With the kids back at school and summer winding down into fall, why not go "back to school" yourself by participating in workshops hosted by the Hanson Park Conservancy.
The HPC is a not-for-profit organization whose members are dedicated to the development and maintenance of Hanson Park, a small, but unique park complete with formal garden areas, butterfly garden, rain garden and natural woodlands. The park is located at 38 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. HPC is celebrating the completed construction of its Woodland Theatre-a small, circular seating area which will serve as an outdoor program site at the park and meeting place for park users.
On September 10 from 7:00-8:45 p.m., Reiki Master and founder of Peace-by-Peace, Caly Leher, will guide participants through a soothing and relaxing meditation during Meditating With Nature. The meditation will follow (indoors at the Hanson House), a quiet tour of Hanson Park. Ms. Leher writes and leads her own meditations, designed to relax participants and allow them a respite from the day’s stresses. She is also a certified Stone Reiki Practitioner, performs Animal Reiki, is Director of Special Projects for SARA (Shelter Animal Reiki Association), Angel Communication and Chakra Balancing. Caly is also certified as a Professional Coach.
Spaces for this program are limited, preregistration and a fee of $20 is required. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat or towel. "Chair" meditation will also be available.
The best way to learn more about the Rahway River is to canoe it. Canoeing the Rahway River will provide participants with an opportunity to do just that on Sunday, September 13 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. when they paddle the slow and winding river in search of plants and wildlife that call the river and its surroundings "home". Along the way, leader Steve Jandoli will share fun facts about the river with the group as they canoe upstream. Beginner paddlers welcome.
Mr. Jandoli is a Cranford resident, former President of the Rahway River Association and a planner for NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s, Green Acres Program.
Preregistered participants should meet at Cranford Canoe Club at 250 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. Fee for this program is $20 payable at the Canoe Club the day of the program.
On September 20 from 1:00-3:00 p.m., young, would-be entomologists (people who study insects) will go on a search to collect and identify the smallest inhabitants of Hanson Park under the expert guidance of Cranford resident and high school senior, Anthony Deczynski. Students ages 7 years and up will love Hunting for Insects with Anthony, who is currently developing the Insect Division of the nonprofit organization, National Biodiversity Parks, Inc., participated as a member of the Insect Team at the Union County Bio-Blitzes, installed a butterfly garden at Cranford’s Brookside Place School and volunteers in the Animal Husbandry Department of Liberty Science Center. Information about any ladybugs found during the search will be entered into Cornell University’s Lost Ladybug Project database.
Hunting for Insects is free and preregistration is required. Participants may bring their own insect net but some will be provided.
Upcoming programs in October and November will include a Star Gazing Party on October 9, The 4th Annual History Hike along the Rahway River greenway on October 11 and Birding For Beginners on November 9th.
Preregistration is required for all of the above programs except the History Hike. Participants may register by phone at (908)709-7283 or in-person at the Cranford Recreation & Parks Department located at the Cranford Community Center at 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford.
For information about the Hanson Park Conservancy, membership or to make a donation, visit their website at: http://www.hansonparkconservancy.com/
These educational programs were made possible in part by a HEART GRANT (History, Education, Arts - Reaching Thousands) from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs.