Lord Stirling Park facts for kids
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Lord Stirling Park is a huge park in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. It covers about 925 to 950 acres! This amazing park is run by the Somerset County Park Commission. It's right next to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, with the Passaic River flowing between them.
The park is a mix of many different natural areas. You can find swamps, open fields, thick forests, small brooks, marshes, and meadows here. This variety means it's home to many different plants and animals.
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Exploring Lord Stirling Park
Lord Stirling Park has two main parts, each offering something special for visitors.
Somerset County Environmental Education Center
The Somerset County Environmental Education Center is a big part of the park, covering about 425 acres (1.7 square kilometers). This center is a fantastic place to learn about nature. It offers many educational programs for people of all ages. You can also find a gift shop here.
The center's main building is quite special. When it opened in 1977, it was the very first public building in the United States to be heated by solar power! This means it used energy from the sun to stay warm. The center is also where many of the park's hiking trails begin, inviting you to explore the natural beauty of Lord Stirling Park.
Lord Stirling Stable
The Lord Stirling Stable is another major part of the park, covering about 366 acres (1.5 square kilometers). It's a special place for horses and riders! This stable is an equestrian center, which means it's all about horseback riding.
The stable has everything horses and riders need. There are stables where the horses live, an indoor arena for riding in any weather, and outdoor rings for practice. Plus, there are about 10 miles (16 kilometers) of trails just for horseback riding. It's a great spot for anyone who loves horses!
A Look Back in Time
The land where Lord Stirling Park now sits has a very long history.
Ancient Lake Passaic
Thousands of years ago, this area was part of a huge body of water called Glacial Lake Passaic. This giant lake was formed by melting glaciers. Over time, the lake drained, leaving behind the rich, diverse landscape we see today.
Early Inhabitants
People have lived in this area for thousands of years. Archeologists, who study ancient cultures, have found many artifacts from the Lenape civilization within the park. These discoveries help us learn about the native people who called this land home long ago.
The Park's Name
The park is named after a famous historical figure: William Alexander, Lord Stirling. He was a general during the American Revolution. His large estate once included the land that is now the park. His old manor house is located in a part of the park that is not yet open to the public.
