Friends of Kateri Environmental Center

02/02/2026

Waterspirit will honor two friends of Kateri. Trish Shanley, our original naturalist and day camp program director, along with Bob Killian, who performed at many Kateri Mayfairs and festivals. Join some of your old friends to celebrate!

10/23/2024

Still some tickets available for the 7:45 and 8:00 shows at The Watershed Institute. Relive the magic with many of the original Kateri actors performing on the wide, flat trails of the Watershed reserve.

07/13/2024

I am looking for a few friends to volunteer for a special program I want to host on Saturday Nov.
23. I want to do a Hand-crafted Workshop. I want participants to come to the event and be able to go from table to table and learn a skill while making a gift they can take home. So I need people that can help teach folks a simple craft.
So far I’ve planned a hand dipped candle, a pouch made on a sewing machine, and a decoupaged lantern.
Do you want to share a skill? Maybe you are able to teach someone to crochet or paint or something I haven’t even considered. The example craft would have to be eco-friendly (No plastics, no glitter). Preferably something a person can make in less than ten minutes so they can go from one station to the next. If you want to volunteer or if you just want to offer advice, I encourage you to comment below please.

10/21/2023

If you miss the old Haunted Night Hike, check out The Origins of Halloween Hike at The Watershed Institute. Many of the same actors participate!

There are still a few slots open for our popular Halloween Hike on October 28. Join us on a journey through the woods on a crisp autumn night led by a trail guide. Along the way you stop to meet the characters in an Irish Folktale that unfolds along the path. Guided hikes begin every 15 minutes; last hike begins at 8:30 p.m.

While other Halloween programs are designed to frighten, this is designed to educate and enchant. Many children are already frightened in the woods, without having ghouls and chain saw wielding fiends accosting them. We attempt to make all participants feel comfortable in the outdoors and hope to engender a feeling of awe and respect for nature, while having fun.

Since 1987, children have marveled at the adventures of Stingy Jack and the first Jack O'Lantern, an original drama performed along the trails. As each group arrives at the Watershed Center, they meet their trail guide and head out on the trail for an exciting adventure. This truly innovative approach to both education and theater was first developed in Monmouth County in 1987, before Halloween productions were widespread throughout the state. This program is appropriate for ages 5 to adult. Adult attendance and preregistration are required. Younger siblings and strollers are not allowed for this program. Click to preregister https://buff.ly/3F5G2O8

01/09/2023

Hi everyone. This is Anne. Just wanted to share some great programs coming soon at Waterspirit. I started working there in September and I’ve been building my calendar for the new year. To start the year off right, we are beginning with Restorative Reiki Yoga. I hope you consider registering to join us.

03/25/2022

While Kateri environmental center closed in 2016, Kateri Day Camp is still serving children. They are currently hiring for Summer 2022.

10/09/2021

Who remembers the Halloween tradition of Irish Jack? The founders of the event keep the tradition alive at The Watershed Institute. Many of our actors still return each year! Check it out:

10/30/2021 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM