COUNTY – In preparation for the 2024 Great North American solar eclipse that will take place on Monday, April 8, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to visit Trailside Nature and Science Center for a special presentation, activities, crafts and giveaways. The path of totality will occur from Texas to Maine. While New Jersey will not be in the path of totality, about 92 percent of the sun will be blocked by the moon for people to observe around 3:25 p.m. Prepare your family for this rare event by learning about our solar system and what causes a total solar eclipse.

On April 6th, the Saturday before the eclipse, Trailside will offer a guided walk on the half-mile Solar System Trail in the Watchung Reservation at 1:30pm. Every step on this walk represents one million miles in space. Participants will learn how to use the audio guides to discover fun facts about our solar system. Both the solar eclipse presentation and guided trail walk are open to participants ages six and older. Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at //ucnj.org/trailside. A modest fee applies to most programs. Stop in at the Trailside Visitor Center on Saturday, April 6 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to participate in free make-and-take spacethemed crafts. Spin the prize wheel and answer a question about space to win a prize!