to learn more about fees and requirements.

Children’s Activities

We believe that children have an innate curiosity and yearning to connect to the natural world. Our programs are designed to nurture respect and a sense of stewardship for the natural environment while sparking children’s inherent creativity and imagination. Our children’s programs range in age from tiny tots at 18 months through teens in high school. To learn more about any of the activities below visit the Calendar of Events or check out the latest issue of Wellspring

Tiny Tot Walks

Join us on an outdoor adventure with your budding naturalist. Children ages 18-36 months will explore the natural world with our staff, learning about nature and the environment. Children must be walking and accompanied by an adult.

Preschool Series

Themed to match the wonders of each season, our Preschool Series offers children ages 3 to 5 the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Watershed Reserve and Buttinger Nature Center. Each Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, we offer one or more series. Register for the series or sessions individually. Parents must stay with children under 4 years old.

School-age Series

What’s happening outside every season? Find out in our School-age Series, which offers children ages 6 to 9 the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Watershed Reserve and Buttinger Nature Center. Each Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, we deliver two four-week series. Register for one or both series or sessions individually.

Hopewell Valley After School Series

Weekly sessions for children in K-grade 5 are held at each Hopewell elementary school. Outdoor activities with a Naturalist focus on the seasons and local ecology – registration is on-going throughout the school year. After School Brochure

Birthday Parties

Celebrate your birthday with the Watershed Association! From insect safaris and animal tracking, to butterfly tea and season magic, we offer a variety of themed birthday parties for children ages 4 to 12 at the Watershed Reserve. We can accommodate a party of 1 to 15 children, including the birthday child and siblings. Parties are hosted Tuesday through Saturday. Be sure to have several dates in mind when calling to book your party, as we may not be able to accommodate your first choice. Birthday Party Brochure

Scouts

Earn a merit badge and fulfill your Boy Scout or Girl Scout requirements with us. The Watershed Association offers guided scout programs designed for specific age groups and interests. Our educators can help your scouts earn badges while exploring different habitats of the Watershed Reserve. We can accommodate troops of 15 scouts at a time. One chaperone is required, but more are welcome at no extra charge. Scout programs run from 1 ½-2 hours. Scout Brochure